Part 1 · Page 266
Abu Talib Asks the Messenger to Stop
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; transmitted accounts, poetry, and editorial notes are distinguished.
This local English rendering may condense the Arabic narration and editorial notes. It is not a complete published English edition. Consult the Arabic source for exact wording and context.
Read the corresponding Arabic sectionAfter the delegation left, Abu Talib was distressed by the hostility of his people, but he would neither surrender the Messenger to them nor abandon him. Ibn Ishaq related that Abu Talib told his nephew, “Your people came to me and said such-and-such. Spare me and yourself, and do not burden me with more than I can bear.” The Messenger thought his uncle might be weakening and withdrawing his protection. He replied, “Uncle, by Allah, if they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left on condition that I abandon this mission before Allah makes it prevail or I perish in it, I would not abandon it.” He wept and rose. Abu Talib called him back and said, “Go, son of my brother, and say whatever you wish. By Allah, I will never surrender you to anything.”
The notes discuss the phrase describing Abu Talib’s sudden thought that he might be abandoned, and explain the imagery of placing the sun and moon in the Messenger’s hands. Al-Suhayli relates an interpretation of the two lights as perceptible signs and contrasts them with the light of revelation.