status and grade of tolerance and forgiveness in the life of the Prophet (S.A.W)/ CSS NOTES/PAST PAPERS
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Discussion
of the nature of tolerance and forgiveness in the Prophet’s life
3. Status
and grade of tolerance and forgiveness in the Prophet’s (S.A.W) life
4. Critical
analysis
5. Conclusion
Introduction: Tolerance and
Forgiveness as the distinctive traits of Prophet (S.A.W)
The traits of tolerance and
forgiveness were distinctive in the life of the Prophet (S.A.W). Whether being
presented in Mecca as a minority, crafting a heterogeneous civilization from
diverse ethnic tribes, or forgiving the Meccan at the zenith of his brute forces
these principles always carried weight in his life.
Nature of Tolerance and Forgiveness
in different eras of the Prophet’s life
Eras
of Prophet’s (S.A.W) life
Makki
life
Madni life
Minority
Statesman, expansionist
Tolerated and
forgave
Made a society on national
the
persecution
integration forgave enemies
at
the peak of his power.
Status and grade of Tolerance and
Forgiveness in Prophet’s (S.A.W) life
a)
Prophet
(S.A.W) as the Prophet of peace and mercy:
“We
have sent you as the Prophet of peace and mercy for the whole mankind.”
(Al- Quran)
In
line with this tradition, he upheld the principles of tolerance and forgiveness and
wished peace for everyone.
b)
Prophet
(S.A.W) as a role model of the highest character:
“You
are the best model to follow.”
The
Quran itself urges Muslims to follow the character of the Prophet (S.A.W). In
his character, tolerance and forgiveness have high credence.
c)
Policy
of patience towards persecution in Mecca:
His
policy of patience made him conquer the hearts of the Meccans. He was subject
to the most brutal persecution ever in the history of mankind but he responded
evil with good according to the injunction of the Quran.
“And
repel evil with good.”
(Al- Quran)
Incident:
There was an old woman who would daily
throw garbage at him. One day she did not throw litter and he went to her house
and found her ill.
d)
Forgiveness
for the people of Taif:
The
incident of Taif is one of the most emotional moments in Islamic history when
Allah himself sent Jibrael to console the Prophet. Even Jibrael asked to curse
the people of Taif but Prophet (S.A.W) refused by saying that: One day their generation will accept Islam.
e)
Not
taking into account his social status and including marginalized in his
preaching:
The Arabian
society of that era was highly stratified and Prophet (S.A.W) himself belonged
to the highest of the clam. However, he never made others feel about it.
Incident:
Once he was preaching in
Mecca when a blind man came and listened to him. Because of Prophet’s (S.A.W)
attention to the other people, the blind man got ignored. Allah sent him wahi
to focus on everyone and after that, he did so.
f)
Patience
before adversity:
His
family faced a social boycott but he tolerated it.
g)
Developing
a tolerant and inclusive society at Medina:
Forming
the state of Medina was the greatest achievement of the Prophet (S.A.W). It was
the time that ushered in the greatest period of Islamic history. The charter of
Medina was crafted to usher in brotherhood among diverse tribes of Muslims. Jews
and minorities were inculcated in this accord as well.
Key
features of tolerance in Medinite society
Brotherhood Freedom of
religion
Fundamental
for Jews
rights for
everyone
“Let there be no compulsion in religion.”
(Al- Quran)
It is one of the basic contracts in
Islamic society and Prophet (S.A.W) himself exercised such a level of tolerance.
h)
Tolerance
to promote peace and avoid warmongering:
As
a military strategist, he always gave peace a chance. His policy of deterrence
was based to avert the enemy threats. Similarly, he would ignore the retaliatory
tactics of the adversary unless enemy attacks and war become inevitable.
·
Tolerance
exercised
Tolerance exhibited
while
negotiating
during Ghazwat when
treating
of Hudaliya
he would wait for peace
·
Quraish
violated it and not fight
until the
He
did not violate it enemy attacks.
i)
The
principle of consultation and tolerance:
The
Islamic State of Medina was inherently democratic to a great extent. According
to the Quranic injunction, consultation is the primary rule of policymaking.
The Prophet (S.A.W) would consult his companions and respect the difference of
opinion.
j)
Tolerance
as a teacher while explaining deen:
The
Prophet (S.A.W) was never offended by the question of sahaba. While explaining
a rule, he would often explain it thrice before his sahab.
k)
Forgiveness
for the people of Mecca at the peak of his power:
History has never
seen a bloodless conquest like the conquest of Mecca when an army enters a city,
conquers it effortlessly, and then forgives the enemy despite having all the
powers to avenge the earlier sufferings. The Prophet (S.A.W) forgave everyone
there.
Acknowledgment of the great traits of
tolerance and forgiveness of the Prophet (S.A.W) by Allah:
i.
Allah revealed Surah Duha in Mecca to
console the Prophet (S.A.W) and assured him that his sufferings will not last
longer and Allah will bless him to an extent that he will be happy.
ii.
In Tabbat Yada Surah, Allah has
cursed Abu Lahab because he used to persecute Prophet (S.A.W) and he was
silent.
iii.
In Surah Kausar, Allah again consoles
the Prophet (S.A.W) on the death of his son in Mecca.
iv.
Similarly, on treating of, Allah gives him of grand victory.
Modern-day relevance of Prophet’s
Tolerance and Forgiveness – Critical Analysis
Today once again, the ummah is in the dilemma
of internal discords and external subjugation. The teachings of the Prophet (S.A.W)
once again become relevant. Muslims can use the policy of tolerance and
forgiveness to engender unity within themselves.
Conclusion
“Islamic revolution did not propagate
through brute force only. In fact, the brute force was retaliatory in nature. In
reality, the human values enshrined in the character of the Prophet allowed the
spread of Islam through inclusiveness, tolerance, forgiveness, and acceptance of
all.”
(Karen Armstrong)
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