The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness

1991 9 September 9 The Power of Forgiveness (349) Once, during the early days of Islam, in the month of Jumadi I (4AH) when the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was leading a military expedition to Zat al Riqa he halted to take rest in a desolate place. Before laying down, he hung his sword on the branch of a tree.

A polytheist by the name of Ghoras ibn al Harith noticed Muhammad, may peace be upon him, lay resting, removed the sword from the tree, then, brandishing it over him, he said “O Muhammad, who can save you from me?” the Prophet’s immediate response was ‘Allah!’ The confidence with which the Prophet uttered the name of Allah struck terror into the heart of his opponent, and he dropped the sword. Picking it up, Muhammad, may peace be upon him, asked him, “Now who will save you from me?” The man replied1, “May you be the better wielder of the sword.” The Prophet forgave him and let him go unharmed.

1. That is, it would be improper to revenge yourself on a helpless opponent.

The man returned to his clan only to declare that he had come from the man who was best of all. This was the sentiment expressed by a man who, only a short time before, had declared himself fully prepared to kill Muhammad, may peace be upon him.2

2. Seerah ibn Kathir, vol3, p. 164

If Muhammad, may peace be upon him, had killed this man who threatened to take his life, the news of his revenge would have incited the man’s clan to retalitate. But since he had not reacted in a revengeful way, this incident left them deeply impressed. Even after gaining the upperhand, Muhammad had allowed his adversary to go unscathed. This in itself established that Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was a man of character. Shortly thereafter, Ghoras ibn Haris entered the fold of Islam, followed by his whole clan. An incident which could have sparked off a clan’ war had thus been deftly turned to advantage. In this way, the influence of Islam went on increasing.