The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir - Volume 3 of 4

IMAM ABO AL-FIDA' ISMA'IL IBN KATH~R 295
Al-Suhayli, may God be pleased with him, stated, "On the reason for al-Hajj~j
accepting Islam we narrated a strange story concerning the pnn, 'the spirits'.
He was the father of Nasr b. Hajjzj, who was banished by Wmar b. d-Khatpb,
may God he pleased with him, from Media because he had seduced some of
the city's young women. Al-Fari'a, daughter of Hamm-, mother of al-Hajj@ b.
Yiisuf al-Thaqafi, spoke the following line about hi,
'Indeed not; no way to wine for me to drink, and no way
to Nqr b. Hajj@.'
"When he went to Syria, he fell in love with the wife of Abo al-Aswad d-Sulami,
and wasted away for love of her. He was known as al-Dinni, 'he who wasted
away'. He died from this."
Ibn Ishzq stated, "Among the poetry composed about the expedition to
Khaybar are the verses by Hassnn h. Thzbit,
'Those of Khaybar fought only badly for the farms and
date-palms they had accumulated.
They disliked death and so their possessions became
booty; they acted like blameworthy cowards.
Would they flee death? The death of those who starve
is not pretty."'
Ka'b b. Mzlik said, according to what Ibn Hishnm related from Abii Zayd
d-Ans%ri,
"We descended on Khaybar and its wells, the veins of
our heroes' hands standing out,
Men brave in fierce battle, not lacking strength,
daring in every encounter.
Many are the ashes beneath their pots each winter,
men who strike with Yemeni swords made of Indian
steel,
Considering death a reward from God if they achieve
martyrdom; they hope for it, considering it a success
for Ahmad.
Protecting and guarding M&ammad's honour, protecting
him with tongue and hand,
Helping him in every matter that concerns him,
generously offering their lives for that of M&ammad,
Believing sincerely in news of the unknown world,
seeking honour and success in the future thereby."
Section: On the passage of the Messenger of God ( W S ) past Wadi al-Qurd and
his besieging theffews and how they made peace with him, as related by al-Wdqidi.
Al-Wzqidi stated, "'Abd d-Ralpnzn b. 'Abd al-'Aziz related to me, from d-Zuhri,