The Arabia Prophet from Chinese Sources - Isaac Mason

Abd ulitTHE TESTIMONY OF BAHIRA 57" Mohammed the son of Abdullah, and the grandson ofMuttalib."''This is the final Prophet," said the monk in alarm." How do you know about him?" asked Bekr." This tree was planted by Jesus who used to sit underto expound his book, and he told his disciples that after himthere should nobody sit there until the final Prophet came,and he would be known by this act; for six hundred yearsnobody has sat under that tree, and now this man sits underit, so without doubt he must be the final Prophet. I desireyou to inform Abu Talib that this young man is an honourablepersonage who will reflect happiness upon him, andwill bring benefits to all generations. I am passing on andshall not see his Light when he becomes theProphet; takegood care of him."The monk then took out some precious things and gavethem as a parting token of respect. Abu Bekr made his bowand returned to repeat the things which he had heard, onwhich account the Prophet said that Abu Bekr was the firstwho believed in him.Koreish took aIn Mohammed's twenty-third year thevow to stop the insulting of the Prophet: this was promotedby Zubcir. Zubcir had wished to have the care of theProphet, but he did not get his wish, as Talib became guardian.Talib was often away on his long journeys, and Mohammedwent with him, though it was beneath his dignity to do so;some of the Koreish therefore liked to insult and humiliatehim, and even plotted to kill him. The Koreish had somevicious and disorderly customs; some of Mohammed's ownclan and kin were constantly oppressing those who werebelow them, or opposing those who were above them, evento the killing of brothers by one another, and fathers and