The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 309
IX - Exile 309 you wish to take him, you must protect him in every way, and will have to face every enemy. If you are prepared for this, then well and good, otherwise give a forthright answer, for true speech is good. ” Al-Barā’ bin Ma‘rūr ra , an aged and influential man from the tribe of the A nṣār , said: “‘Abbās, we have heard your address, but we would like to hear the Holy Prophet sa from his own blessed tongue, that he may expound the responsibility which he wishes to put upon us. ” Upon this, the Holy Prophet sa recited a few verses from the Holy Qur’ān and described the teachings of Islām in a brief address. Whilst alluding to Huqūqullāh and Huqūqul-‘Ibād , the Holy Prophet sa said, “With regards to myself, all I desire is that, just as you protect your dear ones and your kindred, if need be, you deal with me in the same manner. ” When the Holy Prophet sa had completed his address, as per the custom of Arabia, Al-Barā’ bin Ma‘rūr ra took the hand of the Holy Prophet sa into his own, and said, “O Messenger of Allāh! We swear by the God Who has sent you with truth that we shall protect you with our lives, for we have been raised under the shadows of swords and…” he had not yet completed his statement, when Abul-Haitham bin Tayyihān ra , who has been mentioned above, interjected and said: “O Messenger of Allāh! We have had long relations with the Jews. By supporting you, they shall be severed. May it not happen that when Allāh grants you victory, you leave us and return to your homeland, and we are left with nothing. ” The Holy Prophet sa laughed and said, “Nay, Nay! That shall not happen. For your blood shall be mine, your friends shall be my friends and your enemies shall be my enemies. ” Upon this, ‘ Abbās bin ‘Ubādah Anṣārī ra looked to his companions and said, “O People! Do you understand the purpose of this treaty and pledge? This means that you should prepare yourselves to confront everyone, no matter who they may be, and should be ready to offer any sacrifice. ” The people said, “Yes, we understand, but O Messenger of Allāh! What shall we receive in exchange for this?” The Holy Prophet sa said, “You will receive the paradise of Allāh, which is the greatest of all His rewards. ” Everyone said, “We agree to this bargain. O Messenger of Allāh, extend your hand. ”