Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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heard of the new experience of the Prophet. People said to him
that his friend had taken leave of his senses, believing that angels
brought him messages from God. But Abu Bakr trusted the
Prophet completely. Not for one moment did he doubt his
veracity. He immediately went to meet the Prophet to find out the
truth for himself. Abu Bakr asked the Prophet whether an angel
had really descended upon him from God and had given him a
message. The Prophet said “Yes,” and without a moment’s
hesitation Abu Bakr professed his faith. He did not require any
arguments to be convinced that he was telling the truth.
This small group of the Faithful were the first believers of Islam.
In the first stage, the Prophet was asked to spread the message of
Islam quietly to avoid arousing any hostility. Abu Bakr, being an
influential merchant, was able to bring some of his friends, also rich
merchants, into the fold of Islam. But the majority of the
conversions took place among the weak and the poor.
In the second stage the Prophet received the command from
God to spread the message publicly, but first to his own kin.
According to Arab custom, people used to ascend a hill when
they had to announce some important news. So the Prophet, with
his all-important tidings, climbed up on a hillock called Safa,
situated near the Kabah. He then called out to the people, who all
gathered around him. Then he addressed them thus: “If I tell you
that a big army is hiding behind that mountain and is ready to
attack you, will you believe me?” They all chorused, “Of course,
