ভূমিকা

He asked `Ali (a.s) to make arrangements for a meal to be served to the progeny of `Abd al-Muttalib and to invite them to join the feast. `Ali (a.s) procured one shank of meat, one measure of milk and about three seers of wheat flour. Then he went round inviting people. At the appointed time about forty persons assembled at the house of Abū-Talib. Among the guests were Abū-Talib, Hamzah ibn `Abbas and Abū-Lahab.

Although the number of guests was high considering the quantity of food, Allah made it sufficient for all the guests and some quantity was left over. When the guests finished the meal, the Prophet (a.s) rose from his place and tried to make the announcement of his Prophethood and to invite them to the Right Path. Abū-Lahab interrupted at this point and said, “Muhammad wants to lead you away from the faith of your ancestors.

Do not give ear to his suggestions lest you get affected with his magical spell!” As a result of the outburst of Abū-Lahab the group got restive. Some stood up to depart and others followed them. The Prophet (a.s) could not communicate what he had planned to say. The second day, the Prophet (a.s) extended invitation to the same group through `Ali (a.s). They again assembled for the meal. After the meal, the Prophet (a.s) rose to give a talk. Abū-Lahab once again tried to interrupt.

But Abū-Talib chided him and asked him to sit quietly. Abū-Talib told him: “O unfortunate person! What have you to do with these things?” Hearing this, Abū-Lahab had no courage to interrupt any further and sat quietly putting his head on his knees. Abū-Talib addressed the gathering and asked them to sit comfortably in their places. He asked the Prophet (a.s) to tell what he wished to say. He said that the people would listen to him with attention and act on what he had to say.

The Prophet (a.s) got encouragement from these words of support and addressed the gathering: “O progeny of `Abd al-Muttalib! By Allah!