Part 1 · Page 298
‘Abd Allah ibn Abi Umayyah Challenges the Messenger
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; Qur’anic citations and editorial explanations 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 sectionAs the Messenger left, his cousin ‘Abd Allah ibn Abi Umayyah followed him. He said that Quraysh had offered him wealth and leadership, asked him for signs to confirm his standing with Allah, and asked him to hasten the punishment he warned them about; he had refused everything. ‘Abd Allah swore he would never believe unless the Messenger climbed a ladder to heaven while he watched, returned with four angels to testify, and thereby proved his claim. The Messenger returned home saddened by their rejection and by the loss of the hope he had placed in them.