THE HCLY PROPHET ENTERS MAKKAH After having entered the city, the Holy Prophet offered prayer ol thanks to the Almighty God Who, out of His immense grace, had granted him a splendid victory. A tent was pitched for him
’ Muhammad Afzal, Islamic History, p 19
The Fall of Makkah 157
at a spot where he was obliged to spend his days in a secluded quarter of the Shi’b, having been excommunicated by his kith and kin. ”Wilt thou not alight at thine own house?” inquired his followers. ”Not so,” he said, ”for have they left me yet any house within the city?” The great banner was planted at the door of his tent, and he retired to repose therein. He must have recalled to his mind the march of events. It should have been a quaint sight with moments of strange emotion,;. II”” he spent his early childhood! How he was commissioned by his Lord to deliver His message to mankind! How mercilessly he was treated by his dear and near, rejected, exiied, but now had the rebellious city at his feet! What boundiess mercy of Allah! his Creator and Master! He must have been absorbed in these thoughts.
