Manners in Society

In dealings with others, good intentions by themselves are not enough The battle of Jamal (36 AH) was raging with full force and, on both sides, Muslims were being slain. The Prophet’s widow, Aishah, who was present on the scene, but at some distance from the battle, was distressed at the amount of Muslim blood that was being spilled. It was then that Kaab ibn Thaur came before her and suggested that it might have a beneficial effect if the Mother of the Faithful were to ride on her camel on to the field of battle. Perhaps, on seeing her mount, the combatants would lay down their arms and peace would become a possibility. Aishah, in her distress at the slaughter, which was taking place, agreed to this proposal. Coats of armour were placed around her, howdah 6 to protect her, and she was led to a place where she could be seen by both armies. This gesture, however, had the reverse effect. Instead of stopping the battle, it redoubled its fury. The combatants thought that the Mother of the Faithful had herself been encouraged to take part in the fighting and that that was why she had been brought into the thick of it. They were so encouraged by this that Aishah’ s camel became the focal point around which further slaughter took place. Eventually, Ali gave orders for the camel to be cut down, for that was the only way the fighting would cease. Note: 6. A litter used on an elephant or camel, in which the ladies travel.