Medina was at that time distinguished as the city of the book ; and was inhabited chiefly by Jews and Chris tians, who had introduced into it a taste for literature and science. But their continual feuds greatly aided the designs of the impostor. The Christians had em braced the heresy of Arius, and finding the doctrines of Mahomet correspond in some measure with their own, they gave a cordial reception both to the prophet and the religion of Islam. To this friendly disposition may be attributed the great kindness which Mahomet sheav ed to this sect in preference to the Jews, whom, on ac count of their first opposition to his religion, he perse cuted with implacable hatred as long as he lived.
In a short time the whole city of Medina was at the disposal of the prophet, and his first care was to unite his followers in the bonds of love and devotion. The Ansars and the 1\Iohajerins, the auxiliaries of Medina, and the fugitives of Mecca, he coupled with the rights and obligations of brethren; and the principal maxim of the fraternity was, " that they should cordially love, and mutually defend each other to the utmost of their pow er." Mahomet now saw himself at the head of a pow erful band, who were eager to sacrifice their lives in his service; and, with this favourable change of circum stances, be determined to alter his plan of operations. A revelation from heaven was produced, to shew that the propagation of his religion now demanded more vi gorous measures, and that, as the idolaters would not listen to his mild admonitions and gentle reproofs, but despised and rejected his offers, he was commanded to convert them by the sword. He assumed the regal and sacerdotal office, promulgated laws, and decided the differences of his followers. A mosque was dedicated to the service of Islam, and, at the weekly assembly, Mahomet himself mounted on a pulpit of rough timber, and inculcated upon his disciples the ties of piety and devotion.
We now behold the humble and devout protogie of Abu Taleb exalted to the rank of sovereignty, at the same time the prince and the priest of his people. The mask of forbearance and moderation, which he had so long worn, was thrown aside, and the tone of persuasion was exchanged for that of authority. The first steps of ambition are painful and laborious. Mahomet, from the beginning of his mission, had been continually harassed and persecuted by his countrymen, yet he still perse vered in the prosecution of his object. The love of power was his ruling passion, and thirteen years of hy pocrisy and deceit laid the foundation of his future greatness. But that power, which he had acquired by cunning, he maintained by cruelty. The Jews were the objects of his aversion, and the alternative which he held out to this defenceless people was conversion or death. Seven hundred of the inhabitants of Medina, who had risen in the just defence of their religion and lives, were spared only by the intercession of his allies, and driven helpless and poor into perpetual exile. Their
confiscated riches filled the coffers of the Moslems. Other 700, who had risen in the same cause, were bu ried alive, to satisfy the malice of the sanguinary im postor.
Mahomet having established his authority in Medina, began to act upon the offensive, and to make reprisals upon the Koreish. His whole soul was bent on ven geance for the insults and injuries he had suffered. A spy informed him, that a wealthy caravan, of 1000 ca mels, had entered Hedjas, on its way to Mecca, and was protected by a guard of only 40 Koreish, under the command of Abu Sophian. Mahomet resolved to in tercept it, but Abu Sophian having received intelligence or his intention, dispatched a courier to Mecca, to de mand immediate reinforcements, and Abu Jabl, with 850 foot and 100 horse, was commanded to hasten by forced marches to his'assistance. Three hundred and thirteen believers waited the commands of the prophet, and the white banner was unfurled before them by the brave Hamza. With these Mahomet advanced into the plain of Beeler, to wait the approach of the enemy. The Koreish soon appearing on the heights, the prophet consulted with his companions whether they should at tack the caravan or the reinforcements. The interested Moslems thirsted for the riches of their enemies, but Mahontet sacrificed his avarice to glory and revenge. Ali, Hamza, and Obeidah, challenged to single combat an equal number of the Koreish. The challenge was accepted, and the Moslems were victorious. Mahomet taking advantage of this lucky circumstance, encou raged his followers, and, as he led them on to the charge, he threw a handful of dust towards the enemy, crying, " Let their faces be covered with confusion." The Koreish gave way, and fled before the bravery of the Moslems. Their general, with seventy of their companions, was left dead on the field of battle, and an equal number of prisoners graced the first triumph of the believers. During the engagement Abu Sophian tetreated with the caravan, and conducted the greatest part of it in safety to Mecca. At this disappointment the Moslems were greatly chagrined, but the spoils of the field compensated in some degree for its escape. The division of the plunder, however, had nearly proved fatal to the victors. The Ansars claimed the largest share, as they had taken the Mohajerins under their protection, while the Mohajerins maintained that they were equally deserving, as they were the first compa nions of the prophet, and had, on his account, under gone a voluntary exile from their country. It was ne cessary to compose the dispute by a revelation, in con sequence of which a fifth part was appropriated to the service of religion, the use of the prophet, and the wants of the poor; and the rest was equally distributed among his attendants.