An offer no ordinary man could refuse

Once again the Makkan pagans decided it was time to hold talks on the growing strength of Islam. The conversions of Hamzah and Umar had changed things considerably, and the Makkans realised their power base was fast collapsing.

Utbah bin Rabi’a, a member of Banu Abd Shams, was a chieftian of his people and well-respected throughout Makkah. He addressed the other notables of Makkah who had gathered to discuss the problem of Muhammad and his followers: “O people of Quraysh, shall I not talk to Muhammad and bargain with him? Perhaps he will accept my offer, in which case we will be rid of him.” The council approved, and Utbah was charged with approaching the Prophet with an offer no ordinary man could refuse. Utbah found Muhammad sitting alone at the Ka’bah. He said:

“O my nephew! You know you enjoy a high position in this city. You are the best among us in lineage. Now you have brought something very serious, and you have created a rift among your people by ridiculing them, insulting their gods as well as their religion, declaring their forefathers to be heathens, and rejecting theor customs. Now, listen to me. I will make a few suggestions, and you may find one agreeable.” “O Abdul Waleed,” replied the Prophet , “go on. I am listening.”

Utbah continued: “My nephew, if it is wealth you hope to obtain by your preaching, we will collect enough for you so that you will be the richest among us. If it is honour you desire, we will make you our chief and leave every decision to you. If you wish to be king, we will recognise you as our monarch. If you desire beautiful women, choose any woman from the Quraysh – we will give you ten such women in marriage. And if you are possessed by a demon, we will find a skilled physician for you and spend all that it takes to restore your health.”

“Is that all you have to say?” the Prophet asked. “Yes,” replied Utbah. “Now listen to me,” said the Prophet . “I am listening,” he said. The Prophet then recited the opening verses of the Surah Fussilat: “Haa-Meem. A revelation from Allah, the Most gracious, the Most Merciful. A book with verses that are explained in detail. A Qur’an in Arabic for people who understand. Giving glad tidings and admonition, yet most of them turn away, and so do not hear. They say: Our hearts are veiled from that which you invite us to accept, our ears are deaf, and between you and us is a screen. So do your work, and we will do ours.” (41: 1-5).

The Prophet continued to recite, and Utbah listened carefully. Then the Prophet came to the following verse: “And if they turn away, then say: I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt that struck Aad and Thamood.” (41: 13). Utbah put his hand on Muhammad’s mouth and pleaded with him not to bring about such a terrible punishment. The Prophet came to a verse that required him to prostrate, and he did so. Having finished his recitation, he asked Utabh, “O Abdul Waleed, have you heard”’ “Yes,” he replied. “Then it is time for you to decide,” Muhammad said.