Muhammad, the Messenger of God

The story of Suraqah; a promise fulfilled 20 years later

When Muhammad migrated to Madinah with his close companion Abu Bakr (622 CE), Meccan leaders announced a large reward of 100 camels for anyone who could bring Muhammad dead or alive.

Unfortunately Muhammad and his companion were tracked down by one of Arab knights named Suraqahbin Malik who was tempted by the big reward. On the way, his horse stumbled and he fell on the ground a few times. He considered these unusual incidents as an  indirect message that Muhammad probably had been supported by divine power.

When Suraqah approached Muhammad, Muhammad said to him: “Do return to your people and I promise you that one day (under the umbrella of the Islamic state) you would wear the bangles (bracelets) of Chosroes, the Persian ruler."

Suraqah asked in wonderment if Muhammad meant the bangles of Khusrow bin Hormuz, Muhammad replied "yes" with full confidence. He had astrong faith that the religion of Islam would reach Persia and would be known all over the world.

Suraqah returned back to Makkah but he didn’t embrace Islam until Muhammad took over Makkah peacefully 8 years later (year 630 CE).

Muhammad passed away in the year 632 CE and his promise to Suraqah was believed by his companions as genuine and would happen one day.

Time passed until Omar Bin Al-Khattab became the second caliph (ruler of the Muslim state). At his time, Islam reached Persia in the year 642 CE and all the treasures of Khusrow, the emperor of Persia fell in the hands of Omar.

Omar remembered the story of Suraqah and asked his companions to bring him in. (20 years passed since this story took place and Suraqah had become an old man).

After prayer congregation, Omar said to Suraqah: "Here are the bangles of Khusrow, the emperor of Persia, this is what Muhammad had promised you. Put them on and let all Muslims see them so everyone becomes certain that Muhammad’s promise is fulfilled."

Suraqah cried and every one wept. Muhammad’s promise became are ality 10 years after he passed away.

Meccan chiefs and entered Makkah peacefully. He returned home not to live there for the rest of his life but to clear paganism and liberate or restore the original purpose of Ka’bah (the cubical building that was established by Prophet Abraham to worship one God). He removed all idols from around the Ka’ bah and asked his companion Bilal to climb on top of God is Greatest, God is Greatest, I witness that there is no deity but Allah and I witness that Muhammad is His messenger.

Muhammad wanted the key for the Ka’bah door, so he called Othman Bin Talha (of Bani-Shayba family) who was the keeper of the Ka’bah key. It is important to know that there was a treaty before Islam in which the honour of being a custodian or a warden of the Ka’bah was given to the family of Bani Shayba. This honour and responsibility was passed from the grandfathers to the sons in the same family until it reached Othman Bin Talha.

Othman Bin Talha was a new muslim at that time. Many years ago he refused to let Muhammad even enter the Ka’bah and pray inside it like other people since he did not believe him. When Muhammad returned to Makkah, Othman had no choice but to give him the key and lose the honour of keeping it.

At that moment many people asked Muhammad to grant them the honour of keeping the key of the Ka’bah and who would be the new custodian of the Ka’bah key

Breaking a moment of silence, Muhammad opened the door of the Ka’bah and cleared it of idols. He looked at Othman Bin Talha and said to him (respecting previous agreements):