Six months had passed since the first emigration had taken place, and six years since the first revelation of Islam…

It was the month of Zilhijja…

Omar, convinced the Muslims had gotten way out of control, was determined to put them in their place! One morning he decided to find our Master and do whatever was necessary to stop him!

With this intent he stormed off to the Haram al-Sharif. Our master was sitting in front of the Kaaba reciting the chapter al-Haqqa… Omar quietly tiptoed behind our Master and settled down to listen to what he was reciting… The eloquence of the Quran and the exquisiteness of its selection of words was just stunning. Omar was bewildered…

“No doubt the chiefs of Quraish are right… This is most certainly the most elegant and flawless poetry I have heard…” he thought to himself.

At that point our Master was reciting the following verses:

Indeed, it is the word of a generous Rasul.

It is not the word of a poet... How limited is your faith![1]

Omar was stunned. 

“He must most certainly be a soothsayer! How else could he hear my thoughts?”

Our Master continued to recite:

Nor is it the word of a soothsayer... How little you remember and think!

It is a (detailed) disclosure from the Rabb of the worlds!

Had he made it up and attributed it to Us;

Surely, We would have taken his right hand (power).

Then We would have cut his jugular vein (carotid artery)!

And none among you could have prevented it.

Indeed, it (the Quran) is a thought-provoking reminder for those who want to protect themselves!

Surely, We know who among you are the deniers.

Indeed, it (Doomsday) will be a time of bitter regret for those who deny the knowledge of the reality![2]

 

Omar was now mesmerized… The verses had drilled into his heart and immediately deflated his animosity. Quietly he got up and left… 

However, in time, the propaganda of the chiefs of Quraish against Islam and our Master had stiffened Omar’s heart once again…

Quite some time later, the chiefs had gathered at the Haram yet again, to settle this case conclusively.

Abu Jahil made his proposition:

“My brothers… As we all know Muhammad insults our gods and degrades us. He claims we are ignorant and that our forefathers are suffering in hell…

Here is my offer: Whoever kills him, I will give that hero 100 red and black camels, 50 gold coins, 50 silver coins, 10 suits of garments and whatever else he wants! Any volunteers?”

They all asked in wonder:

“But who can accomplish this?”

Someone in the crowd took word:

“I can do it!”

Perplexed and confused everybody turned to see who this courageous valiant was…

Undoubtedly it was Omar…

This had made everyone happy. For they all knew with no doubt that Omar was the perfect man for this job.

“Indeed, you can Omar!” they said with reassurance.

And they all sat to devise their ultimate plan.