al-Qadib

al-Qadib

al-Qadib is a thin-bladed sword which, it was said, resembled a rod. It was a sword of defense or companionship for the traveller but not used to battle. Written on the side of the sword in silver is the inscription: "There is no god but God, Muhammad the apostle of God--Muhammad b. Abdallah b. Abd al-Muttalib." There is no indication in any historical source that this sword was used or in any battle. It stayed in the house of the prophet Muhammad and was only used later by the Fatimid caliphs.

The sword is 100 cm in length and has a scabbard of dyed animal hide. Today the sword is housed in the Topkapi Museum, Istanbul.