Chief of the Prophets — Page 205
Chapter Nine 205 Thus Ḥāṭib ra was forgiven. Finally, on the 10 th of Ramaān, 8 A. H. , Muḥammad sa with 10,000 men, set out to Makkah with great dignity and splendor; thus, fulfilling the prophecy of Moses as about the coming of a prophet with an army of 10,000 saints 1 over the mountain Paran. On the way, Muḥammad sa met his uncle ‘Abbās ra , who had accepted Islam and was on his way to Madīnah with his family. ‘Abbās ra joined the Muslim army and sent his family to Madīnah. When the Quraish heard about the approaching Muslim army, they sent Abū Sufyān, Ḥakīm bin Ḥizam, and Budail bin Warqā’ to gather intelligence. When they neared Marraẓ-Ẓahrān, they were intimidated to see so many blazing campfires spread over a vast area and were frightened by the strength of the army. In the meantime, ‘Abbās ra , who had a strong desire for the Quraish to accept Islam, came out of the army camp riding the mule of Muḥammad sa. He hoped to find influential people of Makkah to warn them of the upcoming danger, and advocate them to accept Islam. ‘Abbās ra recognizing the voice of Abū Sufyān, called him, and had him ride on the mule behind him towards the army camp. On the way they met ‘Umar Farooq ra , who recognized Abū Sufyān and wanted to kill him, but ‘Abbās ra was able to take Abū Sufyan to the camp of Muḥammad sa. Since, Muḥammad sa was a paragon of kindness; he gave respite for one night to Abū Sufyān on the intercession of ‘Abbās ra. The next morning, Abū Sufyān accepted Islam, and became one of the passionate followers of Muḥammad sa. ‘Abbās ra requested, “Since Abū Sufyān is a chieftain, can he be awarded some special honour?” Muḥammad sa said: 1 Deuteronomy 33:2