Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 206

Chapter Nine 206 He who takes refuge in the house of Abū Sufyān will be safe, and he who keeps the door of his house locked will be safe, and he who lays down arms will be safe. Abū Sufyān was greatly pleased with the honour awarded to him. He ascended to a raised spot to view the spectacle of the Muslim army and then hurried back to Makkah ahead of all to announce the directive of Muḥammad sa. This announcement of Muḥammad sa is a clear depiction of his utmost desire to avoid bloodshed at all costs in Makkah. As Makkah is nestled in mountains, strategically the army had to enter from multiple directions. Therefore, Muḥammad sa instructed his army to enter from multiple directions. He asked Khālid bin Walīd ra to enter from the upper side from where the Banū Khuzā‘ah were attacked, and where lived Ikramah bin Abū Jahl. In spite of the announcement of the general pardon, the Makkans living on the upper side of the town started a fight, 1 and Khālid ra was forced to use the sword. Muḥammad sa was observing the entry of the army from a higher place. He was greatly disturbed to see the shine of the swords of the squad of Khālid ra since he clearly instructed to maintain peace. When Khālid ra returned, Muḥammad sa questioned him, but was satisfied at his reasonable explanation. Muḥammad sa went to the Ka‘bah, and performed seven circuits while riding his mule. He cleansed the Ka‘bah from the adulteration of the 360 idols housed there. Tradition says that he kept hitting the idols with his staff while reciting the following verse: 2 (Banī Isrā’īl 17:82) 1 Bukhārī. 2 Bukhārī (Victory of Makkah).