—even Ḥāṭib ibn Abī Baltaʿa. When he did what he did—namely, writing to the people of Mecca after the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had resolved to march out for the Conquest—he informed them of the Prophet’s intention. Allah, however, apprised His Messenger of the matter. The Prophet therefore dispatched ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib and another Companion, and they caught up with the woman carrying the letter at a meadow called Rawdat Khākh. They seized her and demanded, “Where is the letter?” She replied, “I have no letter.” They said again, “Where is the letter? By Allah, neither has the Messenger of Allah lied to us nor are we lying to you. Produce the letter, or we shall strip you of your garments.” When she realized they were in earnest she produced it, and there it was—a letter from Ḥāṭib ibn Abī Baltaʿa addressed to Quraysh. They took it from her.

Praise be to Allah that it never reached Quraysh; this was a blessing from Allah for the Muslims and for Ḥāṭib himself, for what he intended did not come to pass by Allah’s grace.

When they brought the letter back to the Prophet, peace be upon him, he said, “O Ḥāṭib, what is this?” Ḥāṭib offered his excuse. ʿUmar then said, “Messenger of Allah, allow me to strike the neck of this hypocrite!” The Prophet replied, “He fought at Badr. How do you know? Perhaps Allah looked upon the people of Badr and said, ‘Do whatever you wish, for I have forgiven you.’” Ḥāṭib was indeed one of those who fought at Badr—may Allah be pleased with him.