Manners in Society

When it is prudent to make no reply Aishah relates that when the Muslim army scattered after the Battle of Uhud, Abu Sufyan, the then leader of the Quraysh, came close to a group of Muslims and shouted: “Is Muhammad there among you?” “Do not answer,” the Prophet ordered his followers. Once again Abu Sufyan called out: “Is Ibn abu Qahafah there among you?” Again the Prophet told his Companions to remain silent. “And what about Ibn Khattab? Is he there?” Shouted Abu Sufyan a third time, while the Prophet still urged reticence on those around him. When Abu Sufyan received no reply to all three of his questions, he said, “They must all be dead. If not, they would surely have answered.” Umar could no longer contain himself. “Enemy of God!” he cried out, “We are not dead! And may God keep you alive so that you may have the taste of humiliation. “ (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)