The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
Trusting Human Nature
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beings is the most difficult task in this world.
Therefore, one who aspires to do so cannot but
imperil his own interests. As far as this world of
cause and effect is concerned, the Prophet
Muhammad took the greatest of risks, and hence
the success he achieved was also the greatest.
Here we present two examples to illustrate this
point. The first example concerns the conquest of
Makkah. The majority of the Makkans at the time of
its conquest were still idolaters. These were the
same people who had displayed the greatest
antagonism towards the Prophet and his
companions. They had expelled him and his
companions from their homes. They had waged
offensive battles against him. They had killed a
large number of his companions and had made
several attempts on his life. Their crimes were so
great that the only fitting punishment according to
the prevalent custom was to have all of them
beheaded.
Their past crimes could be forgiven, but another
danger lurked which was even greater: if these
people were set free, they might re-organize
