Note 435 — Chapter XXIX · ELECTION OF OTHMAN. DZUL HIJJ, A.H. XXIII.—MOHARRAM, A.H. XXIX. NOVEMBER, A.D. 644.

The Beni Makhzûm was a powerful branch of the Coreish, but far removed by descent from the clan of Hâshim, and having little sympathy with it. It was Khâlid’s tribe. To understand the taunts here bandied, it must be remembered that Abu Sarh (his proper name is Abdallah Ibn Abu Sarh) was the foster-brother of Othmân, and bore a bad repute (as we shall see below) as having deceived Mahomet, and been proscribed at the capture of Mecca. Ammâr (as has been stated before) was son of a bond-woman called Sommeyya. See on the tradition of her martyrdom, Life of Mahomet (1st ed.), vol. ii. p. 126.