Prophet Muhammad: A Man of Peace

The Prophet and his followers had to face the hardships of a three-year social boycott by the tribe, and they faced this patiently enduring their difficulties. When his opponents plotted to kill him, he quietly escaped from Makkah with a few of his Companions to Madinah. He gave the same advice to his followers. Even in Madinah, his opponents did not leave the Prophet and his followers in peace. They did everything possible to make life miserable for them. At such a time the following verse was revealed. Will you not fight against those who have broken their oaths and conspired to banish the Messenger? They were the first to attack you. Do you fear them? Surely God is more deserving of your fear if you are true believers. (9: 13) This verse permitted the believers to fight. This permission was conditional. The condition was to fight when attacked. These hostilities resulted in the two battles of Badr and Uhud. After these battles when the Prophet got to know that his opponents were marching towards Madinah with an army of 10,000, he employed a strategy of avoidance by creating a trench outside Madinah. Because of this strategy, an armed conflict was averted. THE MISSION OF THE PROPHET The Prophet was on a divine mission to present God’s message to humankind. Any mission of communication can only be successful when the circumstances are harmonious and peaceful. For an atmosphere of peace, though, a price has to be paid, and that was in the form of perseverance in the face of all obstacles; ignoring the problems while making use of the opportunities. The Prophet’s opponents were constantly provoking him and his followers to engage with them in battle over small issues, but the Prophet and his Companions always chose the divine teachings of patience and forbearance to circumvent confrontation. The Quran says: Whenever they kindle the fire of war, God puts it out...(5: 64)