THE METHOD OF
THE PROPHET

In the fifth year after migration, the Prophet of Islam was on a journey with his companions, including both the Emigrants (Muhajirun) and the Helpers (Ansar). On the return journey, the Prophet camped near the spring of Muraysi’. There, a dispute arose between two men over water—one from the Emigrants and the other from the Helpers. The man from the Ansar called out, “O group of the Ansar!” and the man from the Muhajirun called out, “O group of the Muhajirun!”

This was an attempt to turn a personal disagreement between two individuals into a group-based, communal conflict. Such a reaction is referred to as tribal prejudice from the Age of Ignorance (asabiyyah jahiliyyah)—a mindset that has no place in Islam.

Abdullah ibn Ubayy of Madinah, who already harboured resentment against the Emigrants, took advantage of the situation. He said, “Look at how bold these Emigrants have become. They came to our city from Makkah, and now they want to dominate us. It is like feeding your dog until it turns on you. By God, when we return to Madinah, the powerful among us will drive out the weak.”

By stirring nationalist and tribal sentiment, Abdullah ibn Ubayy attempted to incite the people of Madinah against the people of Makkah.

At this, ‘Umar said to the Prophet of Islam, “Give us permission to send someone to kill Abdullah ibn Ubayy.” Then, Usayd ibn Hudayr came to the Prophet and said, “O Messenger of God, deal with Abdullah ibn Ubayy gently. He used to be a leader in Madinah. Since your arrival, he has lost his position. He thinks you have taken away his authority.”

The Prophet was presented with two approaches: one of force and the other of patience and forgiveness. He rejected the path of violence and chose the path of forbearance. Without taking any action against Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the Prophet immediately ordered the departure from Muraysi’ and did not stop until they had returned to Madinah. (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 3, pp. 334–335)