[1] Al-Futuh 5/87 [2] Abul Fida...

[1] Al-Futuh 5/87 [2] Abul Fida, Tarikh 1/189-190, Ibne Athir, Tarikh 4/31 [3] Ad-Darul Maslook fi Ahwaalil Anbiya wal Awsiya 1/108 [4] Jurairi, Maqamat 1/192 [5] Al-Futuh 5/87 [6] Al-Ahkbaar at-Tiwaal , Pg.

239 Muslim was caught in a whirlpool, surrounded by griefs and pain and a great sorrow had filled his heart so much that it was about to burst, because the people’s betrayal had put him into apprehension and he realized that there was not a single noble man in that city, to give him refuge for the right, help him and show him the way, while he was not cognizant of the town layout and ways.

He wandered amid the lanes of Kufa without knowing where he was going until he came to the houses of Banu Jabala of Kinda. He went on until he came to a door (at which was) a woman called Tawa. She was a lady possessing the best morals and manners among all the people of the town. She had been a slave-wife (umm walad) of Ashath b. Qais and he had freed her.

She had, then, married Usayd al-Hadhrami and had borne him (a son called) Bilal, [1] Bilal had gone out with the people and his mother was standing at the door waiting for him concerned with the terrible events that were unfolding in her town. When Muslim saw her, he approached her and greeted her. She returned the greeting and asked him, “What do you want?” “Please give me water to drink.” She went inside and brought water for him. Muslim drank the water and sat down.

She became suspicious of him and she asked, “Haven’t you had your drink?” “Yes,” was the answer. “Then go to your people,” She said, “as your sitting here is not right.” [2] But he was silent. She repeated it but he was still silent. A third time she said, “Glory be to God, servant of God, get up-may God give you health – (and go) to your people.

For it is not permitted for you to do it.” When that lady made it unlawful for Muslim to sit there he was compelled to get up and there was no other way except to leave that place. So he spoke up in a sorrowful tone, “Servant of God, I have neither house nor family in this town. Would you (show) me some generosity and kindness? Perhaps I will be able to repay it later on.” The lady understood that he was a man of noble descent and possessed good manners and he could repay her kindness.