A near victory and much booty had been promised to the Muslims in the chapter Victory. This promise was fulfilled in 7 A.H. in the campaign against Khaibar. Khaibar was a fortified place, the stronghold of the Jews, 3-4 days' journey to the north east of Medina. The Jews made an alliance with a big desert tribe to avenge their previous defeat and exile from Medina. They had a mind to fall on the Muslims unaware. But the Prophet was ot the leader to be caught napping. He marched his men against Khaibar and camped near the place. The fight that followed was very tough indeed as the Jews held very strong positions. Ali played a very splendid part in this campaign. Thereafter the Jews were obliged to live as clients of the Muslims till their formal expulsion from Arabia, in the Caliphate of Omar, for continuing to persist in their evil designs.
On return from Al-Hudeybia, the Prophet sent envoys to invite neighbouring princes to embrace Islam. The two most famous of these messages were to Greek Emperor and the Emperor of Iran. The Kisra behaved with insolence and turned out the envoy from Medina with contempt. He tore the Prophet's letter to pieces. When the Prophet heard the news of this treatment he made a remark which became a truth of history: "Thus will the empire of the Kisra be torn to pieces". Heraclius, on the other hand, was polite and sent a discreet reply. Another messenger was sent to the Ghassanid prince, a vassal of Heraclius. The messenger, against all custom and courtesy, was cruelly murdered. Messages were also sent to the Negus who accepted Islam; and to the King of Egypt who sent suitable presents.
Towards the end of 7 A.H. the Prophet, which his companions, journeyed to Mecca to perform the deferred lesser pilgrimage -- 'Omra. As promised at the truce, the Meccans vacated the city for three days. They watched the Muslims perform the sacred rites, from the neighbouring hills. It was a strange sight. The piety and self-control of the Muslims who ha the city at their disposal for three days, deeply impressed the Meccans. After this visit two of the great Meccans accepted Islam. One was Khalid, perhaps the greatest general of Islam. The other was 'Amar, son of Al-As, the conqueror of Egypt in the days of Caliph Omar. Yet another notable convert was Uthman bin Talha.
In 8 A.H. the Prophet sent an expedition to Mu'ta under Zaid, his freedman. The army numbered 3,000. The Syrians had threatened to attack Medina. The Arab chief of Busra had killed the Muslim envoy, as mentioned earlier in the chapter. As it was a hard job, the Prophet gave detailed instructions. He nominated Jafar and Abdullah bin Rawaha to take the lead, in succession, in case Zaid died in action. The Greek expire had mustered an army of 100,000. Nothing daunted, the Muslims fought most bravely. The three commanders fell in action one after the other. Then came a special manifestation of Divine grace. The dashing Khalid assumed the command. So daring was he that nine swords were broken in his hand in the action. Not in vain did the Prophet bestow on him the proud title of the Sword of Allah.
In the same year the Meccans broke the truce. The Prophet at once ordered preparations for a campaign against the Meccans. Adversity always found him pepared. All precautions were taken and everybody knew that he was to play a noble part under their mighty and merciful leader. The Quraish were to be punished into better ways. The holy city was to be respected. The Prophet so managed the disposition of his forces, and the camp lights on hills at night, and the march that the Quraish were amazed. Abu Sufian, through the good offices of Abbas, now a Muslim, offered to pay homage to the Prophet. He was most generously received. The march began. The captains had strict orders not to fight except in sheer self-defence. The entry was bloodless. There was a slight clash with the cloumn of Khalid, his men being attacked by 'Ikrama, son of Abu Jahl. 'Ikrama was most lucky for later on he was pardoned, entered the fold and rendered great services to Islam.
The head of the army of conquest, the Prophet of Islam, was a picture of modesty and gratitude to Allah. He was riding his camel, and with bowed head reciting the chapter Victory. He went to the Ka'ba and purified the sacred place of all idols. As he touched each idol with his stick he recited this verse of the Quran revealed long since: "And say: Truth hath come and falsehood hath vanished away. Lo! falsehod is ever bound to vanish." Never since has any image or idol found its way to the Holy House.
They entry into Mecca and the subsequent general pardon of his life-long enemies by the Prophet has no parallel in history. His enemies were at his feet, speechless. The Prophet of mercy gave them tongue. "What do you expect at my hands?" was his leading question. "Kindness and pity, gracious brother, gracious nephew," was the voice of their heart. And they were not disappointed. The Prophet used the noble words of Joseph to his brothers: "Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most merciful of those who show mercy."
The conquest was full of blessings. The Prophet conquered the hearts of the Meccans even more than their bodies by his most generous treatment of bitter and life-long enemies. Some of the Meccans remembered how Abraha had miserably failed in his designs against the Ka'ba. The Prophet's victory must be God-sent. They entered the faith in large groups. The Prophet seated himself at a prominent place on Safa to receive their pledge. Men and women alike offered their homage. Among the women was Hind, the terrible lady who had plucked out, at Uhad, the liver of Hamza and tried to eat it. She was forgiven by the Prophet. There were some Meccans, and they later fought side by side with the Muslims at Hunain, who did not enter the fold of Islam at the Conquest. They were left to become Muslims later gradually, without compulsion. That is proof positive, if one is needed at all, that no ARab was ever forced to become, a Muslim. "There is no compulsion in religion," says the Quran.
The conquest was soon followed by a bloody battle at Hunain. The Hawazin and the Thaqif resolved to strike a last blow at Islam. The Prophet was too vigilant to give them leisure to advance on Mecca. The Muslims gathered a large army but many of them were fresh converts and took things lightly. The enemy tribes, on the other hand, were in dead earnest. As the Muslims armypassed through a narrow defile the Hawazin archers, excellent marksmen, worked havoc among the Muslim ranks, causing a general stampede. But the Prophet as usual stood his ground even in this critical moment. He advanced towards the enemy. His words rang forth: "I, grandson of Abdul Muttalib, am the true messenger of Allah!" Abbas also in a loud voice called out to helpers and exiles who rallied round the Prophet. So fierce was the Muslim charge now that the enemy were put to rout.
One detachment of the enemy, mainly the Thaqif, took refuge in their city of Taif. The rest fled to a fortified camp in the vally of Autas. This latter was easily captured by the Muslims. The families of the Hawazin and all their belongings and their flocks and herds fell into Muslim hands. Taif was then besieged for a few days, after which it was thought advisable to raise the siege. While retiring the Prophet was requested to, invoke a curse upon the Thaqif who had once insulted and pelted him. That sort of prayer was not to his taste. he rather prayed: "O my Lord, make the Thaqif see the light of the faith, and bring them to me!" The prayer was heard, and before long the Thaqif entered the fold of Islam of their own accord.
The Prophet distributed the booty among the soldiers. One-fifth was set apart for the state. A deputation of the Hawazin, not yet Muslims, waited upon the Prophet for the relese of their prisoners. The Prophet had pity on them and advised them to repeat their request to all the Muslims. He could by himself let go only the prisoners falling to the share of his own family. The Deputation did as they were bid. When the Muslims found the Prophet so merciful to the enemy they were prepared to forgo their share also. Six thousand prisoners were set free in a moment! Where could one quote from world history an instance to amtch this generosity?
In 9 A.H. the Prophet led an expedition at the head of 30,000 to Tabuk. News had arrived from Syria that the Greek Emperor ahd the evil intention of conquering Arabia. The Prophet decided to give battle to the enemy on his own ground. The "army of distress" is one of the names given to this expedition. The days were hard. It was midsummer. The date harvest was almost ready. It was a long journey to an enemy country. Much was noised abroad about the enemy strength, in numbers and equipment. But the Muslims, except the Hypocrites, got ready to go. They handsomely contributed to the expenses. Abu Bakr gave his all. Uthman gave 900 camels. Woman offered their ornaments. One gift, by a poor helper, found special favour with the Prophet. He had worked overnight and earned two seers of dates. One seer he kept for his family. The second he placed at the feet of the Prophet. The Prophet's face brightened: "Scatter these dates over the other gifts, to bless all." Here was appreciation indeed! The arch began. Ali was left in charge of Medina. After a long and hard journey a pleasant surprise awaited the Muslim forces. The Emperor was otherwise busy and there was no danger of an invasion of Arabia. After a much-needed and welcome rest-- there was plenty of water and much forage at Tabuk -- of twenty days the Prophet returned to Medina. He was accorded a very warm welcome on his safe return. The Hypocrites, now on their last legs, had tried to spread rumours that the Muslims would be destroyed in Syria.
A deputation from Taif waited upon the Prophet after his return from tabuk. They were a difficult people to deal with. They would have an easy religion without devotion or real piety. But the Prophet was gently firm. They were satisfied. Their request was that they should not themselves be made to pull down their idols. Indeed this year is called the year of Deputations. Several tribes and notable Arabs waited upon the Prophet to pay homage or to make peace with the Muslims. And where on earth could they find so generous a host as the Prophet of Islam? At his suggestion the principal citizens lodged and entertained the visitors. They were offered suitable gifts when they returned home. The Christian deputation from Najran was accommodated in the Mosque. Here also the Prophet allowed them to conduct their prayers, when it was the hour for Christian worship. The Prophet had always a tender regard for the feelings of others.
Towards the end of 9 A.H the Prophet sent a group of pilgrims to Mecca, with Abu Bakr as leader. After his departure some verses were revealed concerning the Pilgrimage. A copy was sent to Abu Bakr, through Ali, with the direction that Ali should recite those verses to the assembled pilgrims, Muslims and others alike. The idolaters might no longer enter the Harm, except the tribes who were allies of Islam, till they treaty period was over. This Declaration of Immunity, as it is called, marks the end of idol-worship in Arabia. The idolaters were given a proper and timely warning.
In 10 A.H. the Prophet made what later came to be known as the farewell pilgrimage to Mecca. he felt his end was near as his work had been done. It was in that spirit that he set the model for Hajj and spoke to the Muslims from Arafat as one who takes leave of his friends, leaving them to carry on the noble work after him.
It was a memorable address. It finds an echo in every Muslim heart. He warned the large audience, 124,000 strong; that it was their last meeting with him in that place. They must mark his words well toe pass them on to the succeeding generations, in all times and climes. he reminded them of their noble destiny as the Umma of the Seal of the Prophets. They must hold fast by the Quran, lest they should go astray. All Muslims must respect the mutual rights of person and property and honour as sacred. They must treat their women-folk kindly. The slaves might in no case be badly treated. Usury had no place in Islam. Bloods feuds -- a legacy of the Days of Ignorance -- were frowned upon. And the Prophet did not merely preach these noble precepts, he proceeded to put them into practice, starting with his own kin. All claims due to his uncle, Abbas, on account of usury, were forgone. And so was the blood fued the Bannu Hashim had against another tribe laid to rest. Mankind was one -- they were all parts one of another, as the limbs of a body. He enjoined upon all the Muslims to propagate (pass on) Islam to the best of their ability. In a lofty mood he said, 'You will be asked concerning me on the Last Day. What reply will you make?" The pious audience shouted with one voice, "You have done your duty and made plain the message." The Prophet raised his finger heaven-ward and said, "O Allah, be pleased to bear witness to all this!" This was done thrice.
On this holy occasion a seal was set to his work and position by this revelation: "This day have I prefected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion Al-Islam."
Soon after his return to medina he fell ill. But he attended to his public duties to the last. Indeed he had very busy ten years at Medina. He led twenty-seven campaigns in person. The number he planned is thirty-eight. He had changed th face of Arabia. A land of idolatry and superstition became the home of the torch-bearers of light and learning. "For the first time in history he made universal human brotherhood a fact and principle of common law."
He had a high sense of his station, as an individual, as the Prophet. When he lost his infant son Ibrahim he shed tears. But he went up the pulpit and declared that an eclipse is a sign of God. The sun and the moon are not eclipsed as sorrow for the death of the great. Somebody had hinted that the sun was sorrowing for his son. Here is his firm faith in his high office. Mosailma the Liar, who pretended to be a prophet, wrote to him asking to share the power with him. Here was the dignified reply: "In the name of Alalh, the Compassionate, the Merciful, from Muhammad the Prophet of Allah, to Mosailma the Liar. Peace is on those who follow the right path. The earth belongs to Allah. He bestows it on such of his servants as He pleases. The Hereafter is for those who ward of evil."
During this last illness at midnight he went to the place where his companions rested in peace. He invoked God's blessing on them. Though weak, supported by Ali and Fazl, he found his way, from Ayesha's house -- his choice during illness -- to the Mosque to bless the living. He comforted them. He was thre to answer if he had wronged some one. he must pay if anything was due from him. Three dirhems he owed were paid at once. He taught them: "Better to blush in this world than in the next." He exhorted them to carry on his work after him. Almost to the end he led the faithful in prayers. When he was too weak for it, he entrusted the duty to Abu Bakr, his life-long friend, and later his successor.
The end came on Monday, June 8, 632 A.C. His last advice was "Mind your prayers; take care of the slaves." With la ilaha illa-Allah in the agony of death -- and Ar Rafiq-al-Ala on his lips, his heart lifted as ever to his Maker, his pure spirit took flight to "the blessed companionship on high."
Peace and blessings of Allah on Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam!