An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 47
47 Umm - e - Amara, stood guard with a drawn sword. The Prophet moved with his party to another pass. Khalid made to attack it. He was repulsed by Umar. There were Fatima, Aisha, and Umm - e - Salma to attend the wounded. Since it was rumoured that the Prophet had died of enemy arrows, Abu Sufiyan could not contain his joy. Climbing a cliff he called out, “Where is Muhammad?” Muslims wanted to reply but the Holy Prophet forbade them. Abu Sufiyan felt greatly encouraged. He next asked if Abu Bakr was alive? Again the Muslims were forbidden to answer. He next asked if Omar was there. Since there was no reply again, he felt certai n that the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Omar were all dead. Triumphantly he shouted: “Glory to Hubbal” Hubbal was the chief Meccan idol. The Holy Prophet could not stand this insult to Allah. Turning to his comrades he said, “Why are you silent now? Say Allah, The Almighty, the Glorious”. The Muslims accordingly thundered back “Allah the Mighty, the Glorious. ” It was highly crucial moment. Muslim force had been severely mauled and scattered. The Meccans were in high spirits. They could be provoked to fresh assault. But the Holy Prophet could not care less; he was the Prophet of Allah and could not put up with an insult to Him. Before withdrawing, Abu Sufiyan said,