Part 1 · Pages 234-235
Stones and Trees Greet the Messenger
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; variant readings and editorial commentary are distinguished from the transmitted narrative.
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 people of knowledge that, as the Messenger was being prepared for Prophethood, he would go far from the houses into Makkah’s mountain passes and valleys. No stone or tree did he pass without it saying, “Peace be upon you, Messenger of Allah.” He would turn around, seeing only trees and stones.
The Messenger continued to see and hear this greeting for as long as Allah willed. Then Gabriel came to him with Allah’s honor while he was at Hira in Ramadan. Ibn Ishaq related from Wahb ibn Kaysan, who heard ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr ask ‘Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr how the Messenger’s Prophethood began when Gabriel came to him. ‘Ubayd said that the Messenger used to retreat at Hira for a month each year, a practice Quraysh called tahannuth, meaning devotion to righteousness. Ibn Ishaq also quotes Abu Talib’s verse mentioning Mount Hira and those who ascend and descend it.