Zuhayr ibn Janab's War on Bakr and Taghlib

This is a war from the days of the Arabs before Islam, related by Ibn al-Athir from Zuhayr ibn Janab al-Kalbi, and between Bakr and Taghlib, the sons of Wa'il. ²

When Abraha came up to Najd, Zuhayr went to him and honoured him, and he then appointed him over Bakr and Taghlib. A severe year befell them, and the demand for the land tax grew heavy on them. Zuhayr remained with them in the war and prevented them from grazing their herds until they paid what was owed, and their livestock almost perished. ²

Ibn Zayyaba, of the Banu Taym Allah ibn Tha'laba, struck Zuhayr with a sword in the belly while he was sleeping, until it came out through his back, but his bowels were spared. Zuhayr did not move, lest they finish him off. The man left and told his people that he had killed him. Zuhayr told his companions to conceal his death; they buried wrapped clothes and marched to the man's people. He gathered the hosts and raided Bakr and Taghlib. ²