Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 85
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 85 you will survive. ’ The Holy Prophet then withdrew with a sorrowful heart. On his departure, Abu Jahl announced in a passion: ‘Chiefs of Quraish, you have seen that Muhammad has scornfully rejected all your suggestions and he is determined to continue in his turbulent course. I, therefore, swear that I shall not rest till I crush the head of Muhammad, and then let Banu Abd Manaf deal with me as they may wish. ’ The only ones of Banu Abd Manaf who were present on the occasion were those who did not belong to Banu Hashim or Banu Muttalib. Their response to Abu Jahl’s challenge was: ‘We have no objection. You can deal with Muhammad as you like. ’ Next day Abu Jahl took up his station on one side of the courtyard of the Ka’aba, having provided himself with a large piece of stone, and began to await the Holy Prophet, but when he arrived he was so overawed that he dared not make a move. Some of Quraish announced that they were not unduly perturbed at the tumult that Muhammad had raised, as he had no surviving male issue and, after his death, his movement would peter out automatically. Thereupon, the Holy Prophet received the revelation (1 08:2 - 4): Surely, We have bestowed upon thee abundance of every kind of good. So be grateful to God, and as a token of thy gratitude, continue to spend thyself and all that belongs to thee in His cause. God Almighty will surely destroy all the progeny of thy enemies. The pages of history bear eloquent witness to the glorious