The Prophet in Makkah

THE PROPHET IN MAKKAH When he had finished his questioning, and the Prophet had given him the same simple answer to every question, Damam spoke these words: I bear witness that there is none worthy of being served save God, and Muhammad is the Prophet of God. I shall discharge these obligations and avoid the things you have prohibited. I shall do no more and no less.103 He then mounted his camel and rode away. When he reached his people, he told them what had happened. Before the day was out, all the men and women awaiting his homecoming had accepted Islam. There was not a trace of hypocrisy in these people. They knew only acceptance or denial—nothing in between. When they made a promise, they fulfilled it, come what may. No threat of loss of life or property could prevent them from converting their words into actions. Such was the nature of the Arab temperament. Historians have described the speeches of the Aws and the Khazraj—the two tribes of Madinah—on the occasion of the Second Oath of Allegiance. They have all the lustre which distinguished their race. ‘Abbas ibn ‘Ubaydah said: “People of Khazraj, do you know what you are committing yourselves to, swearing allegiance to this man? You are committing yourselves to war with men of all races. Think about this. If, when you incur a loss of life and property, you will send him back to his people, then it is better that you do so now. If you