The Mughira-Umm Jamil Affair

Al-Baladhuri relates in "Futuh al-Buldan" the account of testimony against al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba and a woman called Umm Jamil bint Yahjan, which was brought before Umar in Medina. ¹

Al-Baladhuri says that al-Mughira used to visit Umm Jamil, who was of the Banu Hilal and had a husband from the Thaqif. Four men watched for him: Abu Bakra, Shibl ibn Ma'bad, Nafi ibn al-Harith and Ziyad. According to the account, they attacked them and found them both naked, and testified before Umar. ¹

Umar had appointed Abu Musa al-Ash'ari over Basra and sent with him al-Bara' ibn Malik, Imran ibn al-Husayn and Awf ibn Wahb, and al-Mughira was brought there. ¹

Nafi, Shibl and Abu Bakra testified plainly. Then Ziyad came as the fourth and said that he had seen an ugly sight and heard a loud breathing, but did not know whether he had been in contact with her. Umar said that he hoped no man among the Companions would be stoned on his testimony. He ordered the three flogged. Shibl said: will you flog the witnesses to the truth and cancel the penalty? When Abu Bakra was flogged he said: I testify that al-Mughira is an adulterer. Umar said: flog him. Ali said that if you take it as testimony, stone your companion. ¹

Abu Bakra swore never to speak to Ziyad again, though Ziyad was his half-brother on his mother's side, Sumayya. ¹

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