An Example of Noble Character

A LEADER OF UNITY Before his prophethood, when the Prophet of Islam was thirty-five years old, a significant event took place in Makkah. The matter was the reconstruction of the Kaaba. The structure built by Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael had weakened over time. The Quraysh decided to rebuild it. The first issue was dismantling the old walls. Everyone was hesitant, fearing that if they struck this sacred structure with a tool, some calamity might befall them. Finally, Walid ibn al-Mughīrah stepped forward with a pickaxe in hand in front of the Kaaba and declared: “O God, we have not deviated. O God, we desire nothing but good.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 180) After that, everyone joined in to take down the walls— keeping the original foundation intact. Ibn Ishaq narrates that during the excavation they found a stone with the following words inscribed: “Whoever sows goodness will reap admiration. And whoever sows evil will reap regret. Do you expect to do wrong and be rewarded with good? Just as grapes cannot be harvested from a thorn bush.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 182) Each clan of the Quraysh collected stones for the rebuilding, and construction resumed. When they reached the stage of placing the Black Stone (Ḥajr al-Aswad), a dispute arose. Since placing the stone was considered a great honour, each clan wanted the privilege for itself. Tensions escalated to the point where they were ready to fight. One tribe, the