The Prophet (sa) had been given several people who tended to the needs of his household. One might not have realized that those who served were not freemen as they were treated no differently than anyone else in his family and shared the same food. The Prophet (sa) was always mindful of other peoples' feelings and on this account he never referred to them with the degrading word "slave" rather, he respectfully called them his "youths". Some of his youths had already embraced Islam and been freed, however, such was their love of the Prophet (sa) and his family that not even their freedom would tear them away from serving him so they chose to remain in his household. It was now several months into the third year and Lady Fatima and Ali, like so many others struggled hard to make a living. Every day Ali, would go to the well, draw water then sell it in the market, whilst Lady Fatima, who was to give birth later that year, would grind grain for the community. There had been a time when her gentle hands had been soft, but now the arduous work of grinding had caused her hands to become callused and rough, and all too often her skin would crack and bleed. Neither Lady Fatima nor Ali were of a complaining nature, rather, they were grateful to Allah for His blessings, however, one day Ali returned home with severe pains in his chest. He had strained himself drawing and carrying water from the well so he asked Lady Fatima to go to her father and ask him to release one of his youths to him. Lady Fatima was hesitant to make such a request, but eventually she went to her father's house. When she met him they greeted one another and during the time they spent together he asked if there was anything special she wanted to say to him. Lady Fatima was overcome by embarrassment and told her father that she had come to give him the greetings and returned home without making the request. Upon her return, Ali inquired what had happened, so she told him that she had been too shy to ask so they returned together to speak with the Prophet (sa). News of Islam had started to spread throughout Arabia and people started to migrate to Medina and so almost every day a new face or two would arrive. Most of the migrants arrived hungry with only the clothes they wore on their back and so they were lodged in a building attached to the Mosque. There was little enough food to go around as it was. Many were the times that the Prophet (sa) and his family went hungry and would encourage his companions to share whatever they had with each other saying that one portion of food would suffice two people, and that two portions would suffice four and so on. When Ali asked the Prophet (sa) for the services of a youth, the Prophet (sa) told him he was unable to do so as it was his intention to raise money through their sale in order to feed the hungry new Muslims. Lady Fatima an Ali understood that the need of the new Muslims was greater than theirs and so they returned home.
SPIRITUAL HELP
Later that night after Lady Fatima and Ali had retired, the Prophet (sa) went to visit them. When he reached their house he knocked at the door and out of politeness asked permission to enter. After exchanging the greetings, the Prophet (sa) said, "Shall I tell you something better than that which you asked of me?" Gabriel has taught me to say ten times after each prayer, 'Exalted is Allah, and then 'Praise be to Allah' followed by 'Allah is Great'; when you go to bed repeat each exaltation thirty−three times." In the years that followed Ali was heard to say that from that day onwards he never failed to exalt Allah after each prayer and at night.
Later that night after Lady Fatima and Ali had retired, the Prophet (sa) went to visit them. When he reached their house he knocked at the door and out of politeness asked permission to enter. After exchanging the greetings, the Prophet (sa) said, "Shall I tell you something better than that which you asked of me?" Gabriel has taught me to say ten times after each prayer, 'Exalted is Allah, and then 'Praise be to Allah' followed by 'Allah is Great'; when you go to bed repeat each exaltation thirty−three times." In the years that followed Ali was heard to say that from that day onwards he never failed to exalt Allah after each prayer and at night.
A HOUSE NEARER TO THE PROPHET (sa)
Although Lady Fatima's house was not too distant from the Mosque, the Prophet (sa) wished that his beloved daughter lived nearer to him. When Haritha, a distant relative of the Prophet (sa) learned of his wish he went to him and offered his own home which was much nearer to the Mosque. The Prophet accepted Haritha's generosity and supplicated for blessings upon him. Not long after, Lady Fatima and Ali moved to their new home and awaited the birth of their first child.
Although Lady Fatima's house was not too distant from the Mosque, the Prophet (sa) wished that his beloved daughter lived nearer to him. When Haritha, a distant relative of the Prophet (sa) learned of his wish he went to him and offered his own home which was much nearer to the Mosque. The Prophet accepted Haritha's generosity and supplicated for blessings upon him. Not long after, Lady Fatima and Ali moved to their new home and awaited the birth of their first child.
THE CARAVAN TO IRAQ
The Muslims had succeeded to ally themselves with several tribes on the trade routes that lay to the north of Medina. As a result the Koraysh caravans were now forced to journey northwards through the practically waterless and desolate desert known as the Najd, and so, it was for this reason the Koraysh caravans had all but ceased to travel northwards during the hot summer months. As the cooler months of early autumn approached the Koraysh made plans for a northward bound caravan to Iraq. They were anxious on account of their delayed trading to sell their silver ornaments, ingots and utensils so it was decided that Safwan should lead the richly laden caravan through the Najd onto Iraq to trade their wares. One day, an Ansar happened to overhear some Jews mentioning Safwan's caravan and went straight to the Prophet (sa) to report the matter. When the Prophet (sa) heard the news he appointed Zayd, with a hundred horsemen under his command, to ride onto the water hole of Karadah and lay in wait for the caravan. At Karadah, Zayd put Safwan and his men to flight and returned in triumph to Medina with not only the silver merchandise but camels and several captives.
The Muslims had succeeded to ally themselves with several tribes on the trade routes that lay to the north of Medina. As a result the Koraysh caravans were now forced to journey northwards through the practically waterless and desolate desert known as the Najd, and so, it was for this reason the Koraysh caravans had all but ceased to travel northwards during the hot summer months. As the cooler months of early autumn approached the Koraysh made plans for a northward bound caravan to Iraq. They were anxious on account of their delayed trading to sell their silver ornaments, ingots and utensils so it was decided that Safwan should lead the richly laden caravan through the Najd onto Iraq to trade their wares. One day, an Ansar happened to overhear some Jews mentioning Safwan's caravan and went straight to the Prophet (sa) to report the matter. When the Prophet (sa) heard the news he appointed Zayd, with a hundred horsemen under his command, to ride onto the water hole of Karadah and lay in wait for the caravan. At Karadah, Zayd put Safwan and his men to flight and returned in triumph to Medina with not only the silver merchandise but camels and several captives.
PRELUDE TO THE ENCOUNTER AT UHUD
During the Encounter at Badr the previous year each Koraysh tribe had suffered loss of life, and so it was not surprising that revenge was always upon their mind. Amongst the Koraysh were two poets were held in high regard their names were Amr Jumahi and Musafi. Amr had been taken prisoner at Badr but his family were poor and therefore unable to pay a ransom for his freedom. When the matter was brought to the Prophet's attention, he, out of mercy and compassion, released him without a second thought. However, Amr soon forgot the Prophet's generosity and when Safwan offered to pay him to compose provocative verses extolling the merits of the Koraysh and their attempts to route the Prophet (sa) he had no qualms and accepted. Safwan had no doubt that Amr's poem would be a great asset in his effort to persuade new tribes to ally themselves to them and strengthen existing ties when the poem was recited to them. Safwan's assumption was right, his investment proved to be money well spent and through it he was able to secure his aim as tribes sat mesmerized, inflamed by it words. The poem was so potent that when the Koraysh womenfolk heard it their emotions ran wild as they took blood curdling oaths swearing to revenge themselves and welcomed the day when the Koraysh would rise up against the Prophet (sa). The foremost amongst the women were Hind, wife of Abu Sufyan and daughter of Utba who had been killed by Hamza at Badr together with two other close relatives; Umm Hakim, wife of Ikrima the son of Abu Jahl; Fatima, Walid's daughter; Barza, daughter of Masood Takafi, chief of Ta'if; Rita the wife of Amr, Al As' son, and Khunas the mother of Mus'ab, Umair's son.
During the Encounter at Badr the previous year each Koraysh tribe had suffered loss of life, and so it was not surprising that revenge was always upon their mind. Amongst the Koraysh were two poets were held in high regard their names were Amr Jumahi and Musafi. Amr had been taken prisoner at Badr but his family were poor and therefore unable to pay a ransom for his freedom. When the matter was brought to the Prophet's attention, he, out of mercy and compassion, released him without a second thought. However, Amr soon forgot the Prophet's generosity and when Safwan offered to pay him to compose provocative verses extolling the merits of the Koraysh and their attempts to route the Prophet (sa) he had no qualms and accepted. Safwan had no doubt that Amr's poem would be a great asset in his effort to persuade new tribes to ally themselves to them and strengthen existing ties when the poem was recited to them. Safwan's assumption was right, his investment proved to be money well spent and through it he was able to secure his aim as tribes sat mesmerized, inflamed by it words. The poem was so potent that when the Koraysh womenfolk heard it their emotions ran wild as they took blood curdling oaths swearing to revenge themselves and welcomed the day when the Koraysh would rise up against the Prophet (sa). The foremost amongst the women were Hind, wife of Abu Sufyan and daughter of Utba who had been killed by Hamza at Badr together with two other close relatives; Umm Hakim, wife of Ikrima the son of Abu Jahl; Fatima, Walid's daughter; Barza, daughter of Masood Takafi, chief of Ta'if; Rita the wife of Amr, Al As' son, and Khunas the mother of Mus'ab, Umair's son.
WAHSHI, THE ABYSINNIAN
Tuayma, the uncle of Jubair, had also been killed at Badr by Hamza, so Hind, wishing to avenge her father's death approached Tuayma's Abyssinian slave Wahshi −− who was an expert spear thrower and seldom known to miss his target −− and promised to buy him his freedom if he killed Hamza during the next encounter.
Tuayma, the uncle of Jubair, had also been killed at Badr by Hamza, so Hind, wishing to avenge her father's death approached Tuayma's Abyssinian slave Wahshi −− who was an expert spear thrower and seldom known to miss his target −− and promised to buy him his freedom if he killed Hamza during the next encounter.
THE KORAYSH ARMY GROWS
When news of the loss of Safwan's caravan reached Mecca, the Koraysh were more determined than ever to take their revenge and so preparations of greater intensity were now set in motion. A hundred men from the Thakif and men from the tribe of Kinanah rallied to the side of the Koraysh and so it was that the Koraysh army started to expand.
When news of the loss of Safwan's caravan reached Mecca, the Koraysh were more determined than ever to take their revenge and so preparations of greater intensity were now set in motion. A hundred men from the Thakif and men from the tribe of Kinanah rallied to the side of the Koraysh and so it was that the Koraysh army started to expand.
THE BIRTHS OF AL HASAN & AL HUSSAIN
The cooler months of winter in which Ramadan fell that year had arrived and on 15th of Ramadan, Lady Fatima, lovingly known as "The Radiant Blossom" gave birth to a son. Word was taken immediately to the Prophet (sa) of his grandson's safe arrival whereupon he exalted Allah and made haste to visit his daughter and named his grandson Al Hasan. As Prophet Muhammad (sa) held the tiny babe in his arms for the first time he gently whispered the words of the call to prayer into his ears and thanked Allah for his safe delivery. Just fifty−five days after his birth Lady Fatima conceived again and in the months to come bore another son whose name was Al Hussain.
The cooler months of winter in which Ramadan fell that year had arrived and on 15th of Ramadan, Lady Fatima, lovingly known as "The Radiant Blossom" gave birth to a son. Word was taken immediately to the Prophet (sa) of his grandson's safe arrival whereupon he exalted Allah and made haste to visit his daughter and named his grandson Al Hasan. As Prophet Muhammad (sa) held the tiny babe in his arms for the first time he gently whispered the words of the call to prayer into his ears and thanked Allah for his safe delivery. Just fifty−five days after his birth Lady Fatima conceived again and in the months to come bore another son whose name was Al Hussain.
THE LETTER
A day or two after the birth of Al Hasan, a disturbing, urgent letter was delivered to the Prophet (sa). The letter was from Abbas, the Prophet's uncle, who, although he had not as yet converted to Islam and remained in Mecca held the best interests of his nephew at heart. Abbas had observed the escalation and build−up of Abu Sufyan's army, together with its increased weaponry and noted that the new allies of the Koraysh were prepared to rise up with Abu Sufyan against the Prophet (sa). As soon as he learned that the army was about to march, he sent a rider post haste to Medina with the news. Such was the speed of the rider that he made the regular journey of eleven days in just three, thereby buying the Prophet (sa) valuable time in which to prepare. The letter also informed the Prophet (sa) of the size of the army which had now reached three thousand strong; each soldier had a camel, seven hundred men had coats of mail, and then there was a cavalry of two hundred horsemen with a spare set of horses. The letter also spoke of their womenfolk's intent to ride out with their men to encourage them and their new allies from the tribes of Thakif and Kinanah.
A day or two after the birth of Al Hasan, a disturbing, urgent letter was delivered to the Prophet (sa). The letter was from Abbas, the Prophet's uncle, who, although he had not as yet converted to Islam and remained in Mecca held the best interests of his nephew at heart. Abbas had observed the escalation and build−up of Abu Sufyan's army, together with its increased weaponry and noted that the new allies of the Koraysh were prepared to rise up with Abu Sufyan against the Prophet (sa). As soon as he learned that the army was about to march, he sent a rider post haste to Medina with the news. Such was the speed of the rider that he made the regular journey of eleven days in just three, thereby buying the Prophet (sa) valuable time in which to prepare. The letter also informed the Prophet (sa) of the size of the army which had now reached three thousand strong; each soldier had a camel, seven hundred men had coats of mail, and then there was a cavalry of two hundred horsemen with a spare set of horses. The letter also spoke of their womenfolk's intent to ride out with their men to encourage them and their new allies from the tribes of Thakif and Kinanah.
PREPARATIONS
On account of the arrival of the new Muslim migrants to Medina, the army of the Prophet (sa) was now in the region of a thousand men, and with Abbas' advanced warning they had a week in which to prepare themselves and were able to round up their livestock from the outlying areas of Medina and bring them into the City. However, there was nothing they could do to safeguard their crops which they feared would provide fodder for the mounts of their enemy. Guards were positioned around Medina; when it came to guarding the Prophet (sa), Sa’ad, Muadh's son and Sa’ad, Ubadah's son together with Usayd and another insisted on standing guard. In the meantime, the Koraysh marched out of Mecca towards the coast, then turned inland and marched within five miles of Medina where they halted. Having taken a short rest they marched on again in a north−easterly direct and struck camp in a valley that lay below the Mount of Uhud where their mounts could graze. Meanwhile, the Prophet (sa) sent scouts out to monitor the movements of the enemy who reported back that the account Abbas had sent was indeed accurate. However, the scouts told him that they were of the opinion that from their observations the enemy did not appear to be preparing themselves for an immediate strike; there was still some time left. Shortly after this the Prophet (sa) had a vision in which he saw himself mounted on a ram wearing an impregnable coat−of−mail, carrying a sword with a dent in it. He also saw some animals, which he knew to be his, sacrificed before his eyes. The following morning he mentioned his vision to his companions and explained that the impregnable coat−of−mail represented Medina, and that the dent in his sword represented a wound against his person, and that the sacrificed animals were some of his companions. Then he made mention of the ram on which he rode and told them, that if Allah willed, it was a Koraysh chieftain whom they would kill.
On account of the arrival of the new Muslim migrants to Medina, the army of the Prophet (sa) was now in the region of a thousand men, and with Abbas' advanced warning they had a week in which to prepare themselves and were able to round up their livestock from the outlying areas of Medina and bring them into the City. However, there was nothing they could do to safeguard their crops which they feared would provide fodder for the mounts of their enemy. Guards were positioned around Medina; when it came to guarding the Prophet (sa), Sa’ad, Muadh's son and Sa’ad, Ubadah's son together with Usayd and another insisted on standing guard. In the meantime, the Koraysh marched out of Mecca towards the coast, then turned inland and marched within five miles of Medina where they halted. Having taken a short rest they marched on again in a north−easterly direct and struck camp in a valley that lay below the Mount of Uhud where their mounts could graze. Meanwhile, the Prophet (sa) sent scouts out to monitor the movements of the enemy who reported back that the account Abbas had sent was indeed accurate. However, the scouts told him that they were of the opinion that from their observations the enemy did not appear to be preparing themselves for an immediate strike; there was still some time left. Shortly after this the Prophet (sa) had a vision in which he saw himself mounted on a ram wearing an impregnable coat−of−mail, carrying a sword with a dent in it. He also saw some animals, which he knew to be his, sacrificed before his eyes. The following morning he mentioned his vision to his companions and explained that the impregnable coat−of−mail represented Medina, and that the dent in his sword represented a wound against his person, and that the sacrificed animals were some of his companions. Then he made mention of the ram on which he rode and told them, that if Allah willed, it was a Koraysh chieftain whom they would kill.
A MATTER OF OPINION
The Prophet (sa) was of the opinion that they should stay in Medina and fight there, however, there were among his companions those more familiar with the strategies of warfare so he called for a meeting. Abdullah, Ubayy's son was the first to speak, he, like some of his elder companions was of the opinion that the engagement should be in Medina and protect their women and children in its fortresses. However, a young Muslim stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), lead us out against the enemy. Do not let them think we are afraid of them or that we are weak." These few words were enough to rouse the hearts of the majority, and Abdullah felt spurned at the rejection of his opinion. In the meantime, Hamza and Sa’ad reminded the congregation of the blessings they received at Badr, when, like now, they had been greatly out numbered. Amongst those gathered was an elderly Ansar by the name of Khaythamah whose son Sa’ad had been martyred at Badr. Khaythamah stood up and told all those present of a vision he had seen the previous night saying, "Last night, I saw my son, he looked so radiant. I saw that from the fruits and rivers of the Garden he is given everything he might desire. Then he invited me saying, 'Come to us, be our companion in Paradise. All that my Lord has promised I have found to be true!' I am old and anxious to meet my Lord, so supplicate O Messenger of Allah (sa), that He will grant me martyrdom and the company of Sa’ad in Paradise." The Prophet (sa) was touched by Khaythamah’s devotion and supplicated for him. No sooner had Prophet Muhammad (sa) finished supplicating for Khaythamah than Malik, Sinan's son, from the tribe of Khazraj stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa) there are two good things before us, Allah will either grant us victory over them −− and that is what we desire −− or else He will grant us martyrdom!" The gathering was motivated in such a way that the plan to march out of Medina to engage their enemy was adopted.
The Prophet (sa) was of the opinion that they should stay in Medina and fight there, however, there were among his companions those more familiar with the strategies of warfare so he called for a meeting. Abdullah, Ubayy's son was the first to speak, he, like some of his elder companions was of the opinion that the engagement should be in Medina and protect their women and children in its fortresses. However, a young Muslim stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), lead us out against the enemy. Do not let them think we are afraid of them or that we are weak." These few words were enough to rouse the hearts of the majority, and Abdullah felt spurned at the rejection of his opinion. In the meantime, Hamza and Sa’ad reminded the congregation of the blessings they received at Badr, when, like now, they had been greatly out numbered. Amongst those gathered was an elderly Ansar by the name of Khaythamah whose son Sa’ad had been martyred at Badr. Khaythamah stood up and told all those present of a vision he had seen the previous night saying, "Last night, I saw my son, he looked so radiant. I saw that from the fruits and rivers of the Garden he is given everything he might desire. Then he invited me saying, 'Come to us, be our companion in Paradise. All that my Lord has promised I have found to be true!' I am old and anxious to meet my Lord, so supplicate O Messenger of Allah (sa), that He will grant me martyrdom and the company of Sa’ad in Paradise." The Prophet (sa) was touched by Khaythamah’s devotion and supplicated for him. No sooner had Prophet Muhammad (sa) finished supplicating for Khaythamah than Malik, Sinan's son, from the tribe of Khazraj stood up and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa) there are two good things before us, Allah will either grant us victory over them −− and that is what we desire −− or else He will grant us martyrdom!" The gathering was motivated in such a way that the plan to march out of Medina to engage their enemy was adopted.
THE FRIDAY PRAYER BEFORE THE ENCOUNTER OF UHUD
It was Friday 15th of Shawwal so the Prophet (sa) went to the Mosque to conduct the Jumah prayer. During the sermon he spoke of the merits and conduct of Holy War and told them that they would be victorious as long as they obeyed his instructions. After the service was over the congregation dispersed to make ready their final preparations for war, however two remained behind in the Mosque as they wished to speak with the Prophet (sa) alone. One of the men was Abdullah, Amr's son who had been among those that pledged their allegiance at Aqabah on the second occasion.
It was Friday 15th of Shawwal so the Prophet (sa) went to the Mosque to conduct the Jumah prayer. During the sermon he spoke of the merits and conduct of Holy War and told them that they would be victorious as long as they obeyed his instructions. After the service was over the congregation dispersed to make ready their final preparations for war, however two remained behind in the Mosque as they wished to speak with the Prophet (sa) alone. One of the men was Abdullah, Amr's son who had been among those that pledged their allegiance at Aqabah on the second occasion.
THE VISION OF ABDULLAH
Abdullah had seen a vision and thought he understood its meaning, however, he knew the Prophet (sa) was more knowledgeable and wanted the Prophet (sa) to interpret it for him. Abdullah told the Prophet (sa) that in his vision he had seen an Ansar by the name of Mubashir who told him that in a few days he would come to them. Abdullah had asked Mubashir in the vision where he was, to which he replied, 'In Paradise,' and then informed him that in Paradise they were able to do whatsoever pleased them. Abdullah told the Prophet (sa) that at the conclusion of his vision he had inquired of Mubashir whether he had been among those martyred at Badr, Mubashir replied that he had and that he had been resurrected. The Prophet (sa) confirmed Abdullah's understanding and said, "This is your martyrdom." Abdullah was happy with the news and returned home to make ready for the hostilities. As Abdullah entered his house he found his son preparing his weapons and armor for the morrow. Abdullah, whose wife had recently passed away, had just one son called Jabir, and seven very young daughters, so he spoke gently to his son saying, "It is not right that we should leave them (his sisters) without a man, they are young and I fear for them. I will go alone with the Prophet (sa) tomorrow and if Allah chooses that I should be martyred I entrust them to your care." Disappointed, but obedient to his father's wishes, when the time came to march Jabir remained behind to look after his sisters.
Abdullah had seen a vision and thought he understood its meaning, however, he knew the Prophet (sa) was more knowledgeable and wanted the Prophet (sa) to interpret it for him. Abdullah told the Prophet (sa) that in his vision he had seen an Ansar by the name of Mubashir who told him that in a few days he would come to them. Abdullah had asked Mubashir in the vision where he was, to which he replied, 'In Paradise,' and then informed him that in Paradise they were able to do whatsoever pleased them. Abdullah told the Prophet (sa) that at the conclusion of his vision he had inquired of Mubashir whether he had been among those martyred at Badr, Mubashir replied that he had and that he had been resurrected. The Prophet (sa) confirmed Abdullah's understanding and said, "This is your martyrdom." Abdullah was happy with the news and returned home to make ready for the hostilities. As Abdullah entered his house he found his son preparing his weapons and armor for the morrow. Abdullah, whose wife had recently passed away, had just one son called Jabir, and seven very young daughters, so he spoke gently to his son saying, "It is not right that we should leave them (his sisters) without a man, they are young and I fear for them. I will go alone with the Prophet (sa) tomorrow and if Allah chooses that I should be martyred I entrust them to your care." Disappointed, but obedient to his father's wishes, when the time came to march Jabir remained behind to look after his sisters.
THE MARRIAGE OF HANZALAH
Weeks before, Hanzalah, Abu Amir's son who was betrothed to his cousin Jamilah, Ubayy's daughter, had set that very same Friday as his wedding day. He wanted to take part in the hostilities but was unsure whether he should postpone his marriage and upon this account he now waited behind in the Mosque to seek the advice of the Prophet (sa). The Prophet (sa) was understanding and told Hanzalah that he should go ahead with the marriage as arranged, spend the night in Medina and then catch them up the following morning. The Prophet (sa) was always concerned for the welfare and protection of his community, so he issued instructions that the ladies together with their children be housed in the safety of the fortresses under the protection of Yaman and Thabit who were instructed to provide for their needs and protect them.
Weeks before, Hanzalah, Abu Amir's son who was betrothed to his cousin Jamilah, Ubayy's daughter, had set that very same Friday as his wedding day. He wanted to take part in the hostilities but was unsure whether he should postpone his marriage and upon this account he now waited behind in the Mosque to seek the advice of the Prophet (sa). The Prophet (sa) was understanding and told Hanzalah that he should go ahead with the marriage as arranged, spend the night in Medina and then catch them up the following morning. The Prophet (sa) was always concerned for the welfare and protection of his community, so he issued instructions that the ladies together with their children be housed in the safety of the fortresses under the protection of Yaman and Thabit who were instructed to provide for their needs and protect them.
THE WARNING OF THE PROPHET (sa)
Time for the afternoon prayer arrived and all assembled to offer their prayer. After its conclusion, Omar and Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet (sa) to his home and helped him dress in readiness for the march. Soon after the small Muslim army began to assemble outside the Prophet's house in preparation for the march. When Sa’ad, Mu’adh’s son arrived he spoke harshly to them saying, "You have forced the Messenger of Allah (sa) to go out against his will. Perhaps a command will be sent down and the matter revised!" Shortly after this the Prophet (sa) came out from his house wearing his armor. Around his helmet he had wound a piece of white cloth to form a turban, and under his breast−plate he wore a coat of mail. His shield had been fastened onto his back and around his waist he wore a leather belt from which his sword hung. The words of Sa’ad hung heavily upon the hearts of the Muslims and they wished they had held their tongues over the issue whether or not to engage the enemy outside Medina and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), it is not for us to oppose you in anything, do whatever you feel is the most fitting." However, the Prophet (sa) reminded them, "Once a Prophet has put on his armor, it is not for him to take it off until Allah has judged between him and his enemies. Therefore, do as I say and go forward in the Name of Allah − victory will be yours if you are steadfast." Then he called for three lances and attached to each a banner giving one to Mus'ab, who represented the Muhajir, another to Usayd from the tribe of Aws and the other to Hubab from the tribe of Khazraj. The Prophet's horse, Sakb, was brought for him to mount, but before mounting he appointed Abdullah, Umm Maktum's son to lead the prayers in his absence. Abdullah was blind and consequently unable to take part in the conflict although his heart was with them. After he settled himself on Sakb, the Prophet (sa) asked for his bow and hung it over his shoulder and then his spear was handed to him. Only the Prophet (sa) was mounted and Sa’ad the son of Mu'adh and Sa’ad Ubaydah's son marched in front of the Prophet (sa) and his ill equipped army followed behind with just one hundred men having armor sufficient to protect their person; the remainder had nothing to protect themselves.
Time for the afternoon prayer arrived and all assembled to offer their prayer. After its conclusion, Omar and Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet (sa) to his home and helped him dress in readiness for the march. Soon after the small Muslim army began to assemble outside the Prophet's house in preparation for the march. When Sa’ad, Mu’adh’s son arrived he spoke harshly to them saying, "You have forced the Messenger of Allah (sa) to go out against his will. Perhaps a command will be sent down and the matter revised!" Shortly after this the Prophet (sa) came out from his house wearing his armor. Around his helmet he had wound a piece of white cloth to form a turban, and under his breast−plate he wore a coat of mail. His shield had been fastened onto his back and around his waist he wore a leather belt from which his sword hung. The words of Sa’ad hung heavily upon the hearts of the Muslims and they wished they had held their tongues over the issue whether or not to engage the enemy outside Medina and said, "O Messenger of Allah (sa), it is not for us to oppose you in anything, do whatever you feel is the most fitting." However, the Prophet (sa) reminded them, "Once a Prophet has put on his armor, it is not for him to take it off until Allah has judged between him and his enemies. Therefore, do as I say and go forward in the Name of Allah − victory will be yours if you are steadfast." Then he called for three lances and attached to each a banner giving one to Mus'ab, who represented the Muhajir, another to Usayd from the tribe of Aws and the other to Hubab from the tribe of Khazraj. The Prophet's horse, Sakb, was brought for him to mount, but before mounting he appointed Abdullah, Umm Maktum's son to lead the prayers in his absence. Abdullah was blind and consequently unable to take part in the conflict although his heart was with them. After he settled himself on Sakb, the Prophet (sa) asked for his bow and hung it over his shoulder and then his spear was handed to him. Only the Prophet (sa) was mounted and Sa’ad the son of Mu'adh and Sa’ad Ubaydah's son marched in front of the Prophet (sa) and his ill equipped army followed behind with just one hundred men having armor sufficient to protect their person; the remainder had nothing to protect themselves.
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