An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 46
46 Abdullah bin Jabar to guard the pass. He told them not to leave their posts until ordered. The two armies came to blows. There was a great battle. Muslims fought without fear. They spread all around. The Quresh were defeated. The field was soon clear of th e enemy. A Bloody Battle Muslims started collecting the dead and the wounded and the spoils of war. The men on guard duty at the pass left their posts to join them. Khalid bin Walid, a Quresh general, saw from far that the pass was unguarded. He collected his men and advancing fro m the pass made a surprise attack on Muslims. Some one at the same time shouted that the enemy had also come up from behind. Muslims were caught unaware. There was confusion and Hamza fell fighting in the fray. Even the Prophet was seriously wounded. Many Muslims were killed. Only a few men remained around the Prophet. Seeing this the Quresh charged. The handful of Muslims guarding the Prophet had fought them with mad courage. It was said at this stage that the Prophet had been slain. Some Muslims gave up heart, others stood fast. A bitter fight raged for a time. The Prophet stood firm in the thick of the battle. He had with him, Abu Bakr, Ali, Omar, Talha, Saad bin Abi Viqas, Zubair, Abu Ubaida b in al - Jarrah, Abdul Dujana and Zaid bin Sakan. They shielded him against all attacks. They intercepted arrows aimed at the Prophet. They received sword - cuts. But they did not budge. Talha lost his hand; the arrows fell so thick and fast on him. They were aimed at the Prophet’s face. A woman,