Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 182
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 182 family and kindred, but the greater part was devoted towards fulfilling the collective needs of the community. The Holy Prophet observed on one occasion, ‘I am forbidden to take even the equivalent of a single hair of a camel in excess of the one - fifth; th e greater part of the one - fifth is also returned to you. ’ 42. In the field of battle the order of Salat was modified so that while the Imam led the service throughout, part of the fighting force joined in the service and then withdrew to make room for other parts, one after the other. In this manner, the greater part of the battle force continued to confront the enemy during the service (4:103). 43. After fasting had been prescribed, some of the Muslims observed the fast when they were on a journey and some did not. Eventually, the Holy Prophet forbade the observing of the fast in the course of a journey. 44. By ancient custom among the Arabs, a spy was liable to be executed. The Holy Prophet maintained the penalty. 45. The Holy Prophet, peace be on him, forbade severely any interference with the emissary of the enemy or doing him any harm or inflicting any injury upon him. On one occasion, some emissaries of disbelievers came to him and spoke very impertinently to him. H e was provoked, but observed, ‘You are emissaries, and I am,