AFFIRMATION OF PROPHETHOOD

Affirmation of Prophethood ~ 274 ~ Had such an example of superior conduct survived from pre-historic times, perhaps in the form of a myth, it would have been regarded as fiction, being too astonishing to be a fact. History, indeed, has no match for the magnanimity of the Prophet. Sir William Muir, speaking of the treatment meted out to the prisoners of Badr by the Muslims, gives another such shining example: In pursuance of Muhammad’s commands, the citizens of Madinah and such of the refugees as possessed houses, received the prisoners and treated them with much consideration. ‘Blessings be on the men of Madinah!’ said these prisoners in later days. ‘They made us ride, while they themselves walked; they gave us wheat and bread to eat, when there was little of it, contending themselves with dates!’ The sincerity of purpose and selflessness that he displayed throughout his life have, indeed, no parallels in history. Prior to his prophethood, he had been a successful merchant and had entered into marriage with a wealthy widow, Khadija. But when he was