Life of Muhammad — Page 248
sa 248 mosque to pass water. Some of the Companions of the Prophet sa got up to stop him from doing so. The Prophet sa restrained them, pointing out that any interference with the man was bound to cause inconvenience to him and might possibly cause him injury. He told his Companions to let the man alone and to clean the spot later. THE FULFILLING OF COVENANTS The Holy Prophet sa was very particular with regard to the fulfilling of covenants. On one occasion an envoy came to him on a special mission and, after he had remained in his company for some days, he was convinced of the truth of Islam and suggested that he might declare his adherence to it. The Prophet sa told him that this would not be proper as he was there in a representative capacity and it was incumbent upon him to return to the headquarters of his Government without acquiring a fresh allegiance. If, after he had returned home, he still felt convinced of the truth of Islam he could return as a free individual and declare his acceptance of it ( Ab u D a wud, chap. on Waf a bil ‘ Ahd ). DEFERENCE TOWARDS SERVANTS OF HUMANITY He paid special deference to those who devoted their time and substance to the service of mankind. The Arab tribe, the Ban u Ta ’i started hostilities against the Prophet sa and in the ensuing battle their forces were defeated and some were taken prisoner. One of these was the daughter of Ha tim Ta ’ i, whose generosity had become a proverb amongst the Arabs. When Ha tim's daughter informed the Holy Prophet sa of her parentage he treated her with great consideration and as the result of her intercession he remitted all the penalties imposed upon her people on account of their aggression ( H albiyya, Vol. 3, p. 227).