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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of Aishah in the History of Islam (volume Three) Abu Sufyan and His Position in the Islamic Community If I could, I would once more rouse the people against this man! Abu Sufyan After his speech the Prophet circumambulated the House of Ka'bah. Abu Sufyan was standing in a corner watching the scene.

When he noticed with what love and devotion the Muslims were circling round the House of God behind their Prophet, a wicked idea occurred to him, thinking how find it would be if he could once more rouse the people against Muhammad! The Prophet, reading his thought, turned to him and knocking on Abu Sufyan's chest with his finger, said: "On any such day God will abuse you!" Abu Sufyan said: "I turn to God again and beg His forgiveness.

I did not give tongue to my thought!" Then he murmured to himself: "I do not understand how Muhammad overcame us. At the same moment the Prophet patting his back said: "I over came you at the Will of God!" It was then Abu Sufyan had to utter these words: "I confess that you are the messenger of God."(53) After the capture of Mecca, the Prophet departed towards Hunayn to stop the aggression of the Hawazin, and he was accompanied by a group of the Quraysh.

al-Miqrizi, a well-known historian, writes: A group of Meccans who had apparently embraced Islam, accompanied the Prophet. They did not take part in the battle but waited to see which side would be victorious so that they could seize some spoils of war from the defeated side. Among this group was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb who had taken his son Mu'awiyah with him. Abu Sufyan moved in the rear of the army. In his quiver he carried "al-Azlam", a kind of wooden arrows.

He collected for himself what the soldiers happened leave on the battle field, such as shield, spear or anything else, so that the sack on the back of his camel as gradually filled with such objects so much so that the poor camel could hardly carry so much weight.(54) According to al-Waqidi, Hunayn is a land within three days' journey from Mecca (55).

In this land there lived a strong tribe of 'Adnani Arabs called Hawazin.(56) In spite of its strength, the army of Islam, did not primarily gain any success in the clash. They had to advance through a narrow valley towards the center of the tribe that they were suddenly raided by the enemy.