Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 216

Chapter Nine 216 At that time, ‘Umar ra had abundant possessions. He took half of his possessions and went to the court of Muḥammad sa thinking that he would surpass Abū Bakr ra in sacrifice that day. When ‘Umar ra saw that Abū Bakr ra presented his entire possessions in the service of the Prophet, he felt embarrassed in his heart. After making satisfactory arrangements, Muḥammad sa set out with an army of 30,000 in Rajab, 9 A. H. Muḥammad sa had barely travelled for an hour, when he reached the town of Zī-Awān. A group of Hypocrites approached Muḥammad sa and requested him to honour a mosque built by them by offering Ṣalāt there. Muḥammad sa told them that he would look into it upon his return from the journey. Muḥammad sa left ‘Alī bin Abī Ṭālib ra in Madīnah to take care of his family. The Hypocrites, taking advantage of the situation, started spreading rumours that Muḥammad sa left ‘Alī ra behind because he had no appreciation for him and considered him a burden. ‘Alī ra could not withstand this taunt. He immediately went to Muḥammad sa who had traveled only a few miles. Muḥammad sa said, “‘Alī, these people are liars. I left you for the caring of my family in Madīnah. ” Further, for the sake of encouragement, he said to ‘Alī ra : Are you not pleased that you are to me as Aaron was to Moses except that there is no prophethood after me? 1 ‘Alī ra returned after hearing these comforting words and Muḥammad sa ordered the army to march forward. When the army reached Al-Ḥijr where the ruins of the cities of the nation of Thamūd 1 Muslim Kitābul-Manāqibil-Anṣār and Ṭabaqātul-Kabīr.