Life-of-Muhammad

Life of Muhammad sa 25
prayer." ‘Umar's ra mind was made up. He asked where
the Prophet sa was and made straight for him at Dari
Arqam, his bare sword still in his hand. As he knocked
at the door, the Prophet's sa Companions could see
‘Umar ra through the crevices. They feared lest he should
have some evil design. But the Prophet sa said, "Let him
come in." ‘Umar ra entered, sword in hand. "What brings
you?" inquired the Prophet sa . "Prophet sa of God," said
‘Umar ra , "I am here to become a Muslim." Allahu Akbar,
cried the Prophet sa . Allahu Akbar, cried the Companions.
The hills around Mecca echoed the cries. News of the
conversion spread like wild fire and henceforward
‘Umar ra , the much-feared persecutor of Islam, himself
began to be persecuted along with other Muslims. But
‘Umar ra had changed. He delighted now in suffering as
he had delighted before in inflicting suffering. He went
about Mecca, a much harassed person.
PERSECUTION INTENSIFIES
Persecution became more and more serious and
more unbearable. Many Muslims had already left Mecca.
Those who stayed behind had to suffer more than ever
before. But Muslims swerved not a bit from the path
they had chosen. Their hearts were as stout as ever,
their faith as steadfast. Their devotion to the One God
was on the increase and so was their hatred for the
national idols of Mecca. The conflict had become more
serious than ever. The Meccans convened another big
meeting. At this they resolved on an all-out boycott of
the Muslims: The Meccans were to have no normal
dealings with Muslims. They were neither to buy from
them, nor to sell them anything. The Prophet sa , his
family and a number of relations who, though not
Muslims, still stood by him, were compelled to take
shelter in a lonely place, a possession of Abu Talib.
Without money, without means and without reserves,
the Prophet's sa family and relations suffered untold