Stories from Early Islam — Page 180
180 have peace’. He told Bilal to march in front of his flag and make an announcement to that effect. Bilal, who had been a slave, and used to be persecuted, humili ated, and disgraced by the Makkans for his belief in Islam, must have felt proud that day, to have the flag of peace in his name. As the Muslim force marched, column after column towards Makkah, Abu Sufyaan watched them from a cliff. The sight was very impressive. He saw determination on their faces. He saw their devotion to the Holy Prophet saw. Here was the man who, seven years ago, had fled from Makkah, for fear of his life, now returned with such force that Makkah was unable to resist him. Abu Sufyaan rushed back to tell his people about the con- ditions of peace. The people of Makkah ran for protec tion, and thus Makkah came into the hands of the Muslims without any blood-shed. There was only one untoward incident which took place on that occasion. The Holy Prophet saw had ordered all his followers not to kill anyone unless in self-defence. The part of the town which Khalid entered had not heard the conditions