Sariyyah of Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra) to Banī Sulaim - Rabī‘ul-Ākhir 6 A.H.

In this month, Rabī‘ul-Ākhir 6 A.H., the Holy Prophet(sa) dispatched a few Muslims to the tribe Banī Sulaim under the command of his freed slave and previously adopted son, Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra). This tribe resided in the region of Najd at a place called Jamūm and had been at war against the Holy Prophet(sa) for some time now. As such, this tribe played a significant role against the Muslims in the Battle of the Ditch as well.1 When Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra) and his companions reached Jamūm, which was located at a distance of approximately 50 miles from Madīnah, they found it to be empty. However, they were able to find the whereabouts of where a portion of the Banū Sulaim were grazing their cattle, from a woman named Ḥalīmah from the Muzainah tribe, who was from among the opponents of Islām. Therefore, benefiting from this intelligence, Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra) attacked the place. This sudden attack caused most of the people to flee and they dispersed here and there. However, the Muslims were able to capture a few prisoners and some cattle, which they took hold of and returned to Madīnah. Coincidentally, the husband of Ḥalīmah was also among the prisoners, and although he was an enemy of war, considering Ḥalīmah’s assistance, not only did the Holy Prophet(sa) release Ḥalīmah without ransom but also released her husband as an act of benevolence. Thereafter, Ḥalīmah and her husband happily returned to their homeland.2