Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 408
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 408 Oyeina, and others who but a few weeks before were his deadly enemies. To the lesser chiefs, he gave 50 camels each. So liberal was he that in some cases where discontent was expressed the gift was without hesitation doubled. His merciful dealing with the Meccans when the city fell had secured him their submission; his large - hearted liberality towards them now won him their hearts. It was an even greater victory than the fall of Mecca. Even Malik, the chief who had led Hawazin and who was still at Taif, cam e when sent for, made his submission and was treated with the same generosity. He soon joined the Holy Prophet and became an exemplary believer. Confirmed in his chiefship, he entered upon a constant warfare with the citizens of Taif and reduced them to gr eat straits. It was conveyed to the Holy Prophet that his unprecedented liberality towards his erstwhile enemies had occasioned some murmurs of discontent among younger Ansar. He called Ansar together and addressed them thus: ‘Ansar, it has been reported to me that you are disconcerted because I have given large portions to these chiefs out of the one - fifth, and have given nothing to you. ’ Leading Ansar assured him that the discontent had been given expression to by some of their younger irresponsible men, and that the bulk of them had no grievance whatever. The Holy Prophet said, ‘Now tell me, did I not come unto you whilst you were wandering, and the Lord gave you the right direction; needy, and He enriched you; at enmity amongst yourselves, and He filled your hearts w ith love and unity?’ ‘Indeed, it is even as you say,’ they answered, ‘to the Lord and to His Prophet belong benevolence and grace. ’ ‘Nay,’ continued the Holy Prophet, ‘but