17

Let him, then, call upon [the henchmen of] his council, the members of his council (nādin) - a place of assembly where people gather to talk. He [Abū Jahl] had said to the Prophet "sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" in reproof, having forbidden him from prayer, 'You are well aware that there is none in this [town] who has [recourse to] as large a council [of men] as I do. Verily, I shall fill this [entire] valley with mature steeds and young men [in battle] against you if you so wish!'