Chief of the Prophets — Page 58
Chapter Four 58 How can we call him a soothsayer, when none of his qualities correspond to this? He does not sing like a soothsayer, nor does he possess the precise exposition of a soothsayer. Another person said: Then we can say that Muḥammad sa is insane and tends to speak in the vehemence of his madness. Walīd said: Who will believe us? And what symptoms of insanity can we possibly justify in Muḥammad sa ? There is no anxiety in him, no restlessness, nor does he possess the necessary distraction of mind that is found in an insane man. Who will believe our claim? A third person said: We can say that this person is a poet, and is pulling people towards himself through his enchantingly persuasive couplets. Walīd responded: By calling him a poet, how shall we display examples of poetic style such as Rajaz, Hazaj, Qarī, Maqbū and Mabsūṭ 1 in his poetry? Upon this, a fourth person said: We should project him as a magician. Walīd said: 1 These terms represent various rythms of Arabic poetry. [Publisher]