pany of the Prophet’s companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Tents were often set-
up for them in the courtyard of the Prophet’s mosque from where they saw the Muslims
offering prayers and reciting the Qur’an. They spoke plainly and frankly, asked whatever
they wanted while the Prophet (r) replied to their questions in all sobriety, explained the
wisdom of Islam and quoted excerpts from the scripture which were instrumental to their
certitude and peace of heart.
THE PROPHET'S (r) CONVERSATION WITH A PAGAN
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the character of the Arabs was their openness,
outspokenness or frankness to the point of being blunt and tough. The talk that Kinana b.
‘Abd Yalil, a pagan chief, had with the Prophet (r) of God illustrates the brusqueness of the
sons of the desert.
Kinana said, “As for adultery, we mostly remain bachelors or cannot get married, so we
must need to indulge in it.”
The Prophet (r) replied: “That is unlawful for you. God has commanded;
"and come not near unto fornication. Lo! It is an abomination and an evil way.”
[Qur'an 17:32]
Kinana said again, “What you say about usury means our entire property is nothing but
usury.”
“You have the right,” replied the Prophet (r), “to get back the original sum lent by you
for God has ordered: “O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what
remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers.” [Qur'an 2:278]
“As regards wine,” Kinana said further, “it is the juice of our lands and a must for us.”
“Allah has forbidden it,” replied the Prophet (r) and then recited the verse:
“O ye who believe! Strong drink and games of chance and idols and divining arrows
are only an infamy of Satan’s handiwork. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed.”
[Qur'an 5:90]Kinana again inquired, “What do you say about the idol Rabbah?”
“Break it,” answered the Prophet (r).
Kinana and his companions were taken aback. They protested, “If Rabbah were to know
that you want to break her, she would finish all of her priests!”
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) now intervened to say, “O ‘Abd Yalil, woe to you!
How ignorant are you?” What else is Rabbah except a stone?”