The chief use of the Genealogists' labours to the Biographer is that, besides
legends of ancient battles and exploits, they have treasured up contemporary
notices of the various tribes, and especially of the events which brought them
into contact with Mahomet. They carefully note, for example, the names of any
early converts who visited him; the part taken by the family or tribe in the
campaigns of the Prophet; treaties made, or privileges conceded, etc. There
is, in particular, an entire section of Wâckidi's work devoted to the
Deputations which, chiefly in the 9th year of the Hegira, visited Medina from
all parts of the Peninsula to tender their allegiance to Mahomet. Every
surviving scrap of a treaty or letter connected with the Prophet was sacredly
treasured up by the parties whom it affected; these were all sought out by the
Genealogists, and transcribed in connection with the tribes to which they
relate. In this way the historian finds much light thrown on the progress of
Islam throughout Arabia, and even obtains casual glimpses of Mahomet himself.