Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

stick to their opinions. They follow their desires rather than sound reason. On the other hand, a believer’s attitude should be quite different. True believers set themselves straight when shown to be on a wrong course and correct themselves when their mistakes are pointed out. Rather than being set in their opinions, they should always be open to criticism and ready to rectify themselves, even when this means doing something they do not want to do. A believer submits to truth, while others submit to nothing but their own selves. Avoiding Confrontation The year after the Battle of the Trench, in A.H. 6, the Prophet Muhammad had a dream in Madinah. In it, he saw himself and his companions visiting the House of God in Makkah. His companions were delighted to hear this, for it meant that, after a lapse of six years, they would soon be going to Makkah and visiting the Holy Ka’bah. In accordance with this dream, the Prophet set out for the holy city with 1400 of his companions. When they reached Ghadir Ashtat, they heard that the news of their journey had reached the Quraysh. Indignant at the idea of the Muslims visiting the House of God, they had amassed an army and vowed to prevent Muhammad and his companions from entering Makkah, although it was contrary to Arab tradition to prevent anyone from visiting the Ka’bah. The Prophet