Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 120

Chapter Seven 120 screamed out of embarrassment and appealed for help. By chance a Muslim who was nearby rushed there and shortly afterwards killed the Jewish shopkeeper. The Muslim man was alone, so the Jews from all around attacked him and killed that indignant young man. The Muslims also gathered there in a large number and a situation of unrest was created. 1 When Muḥammad sa came to know about this, he advised the chieftains of Banū Qainuqā‘ to refrain from these malicious acts. But instead of being remorseful and promising to be peaceful in future, they very arrogantly said: O Muḥammad! Do not become arrogant over your victory at Badr. When you are to fight us you shall come to know the real likes of warriors. 2 Left with no choice, Muḥammad sa reluctantly set out towards the fortresses of Banū Qainuqā‘ with a force of Companions and besieged them for 15 days. Finally they opened the doors on the condition that Muslims could take hold of their possessions, but their lives and families will be spared. Though they were liable to be put to death according to the Mosaic Law 3 , because of the merciful nature of Muḥammad sa , he decided that they should simply leave Madīnah. So everyone from Banū Qainuqā‘ left very peacefully and went towards Syria, and so a very troublesome element was eliminated from Madīnah. Jannatul-Baqī‘ At the end of this year, Muḥammad sa selected a cemetery for the Companions which came to be known as Jannatul-Baqī‘. The Companions who were buried there had a stone placed at the head side of the grave as a special mark. The first Companion who was buried there was ‘Uthmān bin Maẓ’ūn ra. 1 Ibni Hishām. 2 Tārīkhul-Khamīs. 3 Deuteronomy (KJV), 19:21: And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. [Publisher]