this city of yours. Indeed, everything belonging to the pre-Islamic age of ignorance is abolished beneath my feet. Claims for bloodshed from that age are abolished, and the first such claim from our own family that I abolish is that of the son of Rabīʿah ibn al-Hārith, who was being nursed among Banū Saʿd when Hudhayl killed him. Pre-Islamic usury is abolished, and the first usury I abolish is our own—that of al-ʿAbbās ibn ʿAbd al-Muttalib. It is abolished in its entirety.

‘Fear Allah concerning women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah, and intimacy with them has become lawful for you through Allah’s word. Your right over them is that they should not allow anyone you dislike onto your beds. If they do so, strike them without severity. Their right over you is that you provide them with food and clothing in a reasonable manner. I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, will keep you from going astray: the Book of Allah. You will be questioned about me; what will you say?’

“They replied, ‘We testify that you have conveyed the message, discharged your duty, and sincerely counselled us.’ He then raised his index finger toward heaven and directed it toward the people, saying, ‘O Allah, bear witness! O Allah, bear witness!’ three times. Then Bilāl gave the call to prayer, followed by the call announcing its commencement, and he led the noon prayer. Then Bilāl again announced the commencement of prayer, and he led the afternoon prayer, without praying anything between the two. He then rode until he reached the standing place.”

He related the remainder of the hadith.

Thus, he pointed upward with his index finger alone, gesturing emphatically as he said, “O Allah, bear witness!” three times, combining the gesture