An offer no ordinary man could refuse (2)

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.

Utbah then left and went directly to his comrades. As he approached them, they noticed a strange expression on his face. They asked him what had happened, and he related what had passed between him and Muhammad : “I have heard a discourse the like of which I have never heard. I swear to God, O Quraysh, that it is not poetry, nor is it the result of spells or witchcraft. Take my advice and leave this man alone. By God, something more astonishing is bound to happen than what I have heard. Now, if the Arabs kill this man, your task will be accomplished by others, and if this man brings the Arabs under his control, his kingdom will be your kingdom, his honour will be your honour, and he will prove fortunate for you.”

Utbah’s audience grew suspicious. “You have been bewitched by his tongue,” they said. “This is my opinion,” replied Utbah. “Now you may do whatever you think fit.”