The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page cclii
GENERAL INTRODUCTION "Do you know," said the Prophet, "Who I am? I am a Servant of God and His Messenger. How can I give you up? You stood by me, and sacrificed your lives when the Faith of God had no earthly help. How can I give you up and settle elsewhere? No, Anṣār, this is impossible. I left Mecca for the sake of God and I cannot return to it. I will live and die with you. " The Anṣār were moved by this singular expression of love and loyalty. They regretted their distrust of God and His Prophet, wept and asked to be forgiven. They explained that they would not have any peace if the Prophet left their town and went elsewhere. The Prophet replied that their fear was understandable and that, after their explanation, God and His Prophet were satisfied about their innocence and acknowledged their sincerity and loyalty. How must the Meccans have felt at this time? True they did not shed the tears of devotion but their hearts must have been full of regret and remorse. For, had they not cast away with their own hands the gem which had been found in their own town? They had all the more reason to regret this because the Prophet, having come back to Mecca, had decided to leave it again for Medina. 'Ikrimah Becomes Muslim Of those who had been excepted from the general amnesty, some were forgiven on the recommendation of the Companions. Among those who were thus forgiven was ‘Ikrimah, a son of Abū Jahl. 'Ikrimah's wife was a Muslim at heart. She requested the Prophet to forgive him. The Prophet forgave him. At the time 'Ikrimah was trying to escape to Abyssinia. His wife pursued him and found that he was about to embark. She reproved him. "Are you running away from a man as gentle and kind as the Prophet?" she said. 'Ikrimah was astonished and asked whether she really thought the Prophet would forgive him. 'Ikrimah's wife assured him that even he would be forgiven by the Prophet. In fact she had had word from him already. 'Ikrimah gave up his plan of escaping to Abyssinia and returned to see the Prophet. "I understand from my wife that you have forgiven even one like me," he said. ་་ "Your wife is right. I have really forgiven you," said the Prophet. 'Ikrimah decided that a person capable of forgiving his deadliest enemies could not be false. He, therefore, declared his faith in Islam. "I bear witness that God is One and has no equal and I bear witness that you are His Servant and His Messenger. " So saying, ‘Ikrimah bent his head in shame. The Prophet consoled him. "Ikrimah," said he, "I have not only forgiven you, but as proof of my regard for you, I have decided to invite you to ask me for anything I can give. " ccxxvi