Muslims hastened to follow after Abu Sufyan and his caravan...

Muslims hastened to follow after Abu Sufyan and his caravan, but they were informed that he had slipped away and the people of Quraysh had come to support him and guard the caravan. For his high morals, the Prophet (a.s.) used to consult with his companions on different matters, for Allah had said to him, “and consult with them upon the affairs.” [1] Anyhow, after knowing that Quraysh had come to support their trade, the Prophet (a.s.) consulted with his companions.

Al-Miqdad bin Amr said to him, “O messenger of Allah, go on to what Allah the Almighty has inspired you with, and we will be with you. By Allah, we will not say to you as the Children of Israel said to Moses, ***(So go you and your Lord and fight! We will sit here”[2]***but we say: go you and your Lord and fight, and we will [1] Qur'an, 3:159. [2] Qur'an, 5:24. fight with you.

By Him Who has sent you with the truth, if you take us to Bark al-Ghimad, [1] we will strive with you until you win…” The Prophet (a.s.) thanked al-Miqdad and prayed Allah for him, and then said to his companions, “Suggest to me, O people…” He meant by this the Ansar who were the pillar of his army, for they had paid homage to him in al-Aqaba that they would protect him as they protected their own children and women as long as he was in their country.

He also wanted to see whether they were still bound to their covenant and promise to him. Sa’d bin Mu’ath, who understood what the Prophet (a.s.) meant, said, “O messenger of Allah, as if you mean us!” The Prophet (a.s.) said, “Yes.” Sa’d added, “We have believed in you and considered you truthful. We have witnessed that what you have brought is the truth and given to you for that our covenants and promises to listen and obey. Therefore, take us to whatever you want. We are with you.

By Him Who has sent you with the truth, if you review us before this sea and you plunge into it, we will plunge into it with you and no one man from us will lag behind. We do never hate that you meet by us our enemy tomorrow. We are patient in war and loyal in the meeting that may Allah make you see from us what may delight you. So take us with the blessing of Allah…” The Prophet (a.s.) was delighted by Sa’d’s speech and he said to his companions, “Go on and be delighted!

Allah has promised [1] A very far place in Yemen or it is also said in Abyssinia. me of one of the two parties.