Life of Muhammad — Page 167
sa 167 reason to regret this because the Prophet sa , having come back to Mecca, had decided to leave it again for Medina. ‘ IKRIMA ra BECOMES MUSLIM Of those who had been excepted from the general amnesty, some were forgiven on the recommendation of the Companions. Among those who were thus forgiven was ‘ Ikrima ra , a son of Ab u Jahl. ‘ Ikrima's ra wife was a Muslim at heart. She requested the Prophet sa to forgive him. The Prophet sa forgave. At the time ‘ Ikrima ra was trying to escape to Abyssinia. His wife pursued him and found that he was about to embark. She reproved him. "Are you running away from a man as gentle and soft as the Prophet sa ?" she said. ‘ Ikrima ra was astonished and asked whether she really thought the Prophet sa would forgive him. ‘ Ikrima's ra wife assured him that even he would be forgiven by the Prophet sa. In fact she had had word from him already. ‘ Ikrima ra gave up his plan of escaping to Abyssinia and returned to see the Prophet sa. "I understand from my wife that you have forgiven even one like me," he said. "Your wife is right. I have really forgiven you," said the Prophet sa. ‘ Ikrima ra decided that a person capable of forgiving his deadliest enemies could not be false. He, therefore, declared his faith in Islam. "I bear witness that God is One and has no equal and I bear witness that you are His Servant and His Messenger sa. " So saying, ‘ Ikrima ra bent his head in shame. The Prophet sa consoled him. " ‘ Ikrima ra ," said he, "I have not only forgiven you, but as proof of my regard for you, I have decided to invite you to ask me for anything I can give. " ‘ Ikrima ra replied, "There is nothing more or better I can ask you for than that you should pray for me to God and ask for His forgiveness and whatever excesses and enormities I have committed against you. "