THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 062 THE TURNER OF HEARTS by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The Turner of Hearts Khalid Khalid, had for some time, respected the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) but his pride and position in the Koraysh tribe prevented him from entertaining the promptings of his heart. However, after each encounter, no matter whether it had been a victory or defeat, reason started to erode his resistance and the light of truth began to prevail as he accepted the fact that his values pivoted on nothing other than baseless, traditional pride. He remembered the letter his younger, convert brother Waleed had written to him just before he died and how it had mentioned that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had inquired about his welfare and spoken of his regard for him; then there was his brother's last wish which urged him to embrace Islam. Waleed, Khalid’s younger brother was not the only one in his family to convert to Islam, there was his aunt, now Lady Maymunah, the wife of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), and more recently his own mother, Asma. The Vision of Khalid The matter weighed heavily on Khalid's heart, then, one night he saw a vision in which he first found himself in a barren land, closed in from all side. Then, he saw himself in a land lush with vegetation, with seemingly never-ending green fields. It was a vision he could not dismiss and he felt a compelling urge to go to Medina. He wanted to share his vision with Amr but he had not yet returned to Mecca so he went to his friends Ikrimah and Safwan to tell them. Both the fathers of Safwan and Ikrimah whose father was the infamous Abu Jahl had been killed at Badr, and Safwan had also lost his brother, so, in reflection, their replies were not surprising. Safwan was so adamant that he declared, "If every man of the Koraysh decided to follow Muhammad, I would not follow him!" so Khalid did not pursue the matter further and set off for Medina alone. Khalid and Othman Shortly after leaving home Khalid met Othman, another friend, who was closer to him than the other two. The two rode in silence for several miles, then, Khalid spoke in a tone that prompted a reply, "Our situation is no better than a fox in his lair -- pour a bucket of water into it and it must come out!" Othman was quick to understand Khalid's point, so Khalid ventured further and told him where he was going and the reason. Othman was of the same mind as Khalid and decided to accompany him to Medina. However, Othman was unprepared for the journey so Khalid agreed to wait for him while he returned home to gather some clothes and provisions. Early, the next morning Othman joined Khalid again and together they set off for Medina. Amr Al-As’s Son Amr Al-As’s son held the same opinion as Safwan and Ikrimah, but viewed the situation in a different light than his friends. Amr did not let emotions sway his reason, he was shrewd and known to analyze a situation then act accordingly. In the early days of Islam when Muslims sought refuge in Abyssinia, it was he who attempted to bribe the court of the Negus to ensure support for the Muslims return. His efforts had failed miserably and he left Abyssinia without achieving his goal, however, over the years he fostered a friendship between himself and the Negus. Occasionally Amr would send gifts together with his greetings, however he never mentioned the matter of the Muslims to him again. Amr and the Negus Amr decided to visit the Negus, and together with several of his companions from the tribe of Sahm set out across the sea to Abyssinia taking with them much prized gifts of leather. When Amr reached the court of the Negus he was courteously given an audience whereupon Amr presented the leather gifts. After having surmised his presence was acceptable Amr wasted no time asking the Negus for permission to stay in his country. However, Amr's tongue slipped when he ventured to speak about the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in an unacceptable manner. The Negus held the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in great esteem and would not tolerate a word said against him and warned Amr that the best way for him in his court would be to become a follower of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) rather than bringing him gifts. Amr was shaken by his reply and asked, referring to the prophethood, "Do you bear witness to this, O king?" Without hesitation the Negus replied, "Indeed, I bear witness to this before Allah." The Negus continued, "Do what I advise Amr and follow him. He is the truth and by Allah he will triumph over any unbeliever who sets himself against him; in the same way that Moses triumphed over Pharaoh and his army." Amr took his leave from the Negus and set off for the sea. As he journeyed he pondered deeply upon the issue of the prophethood and could no longer push aside the truth the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) brought that Allah is One and has no associates, and that idolatry was worthless. He reflected upon the Prophet’s character, his exemplary life style and his just dealings with everyone, no matter whether they believed in his message or opposed him. He could neither find any blemish nor accuse the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) of any wrongdoing. Days later Amr came across a boat destined for Yemen so he boarded and set sail. As for Amr’s companions, it is unknown whether they accompanied him or remained in Abyssinia. When Amr reached Yemen he bought a camel together with some provisions and rode northwards with the intention of going to Medina. At a place called Haddah -- which was one of the stops on the coastal route from Mecca to Medina -- he met Khalid. After a while they confided their intention to one another, however, both expressed deep concern whether or not they would be accepted into Islam, for they had both been responsible for the persecution and martyrdom of many Muslims. Khalid Embraces Islam When Khalid, Othman and Amr reached Medina Khalid and Othman went straight to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and embraced Islam. Amr’s Concern Amr was unaware that when a person embraces Islam all his or her previous sins, no matter whether they are major or minor are completely wiped out so the convert starts his/her life absolutely anew, clean and sinless. Coupled to this he was also completely unaware that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had informed his Companions that every sin committed before Islam is automatically exchanged for merits that await them in Paradise. Amr’s Hesitation When it came time for Amr to give his covenant he was very apprehensive, but finally he asked the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), "Give me your right hand so that I may swear allegiance to you." As the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) reached out to take his hand, Amr quickly withdrew his whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) inquired, "What is the matter Amr?" Amr replied that he had a condition to make, which was, that all his past sins would be forgiven. Much to Amr's relief, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) gently told him, "Don't you know that (embracing) Islam wipes out all the sins that have gone before?" Amr's heart leapt with joy and he embraced Islam. From that time onward no one was dearer to him than the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Turner of Hearts 062 Back Cover Subtitles Khalid The Vision of Khalid Khalid and Othman Amr Al-As’s Son Amr and the Negus Khalid Embraces Islam Amr’s Concern Amr’s Hesitation