Concession to Others

fasted until it was held obligatory by a revelation to fast in the month of Ramazan. Moreover, the Prophet prayed in the direction of Jerusalem, the direction followed by the Jews, for a period of seventeen months, until God’s command came to change the orientation towards the Kabah. By doing so, the Prophet aimed at fraternizing with the Jews, in order that they might be brought closer to his faith. (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 2, p.150) The way of the Prophet was not to return opposition for opposition. It was rather to make allowances in the face of opposition. His thinking was not to bring people into his fold by means of suppression. On the contrary, his way was to soften their hearts and bring them to his side through affection and kindness. Secrecy We read in the annals of history that, prior to the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet gave instructions to his companions to ready themselves for a journey. The Muslims then engaged themselves in the necessary tasks. At that time, Abu Bakr came to his daughter, Aisha, wife of the Prophet. She too was busy making preparations for a journey. Abu Bakr asked her: “Has the Prophet ordered you to do so?” Aisha replied in the affirmative. Then Abu Bakr asked her about the destination of this proposed journey. Aisha replied, “By God, I don’t know.” (Sirah ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 397)