Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 331
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 331 among his people and many of them were won over to Islam. Later, shortly after the death of the Holy Prophet when many of the Muslims in Yamamah turned away from Islam under the influence of Musailamah, the false claimant to Prophet hood, Thumamah not only stood firm himself, but, through his devoted efforts, he held back many from submitting to Musailamah and helped them so adhere steadfastly to Islam. He rendered outstanding service to Islam during that crisis. At one time Banu Tha’lbah, in their search for pasture, were tempted to advance beyond their usual limits in the direction of Medina. Herds of camels belonging to the Muslims had been sent out to graze in the same direction. They offered a tempting prize f or a foray, and neighbouring tribes were suspected to be gathering for the purpose. Muhammad bin Maslamah was deputed by the Holy Prophet to visit the locality with ten followers and ascertain how matters stood. At Dhul Qassa, two or three days’ distance f rom Medina, he was surrounded at night by overpowering numbers. After a short resistance, his men were all slain, and he himself was left for dead on the field. Someone who knew him, happening to pass that way, assisted him on his journey back to Medina. B odies of forty well mounted fighters were dispatched under Abu Obadiah to chastise the offenders; but they had dispersed among the neighbouring heights and beyond the capture of some flocks and household stuff, no reprisals were effected. During the autumn of that year a well - freighted caravan from Mecca venturing to resume the sea - shore route to Syria was overpowered at ‘Ees and was carried into Medina with a large