Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 116
116 recitation going on inside. The voice was that of Khabbab who was teaching them the Holy Book. ‘Umar entered the house swiftly. Khabbab, alarmed by the hurried steps, had already hid himself. ‘Umar’s sister, Fatimah, put away the leaves of the Quran. Confronting her and her husband, ‘Umar said, "I hear you have renounced your own faith," and, saying this, he raised his hand to strike her husband, who was incidentally his own cousin. Fatimah threw herself between ‘Umar and her husband; so ‘Umar’s hand fell on Fatimah’s face and struck her on the nose, from which blood flowed freely. The blow made Fatimah all the braver. She said, "Yes, we are Muslims now and shall remain so; do what you may. " ‘Umar was a brave man, though rough. His sister’s face, dyed red by his own hand, filled him with remorse. Soon he was a changed man. He asked to be shown those leaves of the Quran they were reading from. Fatimah refused lest he should tear them up and throw them away. ‘Umar promised not to do so. But, said Fatimah, he was not clean. ‘Umar offered to have a bath. Clean and cooled, he took the leaves of the Quran in his hand. They contained a portion of the Chapter Ta Ha. And he came upon the verses: Verily I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So serve Me, and observe prayer for My remembrance. Surely the Hour is coming, and I am going to manifest it, that every soul may be recompensed for its endeavour. 132 The firm assertion of God’s existence, the clear promise that Islam would soon establish genuine worship in place of the customary one current in Mecca—these and a host of other associated ideas must have moved ‘Umar. He could contain himself no longer. Faith welled up in his heart and he said, "How wonderful, how inspiring!" Khabbab came out of his hiding, and said, "God is my witness, only yesterday I heard the Prophet pray for the conversion of ‘Umar or ‘Amr bin Hisham. Your change is the result of that prayer. " ‘Umar’s mind was made up. He asked where the Prophet was and made straight for him at Dari Arqam, his bare sword still in his hand. As he knocked at the door, the Prophet’s Companions could see ‘Umar through the crevices. They feared lest he should have some evil design. But the Prophet said, "Let him come in. " ‘Umar entered, sword in hand. "What brings you?" inquired the Prophet. "Prophet of God," said ‘Umar, "I am here to become a Muslim. " Allahu Akbar , cried the Prophet. Allahu Akbar , cried the Companions. The hills around Mecca echoed the cries. News of the conversion spread like wild fire and henceforward ‘Umar, the much-feared persecutor of Islam, himself began to be persecuted along with other Muslims. But ‘Umar had changed. He delighted now in suffering as he had delighted before in inflicting suffering. He went about Mecca, a much harassed person. Persecution Intensifies Persecution became more and more serious and more unbearable. Many Muslims had already left Mecca. Those who stayed behind had to suffer more than ever before. But Muslims swerved not a bit from the path they had chosen. Their