Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 49
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 49 finished he inquired from the Holy Prophet, ‘Son of my brother, what is this new creed that you have taken up?’ The Holy Prophet replied, ‘Uncle, this is the religion of God which was the faith of Abraham,’ and he invited Abu Talib to accept Islam. Abu Tal ib put him off, saying, ‘I cannot give up the religion of my fathers. ’ But he told Ali, ‘Son, adhere to Muhammad, for I am sure that he will not invite you to anything but good. ’ About the same time, on one occasion, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas and some Muslims were engaged in worship in a defile when some Quraish, happening to pass by them, admonished them against indulging in a new form of worship, which led to some controversy, but did not bring on a confrontation. In the beginning of the fourth year of his ministry, the Holy Prophet received the revelation ‘Declare openly that which thou art commanded to proclaim’ (15:95), and shortly after was revealed the verse ‘Warn thy nearest kinsmen’ (26:125). In compliance wi th these directives, the Holy Prophet ascended to a height and called every one of the tribes of Quraish by its name. When they had collected: together, he addressed them as follows: ‘O Quraish, were I to tell you that a large host has collected together o n the other side of this height and is preparing to attack you, would you believe me?’ They responded: ‘Surely, we would believe you as we have always found you truthful. ’ Upon this, he said: ‘Then listen; I warn you that God’s chastisement is approaching. Believe in God so that you may be safeguarded against it. ’ Hearing this, they burst out laughing. Abu Lahab said: ‘Ruin seizes thee. Didst thou call us only for this?’ They then went their way laughing and joking.