THE CAPTIVES OF HUNINE WERE FREED

      In the battle of Hunine, six thousands of women and children from the heathens were taken as captives. They belonged to different tribes and clans who were in alliance against Muslims. When the war was over some of the elders of the clans came to the prophet and begged his pardon and asked to free the captives.

      The prophet himself was looking for some excuse to release the poor women and children. So he instructed the elders to ask for fogiveness and amnesty in the congregational prayer; and when they did that, they asked the prophet to intercede with the Muslims on their behalf, and they also asked the Muslims to intercede with the Apostle on their behalf, so that they be excused, forgiven, and their woman and children freed.

      The prophet excused them on his part, and the Muslims too, followed their kind and compassionate leader, and an amnesty was granted and the captives were all released.

      Even MALIK- IBN- AUF, the bold commander of the battle of Hunine, joined the prophet when he heard of that great generosity, and the prophet forgave him, and gave him back all that he had and even more! The prophet respected Malik in accordance with his social valour and military values, and appointed him as the chief and commander of his tribe, who were by now all converted!

      This shows that Mohammad was not that sort of a leader to leave valuable brains, and talents, to escape from his dominion, or to destroy something of which, good use could possibly be made!

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE