Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 401
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 401 beneficence, on so large a scale. A dozen individuals were exempted from this amnesty on account of the atrocities of which they, individually, had been guilty, but of these also all were eventually forgiven, except four who suffered the extreme penalty. Abu Jahl, commander of the Meccan army killed during the battle of Badr, had been the Holy Prophet’s bitterest enemy in Mecca. His son, Ikramah, was one of the Meccan commanders in the battle of Uhud who had spotted the inadequately guarded rear pass and h ad led the attack, which ended in near disaster for the Muslims. When Mecca fell Ikramah left the town and proceeded to the coast, intending to cross over to Abyssinia, being convinced that he could have no security in Mecca or anywhere near it. His wife a pproached the Holy Prophet and asked whether Ikramah could return to Mecca while professing his idolatrous beliefs. He replied that faith was a matter of conscience and conscience was free. If Ikramah returned to Mecca he would not be molested, and could l ive there in security professing whatever he chose to believe in. On this assurance, she followed Ikramah and persuaded him to return to Mecca. On arrival there he repaired to the Holy Prophet and received the assurance which he had already given to his wi fe. Thereupon he announced his acceptance of Islam and the Holy Prophet asked him if there was anything he wished for. He replied that he could wish for no greater bounty than God had already bestowed upon him in opening his heart to the acceptance of Isla m, but he did desire that the Holy Prophet should pray to God to forgive him all the enmity that he had borne towards the Prophet and the Muslims.