An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 76
76 the chimney of his house. There was nothing to cook. The family lived on dates or goat’s milk or would go hungry. His wives had no maidservants, no silk, no jewellery. Their raiment was as simple as their resources were scanty. The Prophet kept no gold or silver with him. He gave away to the poor all that he received. There was nothing in the house when he died except a small quantity of barley. The Prophet was of middle height, well built, fair faced, had a broad and high forehead, flowing hair, a thick beard, straight nose, beautiful black eyes and long eye - lashes. Fast in walking, he was slow in talk. Always the first to greet, he received frie nds and strangers with a smile, heard patiently, would never turn down a request for help, never withdraw his hand first. His habits were simple and his manners sweet. Ever willing to forgive, he punished only when punishment appeared to do greater good th an forgiveness. His words, acts and thoughts were devoted to the service of God. He had no other aim in life. He sought only His pleasure. If he made peace at Hudaibiya it was to please God. The terms of the Treaty were harsh. He accepted them even though they hurt the feelings of some of his companions. He marched on Mecca with 10,000 believers. Mecca had treated him cruelly. The city was at his mercy. It begged for mercy. He granted it readily. For, so had God willed, though he knew well that some of his companions had suffered terribly at the hands of Meccans. Bilal the African was one of them. He had been treated with utmost cruelty. The Prophet wisely gave him the duty of calling Meccans to the flag of peace. Ikramah, son of Abu Jahal, was a bitter enemy of the Prophet.