A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 48
48 intercede with the Prophet on behalf of the offender but were afraid to do so. Eventually Usama, son of the prophet’s adopted son was prevailed upon to undertake the mission. Usama went to the Holy Prophet, but the moment the latter perceived the trend of his submission he was much upset and said: “You should better desist from such recommendation. Nations have come to a bad end for showing favors to highly placed persons while pressing hard on the common people. Islam does not permit this, and I will certainly not do it. Verily, if my own daughter, Fatima , were to commit an offence I would not hesitate to impose the appropriate penalty. ” ( Bokhari, Kitab al - Hudud ). Do we see in any worldly king or Caesar such respect for the law and justice? Do we see such conformity to the rules of law in the behavior of any king? This was the special distinction of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah on him) alone and of no one else. It was his special character that under every circumstance and situation, he upheld the principles of justice and equity.