Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 406
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 406 The spoils included 24,000 camels, 40,000 sheep and goats, and 4,000 ounces of silver. The prisoners, 6,000 in number, with the booty, were removed to the neighbouring valley of Jirana, and sheltered there awaiting the return of the army from Taif. The Hol y Prophet knew that Hawazin would seek to regain their families, and an opportunity was thus skilfully left open for negotiation. The fugitive army was pursued as far as Nakhla; from thence part fled back to Autas, and part to Taif. The former entrenched t hemselves in their previous camp. A strong detachment was sent to dislodge them, which was accomplished after severe fighting. The dispersed fragments took refuge in the surrounding hills. As soon as the detachment returned from Autas the Holy Prophet led the army by way of Nakhla and laid siege to Taif, which had been the centre of all the trouble. But the battlements were strong, the city well provisioned, and there was a plentiful supply of water within the walls. Despite all efforts, the siege was succe ssfully withstood for half a month when the Holy Prophet decided to raise the siege and the army marched back to Jirana. Here it was brought to the notice of the Holy Prophet that his foster - sister, daughter of Halima of Bani S’ad, was among the prisoners. He sent for her, seated her affectionately beside him, and offered to take her to Medina. But as she preferred remaining with her tribe he let her return to them with a handsome present. Encouraged by the kind treatment of their kinswoman, a deputation from the various tribes of Hawazin presented themselves before the Holy Prophet. They professed submission to him, recounted the calamities that had befallen them, and urged, ‘In these huts among the prisoners, are thy foster - mothers