Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 387
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 387 watched for the coming of the pilgrims. At last the cavalcade was seen emerging from the northern valley. At its head was the Holy Prophet, seated on Qaswa; Abdullah bin Rawaha, on foot in front, held the bridle; around on every side were the chief Compani ons; and behind, in a long extended line, came the rest of the pilgrims on camels and on foot. Seven years had passed since the Emigrants last saw their native valley, and now with quickened steps and long - repressed desire, they hastened forward, and, as t he Holy House came in view, raised high the Talbeeh: ‘Here am I ,O Allah; here am I. ’ Still mounted on his camel, the pilgrim mantle drawn under his right arm and thrown over the left shoulder, the Holy Prophet approached the Ka’aba, touched the Black Ston e with his staff and made the seven circuits of the sacred spot, with the people following. Just then Abdullah, as he led the Holy Prophet’s camel, recited, at the pitch of his voice, warlike and defiant verses. He was admonished: ‘Gently, son of Rawaha! R ecite not this. Say rather: “There is no god but the Lord alone! It is He that hath upholding His Servant, and exalted His people! Alone hath He put to flight the hosts of the Confederates. ”’ Abdullah proclaimed the words accordingly, and people taking the m up shouted them aloud as they encircled the Ka’aba, till the mighty sound rang round the valley. The circuits completed, the Holy Prophet, still upon his camel, proceeded to the adjoining eminences of Safa and Marwa, and rode seven times from one to the other, according to ancient custom. The animals were sacrificed, and thus the ceremonies of Umra we re completed. On the morrow the Holy Prophet ascended into the inner chamber of the Ka’aba and remained