Through Force or Faith? — Page 204
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 204 dear and loyal companions of the Holy Prophet s as had been killed. Despite all their atrocities, the Holy Prophet s as granted them amnesty even when he had complete control and command to punish them. ( S ī rat Ibn Hish ā m ) The Holy prophet showed, by his conduct, that people belong- ing to other religions should not only be treated fairly but, beyond it, they should be treated with forgiveness and benevolence. Compassion for the Meccans during a Famine In A. H. 4 Makkah suffered a famine. The infidels of Makkah were in dire straits during the famine. When the Holy Prophet s as learnt about it, he, out of compassion, sent some silver for the poor (History of Al Khamīs) and provided a practical example that he had deep and sincere sympathy for even his arch enemies. It must be borne in mind that it was the time when the Meccans had already persecuted Muslims in every way and had attacked Madinah repeatedly to extirpate Islam. In spite of this, the Holy Prophet helped them during the famine. The infidels also knew about this aspect of his noble character. Therefore, despite being aware of their own callousness, they knew that he would help them in any hardship and would not hold back due to their excesses. Therefore, once during the famine, Abū Sufy a n came to Madinah and requested the Holy Prophet to pray for the end of the famine. ( Bukhārī, Chapter Istisq ā )