THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

come in repentance and seek your protection. Will you accept me and grant me safety?” Upon hearing this, a Muslim from Madinah rose from the congregation, approached Ka‘b, and said, “O Messenger of God, hand over this enemy of God to me so I may strike off his head with my sword.” The Prophet of Islam said, “Leave him, for he has come in repentance and has turned away from what he used to do.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, pp. 501-503) This is an example of the Prophet of Islam. It reveals Islam’s approach to dealing with its opponents. No matter how destructive a person may have been in the past, if they abandon their rebellious actions and sincerely repent, they must not be treated as an enemy. Their past hostility should not be held against them; instead, they should be treated with well-wishing, because their repentance itself becomes a substitute for punishment. A LIFE OF PEACE When Hatim al-Asamm, one of the prominent Muslim scholars of the 3rd century AH, met Ahmad ibn Hanbal—a renowned jurist and hadith scholar whose teachings form the basis of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence—Ahmad asked him, “Tell me, how can one remain safe from people?” Hatim al-Asamm replied, “Through three things: give them from your wealth but do not take from theirs; fulfill their