The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 316
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 316 of consultation, that is, the Dārun-Nadwah , and began to deliberate as to what should be done. There were approximately 100 men of the Quraish who partook in this deliberation and ‘Satan’ in the person of an aged man named Najdī Sheikh was also included. After the discussion on the current state of affairs, in the final stages of this deliberation, the following dialogue took place: An individual: Tie Muḥammad with iron chains and lock him up in a room that he may stay there until death overtakes him. Sheikh Najdī : This idea is not appropriate, because when Muḥammad’s relatives and followers find out about this, they will surely attack and free him. Then this dispute will progress even further. Another individual: Exile Muḥammad. For if he is far from sight and leaves our city, then what do we care as to where he goes and what he does? At least our city will find deliverance from this disorder. Sheikh Najdī: Have you not witnessed the sweet tongue, eloquent and enchanting speech of Muḥammad? If he leaves unharmed, then know well that some other tribe of Arabia will be lured into his deceit and will sweep forth against you and there shall be nothing you can do about it. Hence, for some time, these mutual discussions continued and someone suggested one thing, while another suggested something else. Finally Abū Jahl bin Hishām said: Abū Jahl: My opinion is that one young man should be selected from every tribe of the Quraish each, and they should be given swords. Then these people should attack Muḥammad together as one man, and murder him. In this manner, his blood shall be distributed throughout all the tribes of the Quraish, and the Banū ‘Abdi Manāf will not have the courage to fight all the people. They will have no choice but to accept his blood-money. As such, we shall pay that. Sheikh Najdī: If there is a proposal, it is of this man, for all else is rubbish. If you wish to do something, then do as this man proposes.