Ibn Isḥāq records here a number of Arab poems composed about this extraordinary event. They are marked by eloquence, sweetness, clarity, and charm, yet we have chosen not to quote them so as not to prolong the narrative or weary the reader. In God alone do we seek help.

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Account of Abrahah al-Ashram’s uprising against Aryāṭ, their dispute and combat, and the transfer of the Yemeni throne to Abrahah after Aryāṭ’s death

Ibn Isḥāq says: Aryāṭ remained in Yemen for a number of years exercising his authority there, until Abrahah challenged him, whereupon the Abyssinians split between the two of them. A faction sided with each, and they marched one against the other.

When the two hosts drew near, Abrahah sent word to Aryāṭ: “It will do no good for the Abyssinians to meet one another in battle, destroying themselves little by little. Come out to me and I shall come out to you; whichever of us overcomes the other, his troops shall withdraw to him.”

Aryāṭ replied, “You have spoken justly.” Abrahah—short, stout, and devout in Christianity—stepped forward, and Aryāṭ—tall, handsome, and imposing—advanced carrying his spear. Behind Abrahah stood a youth named ʿAtawda to guard his back.

Aryāṭ raised his spear and struck at Abrahah, aiming for the crown of his head, but the spear landed on Abrahah’s forehead, splitting his brow, eye, nose, and lip; hence he was called Abrahah al-Ashram (“the Split-Nosed”). ʿAtawda then charged Aryāṭ from behind Abrahah and killed him, whereupon Aryāṭ’s soldiers turned over to Abrahah. All the Abyssinians in Yemen rallied to him, and Abrahah paid the blood-money for Aryāṭ.

When news of this reached the Negus—the king of Abyssinia who had dispatched them to Yemen—he became extremely angry with Abrahah and said, “He has attacked my commander and killed him without my leave.” Then he swore