Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 369
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 369 people? Abu Sufyan: He belongs to a noble family among us. Emperor: Has anyone among you made such a claim previously? Abu Sufyan: No. Emperor: Had you ever known him to tell a lie before he made his claim? Abu Sufyan: No. Emperor: Was there among his ancestors anyone who was a king? Abu Sufyan: No. Emperor: Are those who follow him from among your leading people, or are they weak and humble? Abu Sufyan: They are weak and humble. Emperor: Is their number increasing or diminishing? Abu Sufyan: They are increasing. Emperor: Has any of his followers reviled from his faith in disgust? Abu Sufyan: No. Emperor: Has he ever broken his pledge? Abu Sufyan: No, but we have recently concluded an agreement with him concerning which we have some apprehension what it might lead to. Emperor: Has there been any fighting between him and you? Abu Sufyan: Yes. Emperor: With what result? Abu Sufyan: It has been like the ascending and descending of bucket in a well. Sometimes he wins, and sometimes we win.