Mischief of the Banū Laḥyān and Execution of Sufyān - Muḥarram 4 A.H.

The incitement of the Quraish and the temporary defeat of the Muslims at Uḥud was now beginning to manifest its dangerous effects with great speed. As such, in the very same days when the Banū Asad was planning to raid Madīnah, the Holy Prophet(sa) received news that the people belonging to the tribe of Banū Laḥyān were assembling a large army in their homeland ‘Uranah, which is situated close to Makkah, upon the instigation of their chieftain Sufyān bin Khālid; and that their intent was to strike Madīnah.1 The Holy Prophet(sa) who was extremely wise and well aware of the condition of various Arabian tribes, and of the strength and influence of their chieftains, understood as soon as this news was received that this entire mischief and disturbance was the work of Sufyān bin Khālid, chief of the Banū Laḥyān; and that if his person was removed from the equation, the Banū Laḥyān could not dare to attack Madīnah. The Holy Prophet(sa) also knew that at present, except for Sufyān there was no one else who possessed enough influence in this tribe to lead such a movement. Hence, taking into account that if a contingent was dispatched to resist the Banū Laḥyān, not only would this cause the poor Muslims additional financial burden, but it was also likely that this course of action may open the door to further violence and bloodshed. Therefore, the Holy Prophet(sa) proposed that a single person should go and upon finding an opportunity, execute Sufyān bin Khālid, the mastermind and root of this mischief. Hence, the Holy Prophet(sa) dispatched ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs Anṣārī(ra) and since ‘Abdullāh had never seen Sufyān before, the Holy Prophet(sa) personally described the figure of Sufyān, etc. to ‘Abdullāh(ra). In the end, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, “Remain alert! Sufyān is an embodiment of Satan.” As such, ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs(ra) very skillfully reached the encampment of the Banū Laḥyān (who were in fact diligently engaged in preparations to strike Madīnah); and found an opportunity at night and put an end to Sufyān. When the Banū Laḥyān found out about this, they pursued ‘Abdullāh(ra), but he managed to vanish undetected. When ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs(ra) came before the Holy Prophet(sa), the Holy Prophet(sa) immediately understood from the sight of his face that he had returned successfully. Hence, as soon as the Holy Prophet(sa) saw him, he said, , i.e., “This countenance appears to be one of success.” ‘Abdullāh responded, and how beautifully indeed, , i.e., “O Messenger of Allāh! All success belongs to You.” At the time, the Holy Prophet(sa) endowed his staff to ‘Abdullāh(ra) as a reward and said, “This staff shall give you support in paradise.” ‘Abdullāh(ra) safeguarded this blessed staff with immense love and sincerity, and upon his demise asked for it to be buried with him. Thus, his wish was complied with accordingly.2 The joy which was expressed by the Holy Prophet(sa) upon the successful return of ‘Abdullāh(ra) and the special reward which was granted to him demonstrates that the Holy Prophet(sa) considered the sedition of Sufyān bin Khālid to be extremely dangerous and considered his execution to be a source of mercy for the public peace.3