IMAM ABU AL-FIDA' ISMA'TL IBN KATHTR 113"Al-Muthanna then spoke, 'I heard and liked what you said, 0 Quraysh
brother. I was impressed by your words. But our answer should be that of Hani'
b. Quhaysa; for us to leave our religion and follow you after one sitting with us
would be like us taking residence between two pools of stagnant water, one
al-Yamama and the other al-Samawa.'
"The Messenger of God asked (SAAS), 'And what might those pools of stag-
nant water be then?'
"Al-Muthanna replied, 'One of these is where land extends to the Arab world,
and the other is that of Persia and the rivers of Chosroe. We would be reneging
on a pact that Chosroe has placed upon us to the effect that we would not cause
an incident and not give sanctuary to a troublemaker. This policy you suggest for
us is such a one that kings would dislike. As for those areas bordering Arab lands,
the blame of those so acting would be forgiven and excuses for them be accepted,
but for those areas next to Persia, those so acting would not be forgiven, and no
such excuses would be accepted. If you want us to help and protect you from
whatever relates to Arab territories alone, we should do so.'
"The Messenger of God (SAAS) replied, 'Your reply is in no way had, for you
have spoken eloquently and truthfully. (But) God's religion can only he engaged
in by those who encompass it from all sides.'
"He then asked, 'Supposing it were only shortly after now that God were to
award you their lands and properties and furnished you their young women,
would you then praise God and revere Him?'
"Al-Nucma b. Shurayk replied, 'Would to God you could accomplish that,
Quraysh brother!'
"The Messenger of God (SAAS) then recited to them, 'We have sent you as
a witness, to bring good news and to warn, and to invite unto God, with His per-
mission, and as a light-giving lantern.' (This quotation combines siirat al-Fath;
XLVIII, v.8 with siirat al-Ahzzb; XXXIII, v.46.)
"The Messenger of God (SAAS) then arose, holding on to the hand of Aha
Bakr."
'Ali went on, "The Messenger of God (SAAS) then turned to us and said,
"Ali, what fine character the Arabs used to have, in thejahrlzyya; how noble a
time that was; they sought refuge in the life of this world.'"28
'Ali went on, "We proceeded on to a meeting being held by the Aws and the
Khazraj. We remained with them until they pledged allegiance to the Prophet
(SAAS)."
'Ali continued, "And they were true, steadfast friends. And the Messenger of
God (SAAS) was delighted at the knowledge of Abu Bakr, God bless him, about
their genealogies.
"Soon thereafter the Messenger of God (SAAS) went forth to address his
Companions, telling them, 'Give much praise to God. For today the sons of
- That is, from ignominy and boorishness.