Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 244
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 244 To dye its shaft in blood Till it be broken in his hand. Ali stepped forth and, rushing on Talha, with one blow of his sword brought him to the ground. Talha’s brother, Uthman, who was in charge of the women, then ran forward and seized the banner, which lay by the lifeless body. The women beat their timbrels lo udly as they sang: Daughters of the brave are we, On carpets step we delicately; Boldly advance, and we embrace you! Turn back and we will shun you, Shun you with disdain. Hamza responded to Uthman’s challenge and, after a brief encounter, brought him also lifeless to the ground. Then striding proudly back to the Muslim ranks he shouted, ‘I am the son of him who gave the pilgrims drink’, meaning Abdul Muttalib who had held t hat office. One after another the family of Talha, two brothers and three sons, seized the standard; one after another, they fell in single combat. At the commencement of the general action the Holy Prophet held up his sword and said, ‘Who will take this sword, and give to it its due?’ Several of his Companions, including Umar, Zubair and Ali, came forward one after another, but the