-
014_Persecution_and_Eavesdropping, page : 17
had not heard before and had not known their meaning. Al Akhnas concurred with Abu
Sufyan and then went to Abu Jahl's home to ask his opinion.
Al Akhnas found that Abu Jahl's position had not softened in the slightest in fact he
understood that Abu Jahl now saw the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as an even
greater threat and had become more opposed than ever. Abu Jahl reminded his visitor
that he and his tribesmen competed with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and
his followers for honor saying, "They have fed the poor, so have we; they have been
generous, so have we; we are like two horses running neck-to-neck in a race. But they
say we have a Prophet to whom a Revelation is sent down from heaven -- when will we
ever attain anything like that!"
It was now more evident than ever that Abu Jahl feared he would lose his chance to be
the chieftain of this very powerful tribe when his uncle died. Although, if he had put his
pride to one side and listened without bias he would have realized his fear was
completely unfounded as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was honorable and
respectful, and never took away the authority of tribal chieftains or claimed such rank for
himself. Now, in a fit of arrogant rage, Abu Jahl swore never to believe in the message
the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) brought.
Sufyan and then went to Abu Jahl's home to ask his opinion.
Al Akhnas found that Abu Jahl's position had not softened in the slightest in fact he
understood that Abu Jahl now saw the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as an even
greater threat and had become more opposed than ever. Abu Jahl reminded his visitor
that he and his tribesmen competed with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and
his followers for honor saying, "They have fed the poor, so have we; they have been
generous, so have we; we are like two horses running neck-to-neck in a race. But they
say we have a Prophet to whom a Revelation is sent down from heaven -- when will we
ever attain anything like that!"
It was now more evident than ever that Abu Jahl feared he would lose his chance to be
the chieftain of this very powerful tribe when his uncle died. Although, if he had put his
pride to one side and listened without bias he would have realized his fear was
completely unfounded as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was honorable and
respectful, and never took away the authority of tribal chieftains or claimed such rank for
himself. Now, in a fit of arrogant rage, Abu Jahl swore never to believe in the message
the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) brought.