Chapter One

Exemplary Behavior of the Chosen Prophet (PBUH) from the Two Sahīhs

Series (1)

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) towards Non-Muslims

Compiled and prepared by:

Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Rahman ibn Nāsir al-Zīr 

(God forgive him, his parents, and the Muslims)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

Introduction

All praise is due to Allah, we praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our misdeeds. Whoever Allah guides none can mislead, and whoever Allah leads astray none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, his Companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment. To proceed,

The best speech is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is that of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) for he is the Prophet who does not speak from his own inclination as Allah Almighty says: {Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination} [Al-Najm: 3] He is the guide and the role model to be followed. Allah Almighty says: {There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.}

Whoever contemplates the Prophet’s biography, his guidance, and his behavior towards others will notice something amazing, which is his kindness towards everyone, male or female, young or old, Muslim or non-Muslim. He was kind even to inanimate objects. Allah Almighty says: {And indeed, you are of a great moral character.}

Scholars (may Allah have mercy upon them), in the past and the present, have always given great care to the Prophet’s biography. They compiled books and writings on that topic, some of which are detailed while others are brief. However, and as far as I know, they have rarely shed light on, collected, enumerated, then classified aspects of his behavior towards others.

Hence, I sought help from Allah Almighty in collecting the Hadīths, only from the two Sahīhs, which include aspects of the Prophet’s behavior towards all those around him. If Allah willed that I live longer, I shall include the rest of the six compilations of Hadīth and other compilations and writings, Allah willing.

One of the most important causes that urged me to compile and highlight that aspect is the Muslims’ need to learn about the approach of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in this regard. I was also driven by the various mistakes and violations that I saw some Muslims committing among themselves or with others out of their ignorance of the biography of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and their remoteness from it. I was urged as well by the obligation of calling to Allah as Allah Almighty says: {And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says: “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.”}  Allah Almighty also says: {Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is rightly guided.}

Speaking about the biography of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his behavior towards others wins the hearts owing to his great morals even with non-Muslims, for mercy was his methodology and message. {And We have not sent you [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.} Following the example of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) raises the Muslim way above others in terms of morals and helps him achieve uprightness, all of which result in winning the love and forgiveness of Allah Almighty Who says: {Say [O Muhammad], “If you love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”}

Seeking to defend and support the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and to spread Islam among non-Muslims by clarifying his noble stance towards his opponents, I decided to start by highlighting the Prophet’s behavior towards non-Muslims and by presenting all such situations that took place between him and his opponents from among the Jews, Christians, and polytheists, as individuals and groups. This shall be the topic of the first series.

My methodology in research:

1-    I read Sahīh Al-Bukhāri and Sahīh Muslim and picked only the Hadīths that include situations and incidents showing how the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) treated others, be they people, animals, or inanimate objects. I relied on the edition published by the Risalah Publishers.

2-    I divided the research into sections, calling each section a "series". Each series includes Hadīths under the same title. My objective was to highlight the Prophet’s behavior towards others the best way I can. I was able to finish the series on his behavior towards his opponents, which is the first series. The second one is about his behavior towards the hypocrites, the third about his behavior towards the youngsters, the fourth about his behavior towards women, the fifth about his behavior towards those seeking his opinion, etc. until the whole project comes to an end by the might and power of Allah.

3-    I classified the Hadīths, putting each under the appropriate topic, along with mentioning the Hadīth number in the edition of Risalah Publishers, and giving it a number according to its order in this series.

4-    If the Hadīth selected from Sahīh Al-Bukhāri has Atrāf (indicative parts), I mention all the numbers of these indicative parts, and I refer to the part and page number in the footnote as mentioned in Fat-h Al-Bāri by Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy upon him). If the Hadīth coincides with what is in Sahīh Muslim, or is mentioned only in Sahīh Muslim, then I mention its number in Sahīh Muslim, besides the part and page number as mentioned in Sharh Al-Imam Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy upon him).

5-    I choose the most complete Hadīth, according to my Ijtihād (personal reasoning), from among these mentioned Hadīths, and sometimes I may mention other narrations when needed.

6-    I explained the unfamiliar terms in the Hadīths based on Fat-h Al-Bāri by Ibn Hajar, or Sharh Muslim by Al-Nawawi, or the commentary on Sahīh Al-Bukhāri by Mustafa al-Bagha, or the commentary on Sahīh Muslim by Muhammad Fouad ‘Abdul-Bāqi, or Hāshiyat Al-Sahīhayn, the Risalah Publishers edition.

7-    I extract aspects of the Prophet’s behavior towards others from every Hadīth based on Fat-h Al-Bāri by Ibn Hajar, or Sharh Muslim by Al-Nawawi, or based on my own thoughts that Allah, the Exalted, guides me to.

8-    I mention some of the important benefits in the Hadīths based on Fat-h Al-Bāri by Ibn Hajar, or Sharh Muslim by Al-Nawawi, or based on my own thoughts that Allah guides me to.

9-    I divided the research into two chapters:

•    Chapter One: The Prophet’s Behavior towards the Polytheists

•    Chapter Two: The Prophet’s Behavior towards the People of the Book

I praise Allah Almighty for the blessing of guiding me to choose this topic, delve into its wonders, and then write about it. I ask Allah to make it a means for attaining the intercession of our Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

I would also like to thank all the professors and seekers of knowledge who helped bring this book to light either by reviewing the content or offering advice. May Allah reward them and forgive them and their parents.

As for you, dear reader, whatever right you find, it is only the result of Allah’s favor and guidance, and whatever wrong you find, it is from myself and from the devil. I ask Allah to forgive me and I repent to Him. I ask Allah to help me write and finish the whole series, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

Muhammad ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Nāsir al-Zīr

Alzeer9000@hotmail.com

0505246823 

Chapter One:
The Prophet’s Behavior towards the Polytheists
1) Steadfastness of the Prophet (PBUH) in observing rituals of his religion publicly despite the threats he received
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Muslim 7065): Abu Hurayrah reported: “Abu Jahl asked: ‘Does Muhammad prostrate and place his face on the ground in your presence?’ The reply was in the affirmative, so he said: ‘By Al-Lāt and Al-‘Uzza, if I ever see him doing that, I will trample his neck, or I will smear his face with dust.’ Then he went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) while he was engaged in praying and wanted to trample his neck. However, they were surprised to see him turning on his heels and trying to ward something off with his hands. He was asked: ‘What is wrong with you?’ He replied: ‘There was a ditch of fire, terror, and wings between me and him.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then said: ‘Had he come close to me, the angels would have torn him into pieces.’” He (the narrator) said: “Then Allah Almighty revealed the following verses – We do not know whether this is in the Hadīth transmitted by Abu Hurayrah or something conveyed to him from another source – {No! [But] indeed, man transgresses. Because he sees himself self-sufficient. Indeed, to your Lord is the return. Have you seen the one who forbids a servant when he prays? Have you seen if he is upon guidance or enjoins righteousness? Have you seen if he denies and turns away - Does he not know that Allah sees? No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock - A lying, sinning forelock. Then let him call his associates; We will call the angels of Hell. No! Do not obey him...}” ‘Ubaydullah made this addition: “Then He commanded him with what follows.” Ibn ‘Abdul-A‘la added: “{Then let him call his associates} [Al-‘Alaq: 17] means his people.”   

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) occurring in the Hadīth:
1-    His courage that was manifest in observing his prayer despite Abu Jahl’s threat, as well as confronting the people of Quraysh, declaring his mission, and practicing the rituals of his religion publicly regardless of their threats against him and of being without supporters.
2-    His steadfastness in his prayer even with Abu Jahl, head of the polytheists, coming to carry out his threat to trample his neck.

Benefits:
1-    The Prophet’s trust in his Almighty Lord and in His support. This is the kind of unshakable belief that every Muslim needs to have.
2-    Allah Almighty supported His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), protected, and defended him. This support and protection includes the believers as Allah Almighty says: {Indeed, We will support Our messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand.}  Allah Almighty also says: {And Our decree has already passed for Our servants, the messengers, that they would surely be given victory, and that Our soldiers will surely prevail.}

2) Endurance of the Prophet (PBUH) of the Polytheists’ abuse while praying in Hijr of Al-Ka‘bah:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 3856): ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr reported: “I asked Ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās: ‘Tell me about the worst thing the polytheists did to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).’ He replied: ‘While the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was praying in Hijr of al-Ka‘bah, ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt came and put his garment around his neck and throttled him violently. Abu Bakr came and caught him by his shoulder and pushed him away from the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “{Do you want to kill a man simply because he says: ‘My Lord is Allah?’} ”’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His courage was manifest in observing his prayer in the presence of all those polytheists.
2-    His endurance of the polytheists’ excessive harm while praying.
3-    His deliberation during that phase by avoiding clash and self-defense, which indicates immense wisdom.

Benefits:
1-    The Prophet’s fear of his Lord and his veneration of prayer, as he did not interrupt his prayer despite this harm.
2-    In their defiance and arrogance, the polytheists not only reject the truth, but also hurt the Muslims by all possible means.
3-    The Prophet’s wisdom in preaching Islam and calling to Allah.

3) Supplication of the Prophet (PBUH) against the polytheists when they abused him during his prayer:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 240): ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “While the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was once praying at the (Sacred) House, Abu Jahl was sitting with some of his companions. One of them  said: ‘Who amongst you will bring the entrails of the slaughtered camel of Banu so-and-so and put them on Muhammad's back when he prostrates?’ The most unfortunate amongst them hurried and brought it. He waited until the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prostrated and put it on his back between his shoulders. I was watching but could not do anything. I wish I had the power to stop them. They started laughing so much that they fell on each other. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not lift his head and remained in his prostration until Fātimah came to him and threw that away from his back. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then raised his head and said thrice: ‘O Allah, ruin Quraysh.’ It was hard for them  to hear his invocation against them as they had a conviction that the prayers and invocations were accepted in that city. He then named them: ‘O Allah, ruin Abu Jahl, and ruin ‘Utbah ibn Rabī‘ah, Shybah ibn Rabī‘ah, Al-Walīd ibn ‘Utbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, and ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt." He mentioned the seventh whose name I cannot recall.’ By Allah in Whose Hands my life is, I saw the dead bodies of all those whom the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) had named in the Qalīb of Badr.’”   

The wording of another narration of Al-Bukhāri reads:
“While the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was prostrating, surrounded by people from Quraysh, ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt came with the entrails of a slaughtered camel and threw it on his back. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not lift his head...”

A narration of Muslim reads:
“... until someone went and told Fātimah, who was a young girl. She hurried to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and threw that away from his back and went cursing them... When they heard his voice, they stopped laughing and feared his invocation...”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His strength and courage as he worshiped his Lord and performed his prayer before the eyes of all those polytheists without fearing them.
2-    His supplication against the heads of disbelief, and calling them by their names, individually and collectively. He invoked Allah to ruin them as it became clear to him, from their attitude or through revelation, that they would never be from the believers. Hence, they deserved his supplication against them as a result of harming him while he was worshiping his Lord.
3-    His tolerance towards those who abused him as he resorted to Allah by invoking Him against them instead of taking revenge on them.
4-    His fairness as he did not supplicate against the whole of Quraysh; rather, he supplicated against the heads of disbelief, who declared their enmity and harmed him.
5-    His patience, perseverance, and sincerity in calling to Allah, hence, the polytheists’ abuse did not stop him from undertaking his mission.
6-    Preaching Islam should be done through words and deeds, and that was what the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did as he used to call those polytheists to worship Allah through his words, deeds, and morals.

Benefits:
1-    The Prophet’s firm belief that Allah Almighty would support him and exact revenge on his enemies.
2-    The Prophet’s fear and awe of Allah Almighty as shown clearly in his firmness, steadfastness, and his persistence in prostrating to his Lord. Their abuse had only made him more absorbed in his worship.
3-    The Prophet’s veneration of prayer, for his declaration of monotheism was accompanied by his frequent performance of prayer. It was the visible act of worship with which he refuted their false acts of worship.
4-    The Prophet’s reverence for supplication, hence, he used to supplicate Allah frequently and persistently, and repeat his supplication thrice. He also used to seek the times when and the places where supplications are most likely to be answered. Mecca is one of such places, hence, the disbelievers used to highly regard the supplication made therein, and Muslims held it in much higher regard.
5-    The disbelievers knew that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was truthful. They feared his supplication and their laughter turned into silence because they realized that the Prophet’s supplication would be fulfilled.
6-    Fātimah’s zeal and courage as she cursed those tyrants and made an invocation against them and they did not respond back to her.

4) Supplication of the Prophet (PBUH) for the guidance of the Daws Tribe:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4392): Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Al-Tufayl ibn ‘Amr came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: ‘(The tribe of) Daws has disobeyed (Allah and His Messenger) and refused (to embrace Islam), so invoke Allah against them.’ He said: ‘O Allah, guide Daws and bring them.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His reception of that Companion, Al-Tufayl, and listening to his request to make an invocation against the tribe of Daws for their disobedience.
2-    His wise handling of that situation by doing what he believed to be appropriate and right. Despite their disbelief and rejection, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated Allah to guide the tribe of Daws and bring them to embrace Islam to be safe from their harm and win their friendship.
3-    His mercy towards those whom he called to Islam. Allah Almighty said: {And We have not sent you [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.}

Benefits:
1-    The Companions’ keenness to call others to Allah, which showed clearly when this Companion, Al-Tufayl ibn ‘Amr al-Dawsi (may Allah be pleased with him) went to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to inform him that the tribe of Daws had disobeyed and rejected the truth.
2-    The Prophet’s appeal to his Lord for His help to guide the people who were invited to embrace Islam. This is the attitude to be adopted by parents with their children, and by mentors and Muslim preachers.

5) Supplication of the Prophet (PBUH) for the polytheists when they were afflicted with famine:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 1007): Masrūq reported: “We were with ‘Abdullah as he said: ‘When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) saw the people’s refusal to accept Islam, he said: “O Allah, (afflict them with) seven (years of famine) like the seven (years of famine during the time) of Yūsuf (Joseph).” So famine overtook them and destroyed all kinds of plants to such an extent that the people started eating hides, carcasses, and rotten dead animals. Whenever one of them looked towards the sky, he would (imagine to) see smoke because of hunger. So, Abu Sufyān went to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Muhammad! You order people to obey Allah and maintain kinship ties. No doubt, the people of your tribe are dying, so supplicate Allah for them.” So Allah Almighty revealed: {Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke.} Until His saying: {The Day We will strike with the greatest assault, We will surely take retribution.}  “The greatest assault” refers to the Battle of Badr. The smoke, the greatest assault, the inevitable punishment, and the verse of Surat Al-Rūm have all passed.’”    

A narration of Muslim reads:
“... so a man came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, seek Allah’s forgiveness for Mudar for they are ruined.’ He said: ‘For Mudar? You are bold indeed.’ Then, he supplicated Allah for them, whereupon Allah Almighty revealed: {Indeed, We will remove the torment for a little. Indeed, you [disbelievers] will return [to disbelief].} They were then granted rain, and when they felt relief, they returned to their previous state. Hence, Allah Almighty revealed: {Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people; this is a painful torment.} {The Day We will strike with the greatest assault, We will surely take retribution.} This refers to the Battle of Badr.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His use of all legitimate and possible methods in calling non-Muslims to Islam. When he invited Quraysh to embrace Islam and they did not respond to his call, he sought the help of Allah. When they came asking him to supplicate for them and they were granted rain, then they returned to their previous state of rejecting the truth, he admonished them, supplicated Allah for them, then invoked Allah against them, then he supplicated for them again.
2-    His invocation against the polytheists was not from the very beginning. Rather, he did that only when they showed obstinacy and arrogance and refused to follow the truth.
3-    His noble morals, his mercy, and his maintenance of kinship ties even if they were from the disbelievers.
4-    His listening to the polytheists’ request and complaint about drought and famine hoping that this would drive them to embrace Islam. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was diligent in supplicating his Lord for them hoping that He might guide them, despite the great enmity that Quraysh showed towards him and despite their stubbornness and hostility.
5-    His patience and tolerance towards those who abused him from among the polytheists, for in spite of their abuse, they asked him to seek rain for them.
6-    His lenience showed even in his supplication against those polytheists. Instead of asking Allah to destroy all of them, he said: “O Allah, grant me support against them.”  This reminds us of his stance when Allah Almighty sent him the angel of mountains who asked him: “Do you want me to make the two mountains fall on them...”
7-    His keenness to achieve the greater and most sublime goal, namely calling non-Muslims to embrace Islam and saving them from misguidance. After insisting on their stubbornness, showing arrogance, carrying out abuse, and turning people away from the way of Allah, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) asked Allah to support him against them by afflicting them with famine so that they would reconsider their stance. Hence, he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O Allah, grant me support against them...” He was only seeking help from Allah to undertake that serious matter, which was a heavy burden for him. His intention was not to gloat or that they all be destroyed.

Benefits:
1-    The Prophet’s resorting to Allah Almighty through supplication and earnest invocation to help him in his mission, then to grant those polytheists relief.
2-    Allah Almighty honored His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) by answering all of his supplications; first when he invoked Allah against the polytheists because of their obstinacy and arrogance, and the second time when he supplicated for them after being afflicted with drought and famine to the extent that they would fail to see the sky when looking at it, and instead would see smoke out of severe hunger.
3-    Just as Shariah prescribes the rain-seeking supplication for the believers, it also permits the famine-seeking supplication against the disbelievers because it weakens them, which is an advantage for Muslims. This was clear in the previous incident as they resorted to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to supplicate Allah to relieve them from famine.
4-    The polytheists praised the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) for his great qualities like veracity, honesty, compassion, and mercy. They could not but admit his favor and high status despite the hostility that they showed against him.
5-    Allah Almighty shows great forbearance towards His slaves. Those stubborn polytheists were well aware that Allah is the One Who causes the rain to fall, yet they refused to believe that He is the only deity worthy of worship because of their obstinacy and arrogance. Allah Almighty said: {What is the matter with you that you do not attribute to Allah due grandeur}
6-    The discourtesy and incivility of those polytheists as they abused the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in all ways, yet they asked him to implore Allah to send them rain. That is why the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abu Sufyān: “You are bold indeed!”

6) Keenness of the Prophet (PBUH) to invite his uncle to Islam:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 1360): Ibn Shihāb reported: “Sa‘īd ibn al-Musayyib told me that his father said to him: ‘When Abu Tālib was on his deathbed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) went to see him and found Abu Jahl ibn Hishām and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah ibn al-Mughīrah  there. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abu Tālib: “O uncle, say: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, a sentence that I can defend your case with before Allah.” Thereupon, Abu Jahl and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah said: “O Abu Tālib, would you renounce the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) kept inviting him to say it, and both of them kept on repeating their same words until Abu Tālib said, as his last statement, that he was on the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib, and refused to say: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah. Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “By Allah, I shall keep on asking Allah to forgive you as long as I am not forbidden to do so.” On this occasion, Allah Almighty revealed: {It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire.}’” The narration of Muslim adds: “Referring to Abu Tālib, Allah Almighty revealed the following, addressing His Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him): {Indeed, [O Prophet], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is Most Knowing of those rightly guided.}”     

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His keenness to invite non-Muslims, whether relatives or not, to Islam.
2-    His carefulness to use words that touch the hearts while inviting non-Muslims to Islam, like when he said: “O uncle”.
3-    Repeating his call upon non-Muslims to embrace Islam more than once.
4-    His calling to Allah in the presence of those obstinate resistant polytheists and repeating his request.
5-    His loyalty and love for his uncle as he went to him and called him to Islam out of his deep care for his relatives, even if they were non-Muslims.
6-    His extreme love and compassion for his uncle, so when the latter insisted on polytheism, he said: “By Allah, I shall keep on asking Allah to forgive you as long as I am not forbidden to do so.” He confirmed his words by his oath to comfort his uncle, Abu Tālib.
7-    His keenness, patience, and perseverance in calling non-Muslims to Islam despite what he heard from Abu Jahl and his companion, as in this incident.

Benefits:
1-    Civility of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) with his Lord as he said: “I shall keep on asking Allah to forgive you as long as I am not forbidden to do so.”
2-    Guidance is something great which belongs to Allah alone. The Muslim who is granted guidance must maintain this great blessing and must seek to call others to Islam using good methods. However, it must be known that guidance is in the Hand of Allah Almighty Who said: {Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He is Most Knowing of those rightly guided.}
3-    It is noteworthy that Islam reached four of the paternal uncles of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). Two of them embraced Islam, who were Hamzah and Al-‘Abbās, whereas the other two did not, who were Abu Tālib, whose name was ‘Abd Manāf, and Abu Lahab, whose name was ‘Abd al-‘Uzza.
4-    Submission of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to his Almighty Lord; going to his uncle and inviting him to Islam and repeating his request several times, and after rejecting his invitation, he sought Allah’s forgiveness for him. Then, when he was forbidden from doing that, he did not transgress his limits, rather he was content with the decree of Allah and stopped seeking Allah’s forgiveness for his uncle. Allah Almighty then revealed: {Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He is Most Knowing of those rightly guided.}

7) Intercession of the Prophet (PBUH) for his polytheistic uncle out of loyalty and gratitude:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 3883): Al-‘Abbās ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he said to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him): “You have been of no avail to your uncle although he used to look after you and get angry on your behalf.” The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He is in a shallow fire, and had it not been for me, he would have been in the lowest depth of Hellfire.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His intercession on behalf of his polytheistic uncle as a reward for his kindness towards him.
2-    His remembrance and admission of his uncle’s favor on him.
3-    His asking Allah to forgive his uncle, who was a polytheist, until he was forbidden from doing so.
4-    His clarifying the effect of his intercession on behalf of his uncle and how it was a cause for alleviating his punishment.

Benefits:
1-    Allah Almighty honored His Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) by accepting his intercession.
2-    Permissibility of dealing with non-Muslims in what benefits Islam and Muslims.
3-    Returning the favor even if it is to a non-Muslim.
4-    Loyalty is from the morals of Islam.

The Prophet (PBUH) using an evidential approach in calling his people to Islam:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4770): Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: “When Allah Almighty revealed: {And warn [O Muhammad] your closest kindred.} The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) ascended the Safa (mountain) and started calling: ‘O Banu Fihr! O Banu ‘Adiyy!’ addressing the various tribes of Quraysh till they were assembled. Those who could not come themselves, sent their messengers to see what was there. Abu Lahab and other people from Quraysh came and the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then said: ‘Suppose I told you  that there is an (enemy) cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?’ They said: ‘Yes, for we have never found you telling anything but the truth.’ He then said: ‘I am a warner to you before a severe punishment.’ Abu Lahab said (to the Prophet): ‘May your hands perish all the day! Is it for this purpose that you have gathered us?’ Thereupon the following verse was revealed: {His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.}”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His calling upon the tribes from the disbelievers of Quraysh before his closest kindred to repeat the warning to his kin, and since all of Quraysh fell under the category of his relatives.
2-    His keenness to invite non-Muslims to Islam, offer goodness, and deliver it to people.
3-    His care to call each tribe by name because that would more likely cause them to respond to the call to embrace Islam and would be more effective in establishing indisputable awareness among them.
4-    His care about his relatives and kin even if they were non-Muslims, hence, he started by calling the tribes which were the farthest to him in terms of kinship followed by those who were closer to him.
5-    His use of the evidential approach in calling the polytheists and others to make them accept his call, as previously mentioned in: “Suppose I told you...”
6-    His endurance of the abuse of his polytheistic uncle Abu Lahab and those who were like him. Their insults and threats only increased his adherence to Islam and his steadfastness, acting upon the verse where Allah Almighty said: {And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.}
7-    His humbleness with his Lord and refraining from transgressing His limits when he said to his closest kin, his uncle and wife: “Verily, I cannot save you from Allah (if you disobey Him)”.
8-    His making it quite clear that salvation could only be attained by following the truth and obeying the commands of Allah.
9-    Being a relative of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is of no avail if not preceded by belief in Allah Almighty.
10-    His keenness to make his voice reach the farthest possible place and that is why he ascended the Safa Mountain.

Benefits:
1-    The quick response of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to his Lord’s command; after the revelation of the following verse: {And warn [O Muhammad] your closest kindred.}  He ascended the Safa Mountain.
2-    When the Muslim preacher is truthful with Allah, steadfast in his call to Allah, and patient about all the abuse he encounters in his mission, Allah Almighty protects him and exacts revenge on those who harm and abuse him in this world and the Hereafter.
3-    Allah Almighty honored His Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) by averting from him the polytheists’ plan and harm.

9) Keenness of the Prophet (PBUH) to invite non-Muslims to Islam by sending messengers:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 2801): Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent seventy men from Banu Sulaym to Banu ‘Āmir. When they reached there, my maternal uncle said to them: ‘I shall precede you, and if they grant me security to convey to them the message of the Messenger of Allah (it will be alright), otherwise you would remain close to me.’ He preceded them and they granted him security. However, while he was reporting the message of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), they beckoned to one of their men who stabbed him to death. He said: ‘Allah is the Most Great, by the Lord of the Ka‘bah, I won.’ After that they attacked the rest of the party and killed them all except a lame man who went up to the top of the mountain. (Hammām, a sub-narrator said: I think another man was saved along with him). Gabriel (peace be upon him) informed the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) that they (i.e. the martyrs) met their Lord, and He was pleased with them and made them pleased. We used to recite: “Inform our people that we have met our Lord, He is pleased with us and He made us pleased”. Later on this Qur’anic Verse was abrogated. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) invoked Allah for forty days  to curse the murderers from the tribe of Ri‘l, Dhakwān, Banu Lahyān and Banu ‘Usayyah who disobeyed Allah and His Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).”   

Anas ibn Mālik reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) invoked curse upon those who killed his Companions at Ma‘ūnah well for thirty days, supplicating against Ri‘l, Dhakwān, Lihyān, and ‘Usayyah who disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.” Sahīh Muslim 1545. Anas said: “Allah Almighty revealed (a verse) in relation to those who were killed at Ma‘ūnah well and we used to recite it until it was abrogated later on, and it (the verse) was: ‘Convey to our people that we have met our Lord, He is pleased with us and He made us pleased.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His supplication against Ri‘l, Dhakwān, and Banu Lihyān, who were polytheistic tribes, for forty days on account of their betrayal and treason. Supplication is one of the greatest means for attaining victory over enemies as the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did on the day of Badr and on other occasions, and as other Prophets (peace be upon them) did as well.
2-    His condemnation of the polytheists’ breach of the covenant, which is condemned by all legislations and even by people of the pre-Islamic era.
3-    His keenness to call non-Muslims to Allah and to use various methods in doing so, and here he sent messengers to convey his message to people.
4-    His endurance of such a grave calamity, which is the polytheists’ betrayal of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
5-    His composure and fortitude in facing that great calamity, for despite its being grave and dangerous, it did not affect his will or discourage him from proceeding with his mission of calling to Allah.

Benefits:
1-    Keenness of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on teaching people the Qur’an and the matters of their religion.
2-    Great love of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) for his Companions and his grief over their death.
3-    Faith was deeply instilled in the hearts of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
4-    The Companions were well disciplined by the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), hence, they used to compete in carrying out his commands even if that involved risking their lives.

10) Keenness of the Prophet (PBUH) to deliver his message to the ruler of Bahrain:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 64): ‘Ubaydullah ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah ibn Mas‘ūd reported that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās said to him: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent his letter with a man  and ordered him to hand it over to the ruler of Bahrain. The ruler of Bahrain then handed it over to Khosrau,  who read it and tore it into pieces. I think  that Ibn al-Musayyib said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) thus invoked Allah to tear them into pieces.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His keenness to invite non-Muslims to Islam.
2-    His keenness to have his messages delivered to kings and rulers.
3-    His using the available means, including sending letters to the polytheists, to convey the religion of Allah.
4-    His supplication against Khosrau, after the latter had torn his message into pieces, asking Allah to tear his dominion.

Benefits:
1-    The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) resorted to the greatest weapon, which is supplication, when that polytheist dared to tear his letter into pieces.
2-    A letter could be attributed to the one who uttered its words rather than its writer, for the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was illiterate, yet that letter was attributed to him.
3-    The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) sacrificed their lives and properties during the lifetime and after the death of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), for the sake of conveying Islam, so may Allah reward them with the best reward.

11) The Prophet (PBUH) returning the favor even to polytheists:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 344): ‘Imrān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Once we were traveling with the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and we carried on traveling till the last part of the night. We then stopped and slept deeply, and nothing is sweeter for the traveler than sleep. It was only the heat of the sun that made us wake up. The first one to wake up was so-and-so, then so-and-so, then so-and-so (the narrator ‘Awf said that Abu Rajā’ had told him their names but he had forgotten them) and the fourth one to wake up was ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb. Whenever the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to sleep, nobody would wake him up till he himself woke up as we did not know what was happening to him in his sleep. When ‘Umar woke up and saw the condition of the people, and he was a strict man, he raised his voice with Takbīr (saying: Allāhu Akbar) and kept on doing so until the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) woke up by his voice. On waking up, they complained to him of what had happened to them. He said: ‘No harm done, depart.’ So they departed from that place, and after covering some distance, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) stopped and asked for some water to perform ablution. So he performed ablution and the call for prayer was pronounced and he led the people in prayer. After he had finished the prayer, he saw a man sitting aloof who had not prayed with the people. He asked: ‘O so-and-so, what prevented you from praying with us?’ He replied: ‘I am in the state of Janābah (ritual impurity) and there is no water.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Perform Tayammum (dry ablution) with (clean) earth and that is sufficient for you.’ Then the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) proceeded on and the people complained to him of thirst. Thereupon, he dismounted and called so-and-so (the narrator ‘Awf added that Abu Rajā’ had named him but he forgot his name) and ‘Ali, and he ordered them to go and fetch water. So they went in search of water and met a woman who was sitting on her camel between two bags of water. They asked: ‘Where can we find water?’ She replied: ‘I was there (at the place of water) this hour yesterday and my people are behind me.’ They requested her to accompany them. She asked: ‘Where to?’ They said: ‘To the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).’ She said: ‘Do you mean the man who is called the Sābi’ (one with a new religion)?’ They replied: ‘Yes, the same person. So come along.’ They brought her to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and narrated the whole story. He said: ‘Help her to dismount.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) asked for a pot, then he opened the mouths of the bags and poured some water into the pot. Then he closed the big openings of the bags and opened the small ones and the people were called upon to drink and water their animals. So they all watered their animals and they (too) all quenched their thirst and also gave water to others, and last of all the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) gave a pot full of water to the person who was in the state of Janābah and told him to pour it over his body. The woman was standing and watching what was being done with her water. By Allah, when her water bags were returned, they looked as if they were fuller than they had been before. Then the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to collect something for her; so dates, flour and Sawīqah were collected which amounted to a good meal that was put in a piece of cloth. She was helped to ride on her camel and that cloth full of foodstuff was also placed in front of her and then the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: ‘We have not taken your water but Allah has given water to us.’ She returned home late. Her family asked her: ‘O so-and-so, what delayed you?’ She said: ‘A strange thing! Two men met me and took me to the man who is called the Sābi’ and he did such-and-such. By Allah, he is either the greatest magician between this and this (gesturing with her index and middle fingers and pointing to the sky then to the earth) or he is indeed Allah’s Messenger.’ Afterwards, the Muslims used to attack the polytheists around her abode but never touched her village. One day she said to her people: ‘I think that these people leave you purposely. Have you got any inclination to Islam?’ They obeyed her and all of them embraced Islam.” Abu ‘Abdullah said: “The word Sābi’ means the one who has deserted his old religion and embraced a new one.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) occurring in the Hadīth:
1-    His good manners with this polytheistic woman, as he did not punish her for calling him Sābi’ (one leaving his old religion for a new one).
2-    His kind speech with that foreign disbelieving woman when he said to her: “We have not taken your water, but Allah has given water to us.”
3-    His calling that woman to monotheism by his words: “Allah has given water to us.”
4-    His generosity, magnanimity, and loyalty with that polytheistic woman as he ordered his Companions to collect food for her. They did so, put it in a piece of cloth, helped her mount her camel and put the food in front of her. That was how the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) taught his Companions to be generous and return the favor.
5-    In calling non-Muslims to Islam, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not use mere direct speech, rather, he used kind treatment, good morals, and giving as well. That was clearly effective as that woman and her people came to embrace Islam later on. Muslims, specially preachers and those who work in that field, are in dire need of following in the Prophet’s footsteps.
6-    His refraining from invading that woman’s people, or delaying that, as an expression of gratitude for using her water and in the hope of encouraging them to embrace Islam.
7-    His leniency, and that of his Companions, in dealing with that polytheistic woman.

Benefits:
1-    Good manners of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) with his Almighty Lord as he said: “Allah has given water to us.”
2-    Good manners of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) as clear in his using Takbīr, thus combining the two benefits. He chose Takbīr specifically because it is originally used in summoning people to prayer.
3-    The Companions’ perfect politeness with and reverence for the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) as they dared not wake him up.
4-    The brilliance of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) in choosing how to wake the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) up.
5-    The truthfulness and kindness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) that showed in their dealing with that woman.
6-    The fact that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) called people to prayer despite missing its time. In the narration of Muslim, from the Hadīth of Abu Qatādah, it was explicitly mentioned that the Adhān was proclaimed.
7-    Making up for the missed prayer, even if its time has elapsed, and hastening to do so.
8-    Walking away from the place where the devil was present, as mentioned in Sahīh Muslim.
9-    Permissibility of proclaiming Adhān and praying in congregation in case of making up for a missed prayer.

12) The Prophet (PBUH) greeting a mixed group of people including Muslims, hypocrites, polytheists, and Jews:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4566): Al-Zuhri reported that ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr told him that Usāmah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) said to him: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) rode a donkey covered with a velvet Fadakiyyah sheet and made Usāmah ibn Zayd ride behind him. He was visiting Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah (who was sick) in the dwelling place of Banu Al-Hārith ibn al-Khazraj, and this incident happened before the Battle of Badr. They proceeded till they passed by a gathering in which ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl was present, and that was before he embraced Islam. In that gathering there were Muslims, polytheists, idol-worshipers, and Jews, and among the Muslims there was ‘Abdullah ibn Rawāhah. When a cloud of dust raised by (the movement of) the animal covered that gathering, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy covered his nose with his garment and said: ‘Do not cover us with dust.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) greeted them, stopped, dismounted, invited them to Allah, and recited the Qur’an to them. On that, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl said: ‘O man! There is nothing better than what you say, if it is the truth. So do not trouble us with it in our gatherings, but if somebody comes to you, you can preach him.’ Thereupon, ‘Abdullah ibn Rawāhah said: ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah, call on us in our gatherings, for we love that.’ So the Muslims, the polytheists, and the Jews started verbally abusing one another till they were about to fight. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) kept on quietening them till all of them became quiet, and then he rode his animal and proceeded till he entered upon Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: ‘O Sa‘d, have you not heard what Abu Hubāb said? (meaning ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy) He said so-and-so.’ Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, excuse and forgive him for, by Him Who revealed the Book to you, Allah sent the Truth which was revealed to you at the time when the people of this Buhayrah had decided to crown him (‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy) as their ruler. So when Allah had prevented that with the Truth He had given you, he was choked by that, and that caused him to behave in such an impolite manner which you had noticed.’ So the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) excused him. It was the habit of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions to excuse the polytheists and the people of the Scripture (Christians and Jews) as Allah ordered them, and they used to be patient with their abuse. Allah Almighty said: {...And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse...} Allah Almighty also said: {Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves...} The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to apply what Allah had ordered him by excusing them till he was granted the permission of Allah regarding them. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) fought the Battle of Badr and Allah killed whomever He willed to be killed among the chiefs of the disbelievers and the nobles of Quraysh, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl, and the polytheists and idolaters who were with him, said: ‘This matter (Islam) has now brought out its face (triumphed), so give the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) the pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam.’ So they became Muslims.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His greeting the group that included Muslims, hypocrites, Jews, and polytheists.
2-    His skillful handling of conflicts and his success in ending the uproar and making the Muslims and polytheists calm down.
3-    His patience and tolerance in facing the disbelievers’ violent rejection.
4-    His taking advantage of all opportunities to call the polytheists and others to Allah Almighty.
5-    His modesty and his effective method in preaching Islam which showed when he dismounted the animal he was riding.
6-    His neglect of the stance and words of ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl.
7-    His recitation of the Qur’an to the people he was calling to Islam.
8-    His extreme politeness and noble morals that were clear even in the way he dealt with that hypocrite, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy. Despite his rudeness, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not interrupt or silence him. He did not call or describe him with a name other than his, and he even nicknamed him later on.
9-    His informing Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah (may Allah be pleased with him) of the words of ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl, the head of the hypocrites, and his acceptance of Sa‘d’s apology on behalf of that hypocrite.
10-    His approval of his Companion’s request to pardon ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl, despite his being from the hypocrites.

Benefits:
1-    The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) loved and defended the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).
2-    The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to recite the Qur’an to them, visit their gatherings, and teach them Islam.
3-    The need to use gentleness and kindness with the ones invited to Islam.
4-    The Muslim preacher must be mentally prepared to deal with all types of people and to put up with their abuse.

13) The Prophet (PBUH) stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with the parents, even if they were non-Muslims:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 5979): Asmā’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her and her father) reported: “My mother, who was a polytheist, came to visit me with her son during the period of the peace treaty between Quraysh and the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). I went to seek the advice of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) saying: ‘My mother came willingly,  should I maintain a good relation with her?’ He replied: ‘Yes, maintain a good relation with her.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His care about parents even if they were non-Muslims. Allah Almighty said: {But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you of what you used to do.}
2-    The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) taught humanity a great lesson on the right of maintaining good relations with parents, even if they are non-Muslims. Even the non-Muslim neighbor has a right over the Muslim even if he is not his relative. So, what a great religion Islam is! Praise be to Allah.
3-    He did not make the case of maintaining a good relation with the polytheistic mother contingent on the husband’s permission.
4-    His stress on the importance of the mother’s right by giving a full answer instead of just saying, “Yes.”

Benefits:
1-    Keenness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to ask the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) about issues that they found confusing. In this incident, Asmā’ (may Allah be pleased with her) was asking about something related to her religion, which is dealing with her polytheistic mother; and that was the case with all other Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

14) The Prophet (PBUH) fulfilling the covenants made with non-Muslims:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 2711- 2712): Ibn Shihāb reported: “‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr told me that he heard Marwān and Al-Miswar ibn Makhramah (may Allah be pleased with them) talking about the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). He said: ‘When Suhayl ibn ‘Amr agreed to the Treaty (of Hudaybiyyah), one of the conditions he stipulated then was that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) should return to them (i.e. to the polytheists) anyone coming to him from their side, even if he was a Muslim; and would not interfere between them and that person. The Muslims did not like this condition and were quite upset. Suhayl did not agree except with that condition. So, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) agreed to that condition and returned Abu Jandal to his father Suhayl ibn ‘Amr. Thenceforward, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) returned everyone in that period (of truce) even if he was a Muslim. During that period, some believing women emigrated and Umm Kulthūm bint ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt was one of those women who came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and she was ‘Ātiq then. Her relatives came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him to return her, but he refused for Allah had revealed the following verse regarding those women: {O you who believe, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, test them. Allah is Most Knowing of their faith...}  To His saying: {They are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them...}”    

2731-2732: Al-Miswar ibn Makhramah and Marwān (whose narrations attest to each other) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) set out at the time of Al-Hudaybiyyah (treaty), and when they had proceeded for a distance, he said: ‘Khālid ibn al-Walīd is leading the cavalry of Quraysh, constituting the front of the army, and he is at Al-Ghamīm, so take the way on the right.’ By Allah, Khālid did not sense the arrival of the Muslims till the dust arising from the march of their army reached him, so he turned back hurriedly to warn Quraysh. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) went on until when he reached the Thaniyyah, from where they could be attacked, his she-camel sat down and did not move. The people said: ‘Hal Hal’, trying their best to make her move but in vain, so they said: ‘Al-Qaswā’  has become unruly! Al-Qaswā’ has become unruly!’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Al-Qaswā’ has not become unruly and that is not her habit, but she was stopped by the One Who stopped the elephant.’ Then he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, if they (Quraysh) ask me anything which implies respect for the sacred ordinances of Allah, I will give it to them.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then rebuked the she-camel and she got up. He started his way back till he dismounted at the farthest end of Al-Hudaybiyyah at a Thamad containing a little water, which the people used in small amounts, and in a short while they used up all its water and complained to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon) of thirst. Thereupon, he took an arrow out of his arrow-case and ordered them to put the arrow in that pit. By Allah, the water started and continued gushing till all the people quenched their thirst and returned with satisfaction. While they were still in that state, Budayl ibn Warqā’ al- Khuzā‘i came with some people from his tribe of Khuzā‘ah from Tihāmah, and they were the advisers of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) who would keep no secret from him. Budayl said: ‘I left Ka‘b ibn Lu’ayy and ‘Āmir ibn Lu’ayy at the profuse water of Al-Hudaybiyyah and they have Al-‘Ūdh  Al-Matāfīl with them. They will wage war against you and will prevent you from visiting the Ka‘bah.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘We have not come to fight anyone, but to perform ‘Umrah. No doubt, the war has weakened Quraysh and they have suffered great losses. So if they wish, I will conclude a truce with them, during which they should refrain from interfering between me and the people, and if I have victory over them, Quraysh will have the option to embrace Islam as other people do if they wish, or they will at least get strong enough to fight. But if they do not accept the truce, by the One in Whose Hand my life is, I will fight with them defending my Cause till I get killed, but Allah will definitely make His Cause victorious.’ Budayl said: ‘I will inform them of what you said.’ So, he set off till he reached Quraysh and said: ‘We have come to you after meeting with that man. We heard saying something which we will disclose to you if you wish.’ Some of the fools among Quraysh shouted that they were not interested to hear anything about him, but the wise among them said: ‘Relate what you heard him say.’ Budayl said: ‘I heard him say so-and-so,’ relating what the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) had told him. ‘Urwah ibn Mas‘ūd got up and said: ‘O people! Are you not the fathers?’  They said: ‘Yes.’ He added: ‘Am I not the son?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Do you mistrust me?’ They said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘Do you not know that I invited the people of ‘Ukāzh for your help, and when they refused I brought my relatives and children and those who obeyed me (to help you)?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Well, this man (i.e. the Prophet) has offered you a reasonable proposal, you would better accept it and allow me to meet him.’ They said: ‘You may meet him.’ So, he went to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and started talking to him. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) told him almost the same as he had told Budayl. Then ‘Urwah said: ‘O Muhammad, will you not have any scruple about destroying your own people? Have you ever heard of anyone among the Arabs destroying his people before you? On the other hand, if the reverse should happen, by Allah, I do not see (with you) dignified people, but people from various tribes who would run away leaving you alone.’ Hearing that, Abu Bakr said: ‘Go suck Bazhar Al-Lāt,  do you say we would run and leave the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) alone?’ ‘Urwah said: ‘Who is that man?’ They said: ‘He is Abu Bakr.’ ‘Urwah said to Abu Bakr: ‘By Him in Whose Hand my life is, were it not for the favor which you did me and which I did not return, I would have retorted.’ ‘Urwah kept on talking to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and seizing the Prophet’s beard as he was talking, while Al-Mughīrah ibn Shu‘bah was standing near the head of the Prophet, holding a sword and wearing a helmet. Whenever ‘Urwah stretched his hand towards the beard of the Prophet, Al-Mughīrah would hit his hand with the handle of the sword and say (to ‘Urwah): ‘Remove your hand from the beard of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).’ ‘Urwah raised his head and asked: ‘Who is that?’ The people said: ‘He is Al-Mughīrah ibn Shu‘bah.’ ‘Urwah said: ‘O treacherous! Am I not doing my best to prevent evil consequences of your treachery?’ Before embracing Islam, Al-Mughīrah was in the company of some people. He killed them and took their property and came (to Medina) to embrace Islam. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: ‘As regards your Islam, I accept it, but as for the property, I shall not take anything thereof.’ ‘Urwah then started looking at the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). By Allah, whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them who would rub it on his face and skin. If he ordered them, they would carry out his orders immediately. If he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the remaining water; and when they spoke to him, they would lower their voices and would not keep looking at his face out of respect. ‘Urwah returned to his people and said: ‘O people! By Allah, I have been to kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and the Negus, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad is respected by his companions. By Allah, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them  who would rub it on his face and skin. If he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately. If he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the remaining water; and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not keep looking at his face out of respect.’ ‘Urwah added: ‘No doubt, he has offered you a reasonable proposal, so accept it.’ A man from the tribe of Banu Kinānah said: ‘Let me go to him,’ and they let him, and when he approached the Prophet and his Companions, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘This is so-and-so from a tribe that respects the sacrificial animals, so, bring them in front of him.’ So, the sacrificial animals were brought before him and the people received him while they were reciting Talbiyah. When he saw that scene, he said: ‘May Allah be exalted! It is not fair to prevent these people from visiting the Ka‘bah.’ When he returned to his companions, he said: ‘I saw the sacrificial animals garlanded (with colored knotted ropes) and marked (with stabs on their backs). I do not think it is wise to prevent them from visiting the Ka‘bah.’ Another man called Mikraz ibn Hafs got up and sought their permission to go to Muhammad, and they allowed him too. When he approached the Muslims, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Here is Mikraz and he is a vicious man.’ Mikraz started talking to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and as he was talking, Suhayl ibn ‘Amr came. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Now the matter has become easy.’ Suhayl ibn ‘Amr said to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him): ‘Let’s conclude a peace treaty.’ So, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) called the scribe and said to him: ‘Write: In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.’ Suhayl said: ‘As for “the Most Compassionate”, by Allah, I do not know what it means. So write: In Your Name O Allah, as you used to write previously.’ The Muslims said: ‘By Allah, we will not write except: In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.’ Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Write: In Your Name O Allah.’ Then he dictated: ‘This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) has concluded.’ Suhayl said: ‘By Allah, if we knew that you are the Messenger of Allah, we would not prevent you from visiting the Ka‘bah, and would not fight with you. So, write: Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘By Allah, I am the Messenger of Allah even if you refused to believe me. Write: Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah.’ - Al-Zuhri said: “This is because the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘If they ask me anything which implies respect for the sacred ordinances of Allah, I will give it to them.’” - Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: ‘On the condition that you allow us to visit the House (i.e. Ka‘bah) so that we may perform Tawāf (circumambulation) around it.’ Suhayl said: ‘By Allah, we will not (allow you this year) so as not to give chance to the Arabs to say that we were taken by surprise and conquered by you, but we will allow you next year.’ So, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) got that written. Then Suhayl said: ‘We also stipulate that you should return to us any man who comes to you from us, even if he embraced your religion.’ The Muslims said: ‘May Allah be Exalted! How could such a person be returned to the polytheists after he came (to us) as a Muslim?’ Meanwhile, Abu Jandal ibn Suhayl ibn ‘Amr came from the valley of Mecca staggering with his fetters and fell down among the Muslims. Suhayl said: ‘O Muhammad, this is the very first term with which we make peace with you, you should return Abu Jandal to me.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘We have not finished writing the peace treaty yet.’ Suhayl said: ‘Then, by Allah, I will never come to an agreement with you.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Allow me to keep him.’ He said: ‘I will not allow you to keep him.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his request and Suhayl repeated the same reply. Mikraz then said: ‘We allow you to keep him.’ Abu Jandal said: ‘O Muslims! Will I be returned to the polytheists though I have come as a Muslim? Do you not see how much I have suffered?’ Abu Jandal had been tortured severely in the cause of Allah. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb said: ‘I went to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and asked: “Are you not truly the Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet said: “Yes, indeed, I am.” I said: “Is it not true that we are on the side of truth and our enemies are on the side of falsehood?” He said: “Yes.” I said: “Then, why should we accept such unfair terms?” He replied: “I am the Messenger of Allah, I do not disobey Him, and He shall grant me victory.” I added: “Did you not tell us that we would go to the Ka‘bah and perform Tawāf around it?” He said: “Yes, but did I tell you that we would visit it this year?” I said: “No.” He said: “So you will visit it and perform Tawāf around it?” I, then, went to Abu Bakr and said: “O Abu Bakr! Is he not truly the Prophet of Allah?” He said: “Yes.” I said: “Is it not true that we are on the side of truth and our enemies are on the side of falsehood?” He said: “Yes.” I said: “Then, why should we accept such unfair terms?” Abu Bakr said: “Hey! He is indeed the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and he does not disobey his Lord, and He shall grant him victory. Adhere to him as, by Allah, he is on the side of truth.” I said: “Was he not telling us that we would go to the Ka‘bah and perform Tawāf around it?” He said: “Yes, but did he tell you that you would go this year?” I said: “No.” He said: “Then you will go to Ka‘bah and perform Tawāf around it.”’ (Al-Zuhri said:) ‘Umar said: ‘I performed many good deeds as expiation for that (i.e. for the improper questions I asked them).’ When the peace treaty was concluded, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to his Companions: ‘Get up and slaughter your sacrifices and have your heads shaved.’ By Allah, none of them got up. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his order thrice. When none of them got up, he left them and went to Umm Salamah and told her of the people’s attitude with him. Umm Salamah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, do you want your order to be carried out? Go out and do not say a word to anybody till you slaughter your sacrifice and call your barber to shave your head.’ So, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings) went out and did not talk to anyone of them till he did that, i.e. slaughtered his sacrifice and called his barber who shaved his head. On seeing that, they (the Companions) got up, slaughtered their sacrifices, and started shaving each other's heads in such a rush that they almost killed each other. Then, some believing women came (to the Prophet); and Allah Almighty revealed the following verses: {O you who believe, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, test them...} until reaching the part that reads: {And hold not to marriage bonds with disbelieving women.} On hearing that, ‘Umar divorced two of his wives who were polytheists. So, Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abi Sufyān married one of them and Safwān ibn Umayyah married the other. When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) returned to Madinah, Abu Basīr, a new Muslim convert from Quraysh, came to him. The polytheists sent in his pursuit two men who said to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him): ‘Abide by the promise you gave us.’ So, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) handed him over to them. They took him out (of Madinah) till they reached Dhul-Hulayfah where they dismounted to eat some dates they had with them. Abu Basīr said to one of them: ‘By Allah, O so-and-so, I see you have a fine sword.’ The other  drew it out (of the scabbard) and said: ‘By Allah, it is very fine and I have tried it many times.’ Abu Basīr said: ‘Let me have a look at it.’ When the other gave it to him, he hit him with it till he died, and his companion ran away till he came to Madinah and entered the mosque running. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) saw him, he said: ‘This man has, indeed, seen something terrifying.’ When he reached the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) he said: ‘My companion was murdered and I shall certainly be murdered as well.’  Abu Basīr came and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, by Allah, Allah has made you fulfill your obligations by your returning me to them (i.e. the polytheists), but Allah has then saved me from them.’ Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Woe to his mother! What a war kindler he would be, should he only have someone with him.’ When Abu Basīr heard that, he understood that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would return him to the polytheists again, so he set off till he reached the seashore. Meanwhile, Abu Jandal ibn Suhayl managed to escape from them (i.e. the polytheists) and joined Abu Basīr. So, whenever a man from Quraysh embraced Islam, he would follow Abu Basīr till they formed a group. By Allah, whenever they heard about a caravan of Quraysh heading towards the Levant, they attacked it and killed them (i.e. the polytheists) and took their properties. The people of Quraysh sent a message to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) pleading, for the sake of Allah and kith and kin, to send for (i.e. Abu Basīr and his companions) promising that whoever (among them) came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would be secure. So the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent for them and Allah Almighty revealed the following verses: {And it is He Who withheld their hands from you and your hands from them within [the area of] Mecca after He caused you to overcome them...} until: {chauvinism - the chauvinism of the time of ignorance...} The polytheists’ chauvinism showed when they refused to acknowledge Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) as the Messenger of Allah, refused to write ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful’, and prevented the Muslims from visiting the Ka‘bah.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His taking cover from the enemies’ vanguard, and thus drawing on their inattention and heedlessness and taking them by surprise.
2-    His seeking advice from some of the Dhimmis (non-Muslims who are protected by a covenant with Muslims) who were proved to be loyal and giving preference to Muslims over others, even if they were of their own religion.
3-    His good response to the polytheists; and this has to be the case since he was given the gift of succinct speech.
4-    His foresight even when dealing with the polytheists.
5-    His clarity in putting in his requests from the polytheists to clear up any confusion.
6-    His unshakable bravery in facing the polytheists.
7-    His listening to the polytheist’s speech till the end.
8-    His acceptance of those who come to him as Muslims, as he said: “As regards your Islam, I accept it...” However, he never accepted usurpation of money or treachery, even when committed against the disbelievers and polytheists.
9-    His demonstration of the message of Islam to the polytheists and others.
10-    His maintaining kinship ties with the people of Mecca.
11-    His advice for his kin.
12-    His strength and steadfastness in carrying out the rulings of Allah and in conveying His commands to the polytheists and others.
13-    His approval of having a man standing over his head with a sword for the sake of guarding him, intimidating the enemy, and showing respect and honor for Islam and Muslims. This does not, however, contradict the prohibition of standing over someone’s head if it is a sign of arrogance and pride.
14-    His optimism as he regarded the arrival of Suhayl ibn ‘Amr, who was a polytheist as a good omen, so he said: “Now the matter has become easy.” (Note: The name Suhayl comes from a root that means 'easy')
15-    His tolerance and politeness in dealing with the polytheists when they refused to write “In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful”, and when they refused to write “Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah”.
16-    His making it clear to the polytheists that he is the Messenger of Allah even if they refused to admit it.
17-    His sending scouts and spies ahead of the army to detect the enemies’ movements and gather information about them.
18-    His strictness with regards to dealing with the enemy so as not to give them the chance to carry out a sneak raid against the Muslims.

Benefits:
1-    Determination of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his oath to carry out his Lord’s commands in calling people to Islam.
2-    Strong faith of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his true reliance upon Allah as clear when he said: “Allah will definitely make His cause victorious,” and when he said: “And He shall grant me victory.”
3-    His fear of his Lord and his good expectations of Him as he said: “I do not disobey Him, and He shall grant me victory.”
4-    Permissibility of using bad words for the sake of rebuking whoever deserves to be rebuked.
5-    The good treatment that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) gave the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). It was clear in the way they defended him with words and actions, the way they revered and respected him, and their keenness to make the polytheists see that so as to know how they adhered to their religion firmly and how they loved their Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) dearly.
6-    The Companions’ steadfastness on faith, their patience, and their politeness in asking the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) about matters related to dealing with the polytheists and other matters.
7-    Keenness of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to prevent bloodshed.
8-    Hastening to good deeds out of hope for the forgiveness and pardon of Allah Almighty.

15) The Prophet (PBUH) honoring his agreement with the polytheists:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4251): Al-Barā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) went out for performing ‘Umrah in the month of Dhul-Qa‘dah, the people of Mecca did not allow him to enter Mecca till he agreed to conclude a peace treaty with them by virtue of which he would stay in Mecca for three days only.  When the agreement was written, the Muslims wrote: ‘This is the peace treaty, which Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has concluded.’ The disbelievers said (to the Prophet): ‘We do not agree with you on this, for if we had known that you are the Messenger of Allah, we would not have prevented you from anything (i.e. entering Mecca, etc.), but you are Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah.’ Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘I am the Messenger of Allah, and I am Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah.’ Then he said to ‘Ali ibn Abi Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘Erase the “Messenger of Allah”.’ ‘Ali said: ‘No, by Allah, I will never erase you (i.e. your name).’ Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) took the writing sheet, and he used not to write, so he got it written that: ‘This is the peace treaty which Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah has concluded: Muhammad should not bring arms into Mecca except sheathed swords, and should not take with him anyone of the people of Mecca even if such a person wanted to follow him, and if any of his Companions wants to stay in Mecca, he should not forbid him.’ When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) entered Mecca  and the allowed period of stay elapsed,  the disbelievers came to ‘Ali and said: ‘Tell your companion (Muhammad) to go out as the allowed period of his stay has come to an end.’ So the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) departed and the daughter of Hamzah  followed him shouting: ‘O uncle, O uncle!’  ‘Ali took her by the hand and said to Fātimah (may Allah be pleased with her): ‘Take your cousin (the daughter of your paternal uncle).’ So she made her ride (on her horse). ‘Ali, Zayd, and Ja‘far quarreled about her. ‘Ali said: ‘I took her for she is my cousin (the daughter of my paternal uncle).’ Ja‘far said: ‘She is my cousin (the daughter of my paternal uncle) and her maternal aunt is my wife.’ Zayd said: ‘She is my niece (the daughter of my brother).’ On that, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) gave her to her aunt and said: ‘The maternal aunt is of the same status as the mother.’  He said to ‘Ali: ‘You are from me and I am from you.’  He said to Ja‘far: ‘You resemble me in appearance and character.’ He said to Zayd: ‘You are our brother  and our freed slave.’ ‘Ali then said:  ‘Will you not marry the daughter of Hamzah?’ He replied: ‘She is the daughter of my foster (milk) brother.’”    

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His listening to the polytheists’ objection to writing “Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah” without interrupting them.
2-    His leniency and consent to the polytheists’ demand to write “In Your Name, O Allah”.
3-    His forbearance, tolerance, and patience towards what the polytheists’ were saying.
4-    His strength and bravery in clarifying the truth to the polytheists as clear in his saying: “I am the Messenger of Allah, and I am Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah” regardless of their stubbornness and arrogance.”
5-    His modesty and wise handling of the dispute between the polytheists and his Companions when the former requested erasing the “Messenger of Allah” so he erased it himself.
6-    His honoring his agreement with the polytheists in leaving Mecca after the agreed upon period of time had elapsed.

Benefits:
1-    The maternal aunt is of the same status as the mother in terms of mercy and compassion.
2-    The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) loved doing good to orphans and others.

16) The Prophet (PBUH) honored his agreements with the polytheists even after their death:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 3139):  Muhammad ibn Jubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that his father (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said concerning the captives of Badr: ‘Had Al-Mut‘im ibn ‘Adiyy been alive and spoken to me regarding those filthy ones, I would have freed them for him.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His honoring of agreements even with the polytheists, which indicates the nobility of his morals.
2-    His being appreciative of favors and never denying them, even those done by the disbelievers.
3-    His approval of freeing the captives of Badr was only contingent on Al-Mut‘im requesting it from him.
4-    His rewarding the one who did him a favor, even if he was a polytheist, as he said: “Whoever does you a favor, reward him.”

17) The Prophet (PBUH) honoring his agreement even with the polytheists who were at war with Muslims:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Muslim 4639): Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Nothing prevented me from participating in the Battle of Badr except this incident. I set out with my father Husayl  but we were caught by the disbelievers of Quraysh. They said: ‘You want to join Muhammad.’ We said: ‘No, we do not want to join him, we just want to go to Madinah.’ They took from us a covenant in the name of Allah to go to Madinah without fighting on his side. We went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him of what happened, thereupon, he said: ‘You are dismissed then. We shall fulfill the covenant made with them and we shall seek the help of Allah against them.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His honoring of the covenant even with the polytheists who were at war with Muslims.
Benefits:
1-    True reliance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on Allah Almighty and seeking His aid.
2-    The unshakable faith of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in his Lord and his constant adherence to his religion even in his dealing with the enemy.

18) The Prophet (PBUH) pardoning a polytheist hoping that he might embrace Islam:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4372):
Sa‘īd ibn Abi Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) say: “The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent some cavalry towards Najd and they returned with a man from the tribe of Banu Hanīfah who was called Thumāmah ibn Uthāl. They tied him to one of the pillars of the mosque. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) went to him and said: ‘What have you got,  O Thumāmah?’ He replied: ‘I have got goodness, O Muhammad. If you killed me, you would be killing a man with blood,  and if you set me free, you would be doing a favor to one who is grateful, and if you want property, then ask me whatever you want.’ He was left till the next day then the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) asked him again: ‘O Thumāmah, what have you got?’ He said: ‘What I told you; if you set me free, you would do a favor to one who is grateful.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) left him till the next day, then asked him: ‘What have you got, O Thumāmah?’ He said: ‘I have got what I told you.’ On that, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Release Thumāmah.’ So he (i.e. Thumāmah) went to a place where there is water near the mosque, took a bath, then entered the mosque and said: ‘I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. By Allah, O Muhammad, I hated no face on the surface of earth more than I hated your face, but now your face has become the most beloved face to me. By Allah, I hated no religion more than I hated yours, but now it has become the most beloved religion to me. By Allah, I hated no town more than I hated your town, but now it has become the most beloved town to me. Your cavalry arrested me when I was on my way to perform ‘Umrah, so what do you say?’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) gave him good tidings  and ordered him to perform ‘Umrah. When he arrived at Mecca, someone said to him: ‘Have you deserted your religion and embraced a new one?’ Thumāmah replied: ‘No, I have embraced Islam with Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). By Allah, not a single grain of wheat will come to you from Yamāmah unless the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) gives his permission.’”    

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    He went in person to Thumāmah, who was a polytheist.
2-    His repeating the question for Thumāmah more than once and listening to his reply.
3-    His approval of tying the disbeliever in the mosque, possibly for the purpose of letting him watch the Muslims pray, the thing that could lead him to renounce polytheism, and Allah knows best.
4-    His pardoning that polytheistic man in return for nothing, despite his previous misdeeds, hoping that he might embrace Islam.
5-    His gentle speech with Thumāmah, who was a polytheist, to attract his heart to Islam. This proved to be fruitful as Thumāmah ended up embracing Islam and loving this religion and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his town.
6-    His sending detachments to the lands of disbelief.
7-    His rewarding Thumāmah for embracing Islam by giving him the glad tidings of attaining goodness in this world and the Hereafter, or by giving him the glad tidings of entering Paradise, or of having his past sins forgiven.

Benefits:
1-    Kindness is required when dealing with Muslims and non-Muslims alike, especially when there is a desire to attract the latter to Islam or to avoid their evil.
2-    If the disbeliever embraces Islam while performing some good act, he is allowed to proceed with that act and finish it.
3-    The effect of faith on that Companion (may Allah be pleased with him) showed in his applying the principle of allegiance and disassociation when dealing with the polytheists. When they accused him of deserting his old religion, he replied in the negative. Then he wished to make up for his previous misdeeds, so he told the polytheists that they would not receive a single grain of wheat from Yamāmah except with the permission of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

19) The Prophet (PBUH) pardoning a polytheist who wanted to kill him:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4136):  
Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “We were in the company of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in (the Battle of) Dhāt al-Riqā‘. We came across a shady tree and we left it for the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) (to take rest under its shade). A man from the polytheists came while the Prophet’s sword was hanging on the tree. He took it out of its sheath secretly and said (to the Prophet): ‘Are you afraid of me?’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘Who can save you from me?’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) replied: ‘Allah’...”

Sahīh Muslim 1949: Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah reported:
“We went along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on an expedition in the direction of Najd. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) found us in a valley with many thorny trees. He rested under a tree and hung his sword by one of its branches. People scattered in the valley and started to rest in the shade of trees. Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘A man came to me while I was asleep and he took hold of my sword. I woke up and found him standing over my head and I had hardly become alert (and saw) that the sword was in his hand unsheathed. He said: “Who can protect you from me?” I said: “Allah.” He repeated his question and I gave him the same reply. Then he sheathed the sword. You can see this man sitting there.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not in any way touch him.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His bravery when that polytheist was standing over his head with a sword in his hand asking who could save him from him.
2-    His confident reply to that polytheist’s question that Allah is the Protector.
3-    His remaining calm and composed even in the most threatening and toughest situations.
4-    His bravery in words and deeds.
5-    His forgiveness and tolerance towards that polytheist, and his responding to a bad deed with a good deed.

Benefits:
1-    Prophets and allies of Allah Almighty are under His protection.
2-    True reliance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on Allah Almighty.
3-    The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) feared none but Allah Almighty.
4-    Permissibility of forgiving a disbeliever who is at war with Muslims if the Muslim leader believes this will lead to good consequences.

20) Mercifulness of the Prophet (PBUH) towards his enemies:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 3231):  
Ibn Shihāb reported that ‘Urwah told him that ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), wife of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) told him that she once asked the Prophet: “‘Have you encountered a day worse than the Day of Uhud?’ He replied: ‘Your people have given me a hard time, and the worst thing was how they treated me on the day of ‘Aqabah  when I presented myself to Ibn ‘Abd Yālīl  ibn ‘Abd Kulāl and he did not respond to my call. So, I departed overwhelmed with excessive grief and proceeded on. I did not notice my whereabouts till I had reached Qarn al-Tha‘ālib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Jibrīl (Gabriel) in it. He called me saying: “Allah has heard what your people said to you and how they responded to you. He has sent you the angel of mountains so you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.” The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said: “O Muhammad, order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akhshabayn  fall on them.” The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No, but I hope that Allah will let them have offspring who will worship Him alone, and worship none besides Him.’”   

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His great keenness to call non-Muslims to Islam.
2-    His endurance of hardships and difficulties and the long journey for the sake of inviting non-Muslims to Islam.
3-    His being overwhelmed with grief, while carrying out his mission, when the polytheists rejected Islam.
4-    His presenting himself and his call to the tribes. Allah then bestowed His favor upon some of them, who thus accepted the truth, while others did not accept the truth but they supported and protected the call to Islam, and some chose to show enmity to Islam.
5-    His compassion and mercy towards all people, as he did not want the two mountains to fall upon those who abused him, rather, he hoped that Allah would grant them children who would worship Him alone without associating partners with Him.
6-    His foresight, as he had hopes that those polytheists might have children who would turn out righteous, and his hopes came true at the end.
7-    His patience and tolerance with those stubborn polytheists.
8-    His refraining from taking revenge on those who abused him with words and deeds and who rejected his religion, as he did not approve of tormenting those polytheists.

Benefits:
1-    True reliance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on Allah Almighty and seeking His reward.
2-    Great keenness of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to fulfill true monotheism, as he said: “Who will worship Him alone and worship none besides Him.”
3-    One of the proofs of his being a Prophet was sending angels to him.
4-    Allah Almighty honored His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) by sending him the angel of mountains and letting him speak to him.
5-    The great excellence of patience and tolerance.

21) The Prophet (PBUH) denouncing the killing of women and children during wars:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 3014):  
Nāfi‘ reported that ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: “A woman was found killed in one of the battles of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) so the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) denounced killing women and children.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His giving instructions to his Companions in case of violating his methodology in dealing with non-Muslims.
2-    His prohibition of killing women and children since killing was not his aim and he never started the fight. Rather, he always started by calling non-Muslims to Islam through writing letters or sending them his messengers, and only when they insisted on fighting him, he fought them. Hence, he said: “Do not wish to meet the enemy (in battle) and ask Allah for safety, but if you faced the enemy, then be patient.”
3-    His being careful to check what was going on during and after the battle and his inquiring even about the killed ones.

22) Command of the Prophet (PBUH) to be lenient even with the aggressors:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 4194):  
Yazīd ibn Abi ‘Ubayd reported that he heard Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) say: “I went out before the Adhan (call to prayer) of the first one. The milch she-camels of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) were grazing at Dhu Qarad. ‘Abdul-Rahman ibn ‘Awf’s slave met me and said: ‘The milch she-camels of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) were taken away.’ I said: ‘Who took them away?’ He replied: ‘(People from the tribe of) Ghatafān.’ I cried thrice for help. I made the whole Madinah hear my cry. Then I ran straight in their pursuit until I overtook them while they were just going to water their animals. Being an archer, I began to shoot them with my arrows while saying: ‘I am the son of Al-Akwa‘, and today is the day when the villains will meet their doom.’ I continued to chant until I rescued the milch she-camels from them and snatched from them thirty Burdahs. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and some other people came along. I said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, I have prevented them from water while they were thirsty. So, send a force after them now.’ The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘O Ibn al-Akwa‘, you have overpowered them, so be kind and let them go.’ Then we returned and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) made me mount behind him on his she-camel until we entered Madinah.”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His leniency even with his enemies, who were polytheists, as clear in his attitude towards those who stole his milch she-camels, for when Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ informed him of their condition, being thirsty, he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) advised him to be lenient with them.
2-    His response to the call for help and going personally with his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in pursuit of the polytheists.

Benefits:
1-    Keenness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to protect and defend the Muslims’ properties if that was within their ability.

23) Generosity of the Prophet (PBUH) even with non-Muslims:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Al-Bukhāri 5397): Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “A man used to eat much, but when he embraced Islam,  he started eating less. That was mentioned to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) who then said: ‘The believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), whereas the disbeliever eats in seven intestines (eats much).’”

Sahīh Muslim 5397:
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) received a guest, who was a disbeliever. He offered him the milk of an ewe and he drank it all. Then he offered him the milk of another one and he drank it until he drank the milk of seven ewes. On the next morning, he embraced Islam. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) offered him the milk of an ewe and he drank it. Then he offered him the milk of another one, but he could not finish it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘The believer drinks in one intestine, whereas the disbeliever drinks in seven intestines.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His generosity even with non-Muslims.
2-    His tolerance and patience with feeding that polytheist as he offered him the milk of seven ewes.
3-    His kind treatment and generosity with that polytheist led him to embrace Islam.

Benefits:
1-    Hospitality towards guests is permissible under Shariah.
2-    The Muslim is distinctive compared to the disbeliever even in terms of the amount of food he consumes.
3-    Generosity is one of the means of inviting people to Islam.

24) Patience and tolerance of the Prophet (PBUH) with a polytheist man who came to recite a healing chant over him:
Text of the Hadīth (Sahīh Muslim 2008):  
Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“When Dimād, who was from the tribe of Azd Shanū’ah and who used to heal the mad and the possessed with healing chants, arrived at Mecca, he heard some of the fools of Mecca saying that Muhammad was mad. He said: ‘If I could see that man, Allah may cure him through me.’ When he met him, he said: ‘O Muhammad, I recite healing chants for such illnesses (madness and possession) and Allah cures whomever He wills through me, so would you?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘All praise is due to Allah, we praise Him and seek His help. Whoever Allah guides none can lead astray, and whoever He leads astray none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah alone with no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.’ Dimād said: ‘Repeat to me these words of yours.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his words three times for him. Thereupon, Dimād said: ‘I have heard the speech of soothsayers, sorcerers, and poets, but I have never heard words like yours and they have, indeed, reached the depth of the sea (of eloquence).’ He then added: ‘Give me your hand so I may pledge allegiance to you on Islam.’ He did, then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Would you pledge allegiance on behalf of your people too?’ He replied in the affirmative. Later, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent an expedition that passed by his people. The leader of the expedition asked his soldiers: ‘Have you taken anything from those people?’ A man said: ‘I took a water utensil.’ So, he said: ‘Return it, for those are the people of Dimād.’”

Behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) indicated in the Hadīth:
1-    His reply to that polytheist started by declaring the oneness of Allah and praising Him.
2-    His tolerance and patience with the polytheists’ abuse as he treated Dimād with forbearance and was not provoked by his accusing him of madness.
3-    His refraining from defending himself against that polytheist’s inappropriate accusation.
4-    His listening to that polytheist without interrupting him.
5-    His kind response to the polytheists without blaming them for their improper words.
6-    His keenness to spread the call to Islam among the polytheists in general.
7-    His repeating the words thrice if needed when asked by that polytheist to repeat his words.
8-    His carefulness to choose brief touching words when addressing Dimād.

Benefits:
1-    The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) returned what they took on knowing that they took it from the people of Dimād, and they did it out of their loyalty to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).
2-    The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) belittling himself and showing humility to his Lord by saying: “I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.”