THE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET

In pre-Islamic Arabia, Ka‘b ibn Zuhayr was a well-known poet. When the Prophet of Islam started his mission, Ka‘b became one of his opponents. He composed poetry against the Prophet and widely spread those verses among the people. His poems contained harsh criticism and offensive satire directed at the Prophet.

When Makkah was conquered, Ka‘b ibn Zuhayr felt that there was no place left for him. His brother Bujayr said to him, “Go to Madinah and meet the Prophet of Islam. That is what is best for you now, because he does not kill anyone who comes to him in repentance.”

So Ka‘b ibn Zuhayr came to Madinah. Early the next morning, he reached the Prophet’s Mosque. As the Prophet concluded the prayer, Ka‘b stepped forward and held his hand. At that moment, the Prophet did not recognize him. Ka‘b said, “I am Ka‘b ibn Zuhayr. I have come in repentance and seek your protection. Will you accept me and grant me safety?”

Upon hearing this, a Muslim from Madinah rose from the congregation, approached Ka‘b, and said, “O Messenger of God, hand over this enemy of God to me so I may strike off his head with my sword.”

The Prophet of Islam said, “Leave him, for he has come in repentance and has turned away from what he used to do.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, pp. 501-503) This is an example of the Prophet of Islam. It reveals Islam’s approach to dealing with its opponents. No matter how destructive a person may have been in the past, if they abandon their rebellious actions and sincerely repent, they must not be treated as an enemy. Their past hostility should not be held against them; instead, they should be treated with well-wishing, because their repentance itself becomes a substitute for punishment.