The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Policy of the Prophet
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and slaves) remained largely safe from the
oppression of the idolaters, for their tribe protected
them. But those who belonged to the slave class, fell
victim to severe persecution at the hands of their
masters on account of their conversion.
Ammar ibn Yasir was one such convert. His master
tortured him and said that unless he expressed his
belief in the tribe’s idols and denied Muhammad,
he would continue to torture him. Under duress,
Ammar uttered the words, which his idolatrous
master wanted to hear. Then Ammar came to the
Prophet and said he had uttered those blasphemous
words under duress. The Prophet asked him what
the true state of his mind was. Ammar replied that
his heart was fully convinced of the truth of Islam.
Then the Prophet said:
“If the idolaters force you to say those words again,
you may utter them again.
“ (
Tafsir ibn Kathir,
2/587-88)
According to Islam, the Prophet of Islam serves as
an example for all humanity. (33:21) In this capacity,
it was essential that he lead a life in the world as a
human being, undergoing all those states that
