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Ibn Ishaq has recorded that Makkan ladies were once gathered around Ka’abah on the occasion of a festival. Hubal’s idol was set up in the vicinity of Ka’abah along with numerous smaller idols. Pilgrims not only circumambulated Ka’abah, but also prostrated before the idols and invoked them to fulfill their needs. Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was also present on the occasion. The gathering of women, consisting of old as well young, rich as well as poor, assumed divinity in the idols and paid them respects. A Jewish man who witnessed the occasion observed the women for some time, then spoke, “Respected ladies! A Messenger of God is due to arrive amongst you. Whoever of you finds the opportunity to marry him should do so.” The chitchat of the ladies was suspended for a moment. They were astonished by what the man had just said. They wondered who this man was and what he meant. Then some of them said he was not one of the Makkans. They thought he had mocked them and insulted their deities. Some of them started yelling at him. Others picked up stones and pebbles and hurled at him. With the exception of Khadijah, every other woman participated in scorning the man. It is recorded that Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) chose not to speak in defense of the false deities and remained silent. Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) did not sympathize with the idols and the false deities even before Islam.
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