Study of Sirah of Prophet

PBUH as a Peacemaker
1. Introduction:

ِ َ‫م ًة لِ ْل َعال‬
 َ‫مين‬ ْ ‫ك إِ اَّل َر‬
َ ‫ح‬ َ ‫َومَا أَر‬
َ ‫ْس ْلنَا‬
 “We have sent you down (O Muhammad) as mercy for both the worlds.”

 Prophet PBUH was renowned for his honesty and truthfulness. These were
the traits which were even acknowledged by his arch-rivals and political
opponents.

 He earned the title of ‘Sadiq & Ameen’ for these qualities.

 As an individual, Prophet PBUH’s traits were once described by Hazrat
Khadija as: building good ties with the relatives, helping the poor, helping
the needy, hospitality to others and Sadiq and Ameen.

 His life remains a complete guidance and a source of enlightment for

people belonging to all walks of life.

 Undoubtedly, Prophet PBUH was the greatest peacemaker, the world has
witnessed. The Prophet of Islam was actually the prophet of peace.
 He always preferred conciliatory efforts, diplomatic channels, and
compromising tactics over waging wars to avoid human loss and collateral
damage.

 Even the wars waged by him were motivated by self defense and were
limited in nature. (i.e. limited war) Likewise, he used to ensure that the rights
of the non-combatants remain non-violated.
2. Prophet PBUH as a Peacemaker:

 Prophet PBUH was a great peacemaker unto himself as he not only brought
harmong among the warring tribes of Medina (Aus and Khazraj), but also
forged brotherhood among the Makkans (Muhajireen) and Medinites
(Ansari.)

 Montgomery Watt, an Islamic historian, writes that the intensity of the wars
waged by and under the Prophet PBUH was the least in the history which
can be estimated from the fact that only 1058 casualties happened in 82
wars led or fought by the Prophet from migration of Medina (622) to his
death.
 1. Social peace:

 i. Salutations (Greetings).
 Ii. Protection of human rights (The Prophet’s Last Sermon: the First
Declaration of Human Rights in History.)
 Iii. Social Equality.
 Iv. Teaching of Human brotherhood to creates social harmony and
cooperation.
 V. Did not curse the people of Tai’f or anyone.
 Vi. ‘General pardon/amnesty’ on Fatah-i-Makkah.
 Vii. Declaring the house of enemy as Dar-ul-amaan.

The Prophet PBUH prohibited the believers from loot and plunder.

‘Muslims and believers are those from whose hands and tongue are other
people protected and safe.’- Prophet PBUH.
 2. Economic peace and justice: (essential for development and prosperity)

Peace is dependent on justice and economic progress depends on peace.

i. Circulation of wealth. (hoarding of wealth is strictly prohibited as it creates

a class system in a society.) (levy of zakat is stressed.)
ii. No sort of exploitation: Interest-free loans. USA (2pc); UK (0.75); Australia
(1.25pc) and Pak (13.25pc). Business/Economy halts.
iii. Fulfilling the needs of the needy: Concept of a welfare state.
Collectivism, not individualism, is emphasized.
 3.National peace:

i. Obedience of rulers mandatory. (Just rulers vs oppressive rulers.)

ii. Ending tribal wars of Aus and Khazraj, which ensured national peace in state of
medina. (Today, shia-sunni split has damaged the peace of the Muslim world.)
iii. Peace treaties signed by Prophet PBUH:
a. Hudaibya (with kuffar/pagans of Makkah-6AH)
b. Medina (with Jews-622)
c. Najran (with Christians-12AH)
 4. International peace:

“And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement
between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against
the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns,
then make a settlement between them in justice and act justly. Allah loves
those who act justly. (Surah Al-Hujurat)

Today, UN Charter is based on it.

Analogy: IWT between India and Pakistan arbitrated by WB.
3. Tools to attain peace:

Following are the tools practiced by Prophet PBUH to make peace and
progress in the society:

i. Religious tolerance.
ii. Social equality.
iii. Economic justice.
iv. Prefer diplomatic channels over military options. (Negotiations to be the
top priority and use of force as a last resort)
v. Peace treaties with different religious and ethnic groups.
vi. Levy of Zakat and charity.
4. Conclusion:

 Karen Armstrong writes in her book named ‘Muhammad: The Prophet of

Our Time’, writes: Islam is a religion of peace and its Prophet preached
tolerance and co-existence.