‘Utbah ibn Rabi‘ah’s Proposal to the Messenger

Ibn Ishaq related from Muhammad ibn Ka‘b al-Qurazi that ‘Utbah ibn Rabi‘ah, a leader of Quraysh, said while the Messenger sat alone in the mosque: “People of Quraysh, shall I go to Muhammad and offer him terms, perhaps he will accept some and leave us alone?” This was after Hamzah accepted Islam and Quraysh saw the Muslims increasing. ‘Utbah approached and said, “Son of my brother, you know your standing among us and your noble lineage. You have brought your people a grave matter, dividing their unity, belittling their judgment, criticizing their gods and religion, and declaring their forefathers unbelievers. Listen to proposals; perhaps you will accept some.” The Messenger said, “Speak, Abu al-Walid; I will listen.” ‘Utbah offered wealth, leadership, or kingship if those were his aims. If a spirit that appeared to him was troubling him, Quraysh would spend their wealth to seek treatment for him.

The manuscripts differ between “standing” and “ample standing” in the tribe. The text explains that “spirit” refers to an apparition attributed to jinn. A fragment of verses by Hamzah on accepting Islam is also transmitted on this page.

When ‘Utbah finished, the Messenger asked, “Have you finished, Abu al-Walid?” He said yes. The Messenger recited the opening of Surah Fussilat: “Ha Mim. A revelation from the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful. A Book whose verses are made clear, an Arabic Qur’an for people who know, bearing good news and warning; yet most of them turn away and do not listen. They say, ‘Our hearts are veiled from what you call us to’” (Qur’an 41:1–5). ‘Utbah listened attentively, leaning back on his hands. When the Messenger reached the prostration, he prostrated, then said, “You have heard what you have heard, Abu al-Walid. Now it is up to you.” ‘Utbah returned to Quraysh. They said he had come back unlike the man who had left. He said, “I heard speech such as I have never heard. By Allah, it is neither poetry, sorcery, nor soothsaying. People of Quraysh, obey me: leave this man to what he is doing and keep away from him. What I heard will have momentous consequences. If the Arabs overcome him, others will have spared you the task; if he prevails, his sovereignty and honor will be yours, and you will be the happiest people through him.” They accused the Messenger of having bewitched him, but ‘Utbah said this was his judgment and they could do as they wished.