The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 93
II - Commencement of Jihād by the Sword & Fundamental Discussion on Jihād 93 tactics demanded that the trade-route of the Quraish be obstructed, because there was no better means by which they could be brought to their senses and pushed to reconciliation. Aside from this, if a caravan of the Quraish happened to be defeated and as a result of this defeat, its wealth and riches came to the Muslims, then this was a part of the victories of war, to which a victor has always been deemed entitled in every nation and in every era. Do opponents mean to say that undoubtedly, the Muslims were at a right to intercept the caravans of the disbelievers and kill their men, but should have refrained from bringing the wealth of these caravans in to their own control; rather, they should have transported this wealth to Makkah, with extreme care, at their own expense and in the protection of their army, so that with the aid of this wealth, the Quraish could have prepared another two or four mighty armies and invaded Madīnah? If this is their view, then let it be blessed for them. We admit that the doctrine of Islām is clear of such foolishness, shamelessness and teachings of suicide. To assert that in the interception of these caravans, the Muslims were given teachings of pillage and plunder, is a grave injustice and far from equity. Were such a people given teachings of pillage and plunder, among whom there were a few who during a journey of Jihād , strained by extreme hunger, and as if having reached the mouth of death, caught and slaughtered two or four goats from a flock, but when the Holy Prophet sa arrived, he angrily upset their pots? He began to grind the meat beneath his feet and said, “Who has made this plunder lawful for you? This is no better than carrion. ” Then, were such a people given teachings of pillage and plunder, among whom there were new Muslims that would inquire of the Holy Prophet sa upon setting out for Jihād that “O Messenger of Allāh! If the actual intention of an individual who takes part in Jihād is to safeguard religion, but the thought crosses his mind that he may also receive the wealth of spoils as well, would such a person be worthy of spiritual reward?” The Holy Prophet sa would respond saying, “Absolutely not, absolutely not, there is no spiritual reward whatsoever for such a person. ” In light of these instances, can the interception of these caravans constitute a teaching of pillage and plunder? Then, not only would the Holy Prophet sa constantly explain to the Companions that there should be no taint of worldly motive in Jihād , but this teaching of the Holy Prophet sa had an impact on the Companions as well. So profound was this impression that not only did they endeavour to prevent thoughts of materialism from taking root in their own hearts, rather, on some occasions, they would even avoid such lawful opportunities where it