Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 562
CHAPTER 24 The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa 's Amiability in Wars 562 of conduct during wars, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa advised, "Do not kill old people, young children and women. Do not breach the trusts and usurp the wealth belonging to others. Act benevolently and constructively. All a h loves the benevolent ones. " 7 Similarly the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa ordered, "Do not attack while the enemy is asleep and do not make a night attack. " 8 These rules of the conduct of war were strictly adhered to during the life time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. After him the four Holy Caliphs were also committed to these principles. They upheld the spirit of this code of practice and issued instructions as and when the need arose and even today these principles form part of the Islamic code of practice in wars. The Muslims are enjoined to follow the instructions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa as well the guidelines given by the Holy Caliphs. Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra instructed that the people who had dedicated their lives for the sake of religion should not be opposed or hindered from discharging their duties. Their sacred objects should not be desecrated. No fruit bearing tree should be cut and no inhabited place laid waste and no animal should be slaughtered without purpose. No one should be burnt in fire. 9 In brief when the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa raised the sword in self-defence,