PROPHET OF PEACE, OR OF VIOLENCE — An Objective Analysis

The outcome of these hostilities were the battles of Badr and Uhud. Even after this when the Prophet got to know that his opponents were marching towards Medina with an army of 10,000, he employed a strategy of avoidance by creating a trench outside Medina because of which an armed conflict was averted. The Prophet was on a divine mission to present God’s message to mankind. Any mission of communication can only be successful when the circumstances are harmonious and peaceful. In an atmosphere of violence and warfare, no mission, however strong can be successful. In such a situation, even minor differences can instantaneously escalate to violent conflict and war. For an atmosphere of peace, though, a price has to be paid, and that was in the form of perseverance in the face of all obstacles; in ignoring the problems whilst availing of the opportunities. The Prophet’s opponents were constantly provoking him and his followers to engage with them in battle over small issues, but the Prophet and his companions always chose the divine teachings of patience and forbearance to circumvent conflict. ...whenever they kindle the fire of war, God puts it out... THE QURAN 5: 64 In his 6th year in Medina, the Prophet entered into a ten-year peace treaty called the Treaty of Hudaybiya with his opponents by accepting all of their conditions. Peace was the guiding principle of the Prophet's character. Two years later, when the Makkans were forced to surrender to the Muslims, his opponents were brought before the Prophet. These people had troubled the Prophet and his companions for many years, having forced them to leave their homes and properties in Makkah. They had committed many atrocities on him and his people. They were established war criminals and captives. According to the prevailing tribal custom, the punishment for such crimes was death. The Prophet, however, did not even allow them to be insulted and, instead, announced a general pardon in the following words: "Go, you are free".