the Emigrants emigrated of their own free will when the disbelievers persecuted them for their faith. While they (1) were in Mecca, none of them believed except by his own choice—indeed, while enduring persecution. No one therefore needed to profess faith outwardly while concealing disbelief, especially if he emigrated to a land where he would be under the Messenger’s authority. But when Islam became established among the tribes of the Helpers, some who did not believe in their hearts felt the need to outwardly conform to their people, because the believers had acquired authority, honour, and strength, and now wielded the sword, killing those who disbelieved.

Third, it may be said: sensible people generally, after associating with someone for a time, can distinguish his friendship from his hostility (2). Could the Messenger have kept company with Abū Bakr in Mecca for more than ten years without discovering whether he was his friend or his enemy, despite meeting with him in a place where they lived in fear? Is this anything but an attack on the Messenger?

Furthermore, everyone knew that he was the Messenger’s greatest supporter from the beginning of his prophetic mission (3) until his death. He was the first free man to believe in him, and he called others to believe in him until they did. He spent his wealth to secure the release of vulnerable believers such as Bilāl and others. He would accompany him during the pilgrimage season and call the tribes to believe in him.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would visit his house every day, either in the morning or in the evening. The disbelievers persecuted him for his faith until he left Mecca. Ibn al-Daghinnah, one of the Arab chieftains and the chief (4) of al-Qārah, met him and said, “To