ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Sariyyat BanŪ-tayy After the conquest of Makkah the idols of the Ka`bah had been destroyed. During the ghazwat al-Ta’if, the idols of Banū-Thaqif and Banū-Hawazin too were destroyed. But those of Banū-tay were still intact. Among these idols was one, by name of Fils that was the center of their adulation! The Prophet (a.s) determined to destroy it too. He deputed `Ali (a.s) during the month of Rabi` II, 9 A.H.

towards the habitations of Banū-tay to destroy the idols there and invite the people to the Right Path. `Ali (a.s) started for the campaign with a contingent of 150 men. The Chief of Banū-tay, `Adi ibn Hatam went toward Syria along with his family and children, when he heard of the arrival of the Muslim contingent. `Ali (a.s) attacked the neighborhood of Banū-Hatam and destroyed their idol. From that place, he got three expensive armors and three swords.

Among these swords were Rasūb and Mukhazzam that were very famous swords throughout Arabia for their excellent quality which were offered to the idols by al-Harith ibn Abi-Shimr. Besides these, lot of other valuables and livestock were obtained from there. `Ali (a.s) distributed some of the booty to the men in the contingent and took the rest and the captives to al-Madinah.

Among the captives, there was Safanah, the daughter of the legendary Hatam, who was accommodated at a place near the mosque where captive women were generally kept. During those days, the Prophet (a.s) passed that way when Safanah complained that her father was dead and there was none to take care of her. She pleaded to be released and said that Allah will reward him for the kindness. The Prophet (a.s) asked who she was. She said that she was the sister of `Adi ibn Hatam.

The Prophet (a.s) asked her if she was the sister of the same `Adi ibn Hatam who fled from Allah and His Prophet (a.s). Saying this, he went his way. The next day when he passed that way, Safanah pleaded again and he gave the same reply! Safanah thought that there was no hope left for her release! The third time when the Prophet (a.s) passed that way, she had no courage to renew her appeal.

While she was thinking whether to say anything or not, someone from behind the Prophet (a.s) prompted her to appeal to the Prophet (a.s) for her release. She took courage in her hands, stood up and said, “O Prophet of Allah (a.s)! Please do not make me a subject of ridicule among my people!