Consequently he abandoned his previous plan and went to the...

Consequently he abandoned his previous plan and went to the house of his brother-in-law. When he reached near the house he heard the humming of someone who was reciting the Holy Qur'an with an impressive voice. The manner of Umar's arrival in his sister's house was such that she and her husband also became aware that he was about to enter. They therefore concealed the teacher of the Holy Qur'an in the back part of the house so that he might remain hidden from Umar's eyes.

Fatimah also concealed a leaf on which verses of the Holy Qur'an were written. Umar said without any salutation or greeting: "What was this humming that I have heard?" They replied 'We have heard nothing". Umar said: "I have been informed that you have become Muslims and follow the religion of Muhammad". He uttered this sentence with great fury and attacked his brother-in-law. His sister then stood up to protect her husband.

Umar attacked her also and seriously injured her head with the point of his sword. While blood was flowing from her head the helpless woman said with great fervour of faith: "Yes. We have become Muslims and believe in Allah and His Holy Prophet. Do whatever you like". The tragic plight of the sister who was standing by the side of her brother with her face and eyes besmeared with blood and was speaking to him made Umar tremble and he was sorry for what he had done.

He therefore insisted that they should show him the relevant leaf so that he might ponder over the words of Muhammad. His sister fearing lest he should tear it up put him on oath that he would not do so and he also made a promise and confirmed it on oath that he would return the leaf after having gone through it. Then he took the sheet in his hand. A few verses were written on it. Their translation is given below: Taha. It was not to distress you that We revealed the Qur'an.

It is to admonish those who fear Allah. It is a revelation from Him who has created the earth and the lofty heavens. The Merciful who is firm in power. His is what the heavens and earth contain. He has knowledge of all that is secret and all that is yet more hidden. (Surah Taha 20:1-6) These eloquent verses and the clear and firm words impressed Umar very much. The man who was the most ruthless enemy of the Qur'an and Islam a few minutes earlier decided to change his mind.

He went to the house about which he had already learnt that the Holy Prophet could be found there and knocked at the door.