PROPHET MUHAMMAD: The Messenger of Peace

taken prisoner. They were proven war criminals, and, according to the prevailing custom, they should all have been put to death. But the Prophet pardoned them all and set them free without setting any conditions. This extraordinary and unexpected pardon impressed these insolent people so much that they all entered the fold of Islam. After the conversion of the Hawazin tribe, the rebel Thaqif tribe of Taif lost courage. But, within one month, they all surrendered and embraced Islam. THE FIRST HAJJ UNDER ISLAM The first Hajj under Islam took place in the 9th year of Hijrah. The Prophet did not lead it but sent Abu Bakr in his place. The 9th year of Hijrah witnessed a rapid spread of Islam. Representatives of tribes inhabiting far-off parts of Arabia poured into Madinah. They had a two-fold purpose—to convert to Islam and to establish relations with the newly formed Islamic state. These delegations came in such large numbers that the