An Example of Noble Character

MERCY TO THE WORLDS relied on this peaceful force more than any other means. For example, when Makkah was conquered, those very individuals who had persecuted him, forced him into exile, waged wars against him, and caused him great harm were brought before him. These individuals could rightly be considered war criminals. The common practice at that time was for victors to execute such offenders. However, the Prophet did not even utter a word of rebuke. Instead, he simply announced, “Go, you are all free.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 412) This was a deliberate use of the power of peace instead of violence. It meant winning people over by appealing to their conscience and hearts rather than through force. The result of this highly moral approach, as one narrator describes, was that when these individuals emerged from the Sacred Mosque, it was as if they had risen from their graves. Soon afterward, they became true followers of the Prophet of Islam, willingly. (Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi, Hadith No. 18275) The Principle of the Third Option During the later period of the Prophet of Islam, a battle took place between the Muslims and the Romans in present-day Jordan, known as the Battle of Mu’tah. Within a few days of fighting, twelve Companions of the Prophet lost their lives. During the battle, Khalid ibn al-Walid—a well-known Companion—was chosen by the Muslim forces as their commander. Assessing the situation, Khalid realized that