Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
16. The Companions of the Prophet
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thirsty for revenge after their defeat at Badr,
descended on the Muslims. Just when the fighting
was at its fiercest, the Prophet drew his sword and
asked his companions which one of them would
take it and exact its full worth. To the first few
who volunteered, the Prophet did not give the
sword. Then Abu Dujanah came forward, and
asked the prophet what was the full worth of the
sword. “That you should strike the enemy with it
until it bends,” the Prophet replied. “That is how I
shall wield it,” Abu Dujanah said, as he offered to
take the sword. The Prophet gave it to him. Abu
Dujanah’s pride was visible as he strode off with
the sword in his hand. “Such strutting cannot be
pleasing to God,” said the Prophet, “But the
occasion excuses it.” Abu Dujanah tied a red cloth
around his head, signalling his readiness to fight
to the death. He did indeed conduct himself with
incredible bravery, striking all who came before
him. Then an astonishing incident occurred,
which was later described by Abu Dujanah
himself, “I saw someone inciting the enemy in a
particularly violent way. I rushed towards him
and raised my sword to kill him. The person
screamed and I saw that it was a woman. I
