The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 72
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 72 Sarāb, which on account of Sa‘d and Kul ai b’s relationship, would graze in the grazing ground of Kul ai b along with Jassās’ camels. One day, coincidentally, Kulaib passed under a tree and heard the sound of a bird from upon a tree. He noticed that a bird had built a nest in the tree and laid some eggs. Kul ai b looked towards the bird in his ‘supremely Bedouin’ manner and said, “Fear not, I shall protect you”. The next day, when Kul ai b passed by the same place, he noticed that the eggs had fallen down from the tree and had been trampled on by the feet of some animal, and the bird was making a sound full of extreme grief. Kul ai b recalled his statement from the previous day, and it was as if his eyes gorged of blood in extreme rage. When he glanced here and there, he noticed that Sa‘d’s camel was grazing nearby. Kul ai b thought to himself that most definitely it is this camel that has destroyed these eggs, and overtaken by anger he came to his brother-in-law Jassās and said, “Look here Jassās! At this time my mind entertains a particular thought, if I am assured of this thought I shall do something. Anyhow, the camel of Sa‘d had better not pasture in this area again with this herd. ” Upon hearing this, Jassās, whose veins also flowed of Arab-Bedouin blood, responded, “This camel belongs to our guest, where my camels graze, his shall also graze. ” “Fine” , answered Kul ai b, “If I see this camel grazing here again, I shall strike its breast with an arrow and kill it. ” “If you do such a thing,” retorted Jassās, “I also swear by the idols of Wā’il that I shall myself penetrate thy breast with a spear. ” Upon this, Jassās departed and Kul ai b returned home in a state of immense fury and began to say to his wife Ḥalīlah, “Are you aware of any man who dare defend his neighbour against me?” She responded, “There are none who dare it, except my brother Jassās. If he says something he shall most definitely fulfill it. ” After this, Ḥalīlah fervently attempted to settle this dispute but was unsuccessful in doing so. Hence, one day Kul ai b’s camels were drinking water, and coincidentally Jassās brought his camels as well and even more so, Sa‘d’s camel was separated from its herd and began to drink water with Kul ai b’s herd. Kul ai b laid eyes on this camel and thought that Jassās had intentionally released this camel. He took hold of his bow and drove an arrow into its breast which hit its target perfectly. Sa‘d’s camel fled tossing and turning in agony – lamenting in pain. It reached the doorstep of Jassās’ maternal aunt Basūs and fell to the ground. When Basūs witnessed this sight she began to beat her head and shrieked, “Shame! Shame! We have been disgraced and our guest’s camel has been killed!” When Jassās heard these words, his jealousy and honour pierced