At last, an idea came into his mind.

At last, an idea came into his mind. He thought of taking advantage of an Arabian custom by placing himself under the pro- tection of one of the influential men of Quraish. According to the Arab custom if a person would request an Arab for protection, he usually would grant his request and would protect him even at the cost of his own life. For an Arab, it was a shame if someone asked him for protection and he 75 did not grant that request eventhough he might be his enemy.

So Othman entered Mecca at mid-night and went straight to the house of Waleed son of Mughira Makhzumi, a distinguished wealthy and in- fluential Quraishite. He asked for his protection which was readily granted. Next day, Waleed brought him to the Mosque and made a formal announcement before the elders of the tribe that from that moment Othman was under his protection, anyone doing anything against him would be considered going against Waleed per- sonally.

As Waleed was highly respected by Ouraish, nobody dared to trouble Othman any more. He was now a protected person. He moved freely as one of the Quraish attending their sittings. But at the same time, the persecution of other Muslims continued unbated. It was hard on Oth- man, who was not happy at being Safe while his fellow Muslims continued to suffer.

One day he thought to himself that it was not just on his part 7 6 to be safe under the protection of a pagan whereas his brethren were being persecuted. He came to Waleed and said: "I am sincerely thankful to you. You gave me protection and saved me; but from today I want to go out from your protection, and join my friends. Let, whatever happens to them, happen to me" "Nephew, perhaps you are not happy with me, or perhaps, my protection could not keep you safe" "Why, I am not unhappy at all.

But I don't want to live any longer under protection of anyone except God'." "Since you have so decided, I would like you to come to the Mosque announce your going out from my protection, as I took you the first day there and announced your protection" "Very well, no objection to it." They came to the Mosque. When the elders had gathered, Waleed said: "Everybody should know that Othman has come here to announce his 7 7 exit from my protection" Othman said: "He is right.

I have come here with that very intention, and also to inform you that so long as I was under his protection, he protec- ted me very well and I had no reason to complain.