1  But they did not know that Muhammed's grief had already found a solution.  His granddaughter was anxious to be wed, but there was a problem...her lover's mother.  She had no other place to go and Muhammed's granddaughter did not want her to live with them.  For she wanted to be the head of the house, and could not be if the man's mother was there.
2  Now, Muhammed invited the people over and when the woman and Muhammed's eyes met, there was an exchange between them.  And Muhammed suggested that the problem be solved by the woman becoming his wife.
3  Now the young people thought this was wonderful, but the mother asked to speak with Muhammed in private.  "I know you would be a good husband," she began, "and I would be honored to be in your house.  But I still desire, and do not want to live without once and a while, being fulfilled.  I know I am not very good at it, but I do enjoy it.  I will agree to come to your house, if you will promise at least once a week, to be in my bed and sleep with me.  Otherwise than that, I would not want the marriage.  For I do not want my bed to be always cold."
4  Now, Muhammed adored the woman's boldness, and said to her, "Surely, as you wish I will come to your bed at least once a week, except, perhaps for those times when we are separated and I am far away.  But any time that we are together, at least once a week I will be with you.  This, by God, I swear!"
5  With Muhammed's promise the woman was pleased, and came to his house.  At first Aisha was a little resentful, but the new wife, whose name was Sawda, was so kind and loving and so good with children, and Muhammed's house was always full of children, that she soon won her over, and they became the best of friends.
6  And the woman was right!  She wasn't very good at it, but Muhammed kept his word faithfully, and was with her at least once a week, and sometimes even two and three.  And their house was always happy.
7  Now, when word came that the Meccans were marching again, Muhammed had sufficient numbers.  Now he outnumbered them!  So he went boldly down into the open places, and waited for them.  And they did not make him wait long. They appeared, made their encampment, and the next day massed for battle.
8  Now, Muhammed's grandson had grown extremely weary of his father's stubbornness.  Muhammed had forbid kin to fight kin, but the man knew the only way his father would be stopped was with the sword.  And when he saw his family banner in the enemy's ranks, the same one that fluttered by his head, his anger simmered even more.
9  For a time he had put the first born's symbol on his family's banner, when he flew it, but his mother had insisted that he take it off.  That as far as she was concerned, he was the true head of the familiy. Now, the man determined it was time for true action.  He took the banner from its bearer, rode out between the two armies, and planted it in the ground.  This was a clear and open statement, "I challenge the right of him flying this banner.  I am its true protector!"  It was a challenge for his father to come out and fight him in open combat.
10  Muhammed cried out, "No!  Return!"  But the man refused.
11  There was great confusion in the Meccan lines.  Men milled back and forth.  Finally Muhammed's son-in-law rode forth, carrying his banner, which he planted in the ground some distance from his son's.  This was an answer to his challenge, saying "I would fight."  The two men backed off, drew their swords, and charged each other..
12  For many minutes there was the terrible clanging of swords, and the whinnying of horses.  The two men fought until their sweat ran like rivers!  Both were so exhausted they could barely keep to their horses.
13  But finally, the younger's blade found the elder's stomach, and ripped it open.  Blood and fluid gushed from him.  He backed off and tumbled to the ground.  His son rode over him and the man looked up and smiled.  "You are a magnificent man!" he cried, with his last breath.  "You fought me well!  God be with you!"
14  With that, he laid down his head and died.  A moan rose from the Meccans.  Muhammed's grandson rode back, pulled his banner from the ground, rode over and knocked the other over.  This was a clear signal to those among his family, with the Meccans, that he claimed absolute rulership of the family.
15  One by one, men rode out and took up position at his side, til all but a few of his family were there.  Then Muhammed's grandson turned, and took up his place in the ranks.
16  His family members joined him.  They now rode with Muhammed.
17  One by one other sons and fathers took their pennants out and planted them.   And one by one those carrying them came out and threw theirs down.  They would not fight their kinsmen.
18  Soon the Meccan army was half its strength.
19  "It is done!" Muhammed cried.  "If you fight us now, you will be butchered!  I do not want your blood.  Go home!  Let it be ended.  Stop attacking us.  Leave us in peace, and we will leave you in peace!"