It is from the established matters that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had a constitutional document written down and that he adopted it for the regulation of some of the relationships in Madinah, the capital of the newly arising Islamic State. The following has been narrated with the most authentic of chains of transmission in the “Sunan of Abu Dawud” (3/154/3000) and in another printed version of his “Sunan” (3/114/3002):

Az-Zuhriy related from Abdur Rahman bin Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik from his father who was one of the three whose repentance had been accepted (i.e. Ka’b bin Malik):

“Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf used to mock the Prophet (ﷺ) and incited the disbelievers of the Quraish against him. When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Madinah, its people were a mixed blend; some of them were Muslims and others were polytheists who worshipped idols whilst some were Jews. They used to seek to bring harm/abuse to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions. Then Allah, the Most High, commanded His Prophet to show patience and to overlook. Allah revealed in respect to them .

“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination” (TMQ 3:186). .

When Ka’b bin Al Ashraf refused to desist from hurting the Prophet (ﷺ) the Prophet(ﷺ) ordered Sa’d bin Mu’adh to send a small group to kill him. He sent Muhammad bin Maslamah. He then mentioned the story of his killing. .

When they killed him, the Jews and the polytheists were greatly alarmed. The next day they came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: “Our Companion was attacked at night and killed.” The Prophet(ﷺ) then informed them about that what he had been saying. The Prophet (ﷺ) then called them so that he could write a document of agreement between him and them for them to refer back to (for issues). And so, he wrote a document (Sahifah) of agreement between him, them (the non-Muslims) and the Muslims in general.” The following was also related via Abu Dawud in “Dalaa’il An- Nubuwwah” of Al-Baihaqi (3/198):

“Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf used to mock the Prophet (ﷺ) … He then went on to mention it (i.e. the narration). And the Hadith of Abdul-Kareem is more complete …”. We will come to the Hadith of Abdul-Kareem later. .

Al-Albani said: The Isnad (Chain of narration) is Sahih. I say: Yes (that is correct) and what has been mentioned in terms of the existence of instability (Idtiraab) in the Isnad does not negatively impact that. .

That is because:

1) Either it was related by Abdur Rahman Bin Abdullah Bin Ka’b Bin Malik from his father Abdullah Bin Ka’b Bin Malik, who use to guide Ka’b Bin Malik after he became blind, who related from his father, the Sahaabiy Ka’b Bin Malik, one of the three whose repentance was accepted, as has been recorded in numerous Ahaadeeth of Al- Bukhaari and Muslim. And so, the Hadith is Sahih (authentic) upon their conditionality. .

2) Or, it was related by Abdur Rahman Bin Abdullah Bin Ka’b Bin Malik from his grandfather (directly), the Sahaabiy Ka’b Bin Malik. That is because Abdur Rahman use to guide his grandfather on behalf of his father Abdullah on some occasions. Also, the Arabs use to frequently call their grandfathers father. (In addition, the grandfather, is also a father, definitely, as stated in the Qur’an. Just as it represents a linguistic necessity built upon sensory and rational necessity). Indeed, it is a continuous and constant customary norm. Therefore, the statement in the chain of transmission “From his father” means from his grandfather. 3) Or it was related by Abdur Rahman Bin Ka’b Bin Malik from his father, the Sahaabiy Ka’b bin Malik, and not from Abdur Rahman Bin Abdullah Bin Ka’b Bin Malik. Az-Zuhriy heard (i.e. took the narrations) from both Abdur Rahman Bin Abdullah Bin Ka’b Bin Malik and from his namesake and his paternal uncle Abdur Rahman Bin Ka’b Bin Malik. The inconsistency only comes from Az-Zuhriy as he related from his memory and recalled this on an occasion and recalled that on another occasion due to the closeness of the lineages and names, whilst sometimes he would prefer safety and related Mursal (with an interrupted chain of narrators).

All of that has been related about him by the Imaams in respect to this narration and other than him such as Malik, Mu’ammar, Younus and ‘Aqeel among others. The narration (of Ka’b Bin Malik) has also been related in a more complete form in the “Sunan Al-Baihaqi Al-Kubra” (9/183/18408), in another printed edition of his “Sunan Al-Kubra” (9/308/18628) and in “Dalaa’il An-Nubuwwah” by Al-Baihaqi (3/196). The following is from the text recorded in the “Dalaa’il”:

Abdul-Kareem Bin Al-Haitham related from Abu l-Yamaan from Shu’aib from Az-Zuhriy who said: Abdur Rahman bin Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik, who (meaning Ka’b bin Malik) was one of the three whose repentance was accepted, said:

“That the Jew Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf was a poet and he use to mock the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and incite the disbelievers of Quraish against him in his poetry. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Madinah and its people were a blended mix, consisting of the Muslims who were unified by the Da’wah (call) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the Mushrikeen (polytheists) who worshiped idols and the Jews who were people of weaponry and fortresses and were allies of the inhabitants (of Yathrib); the Aws and the Khazraj. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) arrived in Al-Madinah, he wanted to remedy the situation of them all. A man would be a Muslim and his father a Mushrik (polytheist), and a man would be Muslim and his brother a Mushrik. When the Messenger (peace be upon him) came to Al- Madinah, the polytheists and Jews used to seek to bring great harm/abuse to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his companions. Allah, the Most High, commanded his Messenger and the Muslims to persevere patiently upon that and overlook them. Allah, glorified be His praise, revealed in respect to them: “You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination” (TMQ 3:186). .

And Allah also revealed in respect to them: “Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them. So, pardon and overlook until Allah delivers His command. Verily, Allah is capable over all matters” (TMQ 2:109). Then, when Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf refused to refrain from harming the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and harming the Muslims, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh to dispatch a small party to kill him. Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh dispatched Muhammad bin Maslamah Al- Ansari, along with Al-Harithy, Abu ‘Abs Al-Ansari and Al-Harith the nephew of Sa’d bin Mu’adh, as part of a group of five who approached him at night whilst he was in their seated gathering at Al-‘Awaaliy. When Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf saw them, he resented their affair and was frightened by them. He said to them: “What has brought you here?” They replied: “A need has brought us to you”. He said: “Then, let some of you draw near to me to discuss with me this need”. So, some of them drew near to him and said to him: “We have come to you to sell you our armour plates so that we can spend from its price”. He (Ka’b) replied: “By Allah, if you were to do that! You have become overburdened since this man has settled among you”. He then arranged for them to come to meet him in the evening when he was less busy with the people. They came and a man from among them called for him. He then arose to leave his house and his wife said to him: “They are not knocking at your door at this time for something that you will like”. He replied: “Indeed, they have already spoken to me about their matter”. Then (when he left) Abu ‘Abs grabbed hold of him and Muhammad Bin Salamah struck him with his sword whilst some of them thrust him in his side with their swords. Then, after they had killed him the Jews and the polytheists with them were greatly alarmed and set off early to see the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) when they awoke in the morning. They said: “Verily, our companion was called upon at night, who is one of our main noblemen and was killed”. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reminded them of what he (Ka’b) use to say in his poetry. He had forbidden them of this and then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) invited them to write between him and them and the Muslims a document, which they would refer back to (in order to resolve or arbitrate issues). And so the Prophet (peace be upon him) wrote between himself, them and the Muslims in general, a document. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had it written under the grape vines which were in the property of the daughter of Al-Harith. That Sahifah (document), following the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to be in the possession of ‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib, may Allah be pleased with him”.

“That the Jew Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf was a poet and he use to mock the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his companions and incite the disbelievers of Quraish against them in his poetry. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Madinah and its people were a mix; consisting of the Muslims who were unified by the Da’wah (call) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the Mushrikeen (polytheists) who worshiped idols and the Jews including those from them who were people of weaponry and fortresses and they were the allies of the inhabitants (of Yathrib); the Aws and the Khazraj. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) arrived in Al-Madinah he wanted to remedy the situation of them all and make a treaty with them. A man would be a Muslim and his father a Mushrik (polytheist) and a man would be Muslim and his brother a Mushrik. When the Messenger (peace be upon him) came to Al-Madinah, the polytheists and Jews would bring great harm/abuse to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his companions. Allah, the Most High, commanded his Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Muslims to persevere patiently upon that and overlook them. Allah, the Most High, revealed in respect to them: “You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination” (TMQ 3:186). And Allah also revealed in respect to them: “Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them. So pardon and overlook until Allah delivers His command. Verily, Allah is capable over all matters” (TMQ 2:109). .

Then, when Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf refused to refrain from harming the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and harming the Muslims, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh and Muhammad bin Maslamah Al-Ansari, along with Al- Harithy, Abu ‘Eisaa bin Habr Al-Ansaari and Al-Harith the nephew of Sa’d bin Mu’adh, as part of a group of five. They then approached him at night whilst he was in their seated gathering at Al-‘Awaaliy. When Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf saw them, he resented their affair and was frightened of them. He said to them: “What has brought you here?” They replied: “A need has brought us to you”. He said: “Then, let some of you draw near to me to discuss with me this need”. So, some of them drew near to him and said to him: “We have come to you to sell you our armour plates so that we can spend from its price”. He (Ka’b) replied: “By Allah, If you were to do that. Indeed, you have become overburdened since this man has settled amongst you”. He then arranged for them to come to meet him in the evening when he was less busy with the people. .

“That the Jew Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf was a poet and he use to mock the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his companions and incite against them, saying “Who if for Ka’b?” Then, when he refused to refrain from harming the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and harming the Muslims, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh, Muhammad bin Maslamah, Abu ‘Eisaa bin Al-Harith the nephew of Sa’d bin Mu’adh, as part of a group of five. They then approached Ka’b … And he mentioned the same (i.e. as the previous narration)”. .

The story of Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf was reported in detail within the Seera of Ibn Hisham (2/51).

Ibn Ishaq said (from the Hadith about Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf):

“When the people of Badr (Quraish) were afflicted, Zaid bin Harithah went to the people of As-Safilah and Abdullah bin Rawaahah went to the people of Al-‘Aaliyah as bearers of glad tidings dispatched by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to the Muslims of Al- Madinah to give the news of the victory Allah, ‘Azza Wa Jalla, had bestowed upon him and about who from among the polytheists had been killed … Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf, who was a man from the Tayyi tribe, one of Bani Nabhan and whose mother was from Bani Nadeer, said upon hearing the news: “Is this true? Do you believe that Muhammad those men whom these two (Zaid and Abdullah Ibn Rawaahah) have named? That is because those were from the nobles of the Arabs and the kings of the people. By Allah, if Muhammad had killed these people, the belly of the earth is better than its surface!” Then, when the enemy of Allah ascertained the truth of the news, he departed until he reached Makkah. He set down at the residence of Al-Muttalib bin Abi Wada’ah bin Dubairah As-Sahmiy who was married to Atikah the daughter of Abu l-‘Ieas bin Umayyah bn Abdi Shams bin Abdi Manaf. She received him and honoured him with hospitality. He then began to incite the people against the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), reciting poetry and weeping over the people of the well from Quraish who had been killed at Badr. He said:

Badr’s mill churned out the blood of its people.

At events like Badr you should weep and cry.

The best of the people were slain round its cisterns, “Who will deal with (i.e. eliminate) Bin Al-Ashraf for me?” Muhammad bin Maslamah, the brother of Banu Abdi l-Ash’hal said: “I will deal with him for you O Messenger of Allah. I will kill him”. He (peace be upon him) replied: “If you are capable of carrying it out, then do it”. Muhammad bin Maslamah then went back to his locality and remained for three days, neither eating nor drinking more than he required to remain living. This was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) who then called for him. He (peace be upon him) said to him: “Why have you left the food and drink?” He replied: “O Messenger of Allah, I said that I would do something to you and I don’t know if I will be able to fulfil it”. He (peace be upon him) replied: “To try is all that is required of you”. He (then) said: “O Messenger of Allah, it will be necessary for us to say certain things (i.e. use deception)”. He (peace be upon him) replied: “Say what you believe needs to be said as this is Halaal for you in this regard”. .

Then Muhammad bin Maslamah, Silkan bin Salamah bin Waqsh (known as Abu Naa’ilah) of Banu Abdi l-Ash’hal who was the foster- brother of Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf, ‘Abbad bin Bishr bin Waqsh of Banu Abdi l-Ash’hal, Al-Harith bin Aws bin Mu’adh of Banu Abdi l-Ash’hal and Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr of Banu Harithah, gathered together to plan to kill him. They then headed to the enemy of Allah Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf, albeit preceded by Silkan bin Salamah Abu Naa’ilah who went to him and spoke with him for a while, reciting poetry to each other, as Abu Naa’il was himself a poet. He (Abu Naa’il) then said: “Woe to you son of Al-Ashraf, I have come to you about a matter that I wish to bring up with you, so keep it to yourself”. He replied: “Go ahead”. He said: “The arrival of this man has been an affliction for us. The Arabs (Bedouins) have become hostile to us and are attacking us as one and have cut off our travelling paths to the point that our families are facing ruin and suffering. We have all become overburdened and our families have become overburdened”. Ka’b then said: “I am the son of Al-Ashraf and by Allah I informed you, O son of Salamah, that the matter would turn out just as I told you it would”. Silkan said: “I had Don’t think it strange that the Kings were left lying.

Sufyan related from ‘Amr bin Dinar who heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, saying, that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who will deal with (eliminate) Ka’b bin Al- Ashraf for verily he has insulted Allah and His Messenger?” Muhammad bin Maslamah asked: “Would you like that I kill him O Messenger of Allah?”. He (peace be upon him) replied: “Yes”. He said: “I will deal with him O Messenger of Allah, so permit me to use (deceptive) speech”. He (peace be upon him) replied: “You can employ such speech”. Muhammad bin Maslamah then went to him (Ka’b) and said: “This man (i.e. the Prophet (peace be upon him)) has afflicted us with charity (i.e. taking it from us). This caused us suffering and we are tired of this. When the wretched man heard this, he said: “By Allah, you will be put to more trouble by him or get more tired of him. I knew that your affair would turn out like this”. He (Ibn Maslamah) said: “Indeed, we cannot give him up until we see what he does, and we hate to abandon him after having followed him until we see how his affair will turn out. I have come now for you to loan me dates”. He said: “Yes I will do that upon the condition that you pledge me your women as a security (for the loan)”. He said: “Do we pledge our women to you whilst you are the most handsome of the Arabs?” He replied: “Then pledge me your sons as a security”. He (ibn Maslamah) said: “The people will then disparage our sons upon the basis that we pledged them for a mere Wasq or two Wasqs of dates (Or perhaps he said: “Then one of our sons will be insulted and it will be said that he was mortgaged for a Wasq or two of dates). He (Ka’b) asked: “What will you mortgage to me as a security then”. He answered: “We can pledge you weapons”. He said: “All right”. Then Muhammad b. Maslamah agreed an appointed time to come to see him later. .

Muhammad then returned to his companions. He then set off and Abu Naa’ilah, who was the foster brother of Ka’b, set off with him. Two other men also accompanied him. He said (to them): “I will attempt to grab hold of his head. So, when I have inserted my hands into his hair (and grabbed hold), deal with him”. .

They reached his residence at night and he (Muhammad) commanded his companions to stand in the shade of the date palms. Muhammad then approached and called out: “O son of Al-Ashraf!”. His wife the said: “Where are you leaving to at this hour (of the night)?” He replied: “It is only Muhammad bin Maslamah and my brother Abu Na’ilah”. He then descended covered in a single garment whilst a pleasant fragrance was coming from him. Muhammad said to him: “How splendid is your physique and how pleasant is your fragrance!”. He replied: “I have (as my new wife) the daughter of so and so person and she is the most pleasant in fragrance of all Arabs”. He (Ibn Maslamah) asked: “Do you permit me to smell it?” He replied: “Yes”. Muhammad then inserted his hand in the hair of his head and said: “Would you also permit me to let my companions smell it?” He replied: “Yes”. So, he inserted his hands in his head and let his companions smell. He then placed them once again in his head until he (Ka’b) felt secure and safe. He then entwined his hand in his hair and grabbed hold of his forelock. He then said to his companions: “Deal with the enemy of Allah!”. They then attacked him and killed him. Following that, they went to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and informed him of what had taken place” [End of Quote]. [Al-Baihaqi said: “Al-Bukhari related this is his Sahih from ‘Ali bin Abdullah and Muslim related it from Abdullah bin Muhammad, and both related it from Sufyan bin Uyainah”]. .

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Who is willing to kill Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf who has insulted Allah and His Messenger?” Thereupon, Muhammad bin Maslamah stood up saying: “O Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), Would you like me to kill him?" He (peace be upon him) said: “Yes”. Muhammad bin Maslamah asked: "Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Ka’b)”. He (peace be upon him) said: “You may say it”. .

Muhammad bin Maslamah then went to Ka’b and said: “That man (i.e. Muhammad (peace be upon him)) demands Sadaqah (charity) from us, and he has brought us hardship, and I have come to loan something from you”. On that, Ka`b said: “By Allah, you will get tired of him!” Muhammad bin Maslamah said: “Now as we have followed him, we do not want to abandon him until we see how his matter will turn out. We wanted for you to loan us a Wasq or two (i.e. quantity of food). [Note: ‘Amr related to us more than once and he did not mention a Wasq or two Wasqs]. Ka’b said: “Yes, (I will loan that to you), but you should mortgage something to me as a security”. Muhammad bin Mas-lama and his companion said, "What do you want?" Ka’b replied: “Mortgage your women to me as a security”. They responded: “How can we mortgage our women to you whilst you are the most handsome of the Arabs?” Ka’b said: “Then mortgage your sons to me” They replied: “How can we mortgage our sons to you? One of them will be insulted and it would be said that he was mortgaged for a Wasq or two? That would cause us great disgrace. Instead, we will mortgage our weapons to you as a security”. He then agreed to come to him later at a set time. .

He came to Ka’b at night accompanied by Abu Na’ilah who was Ka’b's foster brother. He (Ka’b) invited them to come into his fort and then went down to them. His wife asked him: “Where are you going at this hour?” He replied: “It is only Muhammad bin Maslamah and my (foster) brother Abu Na’ilah”. His wife said: “I hear a voice as if blood is dripping from it”. He replied: “They are only my brother Muhammad bin Maslamah and my foster brother Abu Na’ilah. An honourable man should respond to a call at night even if he is being invited to be thrust with a blade”..

Muhammad bin Maslamah came with two men. (Some narrators mention that the men were 'Abu bin Jabr. Al Harith bin Aus and `Abbad bin Bishr). He said to them: “When Ka’b comes, I will talk about his hair and smell it, and when you see that I have got hold of his head, approach him and strike him. I will do this once and then let you smell it”.

Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf came down to them wrapped in his clothes and smelling of a scented fragrance. Muhammad bin Maslamah remarked: "I have never smelt a better scent than this”. Ka’b replied: “I have got the best-perfumed woman and most perfect of all Arabs”. Muhammad bin Maslamah asked Ka`b: “Would you allow me to smell your head?” Ka’b said: “Yes”. Muhammad smelt it and made his companions smell it as well. Then he made the request to Ka’b again: “Would you let me (smell your head again)?” Ka`b said: “Yes”. Then when Muhammad got a strong hold of him, he said (to his companions): “Get at him!” So, they killed him and went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him” [End of Quote]..

“Who will kill Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf? He has maligned Allah and His Messenger”. Muhammad bin Maslamah said: “O Messenger of Allah, would you like me to kill him?” He replied: “Yes”. He said: “Permit me then to talk (to him in the way I deem fit including deception)”. He said: “Talk (as you like)”. He then went to him (Ka’b) and talked to him, referred to the old friendship between them and said: “This man (i.e. the Messenger (peace be upon him)) has demanded charity (from us) and this has put us to a great hardship”. When be heard this, Ka’b said: “By Allah, you will be put to more trouble by him”. Muhammad bin Maslamah replied: “verily, we have become his followers now and we do not like to forsake him until we see how his affair turns out. I had wanted that you provide me a loan”. He said: “What will you give me as a pledge of security?” He asked: “What do you want?” He answered: “Pledge me your women as a security”. He replied: “You are the most handsome of the Arabs. Should we then pledge our women to you?” He said: “Then pledge me your sons”. He replied: “One of our sons may be insulted and it will be said that he was pledged for (a mere) two Wasqs of dates. Rather, we can pledge you our weapons as a security”. He said: “All right”. Then Muhammad bin Maslamah agreed that he would come to him along with Al-Harith, Abu 'Abs bin Jabr and ‘Abbad bin Bishr. .

Later, they came and called upon him during the night (at his residence). He came down to them. [Sufyan commented that all the narrators except 'Amr have stated that his wife said: “I hear a voice which sounds like the voice desiring blood”. He then replied to her saying: “It is only Muhammad bin Maslamah and Abu Na'ilah, his foster-brother. When a young (strong) man is called at night, even if it is to be thrust by a blade, he should respond to such a call”]. Muhammad said to his companions: “As he comes, I will extend my hands towards his head and when I hold him fast, you should do your job. So, when he came down covered loosely by a garment, they said to him: “We find that you have a very fine perfumed fragrance”. He replied: “Yes, I have with me a woman who is the most finely scented of the women of Arabia”. He (Muhammad) said: Would you allow me to smell (the scent on your head)”. He said: “Yes, you may smell”. Then he took the hair (in his hands) and smelt. Then he said: “Would you allow me to do so (once again)”. He then held his head fast and said to his companions: “Set upon him”. He (the relator) said: And then they killed him” [End of Quote].

In the Mustakhraj of Abu ‘Awanah (8/102/5541) the following was reported from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who will deal with Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf? For verily, he has defamed Allah and His Messenger”. Muhammad bin Maslamah, may Allah be pleased with him, stood and said: “O Messenger of Allah, would you like me to kill him?”. He replied: “Yes”. He said: “Then permit me to say things (i.e. use deception)”. He (Bin Salamah) then went to him and said to him (Ka’b): “Indeed this man (i.e. the Prophet) has asked Sadaqah from us and this has caused us hardship. We have chosen to follow him and we dislike to abandon him until we see how his matter will turn out”. He continued: “And I had wanted to take a loan from you”. He (Ka’b) asked: “And what will you pledge to me as a security? They (i.e. Ibn Maslalamah and those accompanying him) asked: “What do you want from us? He answered: “Pledge me your women as a security”. They replied: “You are the most handsome of Arabs so how could we possibly pledge our women to you as a security? That would be a shameful disgrace for us” He said: “Then pledge me your sons as a security”. They responded: Glory be to Allah, one of our sons would be insulted and it would be said to him: You were pledged as a security for a mere Wasq or two of dates!” They said: “We can pledge you weapons?” He said: “Yes, I agree”. .

When he (Bin Maslamah) later came to his (Ka’ab) residence, he called to him. He then came out and he had a perfumed fragrance. He went to sit with him (Bin Maslamah) who had a group of three or four accompanying him and the smell of the fragrance was coming from him. They then mentioned that perfumed fragrance to him and he (Ka’b) said: “I have a certain woman and she is the most finely perfumed women of all people”. He (Bin Maslamah) asked: “Would you permit me to smell it?” He replied: “Yes”. He then placed his hand in the hair of his head and smelled it. He then asked: “Can I have another smell?” He replied in the affirmative and then when he (Bin Maslamah) had grasped hold of his head he said: “Set upon him” and then they struck him until they had killed him. .

[Yunus said: Ibn Wahb related from Ibn ‘Uyainah, similar to this. And Musa bin Ishaq Al-Ansari told us that Abdah bin Abdur Rahim said: Ibn ‘Uyainah related from ‘Amr who said: Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who will deal with Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf? Verily, he has defamed Allah and His Messenger … he then mentioned the Hadith … And said (at the end): Then he returned to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and informed him of what had taken place”. [End of Quote]..

The following was reported in the Sunan of Abu Dawud (3/42/2770): Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who will deal with Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf? For verily, he has defamed Allah and His Messenger”. Muhammad bin Maslamah, may Allah be pleased with him, stood and said: “O Messenger of Allah, would you like me to kill him?”. He replied: “Yes”. He said: “Then permit me to say things (i.e. use deception)”. He said: “Yes, you may use such speech”..

He (Bin Salamah) then went to him and said to him (Ka’b): “Indeed this man (i.e. the Prophet) has asked Sadaqah from us and this has caused us hardship and worn us out”. He continued: “We have chosen to follow him and we dislike to abandon him until we see how his matter will turn out. And we had wanted to take a loan of a Wasq (specific quantity of food) or two from you”. He (Ka’b) asked: “And what will you pledge to me as a security? They asked: “What do you want from us? He answered: “Pledge me your women as a security”. They replied: “Glory be to Allah, You are the most handsome of Arabs. If we were to pledge our women to you as a security that would be a shameful disgrace upon us?” He said: “Then pledge me your sons as a security”. They responded: “Glory be to Allah, one of our sons would be insulted and it would be said to him: You were pledged as a security for a (mere) Wasq or two of dates!” They said: “We can pledge you weapons?” He said: “Yes (I agree)”. .

When he (Bin Maslamah) later came to his (Ka’ab) residence, he called to him. He then came out and he had a perfumed fragrance effusing from his head. He went to sit with him (Bin Maslamah) who had a group of three or four accompanying him and the smell of the fragrance was coming from him. They then mentioned that perfumed fragrance to him and he (Ka’b) said: “I have a certain woman and she is the most finely perfumed women of all people”. He (Bin Maslamah) asked: “Would you permit me to smell it?” He replied: “Yes”. He then placed his hand in the hair of his head and smelled it. He then asked: “Can I have another smell?” He replied in the affirmative. So he inserted his hand in the hair of his head and then when he (Bin Maslamah) had grasped hold of his head he said: “Set upon him” and then they struck him until they had killed him”. [End of Quote]..

In the Mustradak of the Sahihatain of Al-Haakim (3/492/5841) there is reported a narration from Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr, may Allah be pleased with him, who was one of the heroes of that blessed mission:

“Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf used to recite poetry that troubled the Prophet (peace be upon him) and went out to Ghatafan. The Prophet (peace upon him) then said: “Who will deal with the son of Al-Ashraf for me as he has indeed insulted Allah and His Messenger?” Muhammad bin Maslamah Al-Harithiy said: “I, O Messenger of Allah, would you like me to kill him?” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remained silent upon that and said: “Fetch Sa’d bin Mu’adh and consult him”. He (bin Maslamah) said: So, I brought Sa’d bin Mu’adh and mentioned the matter to him. He said: “Proceed with the blessing of Allah and take with you the nephew of Al-Harith bin Aws bin Mu’adh, ‘Abbad bin Bishr Al-Ash’haliy, Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr Al-Harithiy and Abu Na’il Silkan bin Qais Al-Ash’haliy”. He said: So I met with them and mentioned the matter to them all apart from Silkan who did not attend. He said: O nephew, I believe you but I would not like to partake in that at all until I speak to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He then mentioned this matter to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and he said to him: “Proceed along with your companions”. He (the relator) said: So we went out at night until we reached his fortress. .

In relation to that ‘Abbad bin Bishr composed poetry explaining the killing and journey, saying:

I came to him and he said who is calling upon me?

I said: Your brother ‘Abbad bin Bishr.

This is our weaponry as a pledge of security so take it.

Which will be fulfilled in two months or half a month.

He said: A gathering of those who have become frustrated and hungry. They have come to lack affluence without impoverishment.

So he came towards us moving quickly.

And said to us: You have come for a matter.

And in our hands was iron.

Tried and tested, branding and chopping.

So I said to my companions what was in my mind.

Attack him with the blades like the slaughtering of a camel. And bin Salamah Al-Muradiy grabbed hold of him in an embrace.

He screamed out against him like a fierce lion.

And he drew his sheathed sword against him.

Then Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr fatally struck him.

And Allah was the sixth with us our Protector and guardian.

Bestowing upon us the most gracious favour and most honorable victory. Then a noble group came with his head.

A returning group of truthfulness and righteousness came to them. [End of Quote].

The incident was also related in “Ma’rifat us-Sahabah” of Abu Nu’aim (4/1812/4579): Abu ‘Abs Bin Jabr said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who will deal with the son of Al-Ashraf for me?”. Muhammad bin Maslamah then asked: “Would you like me to kill him O Messenger of Allah?”. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was then silent. Muhammad then said: “He has consented by way of silence”. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) then said: “Fetch Sa’d bin Mu’adh and consult him”. And so he consulted him and he (Sa’d) told him: “Take along with you Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr, Al-Harith bin Uwais bin Mu’adh, ‘Abbad bin Bishr and Abu Na’ilah Sulkan bin Salamah”. He (the narrator) said: “We then set out until we reached his (Ka’b’s) fortress. ‘Abbas Bin Bishr yelled out and then said (in poetic prose):.

I called out to him and he did not repel to my voice.

And a colour rising from above caution.

He awoke to it and said: Who is calling (for me)?

I said: Your brother ‘Abbad bin Bishr.

This (here) are your weapons as a pledge of security so take them.

For a month or half a month to be fulfilled.

He said: A gathering who have become frustrated and turned.

Who have not escaped suffering without falling into impoverishment.

So come towards us, let us walk quickly.

And he said to you: I have come to you to fulfil a matter.

So we moved before he could react.

Swords moving as if to slaughter a sheep.

Blazing upon him.

And Abu ‘Abs bin Jabr fatally struck him.

And Allah was the sixth of us and our protector/guardian.

Bestowing upon us the most gracious favour and most honourable victory Then the noble party returned.

Those who are characterised by resolve and righteousness”. [End of Quote].

There are additional reports which indicate to a document or agreement of peace (Muhalafah) which may be referring to this Sahifah (constitutional document):

Imam Muslim in his Sahih (2/1146/1507) related that Jabir bin Abdullah said:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) wrote that blood-money is due upon every tribe. He then wrote (made it obligatory) that it is not permissible for a freed slave to take a Muslim (other than the one who freed him) as his Mawla (Patron) without the permission (of his former master who set him free). .

He (the narrator further added): I was informed that he (the Noble Prophet) cursed the one who did that (and that it was recorded) in his Sahifah (in a document)” [End of Quote].

Imam An-Nasaa’iy also related this in his Sunan (4/241/7033), in addition to Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal in his Musnad (3/321/14485), Al- Baihaqi in in Sunan Al-Kubra (8/107/16157) and (8/108/16158), Imam Abu Ya’la in his Musnad (4/161/2228), Ibn Al-Jaroud in “Al-Muntaqa” (1/197/779), and Imam Abdur Razaq As-San’aniy in his Musannaf (9/6/16154), among others. Ahmad Bin Hanbal also related it in his Musnad (3/342/14727) via a different path:

“Abu Az-Zubair asked Jabir about the man who assumes the position of being the Mawla (patron) of a Muslim man without his permission. He (Jabir) said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) wrote that blood- money is due upon every tribe. He then wrote (made it obligatory) that it is not permissible for a freed slave to take a Muslim (other than the one who freed him) as his Mawla (Patron) without the permission (of his former master who set him free)”. I say: This is in agreement to some of what came stated in the Sahifah and these chains of narration are Sahih. In the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaibah (12/417/33927) the following was related: Ibn ‘Abbas said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wrote a document between the Muhajrin and the Ansar: That they pay their blood money for those whom it was due and that they ransom their captives in a good and fitting manner and in a way that rectifies and mends between the Muslims”.

It is also recorded, like this, in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaibah (9/318/28150).

It was related in the Musnad “Al-Jaami’ Al-Mu’allal” of Abu Al-Fadl (3/373/6771). It was related from Ibn ‘Abbas that he said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wrote a document between the Muhajirin and the Ansar: That they pay their blood money for those whom it was due and that they ransom their captives in a good and fitting manner and in a way that rectifies and mends between the Muslims”.

It was also related by Ahmad (1/271/2444).

And it was also related in the Musnad “Al-Jaami’ Al-Mu’allal” of Abu Al-Fadl (20/141/8505) from Abdullah bin ‘Amr, who said:

“That the Prophet (peace be upon him) wrote a document between the Muhajrin and the Ansar: That they pay their blood money for those whom it was due and that they ransom their captives in a good and fitting manner and in a way that rectifies and mends between the Muslims”.

This was also recorded by Ahmad (1/271/2443 and (2/204/6904) with different transmitters.

Both were mentioned in Al-Awsat of Ibn ul-Mundhir (10/145/2443) [According to the numbering of the electronic Shamela library program]. Ibn ‘Abbas related:

“That the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wrote a document between the Muhajirin and the Ansar: That they pay their blood money for those whom it was due and that they free their captives in a good and fitting manner and in a way that rectifies and mends between the Muslims”.

In addition, in “Ad-Diyat” of Ibn Abi ‘Asim (352/240) [According to the numbering of the electronic Shamela library program] it was related from Ibn ‘Abbas and from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib who related from his father who related from his grandfather that:

“That the Prophet (peace be upon him) wrote a document between the Muhajrin and the Ansar: That they pay their blood money for those whom it was due and that they ransom their captives in a good and fitting manner and in a way that rectifies and mends between the Muslims”. I say: As for this, then it is not relied upon greatly due to the weakness of Al-Hajjaj bin Artat (one of the transmitters) as his Tadlis (misrepresentation) was excessive. He has therefore brought instability (Iditraab) to the Isnad (transmission chain) here. If it was authenticated, then it is as if it is alluding to some of the rulings contained in the Sahifah (constitutional document).