The life of the Holy Prophet of Islam — Page 22
to hand over Abu-Jandal to his father, for more tortures. Abu-Jandal was begging again and again not to hand him over to the enemies of Islam. He said, “O Prophet of God would you send me back to the tyrants from whose clutches I have managed to escape?” In that critical situation the prophet of Islam said, “I cannot violate the condition of the treaty that we have just signed. Trust in God and exercise patience God will certainly open the door of freedom for you and for others like you. ” A follower on the camel, and the prophet on foot holding the rope of the camel The practice of observing justice was very common in the day-to-day life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). On another occasion he was traveling on his camel over hilly terrain with a disciple, ‘Uqba Bin Aamir. After going some distance, he asked ‘Uqba to ride the camel, but ‘Uqba thought this would be showing disrespect to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). But the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) insisted and he had to comply. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself walked on foot, as he did not want to put too much load on the animal. (Nasa’i) BRAVERY AND STEADFASTNESS The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had not any one equal to him in bravery and perseverance. He passed through very hard and complicated situation in his life. He started his life as an orphan, which is considered to be very difficult stage in someone’s life. He faced severe hatred and persecution from his adversaries. He became fugitive and migrated in a very helpless condition. He had a great responsibility being a prophet and head of the state, but he handled all the situations with great courage and bravery. He remained at forefront in all the circumstances, guiding his followers. The Prophet of Islam was the best and the bravest amongst his people. At one time Medina was full of rumors that the Romans were preparing a large army for its invasion. During that time, one night sounds of an uproar came from the desert. The Muslims hurried out of their homes and some of them gathered in the mosque and waited for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to appear and to give them directions to meet the emergency. Meanwhile they saw the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) on a horse coming back from the direction of the sounds. It is recorded in Hadith, narrated by Hadrat Anas, in the following words: Once the people of Medina got terrified at night, so they went in the direction of the noise (that terrified them). The Prophet met them (on his way back) after he had found out the truth. He was riding an unsaddled horse belonging to Abu Talha and a sword was hanging by his neck, and he was saying, “Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid!” He further said, “I found it (the horse) very fast,” or said, “This horse is very fast. ” (Sahih Bukhari) The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), whether be alone or in the heat of the battle in the company of his companions, he never ever showed any cowardness. Even in the life threatening situations he remained firm, bold and courageous. Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah narrates an incident which throws flood of light upon the bravery of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of Islam: “That I proceeded in the company of Allah’s Apostle towards Najd to participate in a ghazwa (battle). When Allah’s Apostle returned, I too returned with him. Midday came upon us while we were in a valley having many thorny trees. Allah’s Apostle and others dismounted and dispersed to rest in the shade of the trees. Allah’s Apostle rested under a tree and hung his sword on it. We all took a nap and suddenly we heard Allah’s Apostle calling us. We woke up to see a Bedouin with him. The