Abu Sufyan heard him and kept it to himself until the...

Abu Sufyan heard him and kept it to himself until the Messenger of Allah passed by him when he said: 'Do you know what Sa'ad ibn 'Ibadah has said?' The Messenger of Allah said: 'What he has said is of no consequence.' Then he sent someone to Sa'ad and took the banner from him and passed it to Ali and said: 'Enter with kindness.' Ali took the banner and began to proclaim: 'Today is the day of mercy, today honour will be protected.' Then the Messenger of Allah turned to Abu Sufyan and said to him: 'O Abu Sufyan, proceed to Mecca and let them know of the sanctuary.' When the Messenger of Allah entered Mecca, a tent was pitched for him by the…