Muhammad knew the path before him would be hard, but its direction was clear. Muhammad continued to share the words of the Koran, and over time more and more people joined the Prophet. People accepted Islam because Muhammad taught God's words that said that all men and women, black and white, rich and poor, must be treated with dignity and respect. Some of the nobles balked at the idea of treating the weak and unprotected with justice. They challenged Muhammad to produce miracles if he was a real prophet. "I am only a human being like yourselves," he said. "My miracle is the Koran." Umar, a fierce and feared tribal leader, charged through the streets of Mecca with his sword drawn, looking for Muhammad. People retreated in alarm, but one man approached Umar, telling him to go to his sister's house before trying to kill Muhammad. As soon as he entered his sister's house, Umar heard verses from the Koran being recited. As he listened, his heart softened and the fearless warrior began to cry. He found Muhammad and accepted Islam. The Quraysh leaders continued their efforts to crush Islam by threats, stonings, beatings, and all forms of persecution. They even plotted against Muhammad's life. In the year 622 Muhammad received a message from God to leave Mecca and journey to Yathrib, which was renamed Medina, where Islam would be welcomed. Muhammad and his followers began their great flight, or Hijra, at night, leaving Mecca on camels, on horses, and by foot. The Quraysh learned of the Hijra and set soldiers upon Muhammad with swords. Protected by God from being seen and heard, Muhammad managed to escape unharmed. Later that night Muhammad and his friend Abu Bakr hid in a cave. God caused a spider's web to be spun over the entrance to the cave and a dove to make a nest near the cave opening. When they saw the unbroken spider's web and the dove on her nest, the Quraysh soldiers turned away from the cave. Though they searched far and wide, the soldiers could not find Muhammad and Abu Bakr and thus they were saved. (Continues...) Excerpted from Muhammad by Demi Copyright © 2003 by Demi Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
