The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 2 of 4

216 THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
I observe that there is controversy in some of what Ibn Ishaq stated.
Regarding the brotherhood established between the Prophet and 'Ali, some
scholars deny this and maintain it to be untrue. Their argument is that this
brotherhood was only established to bring about closer feelings and ties between
these individuals. There was no sense, therefore, in declaring a brotherly state
between the Prophet (SAAS) and one of (his) own, nor between two men both
of whom were Emigrants, as was the case, according to him, between Hamza and
Zayd b. Haritha.
Unless the Prophet (SAAS) did not wish to place the interests of 'Ali in the
hands of anyone but himself. For he was someone for whom the Messenger of
God (SAAS) had made contributions from his youth on, during the lifetime of
Abn Talib, as has been told above from Mujzhid and others.
That might also be the case with Hamza, who had looked after the interests of
their freed-man Zayd b. Haritha, and so established a brotherhood pact with
him. But God knows best.
The same applies to Ibn Ishaq's reference to the brotherhood between Ja'far
and Musdh b. Jabal, which is subject to dispute, as 'Abd al-Malik b. Hish?un
observed. For Ja'far b. Abn Talib only arrived at the beginning of 7 AH at the time
of the battle of Khaybar, as will be told hereafter. How, therefore, could there have
been a tie of brotherhood made between him and Mu$dh b. Jabal immediately
following the arrival of the Messenger of God (SAAS) in Medina? Unless, of
course, the arrangement was that this would go into effect whenever he did arrive.
4bn Ishaq's statement, "Aba Wbayda and Sa'd b. Mu5dh became brothers,"
contradicts what Imam Ahmad stated, namely, "It was related to us by 'Abd
al-Samad, quoting Hammad, quoting Thnbit, from Anas b. Mgik, that the
Messenger of God (SAAS) established a brotherhood pact between Abo CUhayda
b. al-Jamb and Aba Talha."
Muslim related this also, being the only one to relate this tiom Hajjaj b.
al-Shn'ir, from 'Abd al-Samad b. 'Abd al-W%ith.
This seems more reliable than what Ibn Ishaq recounted, of such a pact
between Aba Wbayda and Sa'd b. Musdh. But God knows best.
AI-Bukh%iri's text reads as follows, "Chapter on h o ~ the Prophet ($US), established
brotherhood between his Companrons. 'Ahd al-mma b. 'Awf stated, 'The
Prophet (SAAS), established a bond of brotherhood between myself and Saw b.
al-Rabi' when we came to Medina.'" Aba Juhayfa stated, "The Prophet (SAAS)
established brotherhood between SalmZn the Persian and Aba al-Darda'. God be
pleased with him."
Muhammad b. Ynsuf related to us, quoting Sufym, from Humayd, from Anas,
who said, "'Abd al-Ra!nnm b. 'Awf amved and the Prophet (SAAS) established
brotherhood between him and Saw b. al-Rabic, the Helper. The latter suggested
that he share his family and his property with him. 'Abd al-Rahm replied, 'God
bless you in both your family and your wealth. Show me the way to the market.'