MUSJIDUL HAQ

Download PDF: [S] The Distribution of War Booty

It is mentioned that during after the Battle of Hunain, the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – gave Abu Sufyan a hundred camels from the war booty. He also asked that his son, Yazeed, be given something as well. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then gave that person a hundred camels. He also asked for his other son, Mu’awiyah, and he was also given a hundred camels and each was given nearly six kilograms of precious  silver and gold. The same with Safwaan bin Ummayah who was given a hundred camels as well. In total, he was given three hundred camels.

It is mentioned that in this rush, a famous poet from the Bani Sulaim, whose name was Abbas bin Mirdaas, was given only fifty camels and in this regard, he wrote a few couplets. After reading this couplets, he was given another fifty camels. In fact, it was mentioned among the people present that the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – was giving out reward and booty as if he was certain that it would never be depleted. Bear in mind that the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – was giving items to people who had just accepted Islam and hence, their minds were still impressionable.

Malik bin Auf, the leader of the disbelievers in Taif, had promised that he would appear shortly to surrender to the Muslims, but he was delayed. After the Asr was complete, he appeared in front of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and stood humbly as possible. He also recite the Kalimah. He also read a few couplets in praise of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – thanked him for this and asked him what he wanted, he replied, “O Prophet of Allah! I wish that the prisoners, the female slaves and the children are returned to me.”

The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then asked him to choose what he wanted to be returned. He replied that he wanted his respect to be returned.

The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – commanded that the prisoners and children of this person be returned. Some of the leaders in Mecca refused to do this, but the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – explained to them about the reward of pardoning people. He also announced that he was returning his share and the share of Bani Abdul Mutallib. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – also gave each prisoner a special shawl.

After that, from Ja’raniyah, he wore the Ihram to perform the Umrah. He also nominated Itaab bin Usaid as the Governor of Mecca Shareef. On the 24th of Zil Qada 8th Hijrah, he left for Madina Shareef. (Seerat Ibn Hisham)