An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
9. Manners In Society
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countryside, was engaged by them as a guide. As
was usual according to Arab custom, Abdullah ibn
Urayqit dipped his fingers into a glass of water and
pleaded himself to secrecy. Then avoiding the
frequented thoroughfares, he guided the Prophet
and Abu Bakr by a coastal route to Madinah.
(Al-Bukhari,
Sahih)
WHEN IT IS PRUDENT TO MAKE NO REPLY
Aishah relates that when the Muslim army
scattered after the Battle of Uhud, Abu Sufyan, the
then leader of the Quraysh, came close to a group of
Muslims and shouted: “Is Muhammad there among
you?” “Do not answer,” the Prophet ordered his
followers. Once again Abu Sufyan called out: “Is
Ibn abu Qahafah there among you?” Again the
Prophet told his Companions to remain silent. “And
what about Ibn Khattab? Is he there?” Shouted Abu
Sufyan a third time, while the Prophet still urged
reticence on those around him. When Abu Sufyan
received no reply to all three of his questions, he
said, “They must all be dead. If not, they would
surely have answered.” Umar could no longer
contain himself. “Enemy of God!” he cried out, “We
