Avoiding retaliation for the sake of God
Al-Risala (English), December 1991, p. 11
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
Avoiding retaliation for the sake of God
1991 12 December 11 Avoiding retaliation for the sake of God (212) While the Muslims were returning from the Bani Mustalaq campaign, A’ishah was detained by the loss of a necklace. She found the necklace and, losing trace of the Muslim party, went to sleep at the place where they had put up camp the night before. There she was spotted by a Companion. He sat her on his camel and, himself holding the reins, set off for Medina. When they reached home, the hypocrites used this episode as an opportunity to spread false scandals about, A’ishah: One of those engaged in this scandal-mongering was Mistah, a relative of Abu Bakr, who received a monthly stipend from his comparatively wealthy kinsman. When Abu Bakr discovered Mistah’s role in the slander against his daughter A’ishah, he swore an oath that he would not give Mistah any money in future. Then this verse of the Quran was revealed: “Let not the honourable and rich among you swear not to give to their kindred, the poor, and those who have emigrated for the cause of God. Rather, let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish God to forgive you? He is Forgiving, Merciful.” (24:22) “Surely, I would like God to forgive me,” said Abu Bakr, on hearing of the revelation of this verse.
(Seerat ibn Hisham)
