Muhammad the kindred to Humanity — Page 10
10 had been called to prophethood, Later, on one accasion his companions asked him as to what the oath was about. . The Holy Prophet understood at once that what they wanted to know was how he, a Prophet divinely appointed to lead people, could have joined an organization in which he must have had to work under others. So he answered, "The idea of this organization is so dear to me that if it were to be initiated even to-day, I should gladly join it," In short, when it was a matter of serving the poor, the Holy Prophet was not ashamed of working under others. him by. A poor man had some moncy owed to. Abu Jahl, a malicious enemy of the Holy Prophet and a chief of the Quraish Not caring much for the poor, Abu. Jahl did not seem anxious to pay it off. The poor man went one after the other to the leaders of the association who had taken the famous Oath, and asked for the restitution of his loan. None of the leaders however dared to approach Abu Jahl. So the man at last went to. Muhammad, who was then a Prophet, and said, "You are one of the leaders who took this oath to protect the poor. . Why not then ask Abu Jahl to make good the money he owes me?" This was the time when Abu Jahl had declared Muhammed an outlaw and had put a prize on his head. Everybody in Mecca was a declared enemy of the Prophet. Yet the Prophet without a scruple, went right up to Abu Jahl's house and knocked at his door. Abu Jahl enquired. "Who is there ?” The Prophet replied, "Muhammad". Abu Jahl was startled; he wondered as to what might be the case. He opened the door at once and asked. "Is anything wrong?" The Prophet answered, "Why do you not pay off this poor man ?" at which Abu. Jahl said he would presently do so. So he went in and brought the money. When Abu Jahl's friends heard of it, they made fun of him, and taunted him saying he had been afraid of Muhammad. But Abu Jahl protested and said "Would you not believe me ? As soon as I opened the door, I saw as though Muhammad had two wild camels