EVENTS OF THE THIRD YEAR AFTER THE FLIGHT.

According to some, the Ghazwah of Qarqarah Akdar took place this year, the reason for which was as follows: When it reached the august and prophetic audition—u. w. b.— that a number of the Bani Salym and Ghuttfân had con­gregated in the just-mentioned place, his lordship marched against them with a company of Mohâjer and Anssâr; but when he arrived at the place of destination he saw no one. Accordingly he sent a number of his companions to recon­noitre the upper portion of the Wady, while he himself examined the lower part with the bulk of his friends, among whom was also a slave, Ysâr by name, and his lord­ship asked him where the Bani Salym and Ghuttfân were? Ysâr said: ‘I know not where they are, but possibly they may have gone to the water.’ Then his lordship ordered the herdsmen and camels to be driven towards Madinah. At daybreak the Musalmâns held prayers, and his lordship the apostle—u. w. b.—perceived Ysâr standing, kneeling, and prostrating himself as they did. After the termination of their devotions, that prince ordered the camels to be distributed, but the companions said: ‘O apostle of God, some of the men are fatigued, and have not the strength to drive the quadrupeds. If thou wilt so order it, we shall divide them in Madinah.’ They also said: ‘O prophet of Allah, if thou believest that this slave, namely Ysâr, has faith, we will surrender him to thee.’ He lordship replied: ‘If you gladly present him, I accept him.’ The friends joy­fully complied; that prince thereon took him, and liberated him. Arriving in the vicinity of Madinah, the camels were divided, and after setting apart one-fifth of the number, two fell to the share of each man, but others say seven.