An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 78
78 A few days before his death, the Prophet said to the companions, “If I have wronged anyone, let him have his revenge. ” All were in tears. One man came forward. He said the Prophet had hit him once; he had passed by him and dug his elbow in his side. The Prophet bared his back and asked him to hurt him as he had been hurt. The companions were taken aback. The man bent and k issed the Prophet’s bare back. All were surprised. The man wanted to have this last pleasure since the Prophet was not to be among them very long. The Prophet loved cleanliness – in speech, in thought, in habits, in dress, in body, in the house, in the mosque and in the streets. He washed very often, before meals and after meals and before prayers. He looked to the comfort of all. Friend and foe alike received of his kindness. Companions, relations, neighbours, strangers, all were treated generously. He himself looked to the requirements of guests and attended to the wants of the poor. Once a pagan chief visited him. There was a large flock of goats grazing nearby. He asked for it as a gift from the Prophet. It was granted. When he went back to his tribe he told them that Muhammad had great faith in His God; he had no fear of poverty. The Prophet always kept his word and observed his treaties. After the fall of Khaibar, a shepherd accepted Islam. He tended the sheep of a Jewish chief. He said to the Prophet, “I cannot go back to my people now. What shall I do