Chief of the Prophets — Page 54
Chapter Four 54 the propagation of this new religion, or stop supporting him and let us deal with him. Abū Ṭālib treated them with great respect, so the matter cooled down for the time being. Second Delegation When the verses of the Qur’ān were revealed that described those who associate partners with God as unclean, impure, the worst of the creatures, foolish, and descendents of Satan, and that their gods were the fuel of Hell, the chieftains of Quraish once again approached Abū Ṭālib, and said: Now the matter has crossed all bounds and we are referred to as impure, foul, the worst of creation, foolish, and the children of Satan. Our gods are referred to as the fuel of Hell and our ancestors are described as thoughtless people. Therefore, we can bear no more, and if you cannot renounce your protection of him, then we are compelled to fight you until one party of the two is destroyed. The determination of the Quraish deeply disturbed Abū Ṭālib, and he called Muḥammad sa and said: O my nephew! Your words have now truly enflamed people and it is well nigh that they destroy you and me too. You call their elders foolish; their ancestors have been described as the worst of creatures. Their venerable gods have been named the firewood of Hell, and they themselves have been ascribed impure and foul. For your goodness, I advise you to restrain your tongue from such offensive language and forsake this undertaking, for I do not have the power to fight all the people. Muḥammad sa responded: