The following historical incident is related by Arab authors as the
highest example of faithfulness to trust. Al-Samau'al (Samuel) was the
emir of a Jewish tribe in Southern Arabia, shortly before the time of
Mohammed. A friend of his, before setting out on a journey, left with
him some very fine mailed armour. This friend was killed in a battle,
and one of the kings of Syria demanded the arms. Al-Samau'al refused
to give them up except to the rightful heir, and the king laid siege to
him in one of his fortresses. One day his son fell into the hands of
the enemy, and the king threatened to kill him if the arms were not
given up. Again he refused, and from the turrets of the castle saw his
son put to death. The siege was soon after raised, and the arms were
delivered to the heirs of his friend.