Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 410
410 Farewell In the ninth year of the Hijra, the Holy Prophet lost his daughter Zainab, who had never recovered from the ill - treatment that she had suffered on her escape from Mecca. Um Kulthum, whom Uthman married after Ruqayya’s death, had also died, so that of his d aughters Fatima alone was left. Shortly after his return from Taif his wife, Mary the Copt, bore him a son who was named Ibrahim. The Holy Prophet was delighted at his birth. He was able to visit him almost daily and fondle him in his arms. The fall of Mecca opened a new era in Islam. It practically established its supremacy in Arabia. At the opening of the ninth year, on his return from Jirana, the Holy Prophet arranged for the recovery of Zakat from the tribes, which had tendered their subm ission. Collectors were deputed in every direction to make the assessment, and bring it in to Medina. They were well received, and accomplished their mission without obstruction, excepting only one or two cases. A branch of Bani Temim chanced to be encampe d close at hand when the collector arrived to make the collection from an adjoining tribe. While the herds and flocks of their neighbours were being collected for the assessment, Temim, anticipating a like demand, came forward with bows and swords and drov e the collector away. The Holy