Ka’b bin Ashraf was the most hostile of the Jewish poets in Medina. He used to compose and mock Muslims and the Rasul of Allah (saw) with unfounded accusations and verses. After the Battle of Badr, he became even more defiant, composing long elegies and lamentations in deep sorrow for the defeat of the polytheists.

With Kab’s growing hostility, our Master one day asked his companions, “Who among you will rid me of Ka’b bin Ashraf? He has harmed Allah and His Rasul.” Muhammed bin Maslama volunteered and said, “O Rasul of Allah, would you like me to kill him?” The Rasul agreed, saying, “Yes, I would like that.”

After this bin Maslama left and spent several days preparing for the mission with his foster brother Abu Na’il and Ubad bin Bishr. They needed a reason to get close to him; an excuse to gain access to him without raising suspicion. So, they went to the presence of our Master to seek permission and explained their plan:

“O Rasul of Allah, Ka’b would be pleased if we said something favorable to him, but it would involve saying things against you. Would you allow us to do so?”

Our Master granted them permission: “Say whatever you need to.”

Muhammad bin Maslama then went to Ka’b and initiated a conversation: “This man (referring to Rasulullah) has imposed heavy taxes on us and sought significant amounts of charity. I came to borrow something from you because of this!”

Ka’b seizing the opportunity, responded, “For sure! Believe me, your difficulties and problems will increase even more...” Muhammad bin Maslama continued, “What can we do? We have already committed ourselves to follow him. We’ll wait and see how it all ends. Now, we need to borrow from you about a couple of camel-loads of dates. Can you lend us this amount?” Ka’b, not wanting to miss the opportunity, asked, “Sure, but what will you leave as collateral for me?” Ibn Maslama and his companions inquired, “What do you want as collateral from us?” Ka’b made a heavy demand, “Your women.”

How can this be?

“Our women? How can we leave our women as collateral for you? Today, you have the most handsome face in all of Arabia. If our women’s hearts turn toward you, we could be in trouble.”

Ka’b made another heavy demand, “Then leave your sons as collateral.”

This was also an awful proposal.

“How can we leave our sons as collateral for you? And then, if they’re ridiculed for being held as collateral for a couple of camel-loads of dates, it will forever tarnish our reputation. But, how about this, if you like, we can leave our weapons and armor as collateral. How about that?”

Ka’b agreed to this proposal.

“Fine, I accept,” Ka’b said, “Ibni Mesleme can come the next night and collect the dates by leaving the collateral behind.”

At the appointed time, Ibni Mesleme, accompanied by Ka’b’s milk brother Naile, arrived at the house or rather the fort where Eshref bin Ka’b lived, surrounded by walls. When they arrived at the fort, they called from outside. Upon hearing their voices, Ka’b granted them permission to enter.

He then came out of his room and walked down to greet his guests. His wife called after him, “Where are you going at this hour of the night?”

Ka’b replied, “I am going to assist these visitors, Ibn Mesleme and my milk brother Naile.”

His wife had a strong intuition and said, “I’m sure I heard a wicked voice from Ibn Mesleme, and it sounded like it was dripping with blood.”

Ka’b objected, “No, it is Ibn Mesleme and Naile. Besides, you should know that a generous person, even if called to a sword strike at night, will undoubtedly answer and not flee.”

Then Ka’b came down to greet the visitors. Ibni Mesleme had brought Ebu Abs bin Cebr, Haris bin Evs, and Abbad bin Bishr inside the fort. He had instructed them as follows: “When Ka’b comes, I will tell him how beautiful his hair smells, and I will smell his hair. Then I will want you to smell it too. When I hold his head, you should draw your swords and attack Ka’b. Strike your swords onto his head and back.”

Indeed, when Ka’b approached them, he was emitting a pleasant scent. As he got closer, Ibni Mesleme walked up to him and said, “I have never smelled such a beautiful fragrance in my entire life. What a wonderful scent!”

Ka’b, who was deeply interested in women, paid great attention to such matters. He explained proudly to Ibni Mesleme, “What do you think? The most noble and beautiful women of Arabia live in my lap!”

Ibni Mesleme approached him and asked, “May I be allowed to smell your hair up close?” Ka’b proudly extended his head, saying, “Of course! Smell it and see for yourself.” Ibni Mesleme smelled his hair, and then he let his friends smell it. And in the meantime, he shouted, “Now! Draw your swords!”

Before he even finished his sentence, his friends had already begun to strike. In the midst of it all, Ka’b let out a horrifying scream when the swords struck him. Then he fell to the ground with a groan.

As the women and some servants rushed out of the house, the Muslims had already finished their task, having taken care of the worst of the Jews. With great speed, they severed Ka’b’s head and brought it before the presence of the Rasulullah (saw).

Later, the Jews came before the Rasul and complained about Ka’b’s killer, demanding the culprits be punished. However, Rasulullah (saw) explained to them one by one what Ka’b had done and how he had been warned multiple times not to engage in such behavior…

Thus, the Jewish poet Ka’b, one of the greatest enemies of Islam, was also eliminated…