Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 329
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 329 emissary of the Holy Prophet who had been sent to his part of the country. On another occasion he planned to kill the Holy Prophet himself. He realized, therefore, that if his captors came to know of his identity he would be severely dealt with. When the p arty arrived in Medina and Thumamah was brought before the Holy Prophet, he recognized him immediately and inquired from his captors whether they knew him. They confessed their ignorance and the Holy Prophet told them who he was. He directed that Thumamah should be well treated and sent him food from his own house. The Holy Prophet gave orders that Thumamah should be confined in the mosque by being secured against a pillar of the mosque, so that he was able to watch the prayer services of the Muslims and all the other activities of the Holy Prophet and his Companions. Every morning the Holy Prophet went to him and inquired what did he have in mind. Thumamah replied, ‘Muhammad, if you direct my execution, you would be justified as I have been guilty of grave offences against your people; but if you would extend benevol ence to me, you would find me grateful. If you are willing to accept ransom, I am prepared to provide it. ’ On the third morning the Holy Prophet directed that Thumamah should be set free. As soon as he was released, he walked quickly out of the mosque, and those who were present imagined that he was returning home. But he went to a garden nearby, having washed and bathed, returned to the mosque and embraced Islam at the hands of the Holy Prophet. Thereafter he submitted, ‘Messenger of Allah, there was a tim e when I entertained bitter enmity towards you and your faith and your