An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
3. Worship
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according to Hudhayfah, there were three hundred
Muslims under siege. Recalling what a hard night it
was, he recounts how they were surrounded by
Abu Sufyan’s army on one side and the Banu
Qurayzah on the other, both posing a threat to the
safety of the Muslim families. “The cold was
already quite intense and, when a storm blew up,
there was thunder and lightning everywhere and
stones hurtling and crashing in the wind. It was
almost impossible to see anything. Just then the
Prophet came and asked me to cross the trench and
penetrate the enemy camp to collect information. It
was essential to know if they were planning to
prolong the siege or return to Makkah. I was the
most timid of men and was extremely sensitive to
the cold. Still, on receiving the Prophet’s command,
I immediately arose, he prayed for my safety, and I
set off. I went hither and thither in Abu Sufyan’s
camp and was able to bring back the news that they
were discussing plans to leave. On my return, I
found the Prophet covered in his sheet, praying.
Whenever the Prophet was confronted with some
arduous task, he would begin to pray.”
(AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)
