TRUSTING HUMAN NATURE

it was no longer possible for them to remain insolent after such noble behaviour on the part of the Prophet. The very people who had been his greatest of enemies now became his greatest companions and supporters. This unique event in history could come about only because the Prophet dared to take a most unique risk. Another noteworthy incident concerning the Hawazin tribe took place after the occupation of Makkah. When the Prophet and his Companions headed for Taif by a route bordered by Hawazin territory, the tribesmen rained down arrows upon them from the hill tops. At this sudden onslaught, the Muslims were stricken with panic. Many precious lives were lost. However after an initial defeat, the Muslims won the battle. About 6,000 people were taken captive. Again the Prophet took the risk and liberated the prisoners with mounts and provisions so that they might comfortably return to their homes. Again the same miracle happened. The extraordinary magnanimity of the Prophet rid them entirely of their haughtiness. Old enemies now turned into friends. What emerges from the above examples is an important part of the Sunnah (practice and teaching) of the Prophet of Islam—trust in human nature. We find examples of this principle throughout his life. Man is not a statue made of stones. Rather he has a precious gift within him in the form of human nature. This nature is the most important part of a human personality. This is what is referred to in the Quran in the following verse: By the soul and how He formed it, then inspired it to understand what was right and wrong for it. (91: 7-8) This shows that everyone by birth knows what is good and what is bad; what is wrong and what is right. The Prophet’s life is replete with examples of such conviction and confidence. In spite of apparent antagonism, his conviction was never shaken, that one day or the other the hearts of his opponents would be opened and their good human nature would prevail. This was the reason why, in spite of the worst opposition, he never cursed people who were apparently his enemies. Instead he always prayed for them. It was a result of this policy that the Prophet never felt the need to resort to violence against opponents. He treated his enemies as if they were his friends. That is why for the first time in human history he was able to bring about an almost bloodless revolution throughout the nation. At the level of the real inner personality, every human being is predisposed to truth. No one is averse to it as far as his nature is concerned.