The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 2 of 4

IMAM ABU AL-EID& ISMA'TL IBN KATHIR 155
"'When he came in, Aha Bakr gave up his couch for him and the Messenger
of God (SAAS) sat down. There was no one else in the house except myself and
my sister Asma', daughter of Aba Bakr. The Messenger of God (SAAS) said,
"Send away anyone else who is with you." Aba Bakr replied, "There are only my
two daughters; what can be wrong, I pray you?"
"'"God has given me permission to leave, to emigrate," he replied.
""'As companions then, 0 Messenger of God?" Aba Bakr asked.
""'Yes, as companions," he answered.'
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,. isha continued, 'And, I swear, before that day I never knew anyone who
wept for joy until I saw Aha Bakr do so that day.
"'He then said, "0 Prophet of God, these are two camels I have readied for
this."'
"They hired 'Abd All& h. Arqat."
Ibn Hisham suggests an alternative name, 'Ahd Allah h. Urayqit.
Ihn Ishaq continued, "He was a polytheist, of the Bana al-Dil h. Bakr, his
mother of the Bana Sahm h. 'Amr. He was to act as their guide on the way and
they gave him the two mounts to look after until needed.
"And, as I have been told, no one knew of the departure of the Messenger of God
(SAAS) except 'Ali h. Aba Tdih and Aba Bakr, "the Trusting", and his family.
"[Ali was ordered to remain behind to return to people the items they had
deposited with the Messenger of God (SAAS); anyone in Mecca who had concerns
about things they owned would leave them in his care, such was his reputation
for honesty and trusnvorthiness.
"Having decided to leave, the Messenger of God (SAAS) went to the house of
Aba Bakr h. Aha Quhafa and they made their exit via a window at its rear."
Aha Nu'aym recounted, through Ibr&im h. Sa'd, from Muhammad h. Ishaq,
who said, "I have been informed that as he was about to leave Mecca as an emigrant
to Medma for God, he said, 'Praise he to God who created me when I had been
nothing. 0 God, protect me from earthly terrors, misfortunes and mishaps in the
nights and days to come. 0 God, accompany me on my journey and keep my
family safe. Bless me in what You have granted me and humble me before Yourself.
Raise me to the finest qualities in my character. Endear me to You, 0 Lord. And
do not entrust (my fate) to people.
"'0 Lord of the frail, you are my Lord. I take refugein Your noble visage
before which the heavens and the earth rejoice, the dark shadows dissipate and
the troubles of those who are first and those who are last are made right. (I pray)
that You spare me your anger and discontent. I appeal to You not to cease your
favours and to spare me your sudden wrath, removal of your favour and all your
anger. I will repay as best I can all your favours to me. And there is no power nor
strength except in You."'
Ibn Ish3q continued, L'They then made their way to a cave on Mt. Thawr, south
of Mecca, which they entered. Aba Bakr ordered his son 'Ahd Allah to spend the