the Muslims that day was racing in pursuit of a man from among the polytheists ahead of him when he heard a whip crack above him and a rider’s voice saying:

“Forward, Hayzūm (1)!”

He looked at the polytheist ahead of him, who fell flat on his back. When he examined him, he saw that there was already (2) a mark (3) across his nose and that his face had been split open as though by a whip stroke (4). The entire area had turned greenish-black. The Ansārī went and related this (5) to the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—who said:

“You have spoken the truth. That (6) was one of the reinforcements from the third heaven.”

That day they killed seventy and took seventy captive.’”

Abū Zumayl said (7): “Ibn Abbas said: ‘When they had taken the captives, the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—asked Abū Bakr and Umar:

“What do you both think should be done with these captives?”

Abū Bakr replied:

“[O Prophet of Allah] (8), they are our cousins and kinsmen. I believe that you should accept ransom from them, so that it may (9) provide us with strength against the polytheists (10). Perhaps Allah will guide them to Islam.”

The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—then asked:

“What do you think, Ibn al-Khattāb?”

I said, “No, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah. I do not hold