Part 1 · Page 268
Quraysh Tortures the Believers
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 sectionThe poem continues: “Their judgment and understanding have become foolish; they are like a young camel, and what a poor thing it has done.” Ibn Ishaq said: Quraysh then urged one another to target the Muslims among their tribes. Each clan seized its own Muslims, tortured them, and tried to turn them away from their religion. Allah protected His Messenger from them through his uncle Abu Talib. When Abu Talib saw Quraysh’s treatment of the Muslims, he called Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib to protect the Messenger and stand with him. They gathered and agreed, except for Abu Lahab, Allah’s enemy.
The notes explain the poem’s images and preserve variant readings, including a comparison to a young camel. Ibn Hisham distinguishes lines attributed to different transmitters and marks verses he omitted.