Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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rain of arrows from the hidden archers. About 11,000 of the
12,000 strong Muslim army turned and fled, for they were not at
all prepared for this sudden attack. But the Prophet and some of
his close companions showed no signs of panic, reposing their
entire trust in God. God sent His succour as promised. Thus,
despite the initial setback, the course of battle was altered. The
Muslims won an extraordinary victory. Six thousand members of
the Hawazin tribe were taken prisoner. They were proven war
criminals. According to the prevailing custom, they should all have
been put to death. But the Prophet pardoned them all and set
them free without setting any conditions.
This extraordinary and unexpected amnesty impressed these
insolent people so much that they all entered the fold of Islam.
After the conversion of the Hawazin tribe, the rebel Thaqif tribe of
Taif lost courage. Within one month they all surrendered and
embraced Islam.
FIRST HAJJ UNDER ISLAM
The first Hajj under Islam took place in the ninth year of Hijrah.
The Prophet himself did not lead it but sent Abu Bakr in his place.
The ninth year of Hijrah witnessed a rapid spread of Islam.
Representatives of tribes inhabiting far off parts of Arabia poured
into Madinah. They had a two-fold purpose—to convert to Islam
and to establish relations with the newly formed Islamic state.
These delegations came in such large numbers that it became
known as the year of delegations. In this way one after another all
the tribes of Arabia entered the fold of Islam.
