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TheBattleofBadr, page : 8
The tribe of Adi, however, decided not to partake in the impending battle and
remained behind. Two other people also decided to do likewise, namely Abu
Lahab and Umayya, the son of Khalaf.
Al-As was deeply in debt to Abu Lahab, for he owed him four thousand dirhams
and could not find a way to repay it. With this in mind Abu Lahab called for Al-As
and told him that if he took his place in the battle he would be prepared to void
his debt. Al-As accepted and joined the others in their preparation for the battle.
As for Umayya, he was elderly and somewhat corpulent so he decided not to go.
However, his honor was challenged by Ukba, the son of Abu Mu'ayt who
marched up to him as he sat near the Ka'ba with a vessel of burning scented
wood and insulted him saying: "Perfume yourself with this. You belong with the
women!" Outraged. Umayyya got up saying "May Allahⁱ curse you and what you
have brought!" and rode off to join the others who had already set off to fight the
Prophet. In the meantime Abu Sufyan force marched his caravan by day and
night along the coastal route hoping to avoid a confrontation.
remained behind. Two other people also decided to do likewise, namely Abu
Lahab and Umayya, the son of Khalaf.
Al-As was deeply in debt to Abu Lahab, for he owed him four thousand dirhams
and could not find a way to repay it. With this in mind Abu Lahab called for Al-As
and told him that if he took his place in the battle he would be prepared to void
his debt. Al-As accepted and joined the others in their preparation for the battle.
As for Umayya, he was elderly and somewhat corpulent so he decided not to go.
However, his honor was challenged by Ukba, the son of Abu Mu'ayt who
marched up to him as he sat near the Ka'ba with a vessel of burning scented
wood and insulted him saying: "Perfume yourself with this. You belong with the
women!" Outraged. Umayyya got up saying "May Allahⁱ curse you and what you
have brought!" and rode off to join the others who had already set off to fight the
Prophet. In the meantime Abu Sufyan force marched his caravan by day and
night along the coastal route hoping to avoid a confrontation.