than thou.' In reply to a further question they said that they were friends
of the Jews, whereupon Muhammad propounded to them the doctrine of Islam and
read portions of the Qur'an. It would appear that some of the Madina people whom
the Prophet now met were Jews1 for in the Sura Yunus (x), a late
Meccan one, we have:
They have charged with falsehood that which they comprehend not, and the
explanation thereof hath not yet come unto them. In like manner did those who
were before them (charge their messengers) with falsehood: but see what was the
end of the unjust. 40.
So also in the Sura Al-Ahqaf (xlvi), also a late Meccan one we read:
If this Book be from God, and ye believe it not, and a witness2 of
the children of Israel bear witness to its conformity (with the Law) and believe
thereon while ye turn away scornfully ? Verily God guideth not unjust people. 9.
It had so happened that when oppressed by the Khazrajites the Jews, looking
forward to the advent of their Messiah, had said: 'The time is nigh when a
prophet will arise: we shall follow him and with his help destroy you.' On
hearing Muhammad's claim to be a prophet, these men of Madina thought