O Level Islamiat P1 First Muslim Community Relationship Of Muslim States With Other States During The Period Of The Holy Prophet (SAW-KN)
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Relationship Of Muslim States With Other States During The Period Of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W)
The guiding principles about the foreign policy of Muslim states were laid down by the Holy Quran and were implemented by the Holy Prophet (SAW) between the years 622 A.D and 632 A.D.
The first Islamic state was established by the Holy Prophet in 622 A.D in Madina after the emigration of the Muslims from Makkah. Islamic teachings oblige all Muslim states to adhere to the covenants and pacts made with other states and be not the first one to break them.
The Holy Prophet signed a ten years peace treaty with the Makkans in the 6 A.H / 628 A.D known as the treaty of Hudaibiya. This shows that the Holy Prophet avoided bloodshed and wars with other states where the matter could be solved through pacts and treaties.
At the time of the treaty of Hudaibiya, when the terms of the treaty were being written down, Abu Jandal, one of the Muslim escaped from Makkah and came to the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet told him to go back to Makkah as he had already agreed to the terms and one of the term stated to return any Muslim who comes from Makkah.
Another incident from the life of the Holy Prophet is the occasion of the conquest of Makkah. The Holy Prophet declared general amnesty to all. With this conduct he not only conquered a city but also won the hearts of his fatal enemy, thus teaching the Muslim communities the lesson of forgiveness, love and peace.
International relations of an Islamic state must be based on the principles of peace, cordiality and mutual co-operation. Islam refuses the killing of people merely because they embrace a different faith. Disputes must be averted since they can strain relations, and lead to wars the Holy Quran says.
“Therefore, if they withdraw from you and fight you not, but (instead) send you (guarantee of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to war against them)”.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sent several deputations to other nations and invited them to embrace Islam in a peaceful manner. The Persian King Khusro not only disgraced his envoy, but also tore the Prophet's letter angrily. But Prophet(S) exercised patience and did not react aggressively to the way the Persian emperor behaved.
Even in the state of war with other states, the Muslim army was given instructions by the Holy Prophet to keep the war humane. He instructed the Muslim army not to harm the women, the old and the children and not to mutilate bodies and cause destruction churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship are not to be demolished. The Holy Quran says:
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah loves not the transgressors”.
All these principles were also observed by the Muslim army at the event of the Conquest of Makkah.
The importance of Prophet (PBUH)’s actions as example for Muslim communities in their relations with other states.
The life of Holy Prophet (SAW) covers every aspect of human life; His conduct in every field of human activity is perfect. His whole life is a complete model of excellence for us. Just as he teaches us how to offer ritual prayer, observe the fast, pay the Alms-due and perform the pilgrimage, it also teaches u how to run a state, form a government and conduct business with other states.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) was very strict in maintaining cordial political relations with neighbouring states and always received their envoys and deputations with great respect and dignity. He personally cared for them and served them during their stay in Madinah. He not only maintained friendly relations with all tribes but also tried to settle their mutual problems with justice. His foreign policy was characterized by sincerity of purpose and friendliness. He never compelled any individual or state to embrace Islam. As the Holy Quran says
“Let there be no compulsion in religion”. (Al-Quran)
By the nature of their relationship the various states or tribes of Arabia can be classified into three categories.
Relation with Muslim states
All the tribes which had embraced Islam during the life time of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were treated as members of the Muslim brotherhood in all matters. But neither the Muslims of Madinah were bound to help them nor were the tribes under any obligation to come to the help of the Muslims of Madinah. The Madinite Muslims helped them when they requested, provided it, was not against any tribe, with a friendly relationship with the Madinah government.
Such a state of affairs was experienced after the Treaty of Hudaibiya. Many young men of the Quraish became Muslims and deserted their city, but could not be accepted by Madinah government because of the terms of the treaty. Abu Jundal, one of the younger sons of Suhail had embraced faith. His father had imprisoned him on account of his accepting Islam, fearing that he would escape to Madinah. His elder brother Abdullah was among the pilgrims and was about to welcome him when Suhail caught hold of the chain that was round his prisoner's neck and struck him violently in the face.
“O Muslms,” shouted Abu Jundal at the top of his voice, “am I to be returned to the idolaters, for them to persecute me on account of my religion?”
“Be patient, Abu Jundal,” said the Holy Prophet (SAW). “Allah (SWT) will surely give you and those with you relief and a way out. We have agreed on the terms of a truce with these people, and have given them our pledge, just as they have done to us, and we will not now break our word.”
A peaceful relationship between two Muslim states is a natural event because of their shared belief. If any dispute arises between them and one party takes to aggression against the other, then the rest of the Muslim states have a legal and moral obligation to help the wronged party. The Holy Prophet (SAW) taught this principle through the Quran.
If two factions of believers fight, make peace between them. But if one of them should oppress the other, then fight the oppressor till he complies with Allah's command. Then if he complies, make peace between them in all justice. Act equitably; Surely Allah (SWT) loves the equitable. Surely, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers. Fear Allah (SWT) that you may receive mercy (Al-Quran, 49: 9-10)
Relation of Non-Muslim States who made Treaties:
When the Holy Prophet (SAW) came to Madinah, he understood the delicate situation because he was up against so many enemies. He made friendship with the neighbouring non-Muslim Arab tribes, especially near the Red Sea coast, so that he could defend the Muslims by putting pressure on the Quraish. Besides this he also made treaties of friendship with some tribes in the neighbourhood of Madinah, including Banu Ghifar, Banu Damra and Banu Abd Ibn-e-Adly who were living in the vicinity of Makkah.
Every party was treated justly and equitably according to the terms of the agreement. The Holy Prophet (SAW) always respected and honoured all these treaties and was never the first to break any agreement. It was always the other parties who first broke the terms of their agreement with the Muslims.
The Quraish broke the treaty of Hudaibiya by mercilessly killing the men of the tribe of Khuzaa, which was an ally of the Muslims, in the Ka‟abah in clear violation of the terms of the pact.
The following saying of the Holy Prophet (SAW) shows how honestly and gracefully he kept his word with individuals and nations:
“If any one wrongs a man with whom a covenant has been made, or curtails any right of his, or imposes on him more than he can bear, or takes anything from him not in the agreement, I shall be his adversary on the Day of Resurrection.”
The practice of the Holy Messenger (SAW) took such a strong footing in the hearts of the Muslims that his companions strictly adhered to the terms of the treaties with non-Muslim tribes and countries and respected their rights to the best of their ability. When they found that it was not possible for them to guarantee their rights and secure their lives and property from their enemies. They returned the money that they had received from them for this purpose. This happened when the Muslims were fighting with the Byzantine forces in Syria and had to retreat from Hims. The commander of the Muslim army, Abu Ubaidah bin-al-Jarrah (RA), returned to the chiefs of the town the amount he had received for providing them security. He remarked that since they could not guarantee their security, they were not entitled to that payment.
Relation of Non-Muslim states without the treaties
Relations with all other non-Muslims states were based on friendship and co-operation in all matters of common interest. The Holy Prophet (SAW) strictly adhered to the general principles of Islam in dealing with all non-Muslim people and states. All matters between the Muslims and the non-Muslims, on only an individual but also on state level, were decided with absolute justice without any distinction between friend and foe. The rights of foreigners who visited the Muslim state were fully honoured. Moreover, the ambassadors of foreign states were greeted with dignity and honour and given all the respect that could be given to any representative of a foreign government. In world history, Muslims were the first to give foreigners their rights without any discrimination or reservation, during both war and peace. The Messenger himself looked after them, attended to their needs and served them during their stay in Madinah. His companions insisted on helping him in the service of these envoys and deputations, but he did not let them do anything, saying they were his guests, so he must himself look after their needs.
He received envoys from Abyssinia, Byzantine, Egypt and other neighbouring states and treated them as official representatives of their government. They brought gifts and presents from their kings and chiefs for the Messenger (SAW), and in return he gave those gifts and presents for their kings and chiefs. He sent Dihaya bin Khalifa Kalbi Khazraji to Caesar, Heraclius, king of Rome, who sent his envoy to the Holy Prophet (SAW) with gifts and an apology for the fact that his affairs of state would not allow him to come in person, which he would have loved to do in order to pay personal homage to him. The Messenger (SAW) promoted the love of peace and friendly relations with other states among all his people. Even though the enemy was treacherous and untrustworthy, Muslims willingly to make peace with them if they so desired and to place their trust in Allah (SWT) Almighty.
Among them are those who annoy the Prophet (SAW) saying, “he is an ear” (for every news). Tell them, “he is (all) ears for your good. He believes in Allah (SWT) and has faith in the believers. He is mercy for the believers among you. Those who annoy Allah‟s Messenger (SAW) will have painful punishment”. They swear by Allah (SWT) for you just to please you. Yet Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) have a better right that they should please them, if they are believers. (Al-Quran, 8:61-62)
Muslims are forbidden to fight the enemies who are inclined to peace as Allah (SWT) says:
“Excepting those who join a people between whom and you there is a treaty or those who approach you with their hearts constricted from fighting you or fighting their own people. If Allah (SWT) had so wished He would have given them authority over you and then they would have surely fought against you. So if they withdraw from you, do not fight against you and offer your peace, then Allah (SWT) does not allow you any way of fight against them”. (Al-Quran, 4:90)
Believers are allowed to fight only against those who commit aggression against them and against the welfare of Islam and persecute peaceful people as Allah (SWT) says.
“Fight in Allah (SWT)‟s way against those who fight with you. But do not transgress. Surely Allah (SWT) does not like the transgressors. Kill them wherever you find them. Expel them from where they have expelled you. Disorder is far more grievous than murder. But do not fight them around the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they attack you (there), kill them. Such is the penalty for (such) disbelievers”.(Al-Quran, 2: 190-191)
