Life of Muhammad — Page 190
sa 190 upon this very theme, he said, "If a man make a mistake, it is better he should make amends for it in this very world so that he should have no regrets in the next. Therefore I say, if I have done any wrong to any of you, it may be only unwittingly, let him come forward and ask me to make amends. If even unknowingly I have injured any one of you, let him come forward and take his revenge. I do not wish to be put to shame when I face my God in the next world. The Companions ra were moved. Tears sprang to their eyes. What pains had he not taken and what sufferings had he not endured for their sake? He put up with hunger and thirst in order that others might have enough to eat and to drink. He mended his own clothes and cobbled his own shoes in order that others might dress well. And yet here he was, eager to right even fancied wrongs he might have done to others; so much did he respect the rights of others. All the Companions received the Prophet's sa offer in solemn silence. But one came forward and said, "O Prophet sa of God, I once received an injury from you. We were lining up for battle when you passed by our line and while passing you dug your elbow in my side. It was all done unwittingly, but you said we could avenge even unintentional wrongs. I want to avenge this wrong. " The Companions, who had received the Prophet's sa offer in solemn silence, were full of wrath. They became enraged at the insolence and stupidity of this man who had failed completely to understand the spirit of the Prophet's sa offer and the solemnity of the occasion. But the Companion seemed adamant — determined to take the Prophet sa at his word. The Prophet sa said, "You are welcome to take your revenge. " He turned his back to him and said, "Come and hit me as I hit you. " "But," explained this Companion, "when you hit me my side was bare, because I was wearing no shirt at the time. "