Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 397
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 397 He then urged that as he was Chief of Quraish, some sign of honour may be appointed for him. He was told that whoever took refuge in his house would be safe. The Holy Prophet directed him to hasten back to the city and to announce that whoever closed the d oor of his house would be safe, and so also whoever entered the Holy House. Before Abu Sufyan could quit the camp, the forces were already under arms, and were being marshalled in their respective columns. Standing by Abbas, he watched, in rising amazement, the various tribes, each defiling with its banner into its proper place. O ne by one, the different clans were pointed out by name and recognised. ‘What is that black mass,’ asked Abu Sufyan, ‘with dark mail and shining lances?’ ‘It is the chivalry of Mecca and Medina,’ replied Abbas, ‘the honoured band that guards the person of the Holy Prophet. ’ ‘Truly,’ exclaimed the astonished chief, ‘this kingdom of thy nephew is a mighty kingdom. ’ ‘Nay, Abu Sufyan, he is more than a king, he is a mighty Prophet. ’ Abu Sufyan then hurried back to Mecca, and as he entered, shouted at the pitch of his voice, ‘Ye Quraish, Muhammad is close upon us! He has an army which ye are not able to withstand. Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan shall be safe this day; and whoever shuts his door upon him shall be safe; and whoever enters the Holy House, he shall be safe. ’ So the people fled in all directions, to their homes and to the Ka’aba. The army was now in full march on Mecca. The anxieties of a lifetime crowded into the moment. As the city was approached it was evident that there would be no opposition. Had any general opposition been organised it was here that a stand would have