Answer without Reproof

Answer without Reproof

1986 3 March 30 Answer without Reproof (428) At the beginning of his mission, the Prophet of Islam was protected by his uncle, Abu Talib. The death of Abu Talib in the tenth year of the Prophet’s mission gave the people of Mecca a chance to expel him from their clan. They took the opportunity, and the Prophet was forced to look for another patron. He went with another of his uncles, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, to the fair of Ukkaz. There he visited the tents of several tribes, asking them to take him under their wing so that he could continue his preaching work. But for fear of the Quraysh, none was prepared to do so. Next year the Prophet once again visited various Arab fairs in search of a patron. Eventually he met with six men from the Aus and Khazraj tribes of Medina. The Prophet communicated to them the message of Islam. They asked him what form the revelations which came to him took. In answer, he recited to them some verses from Surah Ibrahim. On hearing these verses, their hearts mellowed, and they accepted Islam. It was night time. The Prophet was still talking to the people from Medina when Abbas passed by. He recognized the Prophet’s voice and, came to him. He asked the Prophet who the people sitting with him were. The Prophet told him that they were people from Medina. “I communicated to them the message that I had communicated to other tribes before them,” he said. “They have accepted it, and believe in my prophethood. They are ready to take me to their own town.” Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib descended from his camel, tied it up, and addressed the party from Medina; “People of Aus and Khazraj,” he said, “this is my nephew and he is dearer to me than anyone. If you verify that he is a Prophet, believe in him and if you want to take him with you, you must give me a solemn promise. Only then will my mind be at rest. I want you to promise that you will not disgrace him and will not deceive him. There are Jews in your neighbourhood, and the Jews are his enemies. I do not think that my nephew will be safe with them in the vicinity.” Asad ibn Zarara, who was leader of the people of Medina, objected to what Abbas said. It seemed to him that doubt was being cast on their integrity. He asked the Prophet for permission to answer Abbas. “You may do so,” the Prophet said, “but refrain from rebuking him.”