What is the story of Bahira the monk and his saying to the elders of Quraysh: "Indeed, when you approached from the Aqaba, there remained no tree or stone that did not prostrate, and they do not prostrate save to a prophet," and did the monk see the stone and the tree prostrating to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and how did he know that they prostrated to him?

The story of the monk Bahira is well-known and has been transmitted by biographers. Its summary is that when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, reached twelve years of age, Abu Talib traveled with him to Syria for trade. They passed by Bahira the monk, who recognized the Prophet by the signs of prophethood from their books and the Seal of Prophethood. Indeed, no stone or tree remained but fell prostrate upon their arrival. So, he warned Abu Talib against taking him to Syria, fearing for him from the Romans and the Jews. This story has been authenticated by some scholars and weakened by others; Al-Albani authenticated it. As for how the trees and stones prostrated, it was either by their inclining, moving, or another manner unknown to us. Some interpret it as falling down in humility.