Note 18 — Chapter XIV · POLITICS AND LITERATURE
Diana White translation
The following encounter took place between the chief of chiefs Omar and a Jew who brought him a document in which the Prophet commanded the exemption from taxation of the people of Khaibar (a Jewish town in Arabia). This document was accompanied by the testimony of the companions of the Prophet, Ali Ibn Abm Thaleb among others. These documents were brought to the chief of chiefs, and caused great astonishment to all people. They were shown to Aben Bekr, a prudent man and endowed with a wonderful memory. He reflected a moment, then said, ‘All this is a lie.’ ‘How so?’ they asked him. ‘I find the evidence of Mo’awai in this document,’ he replied, ‘and Mo’awai did not embrace Islamism until the year of the capture of Khaibar. I also see the testimony of Sá’ad ben Mo’adh, and he died on the day of Bani-Karaide before the capture of Khaibar.’ This incident greatly amused the people.
The above anecdote is related by Ahmed Baba in the beginning of his Ibtihadj.