The Camel of the Holy Prophet (sa) at the Migration
It is mentioned in another narration that when the Holy Prophet (sa) migrated to Medina, every person desired for him to stay at their home and there are many narrations in this regard, but the Holy Prophet (sa) stated “Wherever my she-camel kneels I shall stay at that house”.
As the she-camel passed through the streets, everyone was pleading with the Holy Prophet (sa) to remain with them, but he replied by instructing them to clear the way for the she-camel, i.e. it will sit itself wherever God Almighty pleases. Hence, it carried on walking till it reached the area where there is now the door to Masjid Nabwi and knelt. When the she-camel sat down the Holy Prophet (sa) received a revelation. He was still mounted on the she-camel when it stood up and walked ahead slightly. The Holy Prophet (sa) had let go of the reins and the she-camel then returned to the original spot it was at previously and lowered its neck to the ground.
It was then that Hazrat Jabbar (ra) bin Sakkhar tried to raise its neck in hope that it would kneel in the quarters of Banu Salma, but it did not get up and the Holy Prophet (sa) descended saying “God willing, I shall remain here” and then recited the verse:
وَقُلْ رَّبِّ اَنْزِلْنِیْ مُنْزَلًا مُّبٰرَکًا وَّاَنْتَ خَیْرُ الْمُنْزِلِیْنَ
“ ‘And say, “My Lord, cause me to land a blessed landing, for Thou art the Best of those who bring men to land.”’” (Al-Mominun: V.30).
The Holy Prophet (sa) then asked, “Whose house is the closest?” Abu Ayub Ansari (ra) replied “This is my house, and this is the door and we have placed the saddle of your camel inside”. The Holy Prophet (sa) said “Let us go ahead and prepare the place of rest”. Hence, he went and prepared his place to rest.
(Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rashaad Fi Seerat Khair Al-Abaad, Vol. 3, pp. 272-273, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993