The Message of Islam — Page 39
Opposition Continues 39 by the Prophet saw. History furnishes no parallel instance of such complete forgiveness, such utter beneficence, on so large a scale. Makkah had fallen, but this did not bring peace. Within less than a month, while the Prophet saw was still in Makkah, he had to go forth to face a huge army of hostile tribes at Hunain. The battle, even before it was fairly joined, took an adverse course, and the Muslim forces were thrown into utter confusion. They were, however, soon rallied and the fighting that ensued ended in complete victory for them. A very large number of prisoners was taken and enormous booty fell into the hands of the Muslims. Eventually, the prisoners were all freed without ransom and out of the spoils munificent largesses were bestowed upon the Meccans, some of whom had not even embraced Islam. Taif still stood out, and though the Jewish stronghold at Khaibar which had long been the centre of intrigue against the Muslims had been subdued earlier, danger still threatened from the north. There were persistent rumours, subsequently discov- ered as originating in malice, that a large force was gathering on the border of Syria with hostile intent. In the face of great dif- ficulties, the Prophet saw assembled a force and marched to the border of Syria. Arrived there, he dispatched parties in different directions to report on the situation. These returned and reported that they had not observed any concentrations anywhere. Being reassured, the Prophet saw decided to return to Madinah, stopping only for a few days to conclude peace treaties with some tribes on the border. There was no fighting. Delegations now poured in from all parts of Arabia offering submission and announcing acceptance of Islam.