Relations with non-Muslims - Teachings of the Prophet of Mercy(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 The Prophet of Mercy (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is mercy personified not only for all nations and sections of the society, but for all the realms as well.  Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

And, (O Esteemed Messenger,) We have not sent you but as a mercy for all the worlds.[1]

The mercy of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is not limited to Muslims alone, but includes non-Muslims as well.  The disbelievers of Makkah had crossed all bounds in tormenting and oppressing Muslims.  The Companions had to leave their homes and hearths and emigrate to Madina.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also emigrated to Madina.  They attacked Madina a number of times.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was requested to curse the non-Muslims, but even then He gave the whole world a message of mercy.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

عَنْ أَبِى هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ادْعُ عَلَى الْمُشْرِكِينَ قَالَ « إِنِّى لَمْ أُبْعَثْ لَعَّانًا وَإِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ رَحْمَةً

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  Supplicate against the non-Muslims.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  I have not been sent as a curser, but the fact I have been sent as mercy[2]. 

A similar Hadith is there about the clan of Thaqeef, who were non-Muslims.  There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:

عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَخْرَقَتْنَا نِبَالُ ثَقِيفٍ فَادْعُ اللَّهَ عَلَيْهِمْ. قَالَ « اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِ ثَقِيفًا

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  The arrows of the clan of Thaqeef have destroyed us.  You please supplicate against them.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  O Allah!  Guide the clan of Thaqeef![3] 

The world has seen many examples of sworn vengeance.  They lead to bloodshed, destruction of life and limb, but even on these occasions, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave the message of peace instead of vengeance.

There are various examples of this in the canons of Hadith and the biographies of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).