of guidance and truth (1), so that He may cause it to prevail over every religion, even though the unbelievers may loathe it.

As for what follows: I have answered the request of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and have married to him my principal, Umm Ḥabībah bint Abī Sufyān. May Allah bless His Messenger through his wife, and congratulations to Umm Ḥabībah for the good that Allah has ordained for her.

He then gathered up the money and set out to deliver it to her; his companions rose when he rose and likewise prepared to depart. The Negus said to them, “Remain seated, for it is the practice of the prophets that when they marry, they provide food.” He ordered that food be brought; the company ate, and then they dispersed (2).