Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 316
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 316 a tent pitched in the courtyard of the mosque under the directions of the Holy Prophet. Aus had been, in pre - Islamic days, confederates of Quraidhah, and they expected that Sa’d would deal leniently with them. The Holy Prophet signified his assent and Sa’d was summoned. He was conducted to the camp, supported on the back of a donkey. During his progress his tribesmen crowded round him with appeals for mercy for Banu Quraidhah. He answered not a word till he approached the scene, and then replied, ‘Sa’d has been given the grace that he careth not, in the cause of God, for any reproach of the reproachful. ’ In the meantime, three of Banu Quraidhah who had been convinced of the truth of Islam had declared themselves Muslims, and a fourth had been so ashamed of the treachery of his people that he had left them and had departed from Medina. As Sa’d drew near, the Holy Prophet directed his Companions, ‘Stand up to meet your chief, and assist him to dismount. ’ When Sa’d, having alighted, advanced towards the Holy Prophet, he told him, ‘Banu Quraidhah have accepted you as an arbiter and have agr eed to abide by your decision. ’ Sa’d turned himself to his people, who were still urging mercy upon him, and said, ‘Will ye bind yourselves by the covenant of God that whatever I shall decide, ye will accept?’ They assented. He then turned in the direction of the Holy Prophet and said, ‘Does he who is present here also promise to abide by my decision?’ The Holy Prophet replied, ‘I promise. ’ Thereupon, Sa’d announced his judgment: ‘The able - bodied males of Quraidhah shall be put to death, their women and chi ldren shall be made prisoners and the spoils shall be divided amongst the Muslims,’ upon which the