ABDALLAH IBN SAURA:

By: Hartwig Hirschfeld

One of those whom Moslem traditionists number among Mohammed's opponents in Medina. He was the rabbi of the Banu Tha'laba ibn Fityaun, and, according to several traditions, one of the most learned of Medinian rabbis. Whenever Mohammed entered into theological discussions, Abdallah ibn Saura was put forward by his coreligionists, and is said to have caused the revelation of sura ii. 129 by summoning Mohammed to embrace Judaism. Abdallah's refusal to adopt Islam is alleged to have led to the revelation of sura iv. 50. On one occasion Mohammed inquired of him whether there was not a law in the Torah with respect to adultery. Thereupon Abdallah acknowledged Mohammed to be a prophet, but afterward withdrew his confession. Later traditions give several other details, which are, however, unreliable.

H. Hir.