Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 258
258 allegiance. If, after he had returned home, he still felt convinced of the truth of Islam he could return as a free individual and declare his acceptance of it. 333 Deference Towards Servants of Humanity He paid special deference to those who devoted their time and substance to the service of mankind. The Arab tribe, the Banu Ta’iyy started hostilities against the Prophet and in the ensuing battle their forces were defeated and some were taken prisoner. One of these was the daughter of Hatim Ta’iyy, whose generosity had become a proverb amongst the Arabs. When Hatim’s daughter informed the Holy Prophet of her parentage he treated her with great consideration and as the result of her intercession he remitted all the penalties imposed upon her people on account of their aggression. 334 The character of the Holy Prophet is so many-sided that it is not possible to deal adequately with it within the space of a few pages.