Part 1 · Page 293
The Conversation between ‘Utbah and the Messenger
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; the report’s wording is attributed to its transmitter.
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 sectionIbn 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.