Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 229
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 229 upon and was immediately dispatched. This drew the attention of Muslims and Jews in the vicinity of the shop and a delicate situation arose. When the Holy Prophet learnt of the incident, he went over and called together the leading men of Banu Qainuqa’ and admonished them to fear God and mend their ways. They retorted arrogantly and repeated the challenge that he should lay no store by the victory at Badr as, in case of a conflict, they would show him what fighting meant. The Holy Prophet felt that matters were coming to a head and, collecting a number of Muslims, he marched to the strongholds of Banu Qainuqa’, who, instead of seeking a peaceful solution, appeared ready to fight. The Holy Prophet invested their strongholds and the siege continued for a fortnight. At the end of it, Banu Qainuqa’, perceiving that they could no longer hold out, surrendered on condition that they, their families and their animals would be spared and the rest of their belongings would pass to the Muslims. The Holy Prophet accepted their terms, though, in terms of the agreement, the matter had to be settled according to Mosaic law, which was to the effect (Deuteronomy 20:10 - 14): When thou comest nigh upon a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. A nd if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it. And when thy Lord thy God bath delivered it unto thine hands, thou shalt smite every