The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 158
Seal of the Prophets - Volume III 158 which is not only far from emotions of mercy and compassion, but also equality and justice. No doubt, that by returning a man the risk existed that the infidels of Makkah would subject him to different kinds of torture and grief, but still, a man is a man. Not only can he bear more suffering but as is needed by hiding or fleeing, or by creating a partnership, etc. , he can open many ways for his own deliverance; but what can a helpless woman do? In such circumstances, there was the case of forcefully depriving her of Islām or death. In these circumstances, it was completely impossible for a merciful and noble person like the Holy Prophet sa to return helpless and vulnerable Muslim women back to the cruelties of the tyrannous infidels. Thus, whatever was done, was not only correct and in complete accordance with the agreement but it was also completely appropriate and correct as per the sound principle of equality and justice, mercy and compassion. Nothing more than deplorable shame came to the lot of those who objected, in that they did not hold back their tongues of criticism, even regarding an arrangement for the protection of oppressed and helpless women. The second allegation relates to the account of Abū Baṣīr. However, upon reflection, this allegation also proves to be completely weak and feeble. Undoubtedly, the Holy Prophet sa concluded an agreement stating that any individual i. e. , any man who flees to Madīnah from the infidels of Makkah, he shall be returned even if he be a Muslim. However, the question is did the Holy Prophet sa act in opposition to this agreement? Not at all! Not at all! Instead, the Holy Prophet sa demonstrated such a complete and magnificent fulfillment of this agreement that the world is unable to present its likeness. Just contemplate - becoming convinced of the truth of Islām, he flees from Makkah, and in order to save himself from the persecution of the Quraish and to save his faith, he secretly reaches Madīnah. However, his cruel relatives also pursue him and by the power of the sword, they wish to forcefully turn him from the truth of Islām. Upon this, both parties present themselves before the Holy Prophet sa. In an emotional tone and terrified manner, he says to the Holy Prophet sa , “O Messenger of Allāh! God has inferred upon me the blessing of Islām. The life of grief and danger which lies before me if I return to Makkah is known to you. For the sake of God do not send me back!” However, in opposition to this, the relatives of Abū Baṣīr demand from the Holy Prophet sa that it is his agreement with them that any man who comes to Madīnah, shall be returned. The grief of Abū Baṣīr, and the indignation of his companions is before the eyes of the Holy Prophet sa , and his own emotions produce a