Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

76 'Ali ibn Abi Tilib in Makkah
-We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-
Fawihish [shameful sins and illegal sexual intercourse] whether
committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has
forbidden, except for a just cause [according to Islamic law]. This He
has commanded you that you may understand.) (Qur'an 6: 151)
Mahooq said: "By AUah, you are calling to the noblest of
attitudes and the best of deeds, and the people who disbelieve in you
and oppose you are wrongdoers." Then he referred the matter to
Hki' ihn Qnbaysah, saying: '%is is HZni' our chief, who is in
charge of our religions affairs." HW said: "I have heard what you
said, 0 man of Quraysh, and I think that giving up our religion and
following yours the fust time we meet you is not a good idea and is a
sign of not thinking through the consequences. Haste leads to
mistakes, and we do not want to make a deal on behalf of those whom
we left behind. But we will go hack and you will go back, and we will
think about it." Then it was as if he wanted al-Muthanna ibn Hsrithah
to contribute to the discussion, and he said: "Al-Muthanna here is our
chief and is in charge of our military affairs." Al-Muthanna - who
became Muslim later on - said: "I have heard what you have to say,
0 man of Quraysh, and my answer is the same as that of Hgni' ibn
Quhaysah with regard to our giving up our religion and following
yours. We are located between two sources of water, one of which is
al-Yarnkiah and the other is al-Samzmah." The Messenger of Allah
(g) said: "What are these two sources of water?" He said: "Rivers of
chosroes8' and water of the Arabs. As for the rivers of Chosroes, if
we offend him, then he will not forgive us or accept any excuse; we
are allowed to camp there on the basis of a promise that we gave to
Chosroes not to do any wrong and not to give refuge to any
wrongdoer. I think that this matter to which you are calling us, 0 man
of Quraysh, is something that kings dislike, but if you want us to give
you refuge and to support you in the areas near the Arab waters, we