Part One: SEERAH (Biographical Sketch) CHAPTER

C:\Users\Admin\Dropbox\The Message - Material of Maulana\16. Books and Review\Apa's Books\Life And 26 God had another plan. And who can overrule the plan of God? Accordingly, the Prophet made Ali lie in his bed while he himself left the house at midnight. The Prophet had already informed Abu Bakr, his closest friend, of the plan to emigrate, to be conducted in total secrecy. They left Makkah before dawn, riding on two camels which Abu Bakr had kept ready to carry them across the desert. About five miles from the city they took shelter in a cave called Thawr. When the Makkans learnt of the Prophet’s escape, they were mad with rage. They offered a prize of one hundred camels to anyone who captured Muhammad. A number of horsemen raced out into the desert. One of them even managed to reach the very mouth of the cave of Thawr. Abu Bakr was stricken with fear lest they harm the Prophet. But the Prophet reassured him, saying: “Fear not. We are not two only in this cave. There is a third— God.” (Bukhari) The Prophet and Abu Bakr lay hidden in this cave for three days and three nights. On the fourth day they came out and continued the journey along with Abdullah ibn Urayqit, their guide, and Amir bin Fuhaira, Abu Bakr’s servant. Suraqah bin Malik was one of those horsemen who, wanting to earn the reward of a hundred camels, went in hot pursuit of the Prophet. After a continuous ride of a day and a night the Prophet and Abu Bakr stopped to rest. It was then that Suraqah, who had sighted them on the road to Madinah, managed to come close to them. But when he spurred on his horse, it stumbled and fell bringing Suraqa down also. He made two more attempts to go near the Prophet but the same happened each time. Now Suraqa was frightened. He realised that none can harm the Prophet, for he was under divine protection. He begged for mercy. The Prophet forgave him. The Prophet Arrives at Madinah After six days’ journey the Prophet reached Quba, a village three miles from Madinah. At that time the people of Madinah had been waiting