The following year, that is, Dhul-Ḥijjah of 13 Nabawī, on the occasion of Ḥajj many hundreds of people from the Aus and the Khazraj came to Makkah. Among them, there were seventy such people who had either become Muslim or now desired to become Muslims, and came to Makkah in order to meet the Holy Prophetsa. Muṣ‘ab bin ‘Umairra was also among them. Muṣ‘ab’sra mother was alive, and although she was an idolatress, loved him very much. When she was informed of his coming, she sent word that, “First come and meet me, then go elsewhere.” Muṣ‘abra responded, “I have not yet met the Holy Prophetsa, I shall come to you once I have met him.” Therefore, he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa first, and briefed him on key issues, then visited his mother. She was very upset. When she saw him, she began to weep and complain. Muṣ‘abra said, “Mother! I tell you something wonderful which is very beneficial for you, and shall put an end to every disagreement.” She inquired, “What is that?” Muṣ‘abra quietly responded, “This, that you forsake idol worship and become a Muslim, and believe in the Holy Prophetsa.” She was a firm idolatress, and as soon as she heard this, she began to put up a commotion saying, “I swear by the stars that I shall never enter your religion,” and signalled her relatives to capture Muṣ‘abra, but he escaped.1
The Holy Prophetsa had been informed of the arrival of the Anṣār by Muṣ‘abra, and a few of them had also met the Holy Prophetsa personally. On this occasion, since a collective and private meeting was necessary, after the rites of Ḥajj, the middle dates of the month of Dhul-Ḥijjah were set for this purpose. On that day near the middle of the night, all these people were to come and meet the Holy Prophetsa in the same valley as last year, so that a private meeting could be held in peace and complete attention. The Holy Prophetsa ordered the Anṣār that, “Do not come as a group, but arrive in pairs of one or two to the valley at the appointed time. Do not wake the sleeping and do not wait for the absent.”2 Therefore, when the appointed date arrived, during the night, when about a third of the night had passed, the Holy Prophetsa left his home. He took his uncle ‘Abbās along with him, who was still an idolater, but loved the Holy Prophetsa and was a chieftain of the Hāshim dynasty. Both of them reached this valley, and it was not long before the Anṣār began to arrive in pairs of one and two. These were seventy souls from the Aus and the Khazraj. In the very beginning, ‘Abbās began the discourse saying:
“O party of the Khazraj!3 Muḥammad[sa] is revered and beloved within his dynasty. To this day, his dynasty has always remained responsible for his protection, and in times of danger has always come forward. But now, Muḥammad[sa] intends to leave his homeland and reside with you. As such, if you wish to take him, you must protect him in every way, and will have to face every enemy. If you are prepared for this, then well and good, otherwise give a forthright answer, for true speech is good.”
Al-Barā’ bin Ma‘rūrra, an aged and influential man from the tribe of the Anṣār, said:
“‘Abbās, we have heard your address, but we would like to hear the Holy Prophetsa from his own blessed tongue, that he may expound the responsibility which he wishes to put upon us.”
Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa recited a few verses from the Holy Qur’ān and described the teachings of Islām in a brief address. Whilst alluding to Huqūqullāh and Huqūqul-‘Ibād, the Holy Prophetsa said, “With regards to myself, all I desire is that, just as you protect your dear ones and your kindred, if need be, you deal with me in the same manner.” When the Holy Prophetsa had completed his address, as per the custom of Arabia, Al-Barā’ bin Ma‘rūrra took the hand of the Holy Prophetsa into his own, and said, “O Messenger of Allāh! We swear by the God Who has sent you with truth that we shall protect you with our lives, for we have been raised under the shadows of swords and…” he had not yet completed his statement, when Abul-Haitham bin Tayyihānra, who has been mentioned above, interjected and said:
“O Messenger of Allāh! We have had long relations with the Jews. By supporting you, they shall be severed. May it not happen that when Allāh grants you victory, you leave us and return to your homeland, and we are left with nothing.”
The Holy Prophetsa laughed and said, “Nay, Nay! That shall not happen. For your blood shall be mine, your friends shall be my friends and your enemies shall be my enemies.” Upon this, ‘Abbās bin ‘Ubādah Anṣārīra looked to his companions and said, “O People! Do you understand the purpose of this treaty and pledge? This means that you should prepare yourselves to confront everyone, no matter who they may be, and should be ready to offer any sacrifice.” The people said, “Yes, we understand, but O Messenger of Allāh! What shall we receive in exchange for this?” The Holy Prophetsa said, “You will receive the paradise of Allāh, which is the greatest of all His rewards.” Everyone said, “We agree to this bargain. O Messenger of Allāh, extend your hand.” The Holy Prophetsa brought forth his blessed hand, and this group of seventy devotees were sold at the hand of the Holy Prophetsa in a defensive pact.4 The name of this Bai‘at is ‘The Second Bai‘at at ‘Aqabah’.
When the Bai‘at had taken place, the Holy Prophetsa said:
“Mosesas appointed twelve chiefs among his people who served as their supervisors and protectors. I also wish to appoint twelve chiefs from among you who shall be your supervisors and your protectors. They shall be like the disciples of Jesusas unto me, and they shall be answerable to me regarding the people. As such, propose the names of worthy men before me.”
Therefore, twelve men were proposed, who the Holy Prophetsa approved,5 and appointing each as a supervisor to one tribe, he explained to them their duties. For some tribes, the Holy Prophetsa appointed two chiefs. In any case, the names of these twelve chiefs are as follows:
As‘ad bin Zurārahra
He has been mentioned above. He was from the Banū Najjār dynasty of the Khazraj tribe, to which the Holy Prophetsa was also related. In Yathrib, the commencement of the Friday Prayer began at his hand. He was among the most earnest of devotees, and after the migration, he passed away prior to the Battle of Badr.
Usaid bin Al-Ḥuḍairra
He has been mentioned above. He was from the Banū ‘Abdil-Ashhal of the Aus tribe. In the Battle of Bu‘āth, his father was the leader of the Aus. Usaidra was exceptionally sincere and remarkably wise. Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishahra would say, “Among the Anṣār, there are three people, such as there are none who match their eminence, i.e.) Usaid bin Al-Ḥuḍair, Sa‘d bin Mu‘ādh and ‘Abbād bin Bishr.” There is no doubt that Usaidra was a very illustrious companion indeed. Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra greatly respected Usaidra. He passed away in the reign of Ḥaḍrat ‘Umarra.
Abul-Haitham Mālik bin Tayyihānra
He has also been mentioned above. He was among the allies of the Banī ‘Abdil-Ashhal. In the Battle of Ṣaffīn, he fought in support of Ḥaḍrat ‘Alīra and received martyrdom.
Sa‘d bin ‘Ubādahra
He was from the Banū Sā‘idah dynasty of the Khazraj tribe and was the chieftain of the entire Khazraj tribe. In the blessed era of the Holy Prophetsa, he was counted among the very most eminent of the Anṣār. So much so that after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, some of the Anṣār held him worthy of caliphate, due to which he fell to trial in the question of Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakr’sra caliphate. He passed away in the reign of Ḥaḍrat ‘Umarra.
Al-Barā’ bin Ma‘rūrra
He was from the Banū Salamah dynasty of the Khazraj tribe. He was a very aged and venerable man. He passed away prior to the migration.
‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥahra
He was from the Banū Ḥārith dynasty of the Khazraj tribe. He was among the famous poets of Madīnah, and the most earnest of devotees. During the Battle of Mu’tah, which took place in the era of the Holy Prophetsa, after the martyrdom of Ḥaḍrat Ja‘far bin Abī Ṭālibra, he became the commander in chief and was martyred in battle.
‘Ubādah bin Ṣāmitra
He was from the Banū ‘Auf dynasty of the Khazraj tribe, and was counted among the scholarly companions of the Holy Prophetsa. Many Aḥādīth have been narrated by him. He passed away in the caliphate of Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmānra.
Sa‘d bin Ar-Rabī‘ra
He was from the Banū Tha‘labah dynasty of the Khazraj tribe. He was a very sincere and eminent companion of the Holy Prophetsa. Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra looked to him in great reverence. He was martyred in the Battle of Uḥud.
Rāfi‘ bin Mālikra
He has been mentioned above. He was from the Banī Zarīq dynasty of the Khazraj tribe. When he accepted Islām the Holy Prophetsa endowed him with all the Qur’ānic chapters which had been revealed until then. He was martyred in the Battle of Uḥud.
‘Abdullāh bin ‘Amrra
He was from the Banū Salamah dynasty of the Khazraj tribe. He was martyred during the Battle of Uḥud. Upon his martyrdom, the Holy Prophetsa consoled his son saying, “Allāh the Exalted spoke to your father directly and in His happiness, asked him, ‘O My Servant! Ask Me what you wish.’ Your father said, ‘O My Creator and Master! My only desire is this, that I may be given life again, so that I may sacrifice it in the cause of Islām once more.’ He replied, ‘We surely would have done it, but We have already decided that no man who has passed on in the world shall be returned to it.’” Regarding Abdullāh bin ‘Amr it has also been narrated that 46 years after the Battle of Uḥud, due to the danger of a flood, it was proposed that his grave be dug in order to relocate him. At that time it was found that his body was safe and sound, just as when it was first buried.
Sa‘d bin Khaithamahra
He was from the Banū Ḥārithah dynasty of the Aus tribe. He was martyred in the battle of Badr. When he set off to leave Madīnah for the Battle of Badr, his father said, “From the two of us, one should remain behind at home, and since I desire to accompany the Holy Prophetsa you should stay home.” But he insisted otherwise. Finally it was proposed that a ballot be used to draw a conclusion in this matter. As such, in this ballot, his name was chosen. He left with the Holy Prophetsa and was martyred in that very battle.
Mundhir bin ‘Amrra
He was from the Banū Sā‘idah dynasty of the Khazraj tribe, and was a man of ascetic disposition. He was martyred at Bi’r Ma‘ūnah.6
When the chiefs had been appointed, ‘Abbās bin ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib who was the paternal uncle of the Holy Prophetsa reminded the Anṣār to tread wisely and cautiously, for spies of the Quraish have their eyes set in every direction; may news of this meeting not leak out and cause further problems. He was perhaps still reminding, when in the middle of the night from atop the valley, the sound of a miscreant was heard saying, “O Quraish! Are you aware that here [God-forbid] Mudhammam and the rest of his apostates are making vows and pledges against you?” This voice startled everyone but the Holy Prophetsa remained completely calm and said, “Now you people should return to your dwellings just as you arrived, in pairs of one and two.” ‘Abbās bin Naḍlah Anṣārīra said, “O Messenger of Allāh, we fear no one. If you were to order, we shall attack the Quraish at dawn and give them a taste of their cruelties.” “Nay, Nay!” said the Holy Prophetsa, “For I have not yet received permission to fight. Do this much - quietly return to your pavilions,” upon which everyone silently dispersed from the valley in pairs of one and two. The Holy Prophetsa also returned to Makkah with his paternal uncle ‘Abbās. Since the Quraish had already found out that a secret meeting was held at night, the next morning, they reached the encampment of the people of Yathrib and said:
“We have had an old relationship and we do not desire in the least that these relations be tainted. But we have heard that last night, you had a secret mutual agreement with Muḥammad[sa], what is this all about?”
Since the idolatrous people of the Aus and the Khazraj were completely unaware of this, they were extremely bewildered and outright denied the occurrence of such a meeting. ‘Abdullāh bin Ubaiyy bin Sulūl, who later became the leader of the hypocrites of Madīnah, was also among that group. He said, “This can never happen. How is it possible that the people of Madīnah agree to such a significant issue and I remain unaware of it?” Thus, the suspicion of the Quraish was dispelled and they returned back. A short time thereafter, the Anṣār left for Yathrib, but after their departure, the Quraish somehow received an affirmation that the people of Yathrib did in fact have a pledge and agreement with the Holy Prophetsa. Upon this, a few men chased the people of Yathrib. The caravan had left, but for some reason, Sa‘d bin ‘Ubādah was left behind. These people brought him back and assaulted him on the stony streets of Makkah. They dragged him here and there by the hair on his head. Finally, when Jabīr bin Muṭ‘im and Ḥārith bin Ḥarb who knew Sa‘d, received news of this, they saved him from the cruel Quraish.7
1 * Usdul-Ghābah
* Al-Fā’iqu fī Gharībil-Ḥadīth, By Maḥmūd bin ‘Umar Az-Zimakhsharī, Volume 3, p. 265, Ḥarful-Mīm, Beirut (1996) (Publishers)
2 Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Volume 1, p. 106, Dhikru ‘Aqabatil-Ākhirati wa humus-Sab‘ūnalladhina Bāya‘ū Rasūlallāhisa, Dārul-Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
3 The people of Arabia refer to both the Aus and Khazraj by the name ‘Khazraj’ alone. (Author)
4 * Tārīkhuṭ-Ṭabarī, By Abū Ja‘far Muḥammad bin Al-Jarīr Ṭabarī, Volume 2, pp. 250-251, Bābu Dhikril-Khabri ‘ammā kāna min Amri Nabiyyillāhisa ‘inda Ibtidā’illāhi Ta‘ālā......, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002)
* As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hishām, pp. 315-316, Amrul-‘Aqabatith-Thāniyyah, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)
5 * As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hishām, p. 316, Asmā’un-Nuqabā’il-Ithna ‘Ashar......, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)
* Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Volume 1, p. 107, Dhikru ‘Aqabatil-Ākhirati wa Humus-Sab‘ūnalladhīna Bāya‘ū Rasūlallāhisa, Dārul-Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
* Tārīkhuṭ-Ṭabarī, By Abū Ja‘far Muḥammad bin Al-Jarīr Ṭabarī, Volume 2, p. 250, Bābu Dhikril-Khabri ‘ammā kāna min Amri Nabiyyillāhisa ‘inda Ibtidā’illāhi Ta‘ālā......, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002)
* Sharḥul-‘Allāmatiz-Zarqānī ‘alal-Mawāhibil-Ladunniyyah, By Muḥammad bin ‘Abdul-Bāqī Az-Zarqānī, Volume 2, p. 87, Dhikru ‘Arḍil-Muṣṭfāsa Nafsahū ‘alal-Qabā’ili wa Wufūdil-Anṣār, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
6 Usdul-Ghābah, Volume 4, p. 476, Al-Mandhar bin ‘Amr bin Khunais, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut (2003)
7 * Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Volume 1, p. 107, Dhikru ‘Aqabatil-Ākhirati wa Humus-Sab‘ūnalladhīna Bāya‘ū Rasūlallāhisa, Dārul-Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
* Tārīkhuṭ-Ṭabarī, By Abū Ja‘far Muḥammad bin Al-Jarīr Ṭabarī, Volume 2, p. 252, Bābu Dhikril-Khabri ‘ammā kāna min Amri Nabiyyillāhisa ‘inda Ibtidā’illāhi Ta‘ālā......, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002)
* As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hishām, pp. 319-320, Asmā’un-Nuqabā’il-Ithna ‘Ashar....., Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)