47. SARIA BANI ZABEED
When the Prophet (s.a.) returned from Tabook the chief of a branch of Bani Mazhaj, Bani Zabeed,Umro Ibne Ma-ad Yakrab came to Madina and met the Prophet (s.a.). When he was invited to embrace Islam, he accepted. And his tribesmen followed suit. Umro’s father, Ma-ad Yakrab was killed during the period of Ignorance. Umro told to the Prophet (s.a.) that he wanted to claim Qasas for his father’s life. The Prophet (s.a.) said that the heinous practice has been abolished and he should forget about Qasas. He kept quiet at that time but returning home he took to rebellion and also recanted from Islam. He attacked Bani Harit ibne Kaab and killed their men.
When the Prophet (s.a.) heard of his mischief, he sent three hundred men under Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to Yemen for subduing these rebellious people and also to collect the Jizia from the Christians of Najran. When Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was about to start on his journey, the Prophet (s.a.) gave him the Standard and tied the headgear, one end of which he kept on the chest and the other on the back. The Prophet (s.a.) told to Hazrat Ali (s.a.) that any outbreak of fight with Bani Zabeed, if it takes place, should be from their side only. Another contingent, under Khalid bin Walid, was also sent at the same time towards the tribe of Bani Jaufi. He instructed Khalid that if ever both the contingents came together, and were involved in fight, Ali (a.s.) will hold the joint command. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) made Khalid ibne Saeed the chief of the front guard of his contingent and Khalid ibne Walid appointed Abu Moosa Ashari. Both the contingents moved towards their destinations. When Bani Jaufi learned of the arrival of the Muslim army, they divided into two groups, one group went to Yemen and the other joined Bani Zabeed. When Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) learned about this, he sent word to Khalid that when he received the message, he should halt at that place. But Khalid thought that this way he would lose the command of the contingent and refused to halt. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) sent a group of men under Khalid ibne Saeed to go and stop Khalid from proceeding any further. Khalid ibne Saeed moved forward and stopped them. When Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) joined with the other contingent he reprimanded Khalid ibne Walid for his attitude and the army went forward. When they reached a place called Kashar, they came face to face with Bani Zabeed. Umro ibne Ma-ad Yakrib came to fight. Khalid ibne Saeed wanted to start fighting, but Ali (a.s.) restrained him.and himself came out with his sword. Umro ibne ma-ad Yakrib was a famous combatant, but when he saw Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself in the arena, he fled. One of his brothers and a nephew was killed. His wife Rakana binte Salama and children were taken captive. Besides them several other women too were taken captive and plenty of booty too was captured. After defeating the enemy, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) proceeded toward Makka for Hujjat al Wida leaving behind Khalid bin Saeed to extract Sadaqat from Bani Zabeed and if any of them embraced Islam, provide them amnesty. When Umro ibne Saad Yakrib learnt that his wife and children had been taken captive, he came to khalid ibne Saeed, embraced Islam and got his wife and children released. At that time he presented his famed sword, Samsaama, to Khalid ibne Saeed.
Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) had taken one slave girl from the Maal e Ghanimat. Khalid ibne Walid sent a letter to the Prophet (s.a) in which he complained about this action of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). When the Prophet (s.a.) read this letter, he was much upset and told to Bara ibne Azib:
“What opinion you have about this person who is a friend of Allah and the Prophet and they befriend him”
Ref: Sahih Tirmizi, Page 215
Bara, finding anger written on the face of the Prophet (s.a.), said, “O Prophet of Allah! I seek refuge from the anger of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.)! I have come to you only as a courier. “Hearing this, the Prophet (s.a.) cooled down.
Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) had every right on the booty of the battle. And his share could have been much more than a maid servant. But those who have enmity in their hearts searched for such opportunities to turn the Prophet (s.a) against him. At that time too, they made a similar attempt, but the tables turned on them only. The Prophet (s.a.) shut their mouths saying that Ali (a.s.) was a friend of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) and they his friends!