It is narrated from an Ansari companion (may Allah be pleased with him) that in the time of ignorance, the practice of "Qasamah" was prevalent regarding murder. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) maintained it in the same manner as it was in the time of ignorance, and in the case of some Ansari individuals—who belonged to Banu Harithah and had made a claim against the Jews—the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave the same ruling.