The Prophet in Makkah

do so later, it will mean humiliation for you in this world and the next. But if you think you can keep your promises, how much loss you incur, and how many of your leaders are killed, take him to Madinah. This will be better for you in this world and the next.” Everyone said in unison that they would take the Prophet with them, no matter what loss of life and property they incurred. “What will we have in return if we keep our word?” They asked the Prophet. “Paradise,” he replied. “Hold out your hand to us,” they cried out. He extended his hand and accepted their allegiance.104 These were not mere words on the part of the Ansar; they were words borne out by actions. Even when the Muslims became dominant, they demanded no political compensation for their sacrifices. On the contrary, they were quite willing to let the Caliphate remain in the hands of the Makkans. They did not seek reward in this world but were content to leave this world to others and to look forward to their reward in the next world from God. The Pervasiveness of the Prophet’s Message The Prophet’s biographer, Ibn Ishaq, tells how the Quraysh nobility once gathered at the house of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle. Among those present were ‘Utbah ibn Rabi’ah, Shaybah ibn Rabi’ah, Abu Jahl ibn Hisham, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, all outstanding leaders of the Quraysh. Through Abu Talib,