Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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Makkah before dawn, riding on two camels, which Abu Bakr had
kept ready to carry them across the desert. About five miles from
the city they took shelter in a cave called Thawr.
When the Makkans learnt of the Prophet’s escape, they were
mad with rage. They offered a prize of one hundred camels to
anyone who captured Muhammad. A number of horsemen raced
out into the desert. One of them even managed to reach the very
mouth of the cave of Thawr. Abu Bakr was stricken with fear lest
they harm the Prophet. But the Prophet reassured him, saying:
“Fear not. We are not two only in this cave. There is a
third—God.” (Bukhari)
The Prophet and Abu Bakr lay hidden in this cave for three
days and three nights. On the fourth day they came out and
continued the journey along with Abdullah ibn Urayqit, their guide,
and Amir bin Fuhaira, Abu Bakr’s servant.
Suraqah bin Malik was one of those horsemen who, wanting to
earn the reward of a hundred camels, went in hot pursuit of the
Prophet.
After a continuous ride of a day and a night the Prophet and
Abu Bakr stopped to rest. It was then that Suraqah, who had
sighted them on the road to Madinah, managed to come close to
them. But when he spurred on his horse, it stumbled and fell
bringing Suraqa down also. He made two more attempts to go
near the Prophet but the same happened each time. Now Suraqa
was frightened. He realised that none can harm the Prophet, for he
