Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship — Page 247
— Part II 242 The following incident presents even a clearer case of how the Holy Founder sa of Islam himself understood Islamic jurisprudence to be. During the course of their normal work, some Muslims travelled to Khaibar. In this journey they came across the corpse of a slain Muslim. The territory belonged exclusively to the Jews. As no Muslims resided in that region, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the murderer had to be a Jew. The party of Muslims thought it appropriate that the Jews of that area be collectively held responsible for the murder of that Muslim and held liable to pay blood money to the relatives of the deceased. When this case was presented to the Holy Prophet sa , he said, 'This is a serious matter, but do you have any evidence to support your claim that the murderer was a Jew?' The Muslims replied, 'O Prophet of Allah, there are no witnesses. ' So the Holy Prophet sa decided that a sworn statement would be taken from the Jews instead. 'But they will lie under oath', remonstrated the Muslims. The Holy Prophet sa expressed displeasure at this objection. The sworn statement of the Jews was accepted by the Holy Prophet sa and no further interrogation was regarded necessary. The relatives of the deceased were still entitled to blood money, which the Holy Prophet sa paid from public funds. The Holy Prophet sa had a natural affinity for justice as exemplified in his person. However, the