Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 68

Chapter Five 68 This bold reply made ‘Umar ra look up at his sister, and he noticed that his sister was covered in blood. This horrible scene had a deep impact on ‘Umar ra. After a short silence he said, “Okay, show me what you were reading. ” Fāṭimah ra said that she feared that he might destroy the pages. ‘Umar ra said, “Nay, nay! I will return them to you. ” Fāṭimah ra replied, “But you are unclean; the Qur’ān should only be touched when you are clean. Take a bath and then you may see it. ” After taking a bath, ‘Umar ra started reading the initial verses of the Chapter Ṭā Hā with an already overwhelmed heart: (Ṫā Hā 20:15, 16) Verily, I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So serve Me, and observe Prayer for My remembrance. Surely, the Hour will come; I may reveal it, that every soul may be recompensed for its endeavor. The grandeur and magnificence of these holy and perfect words had a bearing on the inner depths of his soul. Helplessly, he said, “How wonderful and holy are these words!” Khabbāb ra came out of hiding and ‘Umar ra said, “Take me immediately to Muḥammad sa. ” Muḥammad sa was still at Dārul-Arqam, when ‘Umar ra arrived and knocked on the door. The companions seeing the unsheathed sword in the hand of ‘Umar ra hesitated to open the door, but Muḥammad sa instructed them to do so. Ḥamzah ra also said to open the door saying, “If ‘Umar has come with good intentions, then all is well; otherwise, I shall sever his head off by his own sword. ” The door was opened and ‘Umar ra walked in. Muḥammad sa stepped forward and took hold of him and said, “Umar, what has brought you here?” ‘Umar ra said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have come to accept Islam. ”