Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 746
CHAPTER 30 Standard Bearer of Religious Tolerance and Freedom of Conscience 746 accepted Islam at the time of the conquest of Makkah and later on in the caliphate of Hadrat ‘Umar ra he received the bracelet of the king. This was the kind treatment to a malicious enemy. The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa not only forgave him, he rewarded him as well. 10 Kindness to Vanquished Enemy Chiefs ‘Ikrimah, son of Ab u Jahal, throughout his life fought (in battles) against the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa as his father had done. Even at the time of the conquest of Makkah when the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa announced general amnesty, he attacked a Muslim group and shed blood in H aram itself. He deserved death sentence for his war crimes. After the conquest of Makkah he ran away towards Yemen. His wife sought forgiveness from the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa , who graciously forgave him. ‘Ikrimah's wife went to fetch him but he could not believe that a person like him could be forgiven. His wife came to H u du r sa again and sought confirmation of pardon for her husband. When ‘Ikrimah returned, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa responded in an amazing manner. First he stood up for honouring the chief of the enemy tribe and on enquiry about the pardon, he said, "Yes, I have truly forgiven you. " 11 ‘Ikrimah enquired further if he was pardoned inspite of his being an idolater? H u du r sa replied, "Yes". At this ‘Ikrimah's heart