Life-of-Muhammad

Life of Muhammad sa 155Muslim campers turned out for their morning prayers.Some went to and fro in quest of water for ablutions,others to supervise the lining up of worshippers for theservice. Abu Sufyan ra could not understand this activityearly in the morning. He was frightened. Was a new planafoot to overawe him?"What can they all be doing?" he asked in sheerconsternation."Nothing to be afraid of," replied ‘Abbas ra . "They areonly preparing for the morning prayers."Abu Sufyan ra then saw thousands of Muslims linedup behind the Prophet sa , making the prescribedmovements and devotions at the bidding of theProphet sa —half prostrations, full prostrations, standingup again, and so on. ‘Abbas ra was on guard duty, so hewas free to engage Abu Sufyan ra in conversation."What could they be doing now?" asked AbuSufyan ra . "Everything the Prophet sa does, is done by therest.""What are you thinking about? It is only the Muslimprayer, Abu Sufyan ra . Muslims would do anything at thebidding of the Prophet sa —give up food and drink forinstance.""True," said Abu Sufyan ra , "I have seen great courts. Ihave seen the court of the Chosroes and the court of theKaiser, but I have never seen any people as devoted totheir leader as Muslims are to their Prophet sa " (Halbiyya,Vol. 2, p. 90).Filled with fear and guilt, Abu Sufyan ra went on toask ‘Abbas ra if he would not request the Prophet sa toforgive his own people —meaning the Meccans.The morning prayers over, ‘Abbas ra led Abu Sufyan rato the Prophet sa .Said the Prophet sa to Abu Sufyan ra . "Has it not yetdawned upon you that there is no one worthy of worshipexcept Allah?""My father and my mother be a sacrifice to you. Youhave ever been kind, gentle and considerate to your kithand kin. I am certain now that if there were anyone else