A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 63
63 Lasting Impressions of Forgiveness The learned Romanian orientalist Konotin Virgil Georgieo has recorded many other incidents in his book from the life of the Holy Prophet. He has made it crystal clear that the general pardon promulgated by the Holy Prophet for the Makkans had a great impac t on the Makkans. They flocked in multitudes with great pleasure and sincerity to announce their acceptance of Islam. He writes that according to the rules of the times, the Holy Prophet had the right to kill every male adult Makkan or enslave them. Instea d, he announced a general pardon for all the people of Makkah. The truth is, that the Prophet’s forgiveness granted the people of Makkah a new life. ( Sayyara Digest, Seerat A’ks p. 447 ). Sir William Muir, to whom reference has already been made earlier, has written a very copious book in a very scholarly manner. This book is entitled: Life of Mahomet. He adopted very biased and hostile attitudes on several occasions, but he felt compelled to admit: “The conduct of Mahomet on the conquest of Makkah, was marked by singular magnanimity and moderation. It was indeed for his own interest to forgive the past, and to cast all its slights and injuries into oblivion. But it did not the less require a large and generous heart to do this. And he had his reward, for the whole population of his native city at once gave in their adhesion, and espoused