The Companions of the Prophet

THE COMPANIONS OF THE PROPHET Rational Decisions, During Emotional Crises The Battle of Uhud (A.H. 4) was the severest in Islamic history. All the warriors of the Quraysh, thirsty for revenge after their defeat at Badr, descended on the Muslims. Just when the fighting was fiercest, the Prophet drew his sword and asked his companions which one would take it and exact its full worth. The Prophet did not give the sword to the first few who volunteered. Then Abu Dujanah came forward and asked the prophet what the full worth of the sword was. “That you should strike the enemy with it until it bends,” the Prophet replied. “That is how I shall wield it,” Abu Dujanah said as he offered to take the sword. The Prophet gave it to him. Abu Dujanah’s pride was visible as he strode off with the sword. “Such strutting cannot be pleasing to God,” said the Prophet, “But the occasion excuses it.” Abu Dujanah tied a red cloth around his head, signalling his readiness to fight. He conducted himself with incredible bravery, striking all who came before him. Then an astonishing incident occurred, later described by Abu Dujanah himself, “I saw someone inciting the enemy in a particularly violent way. I rushed towards him and raised my sword to kill him. The person screamed, and I saw that it was a woman. So I refrained from debasing the Prophet’s sword by slaying a woman with it”. Another companion has described the incident like this. “I saw that Abu Dujanah had raised his sword to kill Hind