Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 53
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 53 over Umar. 9. Abu Musa Ashari from Yemen. He recited the Holy Quran beautifully. 10. Umar bin Khattab, who later became the Second Successor of the Holy Prophet. His brother and some other members of his family had embraced Islam before him. He was one of those who felt that Muhammad’s doctrine had become the source of great trouble among Quraish. He brooded over this and decided that the best way of dealing with this schism was to put an end to Muhammad. He set out with this design, but while he was on the way he learnt that his sister and his brother - in - law had embraced Islam. He proceed ed to their house and arrived at a time when they were listening to a recitation of some verses of the Holy Quran by a Muslim. He was greatly upset and, drawing his sword, advanced upon his brother - in - law to make an end of him. His sister interposed hersel f between Umar and her husband and received an injury at the hands of Umar, which drew blood. This made Umar pause, and in his mood of remorse over having accidentally wounded his sister, he asked to be shown the text of the verses which were being recited at the time of his arrival at the house. His sister told him that he should wash and purify himself before he could be allowed to peruse the text of the verses. He complied and, on reading the verses, was so deeply moved that he decided to go immediately and make his submission to the Holy Prophet, which he did. His conversion brought great satisfaction to the Holy Prophet and much cheered and encouraged the Muslims. Now Islam began to be propagated openly in Mecca, at which