Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 419
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 419 quarters now flowed uninterruptedly towards Medina. Among the embassies there was one from Bani Haneefa, a Christian branch of Bani Bakr, inhabiting Yamamah. One of the Bani Haneefa party was Musailamah, who, probably from what he then saw, conceived the idea that he might successfully set up a claim to pro phet hood. When the customary presents were distributed among them, the deputies solicited a share for him, saying he had been left behind in charge of the baggage. The Holy Prophet directed that he should have the same as the rest, as his position was non e the worse among them because of his duty. Bani Haneefa, before their departure, embraced Islam and abandoned Christianity without compunction. Sometime later, a deputation of fourteen chief men from Najran, in the centre of Arabia, repaired to Medina; among them was Abdul Masih of Bani Kinda, their chief, and Abdul Harith, Bishop of Bani Harith. On reaching Medina, they were permitted by the Holy Prophet to enter the Mosque and to perform their service, which they did turning towards the east. After some discussion, a treaty was made with them, which provided: ‘The Pledge of God and His Prophet is given that no Bishop shall be removed from his bis hopric, nor any monk from his monastery, nor any priest from his priesthood; their authority and rights shall not be interfered with, nor anything that is customary amongst them; so long as they conduct themselves peaceably and uprightly. They shall not be oppressed, neither shall they oppress. ’ With this they returned to Najran. Sir William Muir’s comment on the religious aspect of the discussion between the Holy Prophet and the Christian embassy from Najran is ( Life of Muhammad, p.