Friday 31 August 2012

The Unsettled Arabs

Message of Peace - Justice P K Shamsuddin 

 News came to Mohammad that the tribes of Banu Mustaliq were mobilizing for war and instigating the Arab chance to kill Mohammed under the leadership of Al Haris Ibin Abu Dirar. Thereupon Mohammed hastened to strike and take them by surprise. Two divisions of Al Mohajerun and Al Ansar, led by Abu Bakr and Sad Ibn Iubadah, responded to Mohammed’s call. The allies of Banu Al Mustaliq ran away on hearing the advance of the Muslim army. Banu Ali Mustaliq was encircled by the Muslim army. In the encounter that followed, the Muslims lost Isam Ibin Al Khattah, who was killed accidentally by a Muslim. Banu Al Mustaliq lost ten men. Ultimately, Al Mustaliq realized that it would be better for them to surrender to the Muslim army. They were seized captives and their cattle confiscated.
Umar Ibn Al Katab had a servant charged with the care of horses. After the campaign of Banu Al Mustaliq, this servant clashed with one of the Al Khazreb’s tribesmen. During the quarrel the Khazreb men called Al Ansar for help. The other called for help from Al Muhajiroon. Abdulla Ibn Ubayy, who had accompanied the Muslim army on the expectation of booty of war, rose when he heard the call and venting his old hatred for Mohajiron and Mohammed attached to Ansar. Mohammed said to Ansar, “Indeed Al Mohajiron have not only crowded at here that even on our homes. The case of our hospitality to them has been nothing short of the common case. Bilal said, “Surely when we return to Medina the stronger party shall host the evacuation of the other. Such is the fate that you have decreed with your own hands. You have allowed the Muslims to occupy your land. You have willingly shared your luck with them. By God if you could only deny these privileges they would have to leave you alone and seek somebody else’s help.” This speech was soon reported to Mohammed. Umar suggested that Bilal be sent to trial. Mohammed but declined this suggestion of Umar and said “Oh Umar, what would the city think if they heard that Mohammed has begun to kill his own companion.”  Still, Mohammed thought that unless some resolute action has been taken the situation will worsen.
Ubbay heard that his speech was reported to Mohammed and he rushed to Mohammed to deny the report. Mohammed and the Muslim army returned to Medina. Ubbay could not however reconcile himself with his hatred and resentment to Mohammed and his companions. It was at this time the following verses were revealed. (Contd.) 
 
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