The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 307
VII - Commencement of War with the Tribes of Najd and the Jews, the Marriage of Ḥaḍrat Fāṭimah and Ḥafṣah, and a Few Miscellaneous Incidents 307 excellent and interesting example of the positive influence impressed upon the Companions through the company of the Holy Prophet sa. What was the state of the people of Arabia prior to Islām? Is there any doubt in the fact that they were a people indulged in all kinds of filth? Deception, falsehood, and lies had, as if, become a part of their very nature. Yet, a short span in the company of the Holy Prophet sa had imprinted such a deep effect upon their hearts, that speaking a lie was out of the question; rather, even for a very good and righteous cause, they did not wish to deviate an inch from simple and straightforward speech. As such, even upon this dangerous occasion, which had come about as a result of the incitement of Ka‘b, they felt the need to seek permission from their Master to diverge even slightly from the course of straightforward dialogue. In contrast, to this example of theirs, if one studies the injustice which is inflicted and the oppression and falsehood which is employed in the world today among all nations and people in the name of the false principle that, ‘The end justifies the means,’ a person is left astonished. The heart becomes replete of praise for the pure and miraculous influence of the Holy Prophet sa , which was embossed upon the ignorant and barbaric people of Arabia, through his training in such a short span of time. Is Falsehood and Deception Permitted in War? In various narrations, it has been related that the Holy Prophet sa would say: ٌ اَلْحَرْب ُ خُدْعَة Meaning, “War is but deception. ” The meaning which is inferred by this is that God-forbid, the Holy Prophet sa permitted the use of deception in war. Although, in the first place, the words ٌ اَلْحَرْب ُ خُدْعَة do not mean that it is permissible to employ deception in war. Rather, the only meaning which is implied here is that “War is in itself a kind of deception. ” In other words, with regards to the outcome of war, there can be no definitive statement as to what shall happen. That is to say, that there are so many varying factors which affect the outcome of war, that irrespective of the course of events, a statement cannot be passed with respect to its outcome. This meaning is supported by the fact that this narration has been