as well as their elders and leaders—around twenty-four men in all—including their leader, Abū Jahl. Less than eight years later, the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—entered Mecca as a victorious and triumphant conqueror. Historical accounts relate that, while holding the two sides of the Kaaba’s door with Quraysh gathered below him, he asked them, “What do you think I will do with you?” For he now had power over them—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. “What do you think I will do with you?” They replied, “You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.” He said, “I say to you what Joseph said to his brothers:

﴾There is no blame upon you today. Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy﴿ [Joseph: 92].

Go, for you are free.” (1)

He—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—bestowed this favor upon them only because they had embraced Islam. Allah Most High says:

﴾Tell those who disbelieve that if they desist, what has previously occurred will be forgiven them﴿ [Al-Anfāl: 38].

We ask Allah Most High to make us among those who recite the Book of Allah as it ought to be recited, to benefit us through it, and to make it an intercessor for us on the Day of Resurrection. He is capable of all things. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and Companions.