Islamic History
The Battle of Hamra al-Asad
The Prophet ordered to gather firewood during the day and for everyone to light a fire at night [591]. Everyone lit a fire, and five hundred fires were burning. The light of the burning fires could be seen from far away, frightening the enemies. The polytheists came down to Hamrâü’l-Esed in the first hours of the night, then left and went away. One of the poets of the polytheists, Ebu Azıe, slept there until sunrise. When the Islamic warriors arrived at Hamrâü’l-Esed, he woke up and started looking around to his right and left. Asım b. Sabit caught him [593]. Ebu Azze said: “O Muhammad! I was forced out for the Uhud campaign. I have daughters who need care! Please, set me free!” The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Where is the firm promise you gave me before?[594] By Allah, from now on you will not be able to put your hands on your cheeks again and say, ‘I deceived Muhammad twice and had fun with him!’ [595] A believer does not get bitten by a snake twice from its hole! [596] Strike his neck, O Zübeyr!” It is narrated that Ebu Azze’s neck was struck by Asım b. Sabit [598].