Meanwhile Zayd’s father Haritha was ardently looking for his son… When he heard his son was in Mecca, he came to Haram al-Sharif and addressed our Master:

“O son of Abdullah… O leader of Quraish… You are the attendants of the Baytullah (House of Allah) and the gracious hosts of guests… We have heard our son is with you and this is why we are here…”

Our Master asked, “Who is your son?”

“Zayd ibn Haritha and I am Haritha”

“Is there anything else you want besides this?”

“No, I have no other wish!”

Upon this Muhammad said, “Let us call Zayd here, he is free to do what he likes and choose to stay with whomever he likes…”

When Zayd came, he was asked, “O Zayd, do you know these people?” Zayd answered, “Yes one is my father and the other is my uncle!”

Then our Master asked him, “O Zayd would you rather stay with me or go with your father…?”

Zayd took a breath then immediately responded, “I prefer nobody over you, you are closer to me than everyone!”

This answer was a big shock for his father and uncle! His own son had preferred someone else as a father! This was indeed something they were not expecting.

“Shame on you Zayd! So, you choose slavery to freedom and your family?”

“No, I choose compassion not slavery… This man shows me so much closeness and compassion that I have not even seen this in my own family!”

Zayd’s father and uncle were outraged. With fury they turned and walked away…

Our Master then went to Hijr with Zayd where all the Quraish people were sitting and upon tradition he declared that Zayd is his son…

“O people of Quraish! Bear witness that from now on Zayd is my son! He is my successor, and I am his!”