The Character Of The Prophet

Islam. Even while in prison, Abu Jandal became a source of fear for them. Ultimately, they thought it wiser to release him and send him away from Makkah. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2731-2732) Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet once sent a group of horsemen towards the enemies of Najd. On the way, they captured the regional leader, Thumamah bin Uthal, and brought him to Madinah, tying him to a pillar in the mosque. The Prophet asked how he was. Thumamah replied: “If you kill me, my tribe will seek revenge. If you show me kindness, I will be thankful. And if you seek wealth, I am ready to pay whatever you ask.” The Prophet ordered his release. This was very unusual in those days. In tribal society, enemies were normally killed. But the Prophet didn’t kill his body—instead, he won his heart. Thumamah left, bathed in a nearby garden, and returned to the mosque. People wondered why. Then, he publicly recited the Shahada and accepted Islam. The Prophet had captured his soul. Later, Thumamah went for Umrah. When people in the Haram heard he had accepted Islam, they said, “You have become faithless.” He replied: “I have not become faithless. I have accepted the religion of Muhammad.”