Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 122
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 122 enemies. ’ On this, Abbas bin Ubadah turned to his companions and said, ‘Do you realize what this covenant might involve? It means that you should now be ready to oppose all the whites and the blacks and should be prepared to make every sacrifice in this ca use. ’ They responded, ‘Yes, we realize this. But, Messenger of Allah, what shall we get in return for it?’ He said, ‘You will be admitted to the gardens of God’s pleasure, which is the highest of all bounties. ’ They all affirmed, ‘We are content with this bargain. Messenger of Allah, give us your hand. ’ He put forth his hand and the whole company of seventy devoted men took the pledge of allegiance at his hand. This became known as the Second Pledge of Aqabah. At the end, the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, said to them: ‘Moses had chosen twelve leaders from among his people who supervised them on behalf of Moses. In the same way I desire to appoint twelve leaders from among you who would supervise you. They will be like the disciples of Jesus for me, and will be responsible to me for their people. I would wish you to suggest some names to me for this purpose. ’ When the selection had been made, the Holy Prophet explained their duties to the designated leaders. The y were: 1. Asad bin Zararah of Banu Najjar, who has already been mentioned. He started the Friday noon service in Yathrab. He was in the first rank of the Companions of the Holy Prophet. He died after the arrival of the Holy Prophet in Yathrab and before the battle o f Badr. 2. Usyad bin Hudhair of Banu Abdul Ashhal. He has also been already mentioned. He is counted among the