Chief of the Prophets — Page 49
Chapter Four 49 (Ash-Shu‘arā’ 26:215) And warn thy nearest kinsmen. Thereupon, Muḥammad sa went to Mount Ṣafā and invited all the tribes of Quraish around him and addressed them, “O Quraish, if I tell you that there is a mighty army behind this hill ready to attack you, would you believe me?” Everyone unanimously said, “Indeed, we would believe in you, because we have always found you truthful and honest. ” Muḥammad sa said, “Then listen! I warn you that Allah’s punishment is drawing nearer. Believe in God, so you are saved from the punishment. ” Instead of heeding the warning, the Quraish laughed at him. His uncle, Abū Lahab mockingly said: “(O Muḥammad) May you perish! Did you assemble us for this?” 1 Invitation to Banū ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib When people did not listen to him, he asked ‘Alī ra to arrange a banquet on his behalf, which was attended by about 40 people from the Banū ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib. After the meal, when Muḥammad sa tried to make a speech, Abū Lahab made some comments which dispersed the entire tribe. Thereafter, another banquet was arranged, and when everyone arrived, Muḥammad sa proclaimed: Listen! I have brought unto you the like of which has been brought to no other tribe by any man. I call you to God. If 1 Bukhārī, Kitabul-Tafsīr (Book of Commentary on the Holy Quran), Aṭ-Ṭabarī and Tārīkhul-Khamīs.