The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 1 of 4

334 THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
alX&ddiis, from al-A'mash, from al-Munhd b. 'Amr, from 'Abd A&& b.
al-Haith, who said, "'Ali stated, 'When the verse "And warn those of your people
closest to you" was revealed, the Messenger of God (SAAS) said to me, "Make me a
leg of lamb on a platter of food and a beaker of milk, and invite Bann H5shim for
me." I did invite them and on that occasion they were 40, give or take a man."'
This account is much the same up to the words, "Then the Messenger of God
(SAM) forestalled them in speaking and asked, 'Which of you will settle my
debt for me, and be my successor for my family?'"
'Ali went on. "They were all silent. Al-'Abbzs kept quiet because he feared
the issue might involve his money. And I kept quiet because of al-'Abbas's age.
"The Prophet (SAAS) repeated his question and al-'Abbzs kept silent and,
witnessing this, I said, 'I will, 0 Messenger of God!' 'You?' he replied.
'Ali explained, "At that time I was the most homely looking person there. I
was bleary eyed, had a large stomach and short legs."
This wording of the anecdote substantiates the previous one, except that it
does not have Ihn 'Abbas as one of the chain of authorities. But God knows best.
ImZm Ahmad related in his musnad collection from a hadith of 'Abhad b. 'Abd
All& al-Asadi and Rabi'a b. Najidh from 'Ali an account approximating to the
former, or giving testimony to it. But God knows best.
His statement in this hadith, "Which of you will settle my debt for me, and be
my successor for my family" carries the implication "if I should die". It seems
that the Messenger of God (SAAS) feared that if he announced his mission to
the Arab polytheists they might kill him. He therefore wanted to establish that
whoever came in his place thereafter would be beneficial to his family and fulfil
his obligations. But God removed his concern at that with His words, "0
Messenger, announce what has been revealed to you from your Lord. If you do
not, then you will not have fulfilled your mission. God will protect you from the
people" (siirat al-Mz'ida, V, v.67).
The outcome was that the Messenger of God (SAAS) continued to call upon
people to believe in God Almighty day and night, secretly and openly, without
anyone being able to deter, dissuade, or prevent him. He followed people everywhere,
into their celebrations, meetings and gatherings, to the fairs and to the
pilgrimage stations. Everyone he met, free man or slave, weak or powerful, rich
or poor he urged; as far as he was concerned all were equal and alike.
Violent and powerful Quraysh polytheists inflicted harm both verbal and
physical upon the Messenger of God (SAAS) and upon those powerless individuals
who followed him.
One of the most violent of those opposed to him was his uncle Abii Lahab; his
full name was 'Abd al-Wzz5 b. 'Abd al-Mu~alib. His wife, Umm Jamil, was
named Arwa, daughter of Harb b. Umayya, the sister of Aba Sufym.