THE PROPHET WAS BUSY ONE DAY addressing a group of prominent dignitaries from the Quraysh tribe, in the hope that their joining the small community of Muslims would influence a large number of Arabs to turn to Islam too. A blind man, called 'Abd Allah ibn Umm Maktum interrupted him, demanding his attention and asking to talk to the Prophet. Muhammad was perturbed, and it showed on his face. He ignored the blind man and continued his appeal to the Makkan notables.
This is the background to the surah which says:
He (Muhammad) frowned and turned away when the blind man came towards him. But how would you (Muhammad) know that he might not be reformed, or that he might not take heed and benefit from your admonition? (1-4).
The Prophet appreciated the reproach and thereafter became more deferential and accommodating towards Ibn Umm Maktum. He would call him "the man my Lord cesured me about!" It also became Muhammad's practice to leave Ibn Umm Maktum in charge of Madinah whenever he had to leave it for any reason.
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