Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 294
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 294 We now approach the maximum effort of Quraish and their confederates to wipe out Islam and destroy the Muslims. So far, Quraish and the principal tribes of Nejd, Ghatafan and Suleim, who were bitterly hostile towards the Muslims, had not yet combined their forces to achieve their purpose. A third element was now injected into the situation, namely, the leaders of Banu Nadhir, who had been expelled from Medina and had been welcomed at Khaibar. The most active of them were Salam bin Abi Huqaiq, Huyay bin Akht ab and Kananah bin Rabi’. They issued forth from Khaibar and first instigated Quraish to prepare themselves for a strong combined effort against the Muslims, and then went from tribe to tribe in Hedjaz and Nejd to procure their adherence to their design. T hey had little difficulty in winning over Ghatafan to the support of their cause, and their branches, Fararah, Murrah and Ashj’a, also agreed to go forth with them. Quraish and Ghatafan then procured the support of Banu Suleim and Banu Asad. The Jews succe eded in persuading their confederates, Banu Sa’d, to assist in their design. Quraish also had the support of their neighbouring tribes who were under their influence. Thus, with full preparation, this large host became ready to march against Medina like a fierce flood, with the firm determination to wipe out Islam altogether before returning from Medina. Their strength has been variously estimated at 10,000 to 20,000 warriors. Even if the lower figure is taken as correct, their number was larger than had ev er faced an enemy at any time previously in the tribal wars of Arabia. The overall command was vested in Abu Sufyan, who was also the commander of Quraish. Ghatafan were commanded by