'Abasa · Quran Study

These verses refer to an incident in Mecca, when ‘Abdullāh bin Umm Maktūm, a blind man, came to a gathering where the Prophet was talking to some people among whom some leaders of Quraysh (‘Atbah bin Rabī‘ah, Abu Jahl, ‘Abbās, Ubayy bin Khalaf, Umayyah bin Khalaf) were also present. When ‘Abdullāh bin Umm Maktúm came to that gathering, someone frowned and turned away from him.

Who frowned and turned away from the blind man? The Qur’ān does not give the name. There are two versions of this story.

1st: The Sunni sources and a few Shī‘a sources say that it was the Prophet of Islam who frowned and turned away from the blind man.

2nd: Most Shī‘a sources, following the teachings of the Imams of Ahlu ’l-Bayt (who obviously knew the Prophet better than others), say that it was one of the Umayyid leaders of Quraysh who frowned and turned away from the blind man.

The second view is based on an internal evidence from the Qur’ān that it was well below the character of Prophet Muḥammad to behave in this way: (a) Allāh addresses the Prophet: “…you surely are a person of great character.” (68:1-4) This testimony about the Prophet’s character comes in the second sūrah to be revealed; i.e., before the revelation of the verses under discussion. How can a person described so highly by Allāh allegedly behave in such a repelling manner!

(b) In the very early stage of his mission, the Prophet was clearly told how to behave in conveying his message to the people: “And warn thy nearest relatives; and be kind to him who follows you of the believers.” (26:214-215) In another verse, Allāh says, “Therefore, declare openly what you have been ordered, and turn away from the polytheists.” (15:94) It seems improbable that a Prophet praised so highly in the previous verse and told to be kind to the believers, would frown when approached by a blind person.

(c) The character of the Prophet and his criterion of preference have historically been proven by the following event: Many early converts to Islam were the oppressed and weak people of Mecca like Bilāl, ‘Ammār, Sālim Maula Abi Ḥudhayfah, Ibn Mas‘ūd, Miqdād and others. The Qurayshi leaders once told the Prophet that, “Why do you sit among these people? If you turn them away, we might accept you as our leader.” The Prophet refused. And Allāh confirmed the Prophet’s response by revealing the following verse: “And do not drive away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening desiring His favour. Nothing of their account falls upon you, and nothing of your account falls upon them. So, if you drive them away, you will become one of the unjust. In this way, We try some of them by others: those who say, ‘Are these poor people the ones upon whom Allāh has been gracious to among us?’ Does not Allāh know very well the grateful servants?” (6:52-53)

In conclusion, the act of frowning and turning away from the blind man cannot be ascribed to the Holy Prophet of Islam.

Al-Mizan

Enlightening Commentary

Ayatullah Pooya