An Example of Noble Character

MERCY TO THE WORLDS the message of Islam and recited verses from the Quran. After hearing him, they said to one another: “O people, understand—by God, this is surely the same Prophet the Jews used to speak to you about. Make sure they don’t reach him before you do.” They accepted the message the Prophet had invited them to. (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 38) A similar development occurred among the Arabs of Madinah in another way. A few years before the migration, in 618 CE, a violent conflict broke out between the Aws and Khazraj tribes. As a result, they began to feel a deep need for a leader who could unite them. This is what Aisha referred to when she said: “The Day of Bu’ath was a day prepared by God in advance for His Messenger. The Prophet arrived in Madinah when their leading figures had been dispersed, and their prominent men were killed or injured. God made this a prelude for the Prophet’s mission, aiding the people of Madinah in accepting Islam.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3777) This analysis is echoed in the Encyclopedia Britannica, which notes that a tribal war in Madinah around 618 CE had resulted in much bloodshed, and peace had not been fully restored since. It suggested that many Arabs in Madinah likely invited Muhammad in the hope that he would act as a mediator among the rival groups. Their contact with the Jews may also have prepared them to accept a religious figure who could serve as a deliverer and establish justice: “Much blood had been shed in a battle at about 618, and peace was not fully restored. In inviting Muhammad to