More persecution for the Prophet (2)

Finally, when nothing seemed to deter the Prophet from accomplishing his mission, the pagans began to think seriously about assassinating him. They were willing to do this although it could lead to great bloodshed. Abu Jahl rose before the Quraysh one day and proclaimed: “You all see that Muhammad is forever devoted to denouncing our forefathers, calling us ignorant and backward, and insulting our gods. Therefore, I give my word to Allah that one day I shall lie in wait for him with a heavy stone.

When he prostrates, I will crush his head. Following this you may save me or leave me at the mercy of the Banu Abdu Munaf.” The people then assured him, “By God, we will never abandon you. Do whatever you like.”

Abu Jahl was quick to take full advantage of his followers loyalty. The next morning he found a heavy stone and waited for his victim to arrive. The Prophet came to the Ka’bah as usual and began to perform his prayers.

Sitting in groups around the Ka’bah, the Quraysh eagerly waited for Abu Jahl to carry out his plan. Abu Jahl edged forward to where the Propeht stood in prayer. However, just as he was about to close in on his victim, he suddenly turned and fled from the scene. The Quraysh grabbed Abu Jahl and found his face flushed, his eyes vacant, and his hands still gripping the stone.

Eventually he calmed down ad released the stone. The Quraysh said, “Abu Hakam! What happened to you?” “I was going to carry out my promise,” Abu Jahl explained, “but a camel appeared before me. By God, I have never seen such a skull, neck and teeth, and it was about to devour me.” The Prophet later said that the vision Abu Jahl saw was actually Jibreel.

Others among the Quraysh, however, were undeterred by Abu Jahl’s expreience. When a group of Quraysh saw the Prophet circumambulating the Ka’bah in worship, they began to make loud satirical remarks about him. Encouraged by the fact that he seemed hurt by these remarks, they insulted him again a second and a third time. Finally, the Prophet stopped and, facing them said, “O people of Quraysh! Do you hear? I swear by the One in Whose hand lies my life, I have come to you with a great slaughter.”