Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 392
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 392 returning home, desired that provisions be sent to Jafar’s house, observing, ‘No food will be prepared there this day, for they are sunk in grief at the loss of their master. ’ He then went to the house of Zaid and Zaid’s little daughter rushed into his arm s, crying bitterly. The Holy Prophet was overcome and wept with her. A bystander, thinking to check his grief, said to him, ‘Why thus, O Prophet?’ ‘This,’ he replied, ‘is not forbidden grief; it is but the fond yearning in the heart of friend for friend. ’ About that time the Arab governor of Maan, Farwa, a Christian, sent a dispatch to the Holy Prophet, announcing his adherence to Islam, with several presents – a white mule, a horse, an ass, and raiment inwrought with gold. The presents were graciously ackn owledged in a letter from the Holy Prophet who contained directions for the spiritual guidance of the convert. The Byzantine government, hearing of his defection, sought, by offers of promotion, to secure his return to the Christian faith. He refused, and was put to death. The repulse at Muta affected the prestige of the Holy Prophet among the northern tribes. There were rumours that the Bedouins of the neighbourhood had assembled in great force, and even threatened a descent upon Medina. Amr, recent adherent to Islam, was t herefore placed at the head of 300 men, including 30 horses, with instructions to restore the prestige of Islam on the Syrian border. The selection of Amr was justified on the basis of his personal qualities, and also because he was connected with Bani Bal i, a powerful tribe in the vicinity, and was possessed of personal influence which might aid in effecting the object of the campaign. In the event of serious opposition, he was to call upon