A.H. 11
by Abu ʿObeida, another leading Chief, they hurried to the spot, if haply they might nip the conspiracy in the bud. On the way two friendly Citizens coming from the excited conclave, warned them of the risk they ran in entering it alone; but notwithstanding they hastened on. The men of Medīna meanwhile, gathered in one of their rude Halls, were bent upon an independent course. "We have sheltered this nest of strangers," they cried. "It is by our good swords they have been able to plant the Faith. The Ruler of Medīna shall be from amongst ourselves." They had already fixed their choice on Saʿd ibn ʿObāda leader of the Khazraj, who sick of a fever lay covered up at the farther end of the Hall, when the three Companions entered.Met by Abu Bekr, ʿOmar, and Abu ʿObeida. They were just in time; for had the Citizens elected Saʿd and pledged their troth to him, Medīna might have been irretrievably compromised. ʿOmar with his native vehemence was about to speak, when Abu Bekr, calm and firm, anticipated him thus:—"Every word," said he, "which ye, men of Medīna, have uttered in your own praise is true, and more than true; but in noble birth and influence Ḳoreish is paramount, and to none but them will Arabia yield obedience." "Then," cried they, "let there be one Chief amongst you and one from amongst us." "Away with you!" exclaimed ʿOmar, "two cannot stand together"; and even Saʿd from beneath his covering muttered that to divide the power would only weaken it. High words ensued. Ḥobāb, at the side of Saʿd cried out, "Hear him not! Attend to me, for I am the well-rubbed Palm-stem.[1] If they refuse, expel them from the city." "The Lord destroy thee!" cried ʿOmar; and Ḥobāb returned the words. The altercation gaining heat and bitterness, Abu Bekr saw it must be stopped at any risk, and stepping forward said, "Ye see these two," pointing to ʿOmar and Abu ʿObeida. "Choose ye now which of them ye will, and salute him as your Chief." "Nay," answered they both at once, "Thou hast already at the
- ↑ Meaning a palm-trunk left for the beasts to come and rub themselves upon; metaphor for a person much resorted to for counsel. The whole phrase was, "I am their favourite and much rubbed stem, their special fruit-laden palm propped up (because of the weight of fruit), or well fenced with thorns (to protect the fruit)." He means he was their most valued possession, See Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon, p. 397, col. a, and p. 1034, col. c.
