Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 313
313 Treason The Holy Prophet had scarcely had time to wash and change on his return home after the lifting of the siege, when he felt a strong urge, which he interpreted as a divine direction, to deal with the situation that had been created by the treachery and rebel lion of Banu Quraidhah. He therefore announced that everyone should get ready to set forth towards the strongholds of Banu Quraidhah, and that the afternoon Prayer service would be held in camp. He sent all in advance at the head of a small detachment to r econnoitre. When Ali arrived at the strongholds of Banu Quraidhah, he found them in a truculent mood, and when he sought to speak to their leaders they abused the Holy Prophet and shamelessly held up his wives to ridicule. Shortly after the departure of Ali and his men, the Holy Prophet set out himself riding a horse accompanied by a large number of Muslims. When he was approaching the strongholds of Banu Quraidhah, he met by Ali who was waiting to receive him, and who sugge sted that the Holy Prophet should not proceed any further in person; the Muslims could resolve the situation between Banu Quraidhah and themselves. The Holy Prophet enquired from Ali whether his suggestion was prompted by any abuse of him by Banu Quraidhah. Ali replied in the