So the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr left Makkah and arrived safely in Madinah, but Suhaib had to stay behind for some time. The Quraysh placed guards on Suhaib and watched his every move. Suhaib realized that he would have to resort to trickery if he were to escape.
He gave up all his wealth so he would be free to live with the Muslims in Madinah. |
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One
cold night, he pretended to have a problem with his stomach and went
out many times as if he was relieving himself. His captors thought he
was sick and did not pay much attention to him. Finally they fell
asleep. This was Suhaib�s chance and he slipped away carefully and quietly, found a horse and galloped off into the desert heading toward Madinah.
When
his captors woke up, they realized what had happened and rushed off
after him. They realized he had got the better of them and so were
determined to bring him back. Suhaib saw them
coming and clambered up a hill. He crouched down with his bow and
arrows in his hands and his eyes looked steadily at his enemies. He was
not afraid. When his enemies approached he shouted, �Men of Quraysh!
You know I�m the best archer and that I never miss my target. If you
come near me I�ll kill you both.� The enemies knew that indeed Suhaib
was the best archer around and they also knew he was very determined so
they dare not approach him. But they answered him, �We shall not let
you escape from us with your life and your money. You came to Makkah
weak and poor and you have acquired so much.�
Suhaib replied, �What would you say if I leave you my wealth? Would you then leave me alone?�
They agreed and Suhaib described the place in his house in Makkah where he had left his money, so they let him go. When they left, Suhaib
set off in great haste for Madinah with a feeling of gladness in his
heart. All he could think about was the idea of meeting the Prophet and
the companions again whenever he felt tired or hungry or thirsty he
just remembered this and he would feel a surge of energy and happiness
that kept him going until he reached Madinah.
When the Prophet saw Suhaib he was very happy and told him, �Your transaction has been fruitful.� He repeated this three times and Suhaib knew the Prophet was referring to the fact that he gave all his wealth so he would be free to live with the Muslims. Suhaib
was filled with happiness and said to the Prophet Muhammad, �By Allah,
no one has come before me to you. Only Jibril could have told you about
this!� The Prophet Muhammad received a revelation about this very thing.