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

IMAM ABU AL-FIDA' ISMA'IL IBN KATHiR 75
We have a messenger among us whose instruction we obey; when he orders us we
do not delay.
The spirit comes down upon him from his Lord, made to descend from the hea~ens
and then to arise again.
We seek his advice on what we want, and our goal is to listen and obey all his
wishes."
The messenger said, when they came in our sight, "Give up fear of death and seek
it instead;
Be like those who sell their lives by coming close to a King who gives life and
restores it.
Take up your swords and put your trust in God; all power rests with God."
We headed straight for them on their mounts, our swords held above us and not
afraid,
Our squadron hearing swords and lances, the feet of our mounts not wavering once
planted.
We plunged on as into the waves of the sea, amidst which were their Abyssinians,
some bearing armour, others not.
They were 3,000 strong, we some 300 or at most 400 choice warriors
When we plunged into them death flowed all around us; we raced towards death's
pool and we came first.
Lote-wood bows shot to and fro between us, all with fine smngs from Yathrib,
The arrows all made from the holy city of Sn4d, and treated with poison when
crafted
That pierced men's bodies and sometimes glanced off their armour, making a
noise.
The cavalry on the plain were numerous as locusts on a cool night, brought by an
east wind.
Then we clashed and fighting was fierce betweeen us; and there is no denying
God's command.
We struck at them until we left their leaders in the hollow lying like felled trees.
That morning and on till refreshed by evening, our energy was like the heat of a
fire, consuming all.
They retreated in suffering, as though they were cloud remnants that had shed
their water, blown away by the wind.
We advanced, our rearguard following slowly; we were like lions striking out at
their game at Bisha.
We caused casualties, as did the enemy to us; it was we who acted, but God's role
was greater.
We fought hard and they fought too, all getting their fill of evil.
We are a people who do not consider that to kill is blameworthy for those who
protect and defend their charges.
Stoic in adversity, we never fmd ourselves to weep over someone killed.
We are warriors who never retract what we said, and we never despair at whatever
warfare brings.
We are warriors who, if victorious, never commit atrocities, and we never complain
at our injuries.