In the eleventh year of the Hegira there arrived an embassy from Arabia Felix, consisting of about one hundred who had embraced Islamism.  The same year Mahomet ordered Osama to go to the place where Zaid his father was slain at the battle of Muta, to revenge his death.  This was the last expedition he ever ordered, for, being taken ill two days after, he died within thirteen days.  The beginning of his sickness was a slow fever, which made him delirious.  In his frenzy he called for pen, ink, and paper, and said he “would write a book that should keep them from erring after his death.”  But Omar opposed it, saying the Koran is sufficient, and that the prophet, through the greatness of his malady, knew not what he said.  Others, however, expressing a desire that he would write, a contention arose, which so disturbed Mahomet that he bade them all begone.  During his illness he complained of the poisoned meat he had swallowed at Khaibar.  Some say, when he was dying, Gabriel told him the angel of death, who never before had been, nor would ever again be, so ceremonious toward anybody, was waiting for his permission to come in.  As soon as Mahomet had answered, “I give him leave,” the angel of death entered and complimented the prophet, telling him God was very desirous to have him, but had commanded he should take his soul or leave it, just as he himself should please to order.  Mahomet replied, “Take it, then.” [According to the testimony of all the Eastern authors Mahomet died on Monday the 12th Reby 1st, in the year 11 of the Hegira, which answers in reality to the 8th of June, A.D. 632.]

His grave was dug under the bed whereon he lay, in the chamber of Ayesha.  The Arabian writers are very particular to tell us everything about the washing and embalming his body; who dug his grave, who put him in, etc.[64]

The person of Mahomet is minutely described by Arabian writers.  He was of a middle stature, had a large head, thick beard, black eyes, hooked nose, wide mouth, a thick neck, flowing hair.  They also tell us that what was called the seal of his apostleship, a hairy mole between his shoulders, as large as a pigeon’s egg, disappeared at his death.  Its disappearance seems to have convinced those who would not before believe it that he was really dead.  His intimate companion Abu Horaira said he never saw a more beautiful man than the prophet.  He was so reverenced by his bigoted disciples they would gather his spittle up and swallow it.

The same writers extol Mahomet as a man of fine parts and a strong memory, of few words, of a cheerful aspect, affable and complaisant in his behavior.  They also celebrate his justice, clemency, generosity, modesty, abstinence, and humility.  As an instance of the last virtue, they tell us he mended his own clothes and shoes.  However, to judge of him by his actions as related by these same writers, we cannot help concluding that he was a very subtle and crafty