Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 38
~ 38 ~ countries go to in treating those with whom they are at war these days, and notice this blessed model in contrast. Regarding this, in history, a tradition is related which is as follows: At the Battle of Badr, the spot where the Muslim troops had encamped was not very suitable. H ub a b bin Mundhar inquired from the Holy Prophet sa whether the choice of the area for encampment was by Divine revelation or he had chosen it himself from a strategic point of view. The Holy Prophet sa replied that he has chosen it due to its elevation thinking it would be a good place strategically. It was submitted to him that it was not such a good area. They should head for the water spring and take control of it, and make a reservoir there. This way they would have access to water and the enemy would not. The Holy Prophet sa accepted this counsel and they moved to that spot and encamped there. After a short while a few people of Quraish came by to drink water, the Companions ra tried to stop them from getting the water. The Holy Prophet sa refrained his Companions ra to do so, and said, "Let them take water. " 13 13 As ‐ S i ratun ‐ Nabawiyyah libn ‐ e ‐ Hishsh a m , vol. 2 p. 284, Ghazwatu ‐ Badril ‐ Kubr a , Mashwaratul ‐ H ub a b ‘Alar ‐ Ras u l…