Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 218
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 218 apprehensive about him. The Holy Prophet directed him to bring Umair. Umar departed to fetch Umair and while on the way told some of the Companions that he was going to fetch Umair to meet the Holy Prophet but that he was apprehensive about him and they sh ould go and sit with the Holy Prophet and remain on the alert. When Umar brought Umair, the Holy Prophet asked him to sit down next to him and inquired about his errand. Umair said, ‘My son is a prisoner with you, I have come to obtain his release. ’ ‘Then why this sword?’ inquired the Holy Prophet, to which Umair replied, ‘The sword is of no consequence. What did the swords do for us at Badr?’ The Holy Prophet urged, ‘Tell me your true purpose. ’ Umair repeated his previous reply, on which the Holy Prophet s aid, ‘Well then, did you not conspire with Safwan in the courtyard of the Ka’aba?’ Umair was dumbfounded, but persisted, ‘I have not conspired about anything. ’ The Holy Prophet questioned, ‘Have you not conspired to kill me? But remember, God will frustrat e your design. ’ Umair fell silent and after some deep reflection, said, ‘You are right. We did conspire as you have said. But it seems that God is with you, as there was no third person present when Safwan and I spoke to each other, and yet you have come t o know of our design. Perhaps, God has brought this about to make me believe. I believe in you sincerely. ’ The Holy Prophet was pleased and addressing the Companions who were present said, ‘Umair is now your brother. Instruct him in the teaching of Islam a nd release his son. ’ Umair remained for some time in Medina till he became fully instructed in the tenets of Islam, and became so devoted that he asked permission of the Holy Prophet to go to Mecca and to