More persecution for the Prophet (4)

Abu Bakr accepted Malik’s pledge of protection, and both journeyed together to Makkah. Malik bin Dughunna then announced that Abu Bakr was under his protection. The Quraysh accepted his pledge of safety for Abu Bakr on the condition that no one would see him. The pagans feared that their women, children and more impressionable members would be influenced by such an open show of Islam.

Abu Bakr abided by this stupulation for a while. He later made himself a prayer area in his courtyard where he started praying and reciting the Qur’an in the open. When Ibn Dughunna learned of this, he reminded him of the condition under which he had pledged his safety. Abu Bakr then released him from his pledge saying, “I am agreeable to the protection and guarantee of my Lord.”

Abu Bakr was not only devout, but also tender-hearted. The Qur’an, with its promise of reward and punishment, its descriptions of Allah’s creation, and its narratives about previous prophets moved him to tears. As he recited its verses, Abu Bakr would weep. Women and children would crowd around, watching in amazement at this show of emotion over the Qur’an. The men of Quraysh were not about to tolerate this display for long and renewed their resolve to harrass him.

Not all the Makkans, however, took such a harsh view of Islam. Even the pillars of pagan society found their stony hearts crumbling when in solitude they considered the Prophet’s message. They were no less impressed by his courage in standing up to the Quraysh and his enduring patience.

Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib , the uncle of the Prophet , and Umar bin Khattab were two such people, and their conversions marked a turning point in the short story of Islam.