Summary of Sira
During the period of mass apostasy, the tribe of Banoo Tameem held different positions amongst themselves. Some of them apostatized outright because they claimed that Zakaah was no longer an obligation, some of them sent their Zakaah to Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq and some of them did neither so that they may reflect deeply on the matter before choosing. Whilst they were in this state, Sajaah bint al Haarith ibn Suwayd ibn ‘Aqfaan al-Taghlibiyyah arrived from the peninsula. She was from the Christian Arabs and had claimed prophethood. With her was an army from amongst her peoples who had rallied around her, and they were intent upon doing battle with Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq.
When she passed by the lands of Banoo Tameem, she invited them to join her cause, who in turn responded to her favorably. Then she directed her army towards al-Yamamah to invite Musaylimah ibn Habeeb, the Liar, to join her cause too. However, her peoples revered him and said to her: “Verily his affair has become dreadfully immense.
Once he heard of her approach, Musaylimah feared her effect on his lands. And so, he sent to her a messenger asking her for a promise of safety and he promised her that he would give her half of the land that Quraysh owned, (as long) she changes her mind about coming to his land.
He sent her message saying that he would like to meet her amongst a group of her peoples. He then rode out to her with 40 of his men and met her in a tent. When he was alone with her and offered to her half of the said land, she accepted. She then heard that Khaalid had approached the lands of al-Yamaamah, and as a result turned to leave and return to where she came from. She then reiterated that she would return to the Peninsula after she took possession of half of Musaylimah’s land-tax.
Maalik ibn Nuwayrah placated Sajaah after she arrived from the Peninsula. It was not late before he would regret his decision, after she reached an agreement with Musaylimah the Liar, and returned to her homeland. Khaalid ibn al-Waleed proceeded against the Maalik ibn Nuwayrah who was based in al-Bitaah. However, he faced divisions within his army regarding this campaign, with the Ansar initially staying behind, citing instructions by Abu Bakr not to campaign further until receiving a direct order by the caliph, Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq’ and that it was not a part of the mission. Khaalid explained to them that this campaign is necessary and that such an order was his prerogative as the commander appointed by the caliph. Nonetheless, he did not force anyone to join his new mission to al-Bitah. After traveling the distance of two days, a man from the Ansaar caught up with him and asked him to wait for them as they have decided to join his new mission. Upon arriving at al-Bitaah, Maalik ibn Nuwayrah was still there, and Khaalid sent messages to the various factions in the valley calling people (to submit and return to Islam). All the chieftains of the tribe of Banoo Tameem complied and submitted their zakat. The only chieftain who did not comply was Maalik ibn Nuwayrah, because, at that time, he was confused (in what he wanted to do) and separated himself from the people.
After, Maalik and those who sided with him were taken prisoners, but the Muslims differed over what to do with them. Aboo Qataadah-al-Haarith ibn Rabee’ee al-Ansaaree testified that they established the prayer all the while others claimed that they did not call the adhaan nor did they pray. Then it was said that the prisoners had spent the night in their restraints, and it was a very cold night. A messenger from Khaalid came and announced: “Warm up your prisoners”. The people thought that he had meant with that to kill the prisoners, and so they did. Maalik ibn Nuwayrah was killed by Diraar ibn al-Azwar. When Khaalid came out to check on the prisoners, he found them all already dead, and thus, said: “If Allah wants a matter to occur, He causes it to happen.”
After, Khaalid went to Aboo Bakr and he asked from him to be pardoned for that incident. He pardoned him and overlooked what happened as a result of his command in that regard. He then paid blood-money on behalf of Maalik ibn Nuwayraah.
From amongst the reports [which have reached us regarding] Bahrain, which is a land which is on the eastern shore of the Arabian peninsula, that the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ- sent al- ‘Alaa’ ibn al-Hadramee to its king: al-Mundhir ibn Saawaa al-‘Abdee. The king accepted Islam at the hands of al-‘Alaa and established and upheld Islam and justice in his kingdom. After the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ-passed away, al-Mundhir passed away as well shortly thereafter. As such much of the people of Bahrain apostatized. After, a charlatan gained power over them: al-Mundhir ibn al-Nu’man ibn al-Mundhir. Someone from his camp said: “If Muhammad were really a prophet he would not have died!” [As a result of such a statement], not a single town in Bahrain remained steadfast upon Islam except for one known as Jawaathaa, the place in which the first Friday prayer took place from amongst the people of apostasy.
Aboo Bakr (may Allah be well pleased with him) dispatched al-’Alaa ibn al-Hadramee to the people of Bahrain. When he approached Bahrain, Thumaamah ibn Uthaal went out to meet him along with a large number of his people and then all of the leaders from that area joined the army of al-‘Alaa ibn al-Hadramee. When he approached the army of the apostates, which had by now become a large number, they stationed close to each other and then spent the night in the neighboring environs.
During the night, while the Muslims were camping, al-‘Alaa heard loud voices coming from the apostates’ army, and so he asked his men: “who amongst you will go there and bring back news?” ‘Abdullah ibn Hadhf rose (to complete the mission) and when he entered their camp, he found them all in a drunken stupor, unable to make heads or tails of anything. After hearing the report (from Abdullah), al-‘Alaa hurriedly rode out with his men charging at the army of the apostates and killed them in a massacre; almost no one escaped. He managed to acquire of all their wealth and possessions. And so, it turned out to be a great victory with a large amount of booty. He then wrote to Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq and informed him of what had occurred.
Aboo Bakr Al-Siddeeq sent Khaalid ibn al-Waleed to fight Musaylimah the Liar and his people from Banee Haneefah in al-Yamaamah, and with him came a large group of the Muslims. At the head of the Ansaar wasThaabit ibn Qays ibn Shammaas who swept out those who met from the apostates. He came across horsemen from the followers of Sajaah thus he killed from them, and they fled so he ordered that they be expelled from the Arabian Peninsula. AAfter, Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq dispatched a second battalion to follow Khaalid so that it may be a buffer for him from behind.
When Musaylimah got wind that Khaalid was coming, he set up a camp near a place known as ‘Aqrabaa within al-Yamaamah with the countryside to their backs. He then encouraged the people of the area (to join him), and the people of al-Yamaamah did gather and entered his army. The two armies then clashed.
It was a great battle; the Companions were continuously entreating each other saying: “O Companions of Surat’ul-Baqarah! Magic has been defeated today! The crushing force of the Muslims has come!” During this battle, Khaalid had singled out the Emigrants from the Ansaar from amongst the Arabs, and every tribe fighting under its own banner so that people would know where everyone was hailing from. And the Companions showed great fortitude on this day, the likes of which was never seen before. They never stopped attacking the necks of the enemy until Allah granted them victory, and the disbelievers turned and ran away.
The Muslims then entered into the garden through its gates and over its walls killing whomever they found whom had apostatized from the people of al-Yamaamah until they reached Musaylimah. Wahshi ibn Harb, the freed slave of Jubayr ibn Mut’im approached him and threw his spear which hit him and exited on the other side. Aboo Dujjaanah ibn Simaak ibn Kharsha then rushed to Musaylimah and struck him with his sword, after which, he fell dead.
The approximate number of those killed during battle on that day is near 10,000 some have even said 21,000; while from amongst the Muslims, only 600 were killed while others have said only 500.
A man by the name of Dhu al-Taaj, Luqayt ibn Maalik al-Azdee appeared in Oman, and during the age of ignorance (before Islam), he used to go by the name of al-Julandee. He claimed prophethood, causing the ignorant ones from the people of Oman to follow him. Then, he overcame all of Oman and defeated Jayfar and ‘Ubbaad, who saved themselves by fleeing to the outskirts of Oman towards the mountains and sea. Jayfar sent a message to Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq informing him of what had taken place and requested from him an army. Aboo Bakr Al-Siddeeq responded by sending two individuals: Hudhayfah ibn Muhsin al-Himyaree and ‘Arfajah al-Baariqee from the tribe of Azd. Hudhayfah was sent to Oman and ‘Arfajah was sent to Muhrah. They were both ordered to meet, agree on how to operate and to begin their attack from Oman. During their fight in Oman, Hudhayfah was to be the commander, and when they find themselves in the lands of Mahrah, then ‘Arjafah was to be the commander. Then Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq wrote to Khaalid ibn al-Waleed after he had vanquished Musaylimah saying: “We never see or hear from you except after you quell [the apostates]” He then ordered him to head towards Oman to meet up with Hudhayfah and ‘Arfajah there. Aboo Bakr also said in the letter: “Each one of you will be the commander over their respective armies; Hudhayfah is in command of the army so long as you are in Oman, and should you finish, then march towards Mahrah, and should you finish there, then move on to Yemen and Hadramawt. Be with al-Muhaajir ibn Abee Umayyah and kill whomever you find from the apostates between Oman, Hadramawt, and Yemen.” When they finally reached them, it was an easy victory; the polytheists fled in panic and the Muslims chased them. The total of casualties among the apostates was 10,000 warriors killed, and the children were taken captives. The Muslims took their wealth and the camels and whatever they carried. Then, they sent a fifth of the spoils back to Aboo Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allah be well pleased with him).
After the victory of Muslims in the battle of al-Yamaamah, Khaalid ibn al-Waleed received an order to direct himself towards Iraq in order to help al-Muthanna ibn Haarithah. Following the orders, Khaalid marched to al-Heerah and caught up with the armies of al-Muthanna and ‘Iyaad ibn Ghanam in Hurmuz in al-Ubullah. Numerous battles had taken place in those areas known as the Eastern Province which had been under the purvey of the Persians. Several other areas, such as al-Heerah, al-Anbaar, Doomat al-Jandal, al-Firaad and others from the various Iraqi provinces, were conquered. Similarly, Khaalid was given speedy victories in several battles against the Persians and their allies from the Christianized Arabs.
The Messenger of Allah-ﷺ-passed away without clearly naming who would be the Caliph of Muslims after him. However, there were hints and indications from the Prophet-ﷺ- that Aboo Bakr is the one who should assume the position of the Ruler, and Allah knows best. After, the Ansaar gathered at the roofed shelter (Al-saqeefah) of Banee Saa’idah to pledge their allegiance to Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah. However, the Emigrants attended the gathering, and Aboo Bakr informed them that this matter, the Caliph should be chosen from amongst Quraysh, due to their lineage and abode; he then proceeded to nominate ‘Umar or Aboo ‘Ubaydah to be the new Caliph. However, ‘Umar refused and suggested that only Aboo Bakr was fit for this position, due to his qualities and his long companionship with the Prophet-ﷺ-. ‘Umar then pledged his allegiance to him, and the people present at the shelter did likewise, then the rest of the people on the following day.
As for the reason ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib delayed pledging his allegiance at the shelter, it was because he had been busy preparing for the Prophet-ﷺ-for his burial. Those who suggested ‘Alee that delayed giving his allegiance until the death of Fatima (may Allah be well pleased with her) it is a baseless claim that is not supported by any authentic evidence. Likewise, it would be farfetched to believe that a man like Alee delayed his allegiance for six months [out of some sort of hidden enmity], when he was the one who supported Aboo Bakr and was under his command throughout that period, especially during the Wars of Apostasy.
Zayd ibn Haarithah had been martyred at the Battle of Mu’tah. When the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ- wanted to send out an expedition in that direction, he prepared an army headed by Usaamah ibn Zayd ibn Haarithah and commanded him to go as far as al-Balqaa’. So, he proceeded to prepare and equip the army. However, it was never put into operation because of the Prophet’s-ﷺ-death. The first thing that Aboo Bakr did then, upon becoming the Caliph, was to put the army into operation and send it out just as the Prophet-ﷺ-had wanted. Despite the fact that Aboo Bakr was advised against this course of action, he decided to put into action only what the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ-had wanted to be put into action. Aboo Bakr even joined the army on their outward march, on foot, and encouraged the soldiers with a good counsel. This decision showed the people that the strength and morale of the Muslims were still present despite the passing of the Prophet-ﷺ.
Faatimah is the best of women in all the worlds in her time; she is the daughter of the Best of Creation, the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ-, Aboo al-Qaasim Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib ibn Haashim ibn Abdu Manaaf, the Quarshie, the Hashemite, and the mother of al-Hasan and al-Husayn. Her mother was Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid, and she was born before prophethood had been conferred (upon her father) by not very long. Alee ibn Abee Taalib married her after the Battle of Badr, and some have said after the Battle of Uhud. She gave birth to al-Hasan, al-Husayn, and Muhsin, Umm al-Kulthoom, and Zaynab. She is the youngest of the Prophet’s-ﷺ-daughters and was the most beloved of people to him-ﷺ.
Her qualities are many: she was patient, religious, gracious, content, and always expressing her gratitude to Allah. She passed away shortly after the Prophet-ﷺ by 5 months or thereabouts; and she was the first of the Prophet’s-ﷺ-children to pass away after him. Upon her death, she requested that she be completely covered, and she was the first woman to have her bier completely covered in Islam. Her husband ‘Alee, washed her as well as Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays, and ‘Alee prayed over her, while some say it was al-‘Abbaas (who prayed over her). She also requested that she be buried during the night, and it was done (just as she had requested). ‘Alee, al-‘Abbaas, and al-Fadl ibn al-‘Abbaas descended her into her grave. The lineage of the Messenger of Allah’s lineage-ﷺ-was cut, except from her.
Aboo Bakr (may Allah be well pleased with him) delegated Zayd ibn Thaabit to collect the written texts of the Quran, especially after a great number of those who had memorized the Quran had died during the Battle of al-Yamamah. This matter was not well received originally by the Companions (May Allah be well pleased with all of them). However, Allah inspired them to see the wisdom in what Aboo Bakr was trying to do, just as He inspired Aboo Bakr to begin with the gathering of the Quran in the first place.
Aboo Bakr then made Zayd ibn Thaabit responsible for writing down the Quran; he said to him: “You are a sensible young man that we find credible; you used to write down revelation from the Messenger of Allah-ﷺ- thus, seek out the (pieces of) the Quran and gather them together.” (Zayd then) responded, “How could you do something that the Messenger of Allah himself-ﷺ-did not do!?!” Aboo Bakr responded: “It is something good, I swear by Allah.” (Zayd continued to narrate): “Aboo Bakr continued to entreat me until Allah inspired me with what He had inspired Aboo Bakr and ‘Omar with. I went on to gather the Quran from pieces of parchment, shoulder blade bones, palm leaf stalks, and the breasts of men.” The matter was weighty upon Zayd however he undertook the task in the best of ways. And so, this constituted the first collection of the Quran and it remained with Aboo Bakr the entirety of his reign.
Khaalid arrived in Iraq with 10,000 warriors, under orders from Aboo Bakr, to give reinforcements to al-Muthanna, who already had 8,000 warriors along with his other companions. Khaalid placed at the front of the battalion Al-Muthanna, and positioned ‘Adee ibn Haatim behind Al-Muthanna, and Khaalid placed himself behind them both. He agreed with them to meet at Al-Hafeer, the place where he planned to encounter their enemy. This area was the largest opening and largest point of infiltration for the Persians and the greatest thorn in its side.
The ruler of al-Hafeer, Hurmuz, was the worst of neighbors to the Arabs; they all despised him and even turned his name into an aphorism: “[he is] worse than Hurmuz.” And when he heard that (Khaalid and his men) were coming towards al-Hafeer, he hurried there before they did and stationed there, and placed at the forefront of his army Qubaadh and Anooshajaan, who were both descendants of Ardasheer the Great. The battel was named the battle of chains because the Persian soldiers were ordered to chain themselves up, so they will not run away from battle. When Khaalid heard of their approach he directed his people towards Kaadhimah, but Hurmuz was able to precede Khaalid there.
Khaalid arrived there and stationed in a place which had no water; his companions asked him: “What are you doing?” He responded to them: “By my life! Water will make its way to the most patient of the two sides!” And so, they put down their equipment. After, Khaalid and his army went up to meet the Persians. Meanwhile, Allah, Exalted is He, sent a heavy cloud that descended rain behind the ranks of the Muslims, which strengthened their resolve (lit. strengthened their hearts).
Then, Hurmuz came out and called Khaalid to a dual and he egged-on those with him to double-cross Khaalid, who made his way over to Hurmuz walking briskly. Hurmuz also descended, and they exchanged blows. Khaalid grabbed hold of Hurmuz while his companions launched an attack against Khaalid, but all of which did not distract him from killing Hurmuz. Al-Qa’qaa’ ibn ‘Amr joined and attacked as well and was able to push them back. The Persians finally fled with the Muslims riding out behind them.
This battle became known as Dhat al-Salaasil (The Battle of Chains), and Qubaadh and Anooshajaan managed to flee to safety. Khaalid then proceeded to dispossess Hurmuz of his belongings as part of the spoils of war (his cap (qalansuwwah) was worth 100,000 (dinars). The Persians used to purchase a cap commensurate with their social standing; whomsoever had the highest social standing would have their cap valued at 100,000 dinars. Hurmuz was one such person. Khaalid later sent word about the victory along with the Fifth of the spoils to Aboo Bakr.
Under the leadership of Khaalid, the Muslims were able to conquer Amgheeshiyaa, which was a city similar to al-Heera; it was also said that its name was Maneeshyaa, and it sits upon the banks of the Euphrates. No fighting did outbreak in Amgheeshiyaa, but rather its people fled from it after the Persians were defeated at Ullays. The Muslims were able to enter it successfully and the spoils they acquired from it did not happen elsewhere, because its inhabitants left it in a rush such that they could not transport their wealth, furniture, livestock, and their possessions and belongings. The total share for each soldier was 2,500 dinars, on top of all the extra share that the people under duress received. Khaalid then sent to Aboo Bakr word of the conquest, along with his share of the booty and the captives, and then destroyed Amgheeshiyaa. When word reached Aboo Bakr of this he said: “Women have been unable to give birth to someone such as Khaalid.”
The Battle of al-Walajah occurred between the Muslims and the Persians. The Muslim fought under the leadership of Khaalid ibn al-Waleed (may Allah be well pleased with him). Al-Walajah is a place in Iraq and the battle took the name of the place of where it occurred. When news of the destruction of Qaaran and the people of al-Midhaar reached Ardasheer, the king recruited a great army from the tribe of Bakr ibn Waa’il and the other tribes allied to him and appointed a well-known general by the name of al-Andarzaghar as the leader of the army. He was a Persian born in the Sudan land that the king sent to lead his armies. Al-Andarzaghar recruited his army from the lands between al-Heera and Kaskar, as well as from the Arabs who resided in the surrounding areas. After he had put together his army, he was pleased with his army and then progressed to encounter Khaalid and his army.
The intelligence of Khaalid reported that al-Andarzaghar is heading towards him and that they had stationed at al-Wajalah. At that point of time, Khaaled was already near the Tigris River, thus, he gave instructions to Suwayd ibn Muqarrin to see to the administration of the conquered districts with his team of officials and posted detachments to guard the lower Tigris against possible enemy crossings from the north and east, and he ordered them to stay alert and vigilant, and do not be too proud of the victories they have achieved so far.
The Muslim army under the command of Khaalid faced Andarzaghar and his army in al-Wajalah. A fierce battle ensued there until both sides thought that their ability to endure and continue had expired. Khaalid then slowed down his surprise advance which he had placed coming from two different directions. One battalion headed by Busr ibn Abee Ruhm and the other by Sa’eed ibn Murrah al-‘Ijlee. The ambush party went out on two different fronts and caused the ranks of the Persians to be defeated until they turned on their heels (and tried to retreat), but Khaalid then attacked them from their front and the ambush party from behind. It was a total and utter defeat as the Persians fled along with their Arabs allies only after a great number of them were killed or taken as prisoners. Al-Andarzaghar fled the battle defeated and died of thirst out in a wide and uncultivated expanse of land. Khaalid then graciously granted safety to the farmers (of the area) who then returned to their lands and became amongst those who were under the protection of Muslims (ahl al-Dhimmah). While the children of the enemy fighters and those who had supported them were taken captive.
Hurmuz sent a letter to Ardasheer and Sheera informing them about Khaalid’s march towards them from al-Yamaamah. He sent Qaaran ibn Qiryaanis to them as reinforcement. Qaaran left the Madaa’in and on his way, upon his arrival at the Midhaar, the news of the defeat reached him. As such, he along with the defeated, vanquished, scattered remnants of the Persian soldiers set up camp in Midhaar near the Tigris River. He posted on his side flanks Qubaadh and Anooshajaan. The intelligence of Khaalid reported to him regarding the camping of Qaaran, thus, he split the war-spoils and booty between those whom Allah made entitled to it and he gave out many gifts from the Fifth, as much as Allah desired. He then sent the rest of it and news about the victory to Aboo Bakr.
Khaalid then went out, marching, until he reached al-Midhaar and encountered Qaaran who was amidst his army. They met whilst Khaalid was conducting his military maneuvers and fought viciously and with hatred (for each other). Qaaran then exited the melee and demanded that he wants a dual with him. With no hesitation, Khaalid accepted the challenge along with Abyad al-Rukbaan Ma’qil ibn al-‘A’shaa who hurled towards him but Ma’qal was faster to reach Qaaran and killed him.. Anooshajaan was killed by ‘Aasim ibn ‘Amr, while Qubaadh was killed by ‘Addee ibn Haatim. The Persians were massacred and most of the enemy was annihilated, and the rest boarded ships and fled in panic. The inability to go after them in water stopped the Muslims from pursuing them.
Khaalid stationed in al-Midhaar for a time. He then proceeded to return that which had been wrongfully usurped, and then split the booty between the fighters and gave gifts from the Fifth to the sick and sent the rest of the Fifth to Aboo Bakr. It was said that the death toll of the Battle of Midhaar was 30,000 not to mention those who drowned while fleeing. Had it not for the water, the Muslims could have caught the rest of them. None would have been able to escape except the most destitute of them. Khaalid then proceeded to imprison the children of the fighters and all those who had assisted them. He then asserted the right of the farmers of the area to remain and cultivate the land, and those who had agreed to pay the land tax from amongst the other people who were first invited to accept Islam. All of that was taken by force, but after they were given the option of paying the tax in return for protection, they recanted and then decided to become People of Protection (ahl al-Dhimmah), and their land remained theirs.
Amongst the prisoners was Habeeb Aboo al-Hasan who was the father of Aboo al-Hasan al-Basree, as he was a Christian.
Al-Aazadhibah was the Marzubaan (leader) of al-Heera. When Khaalid destroyed Amgheesheeyaa, he knew that war is coming to his front door. He thus prepared himself for war all the while Khaalid made his way to al-Heera and he carried with him the mounts and battle-gear in ships. However, when Al-Aazadhibah learned about his coming, he sent his son in order to block off the river in order to stop the ships. Khaalid discovered the plan and thus hurried on a stead towards al-Aazadhibah’s son and met him at the banks of the Tigris at Baadiqlaa where he fought and killed him and his men. He then continued his path towards al-Heerah. The news of the death of his son and Ardasheer reached al-Aazadhibah, he fled without a fight after he heard of Khaalid’s impending arrival at al-Heerah. The inhabitants of al-Heerah, however, hunkered down in their fortresses, which Khaalid and his army sieged. Then, Khaalid assigned a general to each fortress to siege it and to fight those who are in it. He entrusted his commanders to begin calling the people under siege to three options; should they acquiesce to one of them, then it should be accepted from them. Should they refuse then leave them for a day.” He then said: “Do not let your enemies catch you by surprise (lit. have mastery over your ears) for they are waiting for you in ambush at every level (of their fortresses), but rather engage them and do not hesitate when fighting them.”
When the Muslims presented to them their proposition, they all refused and insisted on fighting the Muslims; thus, the fighting commenced, and the Muslims killed many of them. The priests and monks called out to the people in the fortresses: “O residents of fortresses! No one will get us killed but you!” Upon hearing their cry out, the people in the fortresses responded: “O Arabs! We have accepted one of your three propositions! Invite us through it and leave us alone until Khaalid arrives.” One by one, a general exited each fortress and were sent to Khaalid, amongst every group was a trustworthy person who might appease the people in the fortress. Khaalid then met with the heads of each fortress individually. One of those who with whom he conferred was ‘Amr ibn ‘Abd al-Maseeh ibn Buqaylah. His servant had a bag which contained some poison. Khaalid took it from him and held it in his hand asking ‘Amr: “Why are you carrying this with you?” He responded: “I feared that you would be upon a way other than what I have witnessed and thought death would be better than to allow harm be introduced to my people.”
