Quraysh Offers the Prophet Kingship and Wealth

Utbah ibn Rabi'ah, one of the Quraysh chiefs, approached the Prophet with a series of offers meant to dissuade him from his mission. He said: 'If you want wealth, we will collect enough for you to be the richest among us. If you want kingship, we will make you our king. If you want women, we will marry you to ten of the most beautiful women of Quraysh. If you are possessed by a spirit, we will seek a cure for you at our own expense.' The Prophet listened patiently until Utbah finished, then asked: 'Are you done, Abu al-Walid?' When he said yes, the Prophet recited the opening verses of Surah Fussilat (41:1-13), ending with: 'If they turn away, say I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt of Ad and Thamud.' Utbah was so shaken he put his hand over the Prophet's mouth and pleaded with him to stop. He returned to the Quraysh saying: 'Leave the man alone, for what he says is going to have a great impact.'