Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 336
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 336 fight only in the last resort. But in no case, directed the Holy Prophet, shalt thou use deceit or perfidy, or kill any woman or child. On reaching Dumatul Jandal, Abdul Rahman summoned the tribes around to embrace Islam, and allowed them three days’ grace. Within that period, Al - Asbagh, a Christian chief of Banu Kalb, gave his adherence, and many of the tribe followed his example. Others preferred to be tributaries, with the condition of being allowed to retain profession of the Christian faith. Abdul Rahm an sent tidings of this success to the Holy Prophet, who in reply desired him to marry Tomadhir, daughter of the chief. Abdul Rahman accordingly married the lady, who bore him Abu Salamah, a famous jurist of after days. It has been mentioned that a party of Banu Nadhir, after their exile, had settled down among their brethren at Khaibar. One of their leaders, Huyay bin Akhtab, had been executed along with Banu Quraidhah. But another of their leaders, Sallam bin Abu Huqaiq , generally known as Abu Rafe’, was now the centre of their intrigues. He had taken a prominent part in the confederate force, which had besieged Medina and was now busy in inciting Ghatafan and other tribes of Nejd to further depredations and aggression. Five men of Khazraj were appointed to carry out the execution of Abu Rafe’, which they accomplished successfully. Abu Rafe’s place among the Jews of Khaibar was taken by Usair bin Razam, who was not less bitterly opposed to Islam and the Muslims than Abu R afe’. He now determined to carry into effect the designs of Abu Rafe’ which he had not been able to accomplish. His very first action was to harangue the assembled Jews, informing them that he had determined upon certain new