The Koraysh prisoners arrived in Medina the day after Prophet Muhammad (sa). They had been well cared for and the attitude of the Muslims towards them gave the Koraysh a chance to experience Islam in action. Not only had they been treated unexpectedly well but they could not help but observe the considerate Islamic behavior of Muslims toward one another that had succeeded in breaking down, what would have appeared to other Arabs, as impregnable tribal differences and barriers.

The Ransom of Suhayl

Suhayl, Lady Swaydah's cousin and former brother-in-law was confined in the house of the Prophet (sa) as was Al As, the husband of Lady Zaynab, the Prophet's daughter. When Suhayl arrived, Lady Swaydah was not at home, she had been to visit Afra whose sons had been martyred, so upon her return she was taken by surprise to find him sitting in the corner of a room in her apartment with his hands bound.

When Suhayl's tribesmen learned of his capture they made haste to Medina to negotiate his release, as he was considered by many, to be the most able to lead the tribe of Amir. Suhayl was Malik, the son of Al Dukhshum's captive, and so it was with him that the ransom was negotiated. The amount was agreed upon, however, Suhayl's tribesmen had not brought the ransom with them so he permitted Suhayl to return with them to raise the sum and left Mikraz, Haf's son behind as surety until their return.

The Ransom of Abbas

Abbas was a well-built man yet he had been taken captive by Abu'l Yassar who was of slight build. When the Prophet (sa) asked how he managed to capture him, Abdu'l Yassar told him that a man, the like of which he had neither seen before or after, had helped him, whereupon the Prophet (sa) informed him that the man was none other than an angel sent for that purpose.

When Abbas was brought before the Prophet (sa) he was asked, "You are a rich man, why don't you ransom yourself Abbas, and your nephews, Akil and Nawfal was well as Utba, Amr's son?" Abbas replied, "My tribesmen coerced me into joining them."

The Prophet (sa) answered, "Allah knows best, however, it would appear you have acted against us, therefore a ransom is due." As part of the spoils of war Abbas had been relieved of twenty pieces of gold, so he reminded the Prophet (sa) of them telling him to use that as his ransom. When the Prophet (sa) heard this he replied, "Allah has taken this away from you and given it to us." Abbas insisted, "I have no money!" whereupon the Prophet (sa) asked, "Where then is the money you left with Umm Fadl, Harith's daughter when you left Mecca?" Abbas was completely taken aback and exclaimed, "None except Umm Fadl knew of this -- now I know you have been sent with the truth!" whereupon Abbas ransomed himself, his nephews and Utba.