Part 1 · Page 238
Khadijah Consults Waraqah about the Messenger
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; reports, variant readings, and editorial commentary 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 sectionKhadijah went to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal ibn Asad, who had become a Christian, read the Scriptures, and learned from people of the Torah and Gospel. She told him what the Messenger had seen and heard. Waraqah exclaimed, “Holy, holy! By Him in whose hand is Waraqah’s soul, if you have told me truthfully, the great Namus who came to Moses has come to him. He is the Prophet of this community. Tell him to remain firm.” Khadijah returned and told the Messenger what Waraqah had said. When the Messenger finished his retreat and circumambulated the Ka‘bah, Waraqah met him and asked what he had seen and heard. The Messenger told him. Waraqah said, “By Him in whose hand is my soul, you are the Prophet of this community. The great Namus who came to Moses has come to you. You will be called a liar, harmed, driven out, and fought. If I live to see that day, I will support Allah’s cause with a support known to Him.” He then drew the Messenger’s head near and kissed his crown.
“Holy” means purified. Namus originally means a person entrusted with someone’s secrets, here used for the angel who brought revelation. The final h in the verbs “you will be called a liar, harmed, driven out, and fought” is described as a pause marker. The transmitter Isma‘il ibn Abi Hakim is identified in a biographical note.