Sayyedna Bilal — Page 9
SAYYEDNA BILAL blazing sun. Bilal was also one of those who were tortured in this manner. . One day Abu Jahl's slave and Bilal were resting besides the wall of the Kaaba. Bilal saw the Prophet. Muhammad walking towards a hill near the Kaaba with his head bent down. People said that in a cave in that hill an angel came and talked to him. When the Prophet passed by, Abu Sufyan was also there. . Being a man of serious nature he was worried about the growing influence of the Prophet and of his followers which in his judgement, if allowed to grow unchecked, would prove of danger to the faith, prestige, customs and traditions of Mecca. That would also annoy their idols. He looked angrily at Abu. Lahab and told him to take care of his nephew as he was a member of his family. Abu Lahab who was drunk at that time replied, "He is 40 years old and has no sense at all, he is my nephew but a blemish to the family. Yesterday he adopted his slave. Isn't this madness? He gives to the needy and feeds the poor. . The people are making a fool out of him. He has given away goats and sheep also. No bagger ever goes empty handed from his door. If the nephew goes crazy what can the uncle do?" Greatly concerned he told Abu Sufyan that his nephew was a young man, strong and healthy, with a rich wife. . Everyone respected him in the city. He could not understand why he went to the hill. He said that he was sure Muhammad would be shivering in the cold waiting for the angel that did not exist! On hearing this everyone was sure that he was mad. Abu Lahab told the crowd that previously Muhammad was respected by the people and they used to go to him