Page:Selections from Muhammadan Traditions - tr. William Goldsack (1923).djvu/329

 gathered them together in a leathern tent, and he allowed no one else in with them except them. And when they were gathered together the Apostle of God came to them and said, ' What is this story which reaches me about you? " Then the wise amongst them said, "As for the sensible among us, O Apostle of God, they have not said anything, but as for certain young men amongst us they did indeed say, ' May God forgive the Apostle of God! he gives to the Quraish, and omits the Helpers; and it was our swords which shed their blood.' ' Then the Apostle of God said, " It is true I give to the men who are new in the covenant concerning infidelity in order to attach them firmly (to us). Are ye not content that the men might take the property and that ye may return to your camps with the Apostle oi God? " They replied, " O Apostle of God, we are content." Muslim, Al Bukhdri.

CONCERNING THE REWARDS OF THIS PEOPLE

It is related from Ibn 'Omar that, ' The Apostle of God said, " Verily your appointed time is no more in comparison with the time of the peoples who were before you than what is between the afternoon prayer and the setting of the sun. And the likeness of yourselves and that of the Jews and Christians is like a man who engages workmen and says, 'Who will work for me till mid-day for one qirdt? ' Then the Jews worked till mid-day for one qirdt. After that he said, ' Who will work for me from mid-day till the afternoon prayer for one qirdt? ' Then the Christians worked from mid-day until the afternoon prayer for one qirdt. After that he said, ' Who will work for me from the evening prayer till the setting of the sun for two qirdts? Are not ye those who work from the evening prayer until the setting of the sun! Are not wages for you twice over! ' Then the Jews and Christians became angry and said, ' We have worked more, and yet have received less.' God Most High will say, * Have I dealt unjustly with you in anything in the matter of your rights? ' They will say, 'No.' God Most High will say, 'Verily this is my favour. I bestow it on whom I will.' ' ' Al Bukhdri.