OCCASION OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 61)

      A group of the hypocrites had a sitting together, and were saying ill of the prophet. One of them said to the others: ``You better stop saying ill of this man, that it may easily reach him and he will make the people to rise and revolt against you.''

      Another of them whose name was JALLAS, said: ``It does no matter what we say. We may then go to him and deny our saying. He will admit because, he is a good ear who listens to every body, and welcomes people easily! The above verse (No. 61) was revealed to disclose the secrets of their confidential meeting.

IT IS A VIRTUE, AND NOT A WEAK POINT

      The Arabic, `OZUN' means `EAR' and here it implies by connotation that, the prophet gives ear to anyone who wants to talk to him. He is willing to listen and consider all. Therefore the detractors of the prophet said in that meeting to each other: ``Don't you worry! Mohammad is a good ear and listens to everyone, and also accepts easily. If our words reached him, we may go to him and deny, and he will accept it!''

      Revealing their secrets, the revelation implies: ``Yes! He is a good ear and listens to you all, but this is not a weak point of his. His being an ear, is good for you that you can easily speak to him and receive his advice and guidance. He is a Mercy to all mankind, and in particular to you who have the valuable opportunity of addressing him, if you could only know the importance and value of it!''

      By giving ear to you, he respects your personality and injures not your feelings. As a kind and Compassionate leader, he knows all your weak points, tricks, and cunnings, but he keeps them confidential not to disgrace you.

      Of course, the prophet was not so simple as to hear and give value, to all the rubbish and nonesenses of people. He always had his scale of reason and logic.

      In spite of his immense patience, and permanent good mood and temper, and being a good listener, people are warned that:

      ``Those who hurt or vex the Messenger of Allah in any way; a painful torment from Allah will afflict them.'' The decree of punishment was not valid only during the prophet's life time. It is well grounded after his death too, and is an ever valid decree throughout ages!