The people then began to put forward their suggestions regarding the view that they should have regarding Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Some people suggested (Allah forbid), “We will say that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is a soothsayer.” Waleed commented, “You are wrong. By Allah! He is not a soothsayer! I have seen and understood soothsayers very well. There is no sign of the soothsayers in Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), nor does his speech resemble the humming noises and style of speech of the soothsayers.”
Some people then suggested that they hold the view of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being mad. Waleed replied, “No, he is not mad. I am fully aware of the reality of insanity and mental illnesses. I do not perceive any sign of insanity in this man.”
People then suggested that they hold the view of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being a poet. Waleed remarked, “I myself am a poet, and I am well acquainted with the different types and styles of poetry such as Rajz, Hazj, Maqboodh, Mabsoot, etc. His speech has no relation to poetry.”
The people then forwarded the suggestion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being a sorcerer. Waleed commented, “He is not a sorcerer, nor does he blow, recite incantations or fasten knots like the sorcerers do.”
The people finally surrendered saying, “O Abu ‘Abdish Shams! Then what should we say regarding him?”
(To be continued insha Allah)
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/180)