Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 384
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 384 wielded effectually in its stead. The victory was decisive, for the Jews lost 93 men; while of the Muslims, only 19 were killed throughout the whole campaign. The citadel of Qamus surrendered on condition that the inhabitants should be free to leave the co untry, but should give up all their property to the victors. With the rest came forth Kinana, chief of Khaibar, and his cousin. They were charged with breach of the compact because of holding back the greater part of the treasure, which had to be delivered. They protested that they had not held back anything and offered that if they were not telling the truth they would forfeit their lives. The treasure was discovered, on information supplied by a Jew, from a place where the two had concealed it. They paid the forfeit. Zainab, sister of Marhab, had lost her husband as well as her father and brothers in the battle and felt very bitter against the Holy Prophet. Having ascertained that he fancied shoulder of lamb, she dressed a kid with dainty garnishing and, having steeped the shoulder in poison, sent the dish to the Holy Prophet for his evening repast. Graciously accepting the gift, he took a piece of the shoulder for himself and distributed portions to Abu Bakr and other friends, including Bishr, who sat next to him. As h e swallowed the first morsel, the Holy Prophet called out, ‘Surely, this shoulder has been poisoned,’ and he spat forth the mouthful. Bishr, who had eaten a portion, at once changed colour and stirred neither hand nor foot until he died. The Holy Prophet s uffered excruciating pains and caused himself and all those who had partaken of the dish with him to be freely cupped between the shoulders. Zainab, put upon her defence, answered, ‘Thou