T h e V i s i o n o f I s l a m
80
“These people are intellectuals, men of letters,” the Prophet said
when he heard this. “They are cast in the mould of prophets. How
wonderful are their words.”
(Kanzul Ummal,
Vol. I, p. 69)
Dhamad, a practising exorcist belonging to the tribe of Banu
Azdashanawa, once came to Makkah. People there told him about
the Prophet. “He is possessed by an evil spirit,” they said. Dhamad
went to see the Prophet, thinking that he might be able to cure
him. But when he heard the Prophet’s words, his attitude changed.
“I have heard soothsayers and conjurors,” he said. “I have seen
the works of poets. But I have never come across anything of this
nature. Give me your hand,” he said to the Prophet. “Let me swear
allegiance to you.” As was his custom, the Prophet did not give a
long talk on this occasion. Actually this was all he said:
“Praise be to God. We praise Him and seek help from Him.
One whom God guides, no one can send astray, and one whom
God sends astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is
none worthy of being served save God. He has no equal.”
(Muslim)
In these few words Dhamad found a wealth of meaning. “Say
that again,” he requested the Prophet. “Your words are as deep as
the ocean.”
(Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah,
Vol. III, p. 36)
For an Arab there was no question of any discrepancy between
words and deeds. He himself was true to his word, and he expected
others to be the same. As soon as he comprehended the truth of
a matter, he accepted it. According to the Prophet’s biographer,
Ibn Ishaq, the Banu Sa’ad tribe sent Dhaman ibn Tha’alaba
to the Prophet on their behalf. He arrived in Madinah, set his
camel down near the gate of the mosque and tied it up. Then he
went inside. The Prophet was sitting there with his companions.
Dhamam was a brave and intelligent man. He stood in front of
the gathering and asked: “Who among you is the son of Abdul
Muttalib?” “I am,” the Prophet replied. “Muhammad,” Dhamam
said, “I am going to ask you a few questions, and am going to be
quite severe in my questioning. I hope you won’t mind.” “Not at
all,” the Prophet replied. “You can ask what you like.” “Will you
swear to me by the name of your God and the God of those before
