Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

Dispirited, the Prophet set out on the return journey. But still, the people of Ta’if did not leave him alone. Instead, they set the urchins upon him, and a volley of stone-throwing and abuse drove him out of town. Zayd tried to shield the Prophet with his blanket, but with no success: he was wounded from head to foot. Some way out of town, there was a vineyard belonging to two brothers, Utbah and Shaybah. It was dusk when the Prophet reached there, and he took refuge in it. His body was covered in wounds, but on his lips were prayers. “Lord,” he cried, “help me; do not leave me to fend for myself.” ‘Utbah and Shaybah were both polytheists, but when they saw the Prophet’s condition, they took pity on him. They had a Christian servant by the name of ‘Addas. They told him to fetch a few grapes bunches and take them in a bowl before their guest. ‘Addas did as he was told: he brought some grapes to the Prophet and requested him to partake of them. The Prophet recited the name of God as he took them in his hand to eat. ‘Addas looked at the Prophet’s face. “By God,” he said, “it is not usual for people in this land to utter these words.” The Prophet asked ‘Addas where he came from and his religion. ‘Addas replied that he was a Christian and hailed from Nineveh in Iraq. “So you are from the town of the good Jonah, son of Matthew,” the Prophet observed. “How do you know Jonah, son of Matthew?” ‘Addas retorted. “He was a prophet, and so am