The delegation of Banu Amir bin Sa’sa’a

The delegation of Banu Amir bin Sa’sa’a included Arbad bin Qays, Jabbar bin Aslam, and Amir bin Tufayl. Amir, it must be remembered, was the leader of the massacre of some of the Prophet’s Companions at Bir Ma’una. He and Arbad came with the intention to assassinate the Prophet if the opportunity arose. When the group came to Madinah, the Prophet invited them to accept Islam. Amir, as leader of the delegation said, “I give you the power to choose one of three options. First, you can choose to rule the people of the valley, while I rule the desert dwellers.

Second, you can name me as your successor. Third, you can refuse the first two, in which case I will march on you with one thousand horses and one thousand mares of Ghatfan.”

The Prophet declined each of the choices given to him, saying Allah alone was sufficient to guide Amir and his people. Proceeding according to their plans to kill the Prophet, Arbad moved behind the Prophet while Amir engaged him in talk. Arbad tried to draw his dagger only to find his hand suddenly paralysed, unable to grip the weapon. The two plotters returned unsuccessful.

On the way back from Madinah, Amir broke journey at the home of a woman belonging to his clan, the Banu Salul. There, as he lay sleeping, Allah caused him to become very ill. “I have a tumour in my throat just like camels have,” he said. “Am I to die from a camel lump and that too in the house of a woman? Bring me my horse!” His steed was brought to him, and he died even as he sat on horseback.

Amir’s co-conspirator, Arbad, was struck by lightning and both he and his camel were reduced to ashes. Allah revealed two verses referring to Arbad’s punishment. “And He hurls thunderbolts and strikes whomever He wishes. Still they dispute about Allah, though He is severe in punishment.” (13: 13).

The deaths of both Amir and Arbad were reported to the Prophet by their fellow tribesmen, Moila bin Jabal of Banu Amr. He had accompanied the two to Madinah, but unlike them he had accepted Islam at the hands of the Prophet and presented him with his camel. At the time, Moila was twenty years old, and he lived to be one hundred years old, his eloquence earning him the title, “the one with two tongues.”