Consequently they could not look upon him with kindness or...

Consequently they could not look upon him with kindness or welcome him in their gatherings.(61) Muslim ibn Hajjaj, the great Sunni traditionist, describes the attitude and conduct of the Muslims as follows in his book of Sahih: "One day Abu Sufyan was passing by a group of good and virtuous early Muslims such as Salman, Bilal and Suhayb.(62) They were talking together when they noticed Abu Sufyan and said: "By God, the swords of God did not fall upon the neck of this great enemy of God." Abu Bakr, hearing their words vexedly said: "Are you speaking thus about the chief and Sheikh of the Quraysh?" Then fearing that his…