Chief of the Prophets — Page 93
Chapter Six 93 Muslim army barely reached 3,000 people strong that participated in the Battle of Confederates. Immediately after the signing of the Treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah, as the Muslims were able to preach freely in peace, Islam greatly progressed in a short time. In the next 18 months, the strength of the Muslim army reached 10,000 at the time when they victoriously entered Makkah in the Ramaān of 8 A. H. This extraordinary growth in a time of peace clearly proves that the Islamic wars were not fought to spread Islam by force. In reality, these wars were a great hindrance to the progress of Islam. Answer to an Objection Here, it appears appropriate to answer another objection of some people who claim that freeing a captured disbeliever on his acceptance of Islam is also a type of compulsion. In fact, withdrawing from the fight when the very cause of the fight has disappeared is an ethical and appreciative act, not coercion or oppression. It is evident that the disbelievers of Arabia made it completely impossible for Muḥammad sa and his companions to lead a peaceful life. Some of the early Muslims were murdered, and others had to lead a life of exile. Therefore, all those people who committed murders or encouraged killing, or were looking for an opportunity to commit these heinous acts, deserved to be killed in the sight of Allah the Exalted as retribution. However, the Most Gracious God gave the concession that if a disbliever accepts Islam, fighting against him would be halted as he was no longer considered a threat. The following Ḥadīth also illustrates it: