inciting the polytheists against the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his Companions through his poetry, and composing amorous verse about Muslim women. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Who will deal with Ibn al-Ashraf for me? He has offended Allah and His Messenger.”
Muhammad ibn Maslama al-Ansari said: “I am at your service, Messenger of Allah. I will kill him.” He said: “Then do so, if you are able.”
Muhammad ibn Maslama returned and remained for three days without eating or drinking except what barely sustained him. This was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, so he summoned him and asked: “Why have you abandoned food and drink?” He replied: “Messenger of Allah, I made a commitment, and I do not know whether I will be able to fulfill it or not.” He said: “You are only required to exert your utmost effort.”
He said: “Messenger of Allah, we must say certain things.” He said: “Say whatever you see fit; you are not to blame for it.” Muhammad ibn Maslama, Silkan ibn Salam, Abu Na’ila—who was Ka‘b’s foster-brother—‘Abbad ibn Bishr, al-Harith ibn Aws, and Abu ‘Isa ibn Jubayr then gathered to kill him. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, walked with them as far as Baqi‘ al-Gharqad, then sent them on their way, saying: “Go forth in the name of Allah. O Allah, help them.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then returned. It was a moonlit night.
They proceeded until they reached his fortress. They sent Abu Na’ila ahead, and he came to him. They spoke together for some time and exchanged poetry, for Abu Na’ila recited poetry. Then he said: “Woe to you, Ibn al-Ashraf! I have come to you concerning a matter that I wish to mention to you, so keep it confidential.” He said: “I will.”
He said: “The arrival of this man in our land has brought us calamity. The Arabs have turned against us and united in their assault upon us. The routes of travel have been cut off from us, our dependants have been ruined, and people have been worn down.” Ka‘b said: “I am Ibn al-Ashraf! By Allah, Ibn Salama, had I not told you that the matter would come to this?”
Abu Na’ila said: ⦗75/b⦘ “I have companions with me. We want you to sell us some of your food, and we will give you collateral and secure it for you; and you should deal generously with us in this.” He said: “Will you pledge your sons to me as collateral?” They said: “We would be ashamed if our sons were taunted and it were said: ‘This one was pledged for one measure of grain, and that one for two.’” He said: “Then pledge your women to me as collateral.” They said: “How could we pledge our women to you, when you are the most handsome of the Arabs? We cannot trust you with them, and what woman could resist you because of your beauty? Rather, we will pledge our weapons to you, and you know our need for weapons.” He said: “Yes.” Abu Na’ila wanted to ensure that he would not be alarmed by the weapons when he saw them, so he arranged to return to him. Abu Na’ila then went back to his companions and informed them of what had transpired.
They came to his fortress at night, and Abu Na’ila called out to him. He had only recently been married, so he sprang up from beneath his covering. His wife said: “I hear a voice from which blood drips. You are a man at war, and a man of war does not come down at an hour like this. Speak to them from atop the fortress.”
He said: “It is only my brother Muhammad ibn Maslama and my foster-brother Abu Na’ila. Even if they found me asleep, they would not wake me. A noble man answers when called to a thrust in the night.” So he came down to them and spoke with them for some time. Then they said: “Ibn al-Ashraf, would you like to take a walk with us to the Ravine of the Old Woman, where we may converse for the remainder of this night?” He said: “If you wish.” So they went out walking together. Abu Na’ila had said to his companions: “I shall grasp and twist his hair, then smell it; and when you see that I have gained a firm hold”