Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 339
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 339 Swords were drawn on both sides and though the parties were equal in number and several of the Muslims were wounded, yet none of them was killed and they succeeded in disposing of all the Jews. Abu Sufyan had since his frustrated flight from Medina after the siege felt greatly humiliated and thought that the best way of wiping out his disgrace would be to procure the assassination of the Holy Prophet through some device. He knew that the Holy Pro phet went about freely in Medina, and spent the greater part of his day in the Mosque or other places among his people, and that there was no one to guard him and that, therefore, anyone who had a murderous design against him could easily carry it into effect. He continued to brood over this and, having made up his mind, he one day i ncited a party of young men that one of them should carry out his design and thus rid the country of the source of all trouble. A few days later, a Bedouin youth came to Abu Sufyan and told him that he had come to know of his design and that he was prepare d to carry it out if he was appointed for the purpose and was helped in achieving it. He said he was familiar with the route to Medina and that he had a sharp dagger, which he knew how to conceal on his person so that no one would suspect that he was carry ing it. He would, on finding a suitable opportunity, attack Muhammad, and having afflicted a mortal injury upon him, would escape and join some caravan so that the Muslims would not be able to trace him. Abu Sufyan approved of his design, provided him with a fast camel and needed provisions, and promised him a large reward on his return after accomplishing his