The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 302
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 302 Muḥammad ra responded, “In any case, we have already accepted Muḥammad sa and are now waiting to see the final outcome of this dispensation, but you tell us whether or not you will give us a loan?” “Of course!” said Ka‘b, “But you will be required to deposit some collateral. ” Muḥammad ra inquired, “What do you require?” This wretched person responded, “Leave your women as collateral. ” Suppressing his anger, Muḥammad ra said, “How is it possible for us to leave our women as collateral to a man like yourself. ” He responded, “Alright, then your sons shall do. ” Muḥammad ra responded, “This is not possible either, we cannot bear the reproach of the whole of Arabia. Albeit, if you are generous enough, we are willing to leave our arms with you as collateral. ” Ka‘b agreed, and Muḥammad bin Maslamah ra and his companions left with the promise to return at night. At nightfall, this party arrived at the residence of Ka‘b with their weapons (as now they were able to openly take their arms along). When they had led Ka‘b out of his home, they brought him to one side during the course of discussions. After some time, walking along, Muḥammad bin Maslamah ra or some other companion raised his hand towards the head of Ka‘b by some excuse, and with great speed, taking firm hold of his hair, he called out to his companions, “Strike now!” The Companions, who were already prepared and armed, weilded their swords at once; finally Ka‘b was killed and fell to the ground. Muḥammad bin Maslamah ra and his companions departed from there and quickly presented themselves to the Holy Prophet sa , and conveyed to him the news of his execution. 1 When news of the execution of Ka‘b became known, a tremor rippled through the city, and the Jewish people were deeply enraged. The following day, in the morning, a delegation of the Jews presented themselves before the Holy Prophet sa and complained that their leader Ka‘b bin Ashraf had been murdered in such and such way. The Holy Prophet sa listened to their comments and said, “Are you also aware of the crimes which Ka‘b is guilty of?” Then, the Holy Prophet sa briefly reminded them of all the evil schemes which Ka‘b was guilty of, i. e. , infraction of treaty, inciting war, sedition, use of foul language and conspiracy of assassination, etc. 2 Upon this, the people became fearful 1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu Qatli Ka‘b bin Al-Ashraf, Ḥadīth No. 4037 2 * Sunanu Abī Dāwūd, Kitābul-Khirāji Wal-Imārati Wal-Fai’i, Bābu Kaifa Kāna Ikhrājul-Yahūdi Minal- Madīnah, Ḥadīth No. 3000 * Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Volume 2, p. 266, Sariyyatu Qatli Ka‘b bin Al-Ashraf, Dāru Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)