Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 712
CHAPTER 28 The Holy Prophet Mu h ammad's courtesy towards Neighbours and Friends 712 Regard for an old Friend's Father After the conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa was sitting in the courtyard of the Ka‘bah. Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra brought his old father Ab u Qu ha fah to H u du r sa for initiation into Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa 's regard for his old friend and humility was exemplary. He said, "Why did you bring your elderly father here. You should have left him at home and I myself would have presented myself for his service. " Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra overwhelmed with gratitude said, "O Messenger of All a h, it is my father's obligation to come to you and not yours to go to him. " The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa seated Ab u Qu ha fah in front of him, stroked his chest with his hand and requested him to accept Islam. Ab u Qu ha fah's heart had already melted by the loving words of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa , he readily accepted the invitation to Islam. Then H u du r sa started to talk with him in a lively manner and seeing his grey hair, told him to dye them. 21 The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa had great regard for old friendships. He kept these relationships alive with loyalty and honouring the bonds of friendship. He would never forget a favour done to him. A delegation from Naj a sh i , king of Abyssinia came and H u du r sa was eager to serve them himself. The Companions requested that