Now that the Jews of Fadak had surrendered and their arms confiscated, the Jews of Khybar felt insecure as the tribe of Murrah −− a branch of the Ghatafan −− were hostile toward them, so they sent word to the Prophet (sa) requesting his protection. MUSLIMS SENT TO PROTECT THE JEWS The Prophet (sa) dispatched twenty Muslims to protect the Jews, however, the Murrah struck quickly and all but a few Muslims were martyred defending the Jews. When news of the attack reached the Prophet (sa) he sent two hundred of his men to replace them, amongst whom was Osama, Zayd's son, both of whom the Prophet (sa) loved dearly. Soon after their arrival, the Murrah attacked again but this time after heavy combat it was they who sustained a heavy loss of life.
OSAMA, THE SON OF ZAYD
Osama was a youth of seventeen years and during the hostilities a Murrah tribesman challenged and jeered at him on account of his youthfulness. Orders had been given that the Muslims should fight near each other, however, in the heat of the moment, Osama chased the man into the desert. Osama's youthfulness soon overtook the man and he smote him with his sword whereupon the man cried out, "There is no god except Allah!" However, Osama overcome by the circumstances, did not heed the man's witnessing and killed him. Osama did not return to camp until nightfall, his failure to return caused his companions considerable anxiety whereupon Ghalib, Abdullah's son, the commander, reprimanded Osama when he eventually returned. Osama explained to Ghalib that he had pursued a man who challenged him and related what had happened. When Osama reached the point where the man had proclaimed his belief, Ghalib stopped him and asked if he had laid down his sword, but to his great dismay, Osama replied that he hadn't until after the man had breathed his last. The disturbing news spread throughout the camp and everyone rebuked him until he clasped his head in his hand in deep regret for a Revelation had been sent down sometime before that spoke of such circumstances:
"Believers, if you are journeying in the way of Allah, do not say to those who offer you peace, until it has been clarified: 'You are not believers,' seeking the enjoyment of the worldly life, with Allah there are many spoils. You were like that before, and Allah has been gracious to you. Therefore let it be clarified. Surely, Allah is Aware of what you do." Al-Quran 4:94
Situations similar to this had arisen before, however, they were over the prospects of receiving the spoils of war when an enemy, at the point of death, had proclaimed his faith, and then been reprieved on account of the Revelation.
Osama was a youth of seventeen years and during the hostilities a Murrah tribesman challenged and jeered at him on account of his youthfulness. Orders had been given that the Muslims should fight near each other, however, in the heat of the moment, Osama chased the man into the desert. Osama's youthfulness soon overtook the man and he smote him with his sword whereupon the man cried out, "There is no god except Allah!" However, Osama overcome by the circumstances, did not heed the man's witnessing and killed him. Osama did not return to camp until nightfall, his failure to return caused his companions considerable anxiety whereupon Ghalib, Abdullah's son, the commander, reprimanded Osama when he eventually returned. Osama explained to Ghalib that he had pursued a man who challenged him and related what had happened. When Osama reached the point where the man had proclaimed his belief, Ghalib stopped him and asked if he had laid down his sword, but to his great dismay, Osama replied that he hadn't until after the man had breathed his last. The disturbing news spread throughout the camp and everyone rebuked him until he clasped his head in his hand in deep regret for a Revelation had been sent down sometime before that spoke of such circumstances:
"Believers, if you are journeying in the way of Allah, do not say to those who offer you peace, until it has been clarified: 'You are not believers,' seeking the enjoyment of the worldly life, with Allah there are many spoils. You were like that before, and Allah has been gracious to you. Therefore let it be clarified. Surely, Allah is Aware of what you do." Al-Quran 4:94
Situations similar to this had arisen before, however, they were over the prospects of receiving the spoils of war when an enemy, at the point of death, had proclaimed his faith, and then been reprieved on account of the Revelation.
ALI’S WARNING
There had also been another occasion when Ali was about to slay an unbeliever and the man spat at him. As the man spat Ali became enraged but spared his life and said afterwards, "If I had killed him then it would have been through pride, and not for the Sake of Allah."
There had also been another occasion when Ali was about to slay an unbeliever and the man spat at him. As the man spat Ali became enraged but spared his life and said afterwards, "If I had killed him then it would have been through pride, and not for the Sake of Allah."
OSAMA'S RETURN TO MEDINA
Upon their return to Medina, Osama went to the Prophet (sa) who greeted him affectionately and asked him to tell him about the encounter. Osama related the events and it was only when he reached the point where he had killed the man that the Prophet (sa) interrupted him asking, "Osama, did you kill him when he said, 'There is no god except Allah?'" "O Messenger of Allah (sa)," replied Osama, "he only said it to escape
Upon their return to Medina, Osama went to the Prophet (sa) who greeted him affectionately and asked him to tell him about the encounter. Osama related the events and it was only when he reached the point where he had killed the man that the Prophet (sa) interrupted him asking, "Osama, did you kill him when he said, 'There is no god except Allah?'" "O Messenger of Allah (sa)," replied Osama, "he only said it to escape
the sword." The Prophet (sa) continued, "Did you open his heart to know if he lied or was telling the truth?" Osama felt sick inside and was extremely sorry for his actions and said: "I will never again kill anyone who says 'there is no god except Allah.'" When Osama returned to his friends they witnessed how greatly troubled he was about the whole affair especially when he told them, "I wish I had not entered Islam before this day," as he knew that when someone embraces Islam all their previous sins are wiped away and they start a new page.
THE TRIAL OF WEALTH
The months that followed were comparatively peaceful. The Muslims were looked upon in a different light and their opponents were reluctant to initiate further major hostilities against them although there were a few minor incidents. The Muslim society had never enjoyed such affluence as they currently experienced, as each of the participants in the recent encounters received their fair share of the spoils of war including the Prophet (sa) for whom Allah had decreed should also receive a share.
“And know that one fifth of whatever you take as spoils belong to Allah, the Messenger, kinsmen of the Messenger, the orphans, the needy, and the destitute traveler …” Al-Quran 8:41
The new found wealth had no effect on the Prophet (sa), rather, he either put it to one side in order to be sold in the cause of Islam, spent on the needs of his family or gave it to the needy whenever a situation arose.
The months that followed were comparatively peaceful. The Muslims were looked upon in a different light and their opponents were reluctant to initiate further major hostilities against them although there were a few minor incidents. The Muslim society had never enjoyed such affluence as they currently experienced, as each of the participants in the recent encounters received their fair share of the spoils of war including the Prophet (sa) for whom Allah had decreed should also receive a share.
“And know that one fifth of whatever you take as spoils belong to Allah, the Messenger, kinsmen of the Messenger, the orphans, the needy, and the destitute traveler …” Al-Quran 8:41
The new found wealth had no effect on the Prophet (sa), rather, he either put it to one side in order to be sold in the cause of Islam, spent on the needs of his family or gave it to the needy whenever a situation arose.
THE DEMANDING WOMEN
In the apartment of each of the Prophet's wives hung a curtain to ensure their privacy when any of his companions came to visit. One day, two migrant women from the Koraysh went to the Prophet (sa) whilst he was in one of the apartments and asked him for some clothes that had been taken as spoils of war. They knew they would not come away empty handed for the Prophet (sa) was known never to refuse a request, however, the women forgot in whose presence they were and became over−demanding, and raised their voices. Omar happened to be passing by and heard the raised voices so he knocked upon the door and asked permission to enter. When the two women heard Omar's voice they were struck with fear and rushed to hide themselves behind the curtain, whereupon the Prophet (sa) started to laugh. As Omar entered he said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), may Allah fill your life with laughter!" Amidst his laughter, the Prophet (sa) said, "It is indeed remarkable how quickly these women, who are still with me, hid behind the curtain when they heard your voice!" Omar humbly replied, "It is you they should be in awe of rather than me!" Then, Omar turned toward the curtain and said, "You are enemies of yourself, do you fear me rather than the Messenger of Allah (sa)?" In a timid voice the reply came: "Yes, it is so because you are rough and harsh whereas the Messenger of Allah (sa) is not." "This is so, son of Khattab," said the Prophet (sa), "by Him in whose hand is my soul, if satan knew you were traveling upon a certain road, he would choose an alternate route to be alone."
In the apartment of each of the Prophet's wives hung a curtain to ensure their privacy when any of his companions came to visit. One day, two migrant women from the Koraysh went to the Prophet (sa) whilst he was in one of the apartments and asked him for some clothes that had been taken as spoils of war. They knew they would not come away empty handed for the Prophet (sa) was known never to refuse a request, however, the women forgot in whose presence they were and became over−demanding, and raised their voices. Omar happened to be passing by and heard the raised voices so he knocked upon the door and asked permission to enter. When the two women heard Omar's voice they were struck with fear and rushed to hide themselves behind the curtain, whereupon the Prophet (sa) started to laugh. As Omar entered he said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), may Allah fill your life with laughter!" Amidst his laughter, the Prophet (sa) said, "It is indeed remarkable how quickly these women, who are still with me, hid behind the curtain when they heard your voice!" Omar humbly replied, "It is you they should be in awe of rather than me!" Then, Omar turned toward the curtain and said, "You are enemies of yourself, do you fear me rather than the Messenger of Allah (sa)?" In a timid voice the reply came: "Yes, it is so because you are rough and harsh whereas the Messenger of Allah (sa) is not." "This is so, son of Khattab," said the Prophet (sa), "by Him in whose hand is my soul, if satan knew you were traveling upon a certain road, he would choose an alternate route to be alone."
UMRAH − THE LESSER PILGRIMAGE
Almost a year had passed since the signing of the Treaty at Hudaybiyah so two thousand pilgrims busied themselves with their preparations to offer the lesser pilgrimage at their beloved Ka'ba. Neither Khalid nor Amr wished to be in Mecca when the news arrived that the Muslims had left Medina to offer their pilgrimage as they both held the opinion that the treaty had been a moral victory for the Prophet (sa) and signaled the beginning of the end of the Koraysh resistance. However, they had kept their opinion to themselves and had, unknown to one another, left Mecca well in advance to avoid their arrival.
Almost a year had passed since the signing of the Treaty at Hudaybiyah so two thousand pilgrims busied themselves with their preparations to offer the lesser pilgrimage at their beloved Ka'ba. Neither Khalid nor Amr wished to be in Mecca when the news arrived that the Muslims had left Medina to offer their pilgrimage as they both held the opinion that the treaty had been a moral victory for the Prophet (sa) and signaled the beginning of the end of the Koraysh resistance. However, they had kept their opinion to themselves and had, unknown to one another, left Mecca well in advance to avoid their arrival.
A TIME FOR REFLECTION
There was, however, a difference between the two. Amr remained adamant in his resistance whereas Khalid, although it was hard for him, started to examine his motives. Traditional pride, no matter whether it could be proved to be sound or baseless, had always been a matter he considered too blasphemous to question. However, he could not help but think that the encounters at Uhud and the Trench had been futile, and when the Prophet (sa) eluded him before the treaty of Hudaybiyah he was heard to exclaim, "This man is protected!" Then there was Khybar, Khalid could not help but wonder in amazement at its fall; the band of Muslims had been so small against the large, well armed Jewish army. It was time for self−examination, and soul searching.
There was, however, a difference between the two. Amr remained adamant in his resistance whereas Khalid, although it was hard for him, started to examine his motives. Traditional pride, no matter whether it could be proved to be sound or baseless, had always been a matter he considered too blasphemous to question. However, he could not help but think that the encounters at Uhud and the Trench had been futile, and when the Prophet (sa) eluded him before the treaty of Hudaybiyah he was heard to exclaim, "This man is protected!" Then there was Khybar, Khalid could not help but wonder in amazement at its fall; the band of Muslims had been so small against the large, well armed Jewish army. It was time for self−examination, and soul searching.
THE KORAYSH VACATE MECCA
The Koraysh were true to their word, when news reached Mecca that the pilgrims had reached its outer limits they vacated Mecca to stay in the surrounding hills and mountains. As for the Koraysh chieftains, they situated themselves on the Mount of Abu Kubays from whence they could view the Ka'ba and monitor the movements of the Muslims.
The Koraysh were true to their word, when news reached Mecca that the pilgrims had reached its outer limits they vacated Mecca to stay in the surrounding hills and mountains. As for the Koraysh chieftains, they situated themselves on the Mount of Abu Kubays from whence they could view the Ka'ba and monitor the movements of the Muslims.
THE PILGRIMS ENTER MECCA
The Koraysh now gazed down from the mountain as the Prophet (sa), riding his favorite camel Kaswa, led the procession of pilgrims into Mecca with Abdullah, Rawahah's son walking beside holding Kaswa's bridle. The pilgrims arrived on camels and foot dressed in white, whilst all chanted the compelling supplication Prophet Abraham had offered so many centuries before on the first pilgrimage: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk! − Here I am O Allah, obedient to You with pleasure and happiness!" At the entrance to the Holy precincts of Ka'ba, the Prophet (sa), still mounted on his camel, rearranged his pilgrimage attire, tucking it under his right arm so that his shoulder was bare, then he crossed the two ends over his left shoulder so that one piece hung down in front and the other at the back. All eyes were on the Prophet (sa) and his companions followed his example and adjusted their robes likewise. The Prophet (sa) rode to the south−east corner of the Ka'ba and reverently touched the Black Stone with his staff, then he circumambulated Ka'ba seven times, after which he made his way to the foot of the hill of Safwa and walked quickly between it and the hill of Marwah seven times, just as Lady Haggar had done so many centuries before when she searched for water for her infant son, Ishmael. The sacrificial animals had been led to the foot of Marwah and now that the rites between the two hills had been completed, the Prophet (sa) sacrificed a camel. The lesser pilgrimage was complete and the Prophet (sa) returned to the Sacred House with the intent to enter it. Before vacating Mecca, the Koraysh had locked the door to the Ka'ba −− which still housed numerous idols −− and a man from the tribe of Abd Ad−Dharr had taken its key with him. The Prophet (sa) sent one of his companions to ask for they key but the Koraysh chieftains refused saying that entry into the Sacred House had not been part of the agreement. It was a great disappointment to the pilgrims and none entered. The time for Zuhr prayer approached so the Prophet (sa) asked Bilal to climb up on top of the roof of Ka'ba and make the call to prayer. Bilal climbed up on top and his dulcet, penetrating voice called the pilgrims to prayer. Bilal's call did not go unnoticed by the Koraysh chieftains who were extremely agitated when they realized that the caller was Bilal, a former slave, and that he was calling from the roof of Ka'ba. The three days allotted for the pilgrimage were among the happiest days they had spent since the Migration to Medina, and Muslims, forcefully compelled to remain in Mecca, were reunited with their fellow Muslims as they slipped away at dusk to join in the prayers. The Prophet (sa) had pitched his tent near the Sacred House, and it was there that his uncle Abbas, who had not yet converted to Islam, went to visit him despite the frowns of the Koraysh. During these brief days, Abbas suggested to the Prophet (sa) that he might like to take his widowed, believing sister−in−law, Maymunah, to be his wife and the Prophet (sa) accepted the marriage proposal.
The Koraysh now gazed down from the mountain as the Prophet (sa), riding his favorite camel Kaswa, led the procession of pilgrims into Mecca with Abdullah, Rawahah's son walking beside holding Kaswa's bridle. The pilgrims arrived on camels and foot dressed in white, whilst all chanted the compelling supplication Prophet Abraham had offered so many centuries before on the first pilgrimage: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk! − Here I am O Allah, obedient to You with pleasure and happiness!" At the entrance to the Holy precincts of Ka'ba, the Prophet (sa), still mounted on his camel, rearranged his pilgrimage attire, tucking it under his right arm so that his shoulder was bare, then he crossed the two ends over his left shoulder so that one piece hung down in front and the other at the back. All eyes were on the Prophet (sa) and his companions followed his example and adjusted their robes likewise. The Prophet (sa) rode to the south−east corner of the Ka'ba and reverently touched the Black Stone with his staff, then he circumambulated Ka'ba seven times, after which he made his way to the foot of the hill of Safwa and walked quickly between it and the hill of Marwah seven times, just as Lady Haggar had done so many centuries before when she searched for water for her infant son, Ishmael. The sacrificial animals had been led to the foot of Marwah and now that the rites between the two hills had been completed, the Prophet (sa) sacrificed a camel. The lesser pilgrimage was complete and the Prophet (sa) returned to the Sacred House with the intent to enter it. Before vacating Mecca, the Koraysh had locked the door to the Ka'ba −− which still housed numerous idols −− and a man from the tribe of Abd Ad−Dharr had taken its key with him. The Prophet (sa) sent one of his companions to ask for they key but the Koraysh chieftains refused saying that entry into the Sacred House had not been part of the agreement. It was a great disappointment to the pilgrims and none entered. The time for Zuhr prayer approached so the Prophet (sa) asked Bilal to climb up on top of the roof of Ka'ba and make the call to prayer. Bilal climbed up on top and his dulcet, penetrating voice called the pilgrims to prayer. Bilal's call did not go unnoticed by the Koraysh chieftains who were extremely agitated when they realized that the caller was Bilal, a former slave, and that he was calling from the roof of Ka'ba. The three days allotted for the pilgrimage were among the happiest days they had spent since the Migration to Medina, and Muslims, forcefully compelled to remain in Mecca, were reunited with their fellow Muslims as they slipped away at dusk to join in the prayers. The Prophet (sa) had pitched his tent near the Sacred House, and it was there that his uncle Abbas, who had not yet converted to Islam, went to visit him despite the frowns of the Koraysh. During these brief days, Abbas suggested to the Prophet (sa) that he might like to take his widowed, believing sister−in−law, Maymunah, to be his wife and the Prophet (sa) accepted the marriage proposal.
UMARAH, DAUGHTER OF HAMZA
Ali and Lady Fatima had accompanied the Prophet (sa) on the pilgrimage. When Abbas told the Prophet (sa) that Umarah the daughter of Hamza's widowed wife Salma, was living with them on account of his wife's kinship to her, Ali suggested that when they returned to Medina, Umarah should return with them in Lady Fatima's howdah. The arrangement was accepted and so when the time came the ladies traveled to Medina together. Salma shared the same mother as Umm Fadl and Lady Maymunah, as did her full blood sister, Asma. However, Umm al Fadl and Lady Maymunah had another half sister on her father's side who was also called Asma and happened to be the widow of the Makhzumite chieftain Waleed through which union Khalid had been born, and so it was through these bonds of kinship that Khalid was related to the Prophet (sa).
Ali and Lady Fatima had accompanied the Prophet (sa) on the pilgrimage. When Abbas told the Prophet (sa) that Umarah the daughter of Hamza's widowed wife Salma, was living with them on account of his wife's kinship to her, Ali suggested that when they returned to Medina, Umarah should return with them in Lady Fatima's howdah. The arrangement was accepted and so when the time came the ladies traveled to Medina together. Salma shared the same mother as Umm Fadl and Lady Maymunah, as did her full blood sister, Asma. However, Umm al Fadl and Lady Maymunah had another half sister on her father's side who was also called Asma and happened to be the widow of the Makhzumite chieftain Waleed through which union Khalid had been born, and so it was through these bonds of kinship that Khalid was related to the Prophet (sa).
THE TIME TO LEAVE
As the three days drew to a close, the Prophet (sa) was found sitting with Sa’ad, Ubadah's son and several other Ansars when Huwytib and Suhail came down from Abu Kubays and approached him saying abruptly, "Your time has reached its end, so go!" The Prophet (sa) requested a little more time saying, "Would it harm you to give me a little more time so that I may prepare a feast and celebrate my marriage amongst you?" The reply was sharp, "We do not need your feast − leave us! We ask you by Allah, and by the treaty we have with you to leave our City, the third night has now passed!" Sa’ad took offense at their abruptness, but the justice of the Prophet (sa) prevailed and he stopped him saying, "Sa’ad, do not speak harshly to those who come to visit us in our camp." Then he gave instructions that no pilgrim should remain in Mecca after dusk. However, he made one exception, which was that Abu Rafi should remain behind to bring Lady Maymunah to him as soon as she was ready to travel. By dusk, the pilgrims had left their beloved Ka'ba and when Lady Maymunah joined the Prophet (sa) at Sarif their marriage was consummated.
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