10.The Great Warner
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) kept his mission secret for three years. Then Allah commanded him to proclaim the message openly.
According to Arab custom, people used to climb a hill when they had to announce some important news. So the Prophet (peace be upon him);, one day climbed up on a small hill called Safa, situated near the Ka’bah. He then called out to the people, who all gathered around him. Then he (peace be upon him) 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 answered, “Of course, we will, for we trust you. We know you always tell the truth.”
Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“God has commanded me to warn you, my people, that you should worship none but the one and only God. If you fail to do so, you will invite God’s anger. And I will not be able to do anything to help you, even though you are my own people.”
Sadly his message fell on deaf ears, with many of the people leaving without caring to give any thought to the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
******