Stories from Early Islam — Page 181
181 of peace, so they came out to fight. The result was that twelve or thirteen of the Makkans died. News of this, was brought quickly to the Holy Prophet saw, and he immediately issued orders which stopped further bloodshed. In fact, in all the battles which the Holy Prophet saw had ever fought in self-defence, he had given clear orders to his followers, not to kill women and children, nor ministers of reli- gion, nor old men, nor those unfit for war. Again, those that laid down their swords were not to be killed. No buildings were to be destroyed. He also forbade cutting down of the fruit trees. The Holy Prophet saw, after entering Makkah, made straight for the Ka’abah and performed the circuit of the Holy House seven times. There were 360 idols in the House. The Prophet saw smashed them one by one, and as each of them fell, he recited the verse: Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish fast. (Holy Quran 17:82)