The Character of the Prophet

died, and the Prophet’s affliction became more intense, he betook himself to Taif, a town situated at a distance of 75 kilometers from Makkah and seek refuge from the chiefs of the town and in the hope that they would grant him asylum and support. According to Arab custom, this was nothing new. But the leaders were not ready to give refuge to a prophet who believed in the One God. Instead of giving him refuge, they incited the urchins to chase him away from the town by pelting stones at him. One can tell what savage treatment the Prophet received at their hands from this prayer that he made on his return to Makkah: “Lord, I complain to you of my weakness and helplessness. How vulnerable I am among men, most Merciful one!” (Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir, al-Tabrani, hadith no. 14764) The Prophet took refuge in an orchard on the outskirts of Taif where he spent the night. According to a tradition, on that occasion God sent the angel of the Mount to him. The Angel said to him: “God has seen the treatment meted out to you by the people of Taif. Now, if you give me permission, I can join the two mounts in order that all these people should be crushed to death.” The Prophet replied: “No, although the present generation of Taif has refused to listen to me, I still hope that the next generation