The Role of Aishah in the History of Islam (volume 2)

Ammar Speaks With 'a'ishah and Her Army Commanders

'A'ishah! It was you who gave the orders for 'Uthman's death. 'Ammar One day the Prophet turned to 'Ammar and said: " 'Ammar! You will be killed by a tyrannical people and an unruly army." 99 Since the day the above historical phrase was uttered by the Prophet about 'Ammar, he was regarded by the Muslims as a model of right and justice, and whenever he was present in an army, he was considered as a living example of 98. History of at-Tabari 5/24, al-Kamil of Ibn al-Athir 2/104, Translation of History of Ibn A'tham and Abu Mikhnaf quoted from Ibn Abi al-Hadid's Description of Nahj al-balaghah 2/431. 99. The holy Prophet often spoke to the Muslims of the exalted position of 'Ammar and that is why the companions had a particular respect for 'Ammar.

truth and rightfulness, while the opposing army's wrongness became evident. For this reason Imam 'Ali sent 'Ammar to 'A'ishah and her military commanders to speak with and advise them, hoping that they would be influenced by his counsel or at least they would consider it as an additional ultimatum.

Al-Mas'udi narrates this topic as follows:

In the battle of al-Jamal, a litter of strong, hard wood was made for 'A'ishah covered with felt and cowhide and surrounded by chain-mail as protection from all dangers and an iron curtain around it, making the litter look like a strong and invincible fort. They placed it on a well-known camel of Ya'la ibn Umayyah, named 'Askar. She sat in the middle of the litter and the camel moved in front of the military column. When 'Ammar saw this scene, he halted between the two armies and addressing 'A'ishah's army said: "O people! You have not treated your prophet fairly to leave your women behind the curtains and drag his consort to the battlefield facing swords." Then approaching 'A'ishah's litter, he said to her: " 'A'ishah! What do you want of us?" 'A'ishah answered:" 'Uthman's blood!"

'Ammar said: "May God kill unruly and unjust people who claim blood without having the slightest right." Then 'Ammar addressed the people and said: "You are better acquainted with those who had a part in 'Uthman's murder and you know well in which army his assassins are present. Indeed you know perfectly well that 'Uthman's murderers are the same people who have started this dispersion and war under the pretext of avenging his blood." At this moment showers of arrows were sent by the enemy towards 'Ammar, and he sang the following poem:

" 'A'ishah! You started the war and bloodshed, All these stormy waves of events are caused by you. It was you who issued the order for 'Uthman's death, It was you who gave a verdict for his infidelity."

Arrows continued to pour down on 'Ammar. He whipped his horse and galloped away from the hostile army and returning to 'Ali he said: "O Commander of the faithful, how long are we to wait? As I can see, these people have prepared nothing for you but war." 'Ali gives his last ultimatum God! Be a witness! O friends of mine, offer all arguments to them.

'Ali employed all the possible means to establish peace and used various ways to bring reason to the enemy and left no avenue unexplored. 1-He wrote letters to their commanders, warning them of perfidy, war and bloodshed. 2-He sent messages to 'A'ishah and her army commanders, inviting them to peace and tranquility. 3-He made a direct contact with the enemy commanders, giving them counsel and advice. 4-He sent the Qur'an to the enemy, inviting them to act upon its verdict as a way of solving differences.

5-He prepared a military plan for his followers, recommending such a kind and pacific behaviour and treatment towards the enemy that would have softened the most stubborn of them towards peace and order. 6-Lastly he dispatched 'Ammar who was in the words of the Prophet a criterion of right and justice to reason with 'A'ishah and her army and invite them to peace.

These were the points, which were discussed, in previous chapters on the basis of reliable historical evidence. The last opportunity which 'Ali gave the enemy for peace was that in retaliation for their attacks upon his envoys, he advised his own army to show patience, and fortitude and warned them not to start the fight and said: "O Just God! Be a witness and O friends, be patient and let the enemy be given every chance, leaving them no room for pretext." But despite all his efforts for peace the enemy showed a greater insistence upon war. Historians describing this final ultimatum of 'Ali and the obstinacy of 'A'ishah's army, write as follows: al-Hakim says in al-Mustadrak: "az- Zubayr, commander of 'A'ishah's army ordered his archers to shoot arrows collectively at them. Al-Hakim adds that this order was a declaration of war and an order for attack issued by az-Zubayr.

Ibn A'tham and many other historians write: In the battle of Hunayn the Prophet picked up a handful of earth and threw it at the enemy, saying may they be disgraced! 'A'ishah, too, imitated this gesture of the Prophet and used it against the Muslims in the battle of al-Jamal, and in throwing a handful of pebbles at 'Ali's army, she said: "May they be disgraced!"

At this moment a man of 'Ali's army reproached 'A'ishah and said: "

'A'ishah! It was not you who threw earth at 'Ali's army; it was the hand of Satan that made you commit such an ugly act."100 After this actual declaration of war 'A'ishah's army formally began their assaults. Abu Mikhnaf and other historians write: Shooting at 'Ali's forces were begun by 'A'ishah's army. His forces cried out: "O Commander of the faithful! 100. Translation of the History of Ibn A'tham 171-180, Description of Nahj al-balaghah of Ibn Abi al-Hadid 1/85.

Our patience is at an end. They are exhausting and extirpating us! Issue the order for defense!" At this time they brought to 'Ali's tent the body of a man who was covered with the arrows of the enemy and said: "O Amir al- Mu'minin! This is the corpse of one of your devoted friends destroyed by the enemy." The Imam looked up at heaven and said: "O God! Be a witness!" Then he turned to them and said: "Be patient! Let the enemy be given every opportunity for peace!"

Again they carried in another corpse and said: "O Emir! This is so and so who was killed by the enemy's arrows!" Once more 'Ali looked up at heaven and said: "O God Almighty!" You are a true Witness' and again this time 'Ali did not issue the command to begin the fighting, and said to his followers: "You must show a greater fortitude against the enemy's injustice and aggression, and give more proof of your rightfulness by giving them every opportunity to turn to peace." At that moment 'Abd Allah ibn Badil al-Khuza'i who was a companion and friend of the Prophet, brought the bloody corpse of his brother 'Abd ar-Rahman and placing it down in front of 'Ali said: "O 'Ali! This is my brother who has been killed unchivalrously by the enemy!"

'Ali who had given the enemy every opportunity to make peace, saw him faced with an accomplished wrong action and was left with no alternative but war. So he uttered the holy phrase "We are from God and return to Him," and put on the Prophet's chain mail named "Dhat al-Fudul" and wore his turban and mounted the Prophet's mule named "Duldul."101 Then he tied his famous sword, named "Dhu al-Faqar" to his belt. He gave the Prophet's black banner, named "Uqab" to his son, Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyah, and said to his dear sons "al-Hasan and al-Husayn": "My sons! As you were deeply loved by the Prophet of God and are related to him, I have exempted you from the task of bearing the banner102 and have entrusted it to your brother Muhammad."

Thus the Imam prepared himself for the combat and addressing the army, recited the following verse of the Qur'an: "Do you think that you would enter the garden while yet the state of those who have passed away before you has not come upon you; distress and affliction befell them and they were shaken violently so that the Apostle and those who believed with him said: When will the help of Allah come! Now surely the help of Allah is nigh."103 And then 'Ali, leaving for the battle, uttered this prayer: "May God give us

101. Translation of the History of Ibn A'tham 168, at-Tabari 1/1783 printed in Europe, Tabaqat of Ibn Sa'd printed Beirut 1/491, al-Baladhuri 1/511 in the Ansab al-ashraf says that this mule was a gift sent to the Prophet by al-Maquqis, king of Alexandria, and it was alive until the time of Mu'awiyah.

102. A banner-bearer is usually in a greater danger in war than other soldiers, and so Imam 'Ali, wishing his sons to be safer, did not give them this task.

103. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter al-Baqarah, Verse 214.

all fortitude and perseverance and bring us victory, and support us in critical moments and perilous events." 'Ali's meeting with az-Zubayr Az-Zubayr! You will unjustly fight 'Ali! The Prophet The two armies arrayed themselves, facing each other ready for combat. At this time 'Ali, proceeded towards 'A'ishah's army and called az-Zubayr to come forward and said: "az-Zubayr! What is your reason in bringing forth such a huge army to this land?" Az-Zubayr said: "As I do not consider you worthy of the position of caliph, I have come here to depose you."

'Ali said: "az-Zubayr! What you say is nothing but a pretext; for I am not inferior to 'Uthman as a caliph. You used to be a good man of the house of 'Abd al-Muttalib and were related to our house. But on the day your son 'Abd Allah assumed position, he caused division and dispersion between us. Az- Zubayr! I am surprised that you claim 'Uthman's blood from me whereas you yourself are his assassin. May God bring down the most painful suffering and the worst calamity upon the one who has shown the most hostility and rancor to 'Uthman. Az-Zubayr! Do you remember the day when you and I were together and the Prophet passed by, he turned to me saying: A day will come, 'Ali, when this cousin of yours will fight you unjustly!"

Az-Zubayr now remembered the words of the Prophet and said: "O 'Ali! I swear to God that henceforth I will not fight you." Saying this, he turned to his son 'Abd Allah and said to him:" 'Abd Allah! I am very apprehensive of the course we have adopted and I fear its consequences. Let me say explicitly that I do not feel inclined to fight 'Ali."

'Abd Allah said: "Father! On the first day you took a steadfast step in this course and there was no sign of hesitation and anxiety in your visage. But today you seem to have changed your mind and have allowed anxiety to penetrate your heart. Maybe it is the hoisted banners and drawn swords of 'Ali's army that have frightened you to yield to doubt and anxiety. Yes, father the truth is that on seeing yourself face to face with death, you prefer flight and withdrawal to fighting, otherwise there is no doubt about the sanctity of the objective." 'Abd Allah resorted to many such futile arguments with his father to the extent that the latter shouted angrily: Woe upon such a son as you who insists upon his father's misery and destruction! Son! Do you compel me to fight 'Ali while I have sworn never again to fight him? What can I do with this oath?

'Abd Allah said: "It is easy, father! Break your oath, and as an expiation set free Sirjis, your slave to satisfy God!"

Az-Zubayr followed his son's suggestion and as atonement for violating his oath to 'Ali, he freed his slave and returned to his army and prepared himself for combat. Ibn A'tham al-Kufi, too narrates the meeting of 'Ali with az-Zubayr as follows: On meeting him 'Ali said: "az-Zubayr! For what reason have you raised the banner of opposition to me?" az-Zubayr answered: "To avenge 'Uthman's blood." 'Ali said: "It was you and your friend Talhah who killed 'Uthman and his blood is on your hands. If you are really truthful, place yourselves in the hands of 'Uthman's sons and heirs to kill you in retaliation for their father's murder, or receive ransom for it."

The Details of the Event

At-Tabari narrates this story elsewhere with greater details and adds that 'Ali met Talhah and az-Zubayr at a spot between the two armies their horses' necks were side by side, and 'Ali said to them: "O Talhah! O az-Zubayr! You have gathered together a huge army and have armed and equipped it fully, while you do not have any excuse or reason to offer at the threshold of our Just God and are surely to be condemned there. Fear God and His wrath! You have rendered considerable services and have engaged in holy wars for the sake of God and for the elevation of monotheism, Islam and Muslims. Do not waste all those fine services and hard labors by the creation of mischief, internal disunion and the carnage of Muslims and do not turn all that reward into guilt and sin, resulting in fire and punishment. Do not act like that old woman that tightly wounded several threads together with much labor, and then unwounded them with even a greater labor.

Talhah! Az- Zubayr! Were we not like brothers who allowed no injustice and transgression to each other? What has happened now to make you rebel against me and declare that shedding my blood is legitimate?"

In answer to all this counsel of 'Ali, Talhah said: " 'Ali! Your guilt is that you roused the people against 'Uthman and unjustly shed his blood!" 'Ali, in answer, recited this verse: "God will reward each person according to his deeds." What he meant by this verse was that punishment will be dealt to the person who has killed 'Uthman, not to someone else who is unjustly accused. Then 'Ali added: "Talhah! When I had no part in killing 'Uthman, how can you claim his blood from me? May God damn those who are guilty of shedding 'Uthman's blood."

Then he turned to az-Zubayr and said: "O az-Zubayr! Do you remember the day when the Prophet of God passed by me, looked at me, smiled kindly and I returned his smile? You said: O Prophet of God, Abu Talib's son does not abstain from ostentation! The Prophet was angry at your words and told you in reprimand: Be silent, az-Zubayr! 'Ali is far removed from ostentation. Then he added: az-Zubayr! As you are caviling at 'Ali today, I swear to God that a day will come when you will fight him unjustly."

Here az-Zubayr remembered the Prophet's words and feeling penitent, he said: "If I had remembered these words, I would not have risen against you. Now even though I have left home with the purpose of fighting you here, I will abandon this intention. I swear to God that I will no longer fight you." At-Tabari says: After this conversation 'Ali returned to his army and said to them: "az-Zubayr has decided not to fight us." az-Zubayr, too, went to 'A'ishah and said: " 'A'ishah! Since the day I have known myself, I have taken no step without considering its consequence, except in this war the result of which is unknown to me and of the consequence of which lam worried." 'A'ishah said: "az-Zubayr! Say your last word and explicitly declare your decision."

Az-Zubayr said: "I intend to leave this army to itself and go my own way." Az-Zubayr's son, who was present, began to reproach his father severely and said: "Father! Now that you have made the two armies face each other and when the combat may begin any moment, you are going to leave them at this critical and dangerous moment and withdraw yourself? The sight of 'Ali's sword and the enemy's banners carried by valiant youths must have produced such a fear and anxiety in your heart as to make you retire from the army." Az-Zubayr answered: " 'Abd Allah! I swear to God that it is not a question of fear and anxiety. But I have taken an oath not to fight 'Ali." 'Abd Allah said: "Father, there is an easy solution. Break your promise and make atonement for it, and then begin the combat."

Az-Zubayr accepted his son's proposal broke his promises to 'Ali and in expiation for it freed his slave Makhul, and joined the army once again. 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Sulayman at-Tamimi has composed a poem about this story as follows:

"I have never seen a day like this, For; that man greatly astonished me; A man who broke his promise, And freed his slave in expiation of it, So as to remove from him the sin of perfidy, But he committed a greater sin with this act.

Another poet, too, of az-Zubayr's army composed the following:

"Az-Zubayr freed his slave Makhul in expiation for his oath so as not to be perfidious in his faith, But in vain, since with that expiation the signs of perfidy became more visible on his forehead."

The fate of az-Zubayr

I prefer disgrace to the fire of hell. Az-Zubayr Al-Mas'udi writes as follows:

When the two armies faced each other, 'Ali put down his weapon mounted the Prophet's personal mule, and proceeded towards 'A'ishah's army and called forth az-Zubayr. Az-Zubayr put on his battle dress and went towards 'Ali. When 'A'ishah heard of this matter she felt greatly worried about az- Zubayr, her sister's husband and commander of her army, and involuntarily cried out: "Woe for the misfortune of my sister, Asma', who will become a widow!" They told her not to be uneasy since 'Ali was not armed and had not come forward to fight. 'A'ishah was relieved to hear this. When az-Zubayr reached 'Ali they embraced and kissed one another. 'Ali then said: "az-Zubayr! Woe upon you! For what purpose have you come to this land with this dangerous army? What has made you raise the banner of opposition to me?" Az-Zubayr answered: "It is to avenge 'Uthman's blood that has made me resort to this campaign and war."

'Ali said: "May God destroy him who has had a greater share in 'Uthman's murder. Az-Zubayr! Do you remember the day when the Prophet said to you? Az-Zubayr! A day will come when you will fight 'Ali." Az-Zubayr said: "God forgive me! I am penitent of my deed and repent to you. O God! Pardon my sin! Then he turned to 'Ali and said: God knows the secret of my heart and is a witness of the truth of my words, that if I had remembered the Prophet's remark, I would never have resorted to this uprising, and would not have left my house for war."

'Ali said: "It is not too late yet. You can now withdraw from combat and return home from here." Az-Zubayr said: "How can I do so and submit to this great disgrace while the two armies are facing each other, ready for combat. It is too late; the way is blocked for me to withdraw."

'Ali said: "If you accept this disgrace today, it is far better than to be involved tomorrow with both disgrace and the burning fire of abominable hell." Here az-Zubayr was impressed by 'Ali's words and became penitent of his opposition to 'Ali and decided to retire from combat, meanwhile murmuring a poem having the following meaning:

"I tolerate disgrace so as to be saved from the abject fire of hell, How can my weak body resist against burning fires? 'Ali reminded me of a story that I knew but had forgotten Indeed a war with 'Ali is condemned by both the religion and the world, And they consider it a great disgrace. So I said to 'Ali: O Abu al-Hasan! Reproach me no more, for some of your words Were enough to warn and admonish me?"

Al-Mas'udi continues his narration and says: When 'Abd Allah, son of az- Zubayr, learnt of his father's decision he said to him: "Father! How can you leave us at such a critical moment, and take to flight?" Az-Zubayr said: "My son! 'Ali reminded of a story, which I had forgotten and that story has dissuaded me from combat." 'Abd Allah said: "No father, what you said is only an excuse. You are really frightened by the sharp swords and long spears in the hands of valiant young warriors of the enemy, making you withdraw from the combat!" Az-Zubayr said: "May God make such a son as you abject for bringing misery and destruction upon his father and trying to disgrace him."104 The above answer is quoted by Ibn A'tham, but according to al-Mas'udi az- Zubayr answered 'Abd Allah as follows:

" 'Abd Allah! You are wrong in your supposition. Fear can never prevent me from fighting. But today I was reminded of a story, which I had forgotten with the passage of time. That story admonished and checked me from fighting 'Ali. Thus I preferred the disgrace of withdrawal from war to the fire of hell, and so I retired from combat. But my son! Now that you consider me a coward, I will remove this stain on my character with a sword and spear. Saying this, he took his spear and rushed swiftly upon the right wing of 'Ali's army. When 'Ali noticed this angry assault of az-Zubayr, he ordered his soldier to give him respite and abstain from injuring him since he was so roused to anger that he did not behave normally. Az-Zubayr again rushed upon the left win of 'Ali's army, and then made a violent attack upon the center." Then he cried out:

"How can a person who shows such courage in daringly approaching the enemy's army be afraid?" Az-Zubayr then retired and proceeded towards a desert, which was called Wadi as-Saba'. A man said to al-Ahnaf ibn Qays at-Tamimi who had left Basra to be neutral and had stayed in that desert: "Look! That is az-Zubayr!" al-Ahnaf said: "I have nothing to do with az-Zubayr He has created a dispute between two groups of Muslims and produced war and bloodshed, and now he is safely passing through the desert and returning to his home and life. Let him go!" At that spot az-Zubayr dismounted form his horse to perform prayer. At this time a man named 'Amr ibn Jarmuz105 rushed upon him from behind and killed 104. History of Ibn A'tham, al-Mas'udi, Description of Nahj al-balaghah by Ibn Abi al-Hadid 2/170.

105. al-Mas'udi and Abu Mikhnaf narrate that when 'Amr ibn Jarmuz killed az-Zubayr, he picked up his sword in the hope of a reward and took it to 'Ali. When 'Ali heard the account, he said: "By God, the son of Safiyah was not a mean coward, but a blunder caused his destruction today and produced his misery and fall." Then he held az-Zubayr's sword and, waving it, said: "O what sorrows this sword has removed from the Prophet's heart, and how bravely it defended his holy him. Thus the life of the first commander of 'A'ishah's army was brought to an end, and from that moment onwards Talhah acted as commander of that army.106

The fate of Talhah

Truly 'Uthman's blood is on Talhah's hands.

Marwan Ibn 'Asakir says: Before the commencement of the battle 'Ali called forth Talhah and said: "O Talhah I ask you in the name of God, have you not heard the Prophet say: Whoever considers me as his lord should regard 'Ali as his lord, too? O God! Regard 'Ali's friends as your friends and his enemies as your enemies."

Talhah said: "Yes I have heard it and remember it clearly." 'Ali said: "And yet strangely enough you fight me?" at-Tabari writes about this matter: Before beginning the battle 'Ali met Talhah and said to him: "O Talhah you are a man who has left his wife at home and brought out the Prophet's consort to the battlefield and have violated your pact with me."

Against these protests Talhah only said: "I did not willingly swear allegiance to you. It was force and the sword that compelled me to do so." Ibn 'Asakir and adh-Dhahabi write: Abu Raja' says: "I saw Talhah riding a horse amidst his soldiers and shouting O people be silent and listen to me. But despite his shouts the noise of the crowd did not die down. Talhah was vexed at the people's indifference and said: Fie to these wolfish people who are the flies of hell-fire."

abode!" Ibn Jarmuz said: "O 'Ali! I have killed az-Zubayr, your most obstinate enemy, and you should honour me with a reward." 'Ali said: "Ibn Jarmuz I have heard the Prophet say that az-- Zubayr's killer will burn in the fire." Ibn Jarmuz left 'Ali's presence in disappointment and composed a poem which he kept on reciting, as follows:

"I cut off az-Zubayr's head and brought it to 'Ali To win his favour and satisfaction. But contrary to my expectation he spoke To me of the burning fire of hell O! What a perilous promise and What an ill-omened reward! Whereas killing or-Zubayr seemed to me Like a wind broken by a goat!" 106. On az-Zubayr from: at-Tabari 5/199 and 204, al-Aghani 16/126, Abu Mikhnaf quoting Ibn Abi al-Hadid's Description of Nahj al-balaghah 1/78, History of Ibn A'tham, Muruj adh-dhahab, Tahdhib at-tahdhib of Ibn 'Asakir 5/364, al-Isti'ab 203 Usd al-ghabah 2/199, History of Ibn al- Athir 3/94-95, al-'Iqd al-farid 4/322-323, al-Mustadrak 3/366-367, Kanz al-'ummal 6/82-85, an- Nubala' of adh-Dhahabi 1/38-39, al-Ya'qubi 2/158, al-Isabah 1/527, Biography No. 2789.

It is stated in the history of Ibn A'tham that Talhah addressed his army and exclaimed loudly: "O servants of God! Be patient and show perseverance, since patience and victory are two old friends. Victory is won by those who show fortitude and steadfastness and they receive the reward of tolerating hardships." Abu Mikhnaf writes Jundab ibn 'Abd Allah as saying: "In the battle of al- Jamal, I saw Talhah and his followers fighting 'Ali, but they were badly wounded and retreated. His soldiers scattered and fled. He was more wounded than others, and lifting his sword, he shouted: O servants of God! Be steadfast and patient. Victory depends on it, and you will receive its reward."

How Talhah was killed

al-Ya'qubi, Ibn 'Asakir, Ibn 'Abd Rabbih, Ibn 'Abd al-Barr in al-Isti'ab, Ibn al-Athir in al-Kamil and Ibn Hajar 'Asqalani narrate: When the two armies of 'Ali and Talhah were engaged in fighting, Marwan who was a commander in Talhah's army said: "If I do not use this opportunity today to avenge 'Uthman's blood; when can I get another chance for it?" Saying this, he shot an arrow, which hit Talhah's knee and cut a vein and he bled so profusely that he collapsed and died, thus putting an end to his adventurous life. Ibn Sa'd says in Tabaqat: Talhah himself realized that the mortal wound had been inflicted on him by one of his own supporters, and in his dying moments he said: "I swear to God that the arrow, which vanquished me was not sent by 'Ali's army." Concerning Talhah's death al-Mas'udi writes: During the combat at a moment when Marwan found Talhah careless of himself, he thought of avenging 'Uthman. So he exclaimed: "By God it makes no difference whether I shoot at 'Ali's or Talhah's army." Then he shot at his friend, Talhah, cutting the vein of his arm and he died as a result of profuse bleeding.

Ibn Sa'd describes the incident as follows: Marwan noticed a chink in Talhah's mail as he was among his horsemen, and with a sure aim he shot an arrow at that target and thus he killed Talhah. Some historians say: Marwan observed Talhah amidst the army in a critical position and said: "By God this man was the most obstinate enemy of 'Uthman, and as I have come to avenge 'Uthman's blood, what would be better then killing his assassin, and leaving alone all those who are unjustly accused of his murder. He then shot an arrow at Talhah and killed him."

Al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim, History of Ibn 'Asakir and Usd al-ghabah write: After killing Talhah, Marwan turned to Aban, son of 'Uthman, and said: "Aban, I have punished one of your father's assassins for his deed and have cooled your burning heart."

Ibn A'tham gives more details about Talhah's death and says: During the combat Marwan said to his slave: "I am surprised that this Talhah was one day the staunchest enemy of 'Uthman and incited the people to kill him and spared no effort in this way until he shed his blood. But today he has risen to avenge his blood and has joined the rank of 'Uthman's friends and sons! I intend to kill this capricious and hypocritical man and deliver the Muslims from his wickedness and remove his ill-omened shadow from over these unfortunate people. You boy, must stand before me so that I can watch him from behind. If you play your part well, I shall be pleased and will set you free as a reward for this service."

The slave, who longed to be freed, did as he was told acting like a shield for Marwan's ambush, and at a suitable moment Marwan shot a poisoned arrow at Talhah and split his thigh.

Historians say: When Talhah found himself unable to do anything for his mortal wound, he said to his slave: "You can at least carry me to the shelter of a tree to relieve me from this intense heat of the sun." The slave said: "O master! There is no tree in this desert nor a shelter where can I carry you to? Now Talhah said sadly: No one in the Quraysh tribe has been as unfortunate as me. Alas! My blood is wasted, and my killer is unknown! O God! Where did this burning arrow come from? Who brought down this misery and death upon me? This arrow was not sent by the enemy. What can I do? This was my destiny!"

al-Mada'ini says: After Marwan's arrow hit the target and knocked Talhah down, Talhah withdrew from the battlefield and found a quiet and safe place to rest, whenever the soldiers of 'Ali's army approached, he asked for mercy and imploringly said: "I am Talhah and am under your asylum. Is there not a chivalrous man amongst you to show me clemency and save me from death?" al-Hasan al-Basri, referring to Talhah's request for mercy, says that he had no need for it, since he was included in a general amnesty and before the commencement of the battle 'Ali had ordered his soldiers not to kill the wounded.

Historians say that after Talhah was killed by his friend Marwan, his body was buried in Sabkhah, one of the squares of Basra.

Ibn 'Abd Rabbih, Ibn 'Abd al-Barr and adh-Dhahabi say: Talhah was the first man of 'A'ishah's army to be killed who had acted as commander of that army after az-Zubayr's retirement. Thus the second commander met his death, but his death produced no fear in the warriors of 'A'ishah, since the banner of this army was in fact the camel, which carried 'A'ishah's litter and went ahead of the army. Thus with Talhah's death the attention was drawn to the camel and the warriors surrounded it and fought as violently as before.107 107. at-Tabari 5/204, al-Ya'qubi 2/158, Ibn A'tham, Tahdhib, History of Ibn 'Asakir 7/84-87, al- Isti'ab 207-208, al-Isabah 2/222, Biography No. 4266, al-'Iqd al-farid 4/321, Abu Mikhnaf, al- Mada'ini quoting Ibn Abi al-Hadid's Description of Nahj al-balaghah 2/421.