is an abundant outpouring; no human being could ever speak like this.”

In another wording:

Al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he recited the Quran to him. Al-Walid’s heart seemed to soften, and when Abu Jahl heard of it he came and said, “Uncle, your people intend to collect money for you.”

He asked, “For what?”

Abu Jahl replied, “To give it to you, for you have gone to Muhammad seeking some recompense from him.”

Al-Walid said, “Quraysh knows full well that I am one of the wealthiest among them.”

Abu Jahl said, “Then say something about him that will reach your people, showing that you disavow and dislike him.”

Al-Walid responded, “What shall I say? By Allah, there is no man among you more knowledgeable than I about poetry—its short, rhythmic rajaz or its elaborate qasidah. By Allah, what he says bears no resemblance to any of this. By Allah, the words he utters have a sweetness; upon them is an elegance; their upper part is fruitful, their lower part copiously abundant; they rise above all else and nothing rises above them, and they crush…"