Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 211
211 change had come. An erstwhile enemy commander now stood by the Prophet’s side, as an ordinary foot-soldier, holding the stirrup of his Master’s mule, and determined to die for his sake. ‘Abbas saw the astonishment in the Prophet’s look and said, "Prophet of God, this is Abu Sufyan, son of your uncle, and so your brother. Aren’t you pleased with him?" "I am," said the Prophet, "and I pray, God may forgive him all the wrongs he has done. " Then turning to Abu Sufyan himself, he said, "Brother!" Abu Sufyan could not restrain the affection welling up in his heart. He bent and kissed the Prophet’s foot in the stirrup he was holding. 238 After the battle of Hunain, the Prophet returned the war material he had received on loan. While returning it he compensated the lenders many times over. Those who had made the loan were touched by the care and consideration which the Prophet had shown in returning the material and in compensating the lenders. They felt the Prophet was no ordinary man, but one whose moral example stood high above others. No wonder, Safwan joined Islam at once. A Sworn Enemy Becomes A Devoted Follower The battle of Hunain ever reminds historians of another interesting incident which took place while it was in progress. Shaybah, a resident of Mecca and in the service of the Ka’bah, took part in the encounter on the side of the enemy. He says that he had only one aim before him in this battle—that when the two armies met, he would find an opportunity to kill the Prophet. He was determined that even if the whole world joined the Prophet (let alone the whole of Arabia), he would stand out and continue to oppose Islam. When fighting became brisk, Shaybah drew his sword and started advancing towards the Prophet. As he came very near, he became unnerved. His determination began to shake. "When I got very near the Prophet," says Shaybah, "I seemed to see a flame threatening to consume me. I then heard the voice of the Prophet saying, 'Shaybah, come near me. ' When I got near, the Prophet moved his hand over my chest in great affection. As he did so, he said, 'God, relieve Shaybah of all satanic thought'. " With this little touch of affection Shaybah changed. His hostility and enmity evaporated, and from that moment Shaybah held the Prophet dearer than anything else in the world. As Shaybah changed, the Prophet invited him to come forward and fight. "At that moment," says Shaybah, "I had but one thought, and that was to die for the sake of the Prophet. Even if my father had come my way, I would have hesitated not a moment to thrust my sword in his chest. " 239 The Prophet then marched towards Ta’if, the town which had stoned him and driven him out. The Prophet besieged the town, but accepting the suggestion of some friends abandoned the siege. Later, the people of Ta’if joined Islam voluntarily.