The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 498
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 498 it would perhaps not be unreasonable to doubt the very existence of her person all together; especially when it is taken into account that she is said to be the wife of a person who is definitely the most well-documented historical figure in the world. 1 ُ وَاللّٰه ُ اَعْلَم Account of Banū Quraiẓah and Non-Muslim Historians With relation to the account of the Banū Quraiẓah, various non- Muslim historians have levelled allegations against the Holy Prophet sa in a very unpleasant manner. Due to the death penalty which was administered to more or less 400 Jews, they have presented the Holy Prophet sa , God-forbid, as being a cruel and bloodthirsty ruler. However, this allegation is based purely on religious prejudice. In the least, as far as an allegation upon Islām and the Founder of Islām is concerned, even those historians who have been trained in light of Western thought have not been able to absolve themselves. In response to this allegation, firstly, it should be remembered that the verdict regarding the Banū Quraiẓah, which is deemed to be a cruel verdict, was that of Sa‘d ra , not the Holy Prophet sa. When it is proven that the verdict was not issued by the Holy Prophet sa in the first place, no objection can be raised against him on this account. Secondly, this verdict was not faulty and barbaric at all and this shall be proven shortly hereafter. Thirdly, due to the covenant which Sa‘d ra took prior to announcing his verdict, the Holy Prophet sa was in any case, bound to act upon it. Fourthly, when this verdict was accepted by the criminals themselves and they did not object, considering this to be a Divine Decree, as is evident from the words uttered by Ḥuyayy bin Akhṭab just as he was about to be executed, it was not the task of the Holy Prophet sa to unnecessarily interfere in such a case. After the verdict of Sa‘d ra had been announced, the only relation of the Holy Prophet sa in this respect was to put into effect this verdict in the best possible manner under the supervision of his administration. Thus, it has already been mentioned that the manner in which the Holy Prophet sa instituted this decision may be deemed the highest possible example of mercy and compassion. To be specific, whilst these people remained in captivity before the verdict was put into effect, the Holy Prophet sa arranged for their lodging and food in the best possible manner. When the verdict of Sa‘d ra was to be implemented upon them, the Holy Prophet sa instituted the verdict in 1 And Allāh knows best [Publishers]