AFFIRMATION OF PROPHETHOOD

Affirmation of Prophethood ~ 264 ~ When Muhammad, may peace be upon him, conveyed the message of Islam to his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, the latter did not accept it, saying, “I cannot abjure the religion of my father.” But it is interesting to note his reaction to his own son, Ali, coming under the prophet’s influence. In his book, The Ideal Prophet, Khwaja Kamaluddin records him as saying, “Well, my son, he (Muhammad) will not call thee to anything save that which is good; therefore thou art free to cleave unto him” (p. 211). After being entrusted with the divine mission, the Prophet called his people together for the first time near Mount Safa. Before conveying his message to the people assembled there, he first asked them, “What is your opinion of me?” They all replied in unison, “We have never seen anything but truth in you.” This distinguished historical record of the Prophet’s life prior to his prophethood is unparalleled in history, and is such as no poet, philosopher, thinker or writer can lay claim to. When Muhammad, may peace be upon him, proclaimed his prophethood, the Makkans, who were thoroughly acquainted with his virtues, could