The Excellent Exemplar - Muhammad — Page 54
THE EXCELLENT EXEMPLAR — MUHAMMAD 54 Saad had been wounded during the battle of the Trench, and was being tended in the mosque at Medina. Brought before the Prophet and the leaders of the Jewish tribe, Saad was informed why his presence was desired. After making sure that his decision would b e accepted by both sides and would be carried out, Saad pronounced sentence in accordance with the Jewish law applicable in such a case (Deut. 20:10 - 18) It was a terrible sentence: death to all males, and all property to be taken as booty. But the Jews had brought it upon themselves, first by their treachery, next by their resistance to the Muslims after they had been caught in their treachery, and finally by preferring the judgment of Saad, who had been their ally, rather than throwing themselves upon the well - known and oft - experienced mercy of the Prophet. The sentence was carried out, but the Prophet invited intercession on behalf of the condemned, and i n response to every plea of intercession, he remitted the sentence. When it was pointed out to him that he was bound to carry out Saad’s decision and that there was no room for either intercession or mercy, he replied that he was bound by the award, but as head of state he nevertheless possessed the prerogative of mercy, which he could exercise freely. Some of the Jews who had dissociated themselves from their people before the matter was submitted to the arbitration of Saad were permitted to go free, witho ut need for intercession. Despite the desperate nature of the encounters that had taken place in the course of the siege of Medina by the Confederates and the continuous and heavy strain which the situation had imposed upon the Muslims during the terrible three weeks that it endure d, there was little loss of fife in battle on either side. The Prophet