Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 243
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 243 of different sections. At this stage he was informed that the standard of Quraish was being borne by Talha, who was of the family who were entitled, under the dispensation established by Qusai bin Kalab, to be the standard - bearers of Quraish in battle. On this, the Holy Prophet observed, ‘We are better entitled to conform to the family tradition,’ and he took the banner of Emigrants from Ali and committed it to Mus’ab bin Umair, who was of the same family as Talha. He forbade his followers to engage the ene my till he gave command, for he realized that the strength of his position might be sacrificed by a premature advance. Having thus disposed his force, he calmly awaited the enemy approach. The Muslim force faced towards Medina. Meanwhile, Abu Sufyan, as hereditary leader, brought up the Meccan army; and, facing Uhud marshalled it in front of the Muslim line. The right wing was commanded by Khalid, the left by Ikramah, son of Abu Jahl. Amr bin Aas commanded the Quraish horse and A bdullah bin Rabiyya the archers. The women at first kept to the front and beat their timbrels to shrill martial songs, but as the line advanced they fell to the rear. The battle opened by the inglorious advance of the exiled Abu Aamir, who vainly expected his fellow citizens of Medina to fraternize with him. He was received with a shower of stones and was forced with his band of followers to retire, Talha crying out ind ignantly, ‘Get to the rear, ye slaves! Guard the camp, a fitting employment for you!’ Then, flourishing the Quraish banner, Talha advanced alone and challenged the Muslims to single combat, shouting: The standard bearer hath the right