Chapter 5

About this time, Nayeem also left Madinah. His camel was strong and hence fast. He crossed each leg of the journey with haste and speed. He arrived in Makkah after a few days. Upon arriving in Makkah he learned that Huwayy Ibn Akhtab was staying at the house of the Quraish chief Abu Sufyian. Therefore, without stopping anywhere, Nayeem went straight to residence of the the Quraish chief.

Huwayy was there. Nayeem greeted him.

"You have returned!" said Huwayy with some surprise.

"Yes, honourable chief."

"You have returned promptly."

"I did not break the journey at all," replied Nayeem.

"Very well. Did you meet Qaab Ibn Asad?"

"Yes, we arranged a meeting in the mountains."

"What was his response?"

"He gave his word to cooperate with you. He also asks you to meet him at the conclusion of this visit. He wishes to know all about the campaign."

"Certainly. He has a right to inquire."

"When did you arrive in Makkah?"

"Three days ago."

"But you left much earlier than me!"

"I have contacted other tribes on my way here."

"Did you have some success?"

"Enormous success! Banu Wail not only gave their word, but their chiefs Hawdhah Ibn Qayes and Abu Ammar even accompanied me on the journey to Makkah."

"What do the Quraish say?"

"We are doing eveything to fuel their zeal for revenge. I have sent emissaries to the nearby Bedouin tribes. We are due to have a gathering of the chiefs of Quarish and all other tribes in the Alliance for the final planning and decision making."

"I believe we now have the power to stand against those Muslims. We must have our revenge!"

"We the Isralites are a nation of might and cunning. If we combine with it, the ruthlessness and fearlessness of the Arabs of Hijaz, I believe our victory is certain. We will annihilate Muslims and wipe Islam off the face of the earth."

Nayeem's eyes shone with unholy delight. He said, "And I will climb the highest mountain of Madinah and shout to the world, 'Where are the Muslims? Where is their Prophet?' As there will be no one to reply, I will say, 'All defectors are finished. Our crisis is at end!' Will I ever see such a day?"

"I am awaiting the same day." Huwayy sighed. "You may entrust your camel to Abu Sufyian's slave."

"You are right. I had forgotten about the camel."

Nayeem gave the ropes to Sufyian's slave and followed Huwayy out.

The next day, the chiefs of Quraish and other tribes assembled in the open porch of the Kaba. Huwayy Ibn Akhtab arrived with his allies of Banu Wail. Also accompaying Huwayy was chiefs of Banu Nadir: Sallam Ibn Abu Al Huqayq, Islam Ibn Mashkam and Kanaz Ibn Rabi. Thw Quraish chiefs were Abu Sufiyan, Amar Ibn Al Aas, Khalid Ibn Walid, Ikrimah Ibn Abu Jahl and Dirar Ibn Al Khattab. They were all seated in the Kaba porch. Abu Sufiyan was the supreme chief of the Quraish at the time. He stood up and proclaimed,

"Fellow brothers! As you are well aware, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah of Banu Hashem has brought a new religion. He divided our families, destroyed our peace and caused great unhappiness among our people. His words are so enchanting as to keep even his enemies spellbound. He caused a great riot by denouncing our idols and claiming Prophethood. But we will deal with patience and wisdom to get rid of this nuisance. Muhammad belongs to the tribe of Banu Hashem and Banu Hashem is the leader of the Quraish. This tribe is held in great respect and honour by our people. In this state, killing Muhammad would lead to a full scale civil war, which could affect even the far corners of Arabia. Therefore, we decided to persecute the followers, instead of killing their Prophet. Finally, we drove Muhammad and his followers out of our city.

We were relieved to be rid of this trouble. What we did not foresee was that, once they were established in Yathrib, they grew in strength. Some of our hot-headed men attacked Muslims without comprehending their true might. As a result, Muslims laid siege to our trading caravan from Syria. As the leader of this caravan, I employed my wisdom and cunning to bring it safely back to Makkah. However, the troop that was sent for the protection of the caravan met with Muslims in the valley of Badr. Unfortunately, our men were defeated. No tribe in Makkah were exempt from the loss or injury of its men. Since then, we have thirsted for vengeance. We cannot rest until we spill our enemies’ blood.

........work in progresss.......

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