Part 1 · Pages 208-209
Al-Ghaitalah and Her Reports to Banu Sahm
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; the verse continuing the report is retained under this indexed branch.
This local English rendering may condense the Arabic narration and editorial notes. It is not a complete published English edition. Consult the Arabic source for exact wording and context.
Read the corresponding Arabic sectionIbn Ishaq said: A learned informant told me that a woman of Banu Sahm named al-Ghaitalah was a soothsayer in the pre-Islamic period. One night her familiar spirit came to her, falling beneath her, then said, “Know what is coming: a day of slaughter and sacrifice.” Quraysh asked what it meant. Another night it came and said, “Tribes upon tribes—many tribes; the clan of Ka‘b will be struck down and brought low.” When Quraysh heard this, they said, “What does it mean? Something is surely going to happen; find out what it is.” They did not understand until the battles of Badr and Uhud took place in the ravine, and then recognized what the spirit had brought to its mistress.
Abu Talib said: The judgment of a people has grown foolish: they exchanged Banu Khalaf for us, a substitute for al-Ghiyatil. Her descendants were called al-Ghiyatil and belonged to Banu Sahm ibn ‘Amr ibn Husays. Abu Talib’s full poem will be given in its place, Allah willing.