The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 19
I - Early Establishment of Madīnah and Foundation of the Islāmic Government 19 by accepting Islām was Ḥaṣīn bin Salām. This individual was a resident of Madīnah, and possessed great influence among the Jews on account of his knowledge and wisdom. The Holy Prophet sa was still in Makkah when this individual heard of his claim, and began to feel inclined towards Islām. Until now however, he had not revealed his inner state to anyone. When the Holy Prophet sa arrived in Madīnah, this individual presented himself before the Holy Prophet sa in secret, and since he possessed a virtuous disposition, became Muslim in his very first meeting. After becoming Muslim, he felt a deep longing that the people of his tribe should not remain deprived of the light which had illuminated his own heart. Therefore, he requested the Holy Prophet sa to invite the eminent leaders from among the Jews and convey the message of Islām to them. He further requested the Holy Prophet sa to inquire of them as to what opinion they held of him, and how they perceived him, so that if they expressed a positive opinion with respect to him, perhaps his acceptance of Islām would become a source of guidance for them. As such, Ḥaṣīn bin Salām hid to one side, and the Holy Prophet sa invited the leaders from among the Jews, and conveyed the message of Islām to them. They did not accept. Then, the Holy Prophet sa inquired of their opinion with regards to Ḥaṣīn bin Salām, upon which they greatly praised his knowledge and wisdom, and said that he was their chief, and the son of a chief, etc. The Holy Prophet sa said, “Look here, if he becomes a Muslim, would you be prepared to accept Islām?” They responded, “We seek refuge with Allāh! It can never happen that Ḥaṣīn becomes a Muslim. ” The Holy Prophet sa summoned Ḥaṣīn, and he came out of hiding. He addressed the Jewish leaders saying: “O my people! Fear God and do not invite the punishment of Allāh upon yourselves. You are well aware that Muḥammad sa has been mentioned in your Book and he is the same Prophet who was promised to you. So fear God, and do not step towards rejection. ” At first these Jewish people were extraordinarily confounded. Then they began to say, “We do not believe Ḥaṣīn. He is a fabricator and a great liar. ” Thereafter, they left the assembly of the Holy Prophet sa , cursing Ḥaṣīn bin Salām. After Ḥaṣīn became a Muslim, the Holy Prophet sa changed his name to ‘Abdullāh, and this is the name that he is known by in accounts of history and Aḥādīth. In actuality, it was the custom of the Holy Prophet sa that when an individual would become Muslim, he would generally leave that person’s