of Muhammad. Why do you not find someone who is knowledgeable in poetry, soothsaying, and sorcery? Let him go to him, speak with him, and then bring us a clear report about the matter.’

Utbah ibn Rabiʿah said, ‘By Allah, I have heard poetry, soothsaying, and sorcery, and I know enough about each that none of it would escape me were it present. I shall therefore go to him.’ So he went to him.

When he came out to him he said, ‘Are you, O Muhammad, better or is Hashim? Are you better or ʿAbd al-Muttalib? Are you better or ʿAbd Allah? Why do you revile our gods and declare our forefathers misguided? If it is leadership you desire, we will confer it upon you, and you will remain our chief as long as you live. If you are driven by passion, we will marry you to ten women of your choosing from among the daughters of Quraysh. And if it is wealth you seek, we will gather for you such riches that you and your descendants after you will never be in need.’

All the while the Messenger of Allah—may blessings and peace be upon him—remained silent and did not speak. Then, when