The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 87
II - Commencement of Jihād by the Sword & Fundamental Discussion on Jihād 87 43. The manner in which the Ṣalāt was offered in the field of battle was that although the Imām would remain the same throughout, members of the army would offer their Ṣalāt behind the Imām in sections, one after the other, while the rest of the army would confront the enemy. This was known as Ṣalāt-e-Khauf , and in varying circumstances, its form was different. 44. In the beginning, the Companions would fast whilst on journey, while others would not. However, in later days, the Holy Prophet sa instructed not to observe the fast whilst on journey and he would say that it was not a virtuous deed to fast whilst on journey. As regards to those Companions who fasted anyway considering this commandment of the Holy Prophet sa to be a mere recommendation, the Holy Prophet sa said: ُ ئِك َ الْعُصَاة آ اُول “These people have acted disobediently. ” 1 45. It was a custom in Arabia to execute a spy and the Holy Prophet sa maintained this penalty. 46. The Holy Prophet sa would strictly prohibit the arrest of an ambassador, or to cause him any harm or kill him. As such, on one occasion, some people came to the Holy Prophet sa as ambassadors of the Quraish, and spoke very inappropriately. The Holy Prophet sa said, “You are ambassadors, therefore, I am not permitted to respond harshly. ” On another occasion, upon meeting the Holy Prophet sa , an ambassador became Muslim and submitted to the Holy Prophet sa that, “Now I do not wish to return. ” The Holy Prophet sa responded, “I shall not partake in a breach of trust. You are an ambassador and therefore must return. Afterwards, if you wish you may come back. ” As such, he returned and after some time found an opportunity and came back. 2 47. When the regions of Makkah and Madīnah had been cleansed of the element of polytheism, it was announced at the time that even then, if a foreign disbeliever should desire to visit Ḥijāz for religious 1 Sunanut-Tirmidhī, Kitābuṣ-Ṣaum, Bābu Mā Jā’a Fī Karāhiyatiṣ-Ṣaumi Fis-Safari, Ḥadīth No. 710 2 Sunanu Abī Dāwūd, Kitābul-Jihād, Bābu Fil-Imāmi Yustajannu Bihī Fil-‘Uḥūdi, Ḥadīth No. 2758