A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 54
54 engaging the enemy, he would instruct them as follows: “O ye Muslims! Go forth in the name of Allah. Fight purely for the sake of Allah, the Exalted. Beware! Do not be guilty of a breach of trust in the matter of the spoils of war. Do not defraud any nation nor become guilty of a breach of your covenant to any one. And do not disfigure the dead enemy. And do not attack or kill children, women, religious leaders, mystics or the aged. Establish peace and accord among the people. Deal with the people in the best of manners and generosity. Allah, the Exalted, loves those who do good. ( Seerat Khataman Nabiyyeen, Vol. II, p. 585 ). It is stated with reference to Hazrat Abu Bakr, his first Successor, that whenever he sent forth an army, he directed them as follows: Do not cut down any fruit - bearing tree nor lay waste any populated areas.