The Quraysh warn pilgrims

With the Muslims growing in number, the Quraysh became increasingly perturbed. It was close to the time of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Ka’bah, and people from all over the peninsula were expected in Makkah before long. The Quraysh feared the Muslims would attract and influence the visitors. They also worried about the loss of face that would ensue if a rival religion flourished in the stronghold of their gods. A delegation of the Quraysh called on Waleed bin Mugheera, who was old and a man of standing.

He said, “O people of Quraysh, the time of Hajj has come, and people from all sides will come to you. They have all heard about Muhammad, so agree upon what to say about him lest you contradict one another.” The people said, “You say something and decide on that course for us.” He said, “No, you speak and I shall listen to you.” The People said, “Well, we will say he is a soothsayer.” “He is not a soothsayer,” said Waleed. “He neither speaks nor versifies like them.” “Then we will say he is mad,”

someone suggested. “He is not mad,” Waleed said. “We all know the signs of madness. He does not behave erratically, nor is his speech confused.” “Then we shall say that he is a poet.” “But he is not a poet,” Waleed pointed out. “We know the different kinds of poetry, and his words can’t be compared to any of them. He is therefore not a poet.” “Well, we will say he is a sorcerer,” another pointed out. “We have seen sorcery and sorcerers. He practices neither the art of exorcism nor the tying of knots.” Waleed explained. The people said, “What shall we say then?”

Waleed thought for a moment and said, “By God, his words are sweet and fresh and attractive. His root is firm and his branches are fruitful. Hence, whatever you claim about him will not be believed. However, it is more convincing, in my opinion, if you were to present him as a sorcerer. You should say that he has brought a message by which he creates a rift between father and son, brother and brother, husband and wife. Under his influence, families break because of him.”

Having agreed upon this line of defence, the Quraysh formed small groups to spread the propaganda. They waited along the different paths leading the pilgrims to their destination and caution every passer-by about the Prophet , with the result that almost everyone formed an impression of the Prophet without having seen or heard him.

When the days of Hajj came, the Prophet rose to meet the pilgrims in gatherings. He also called on them at their camps to invite them to Islam. He would say: “O people! Say La ilaaha illallah and you will attain success.” Abu Lahab, meanwhile, would walk behind the Prophet , belittling him. Thus, by the time the pilgrims returned from Hajj that year, all of Arabia knew of Muhammad and his mission, either through his own efforts or those of his detractors.