Victory of the Byzantine Empire and Prophecy of the Holy Prophet (sa) — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 2
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Victory of the Byzantine Empire and Prophecy of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: IV – Battle of Badr, Establishment of the Islamic Empire and Destruction of the Chieftains of the Quraish
Pages: Book pp. 173–177 (PDF pp. 197–201)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Effect of Badr Upon the Idolaters of Madinah] | Next: [Issue of Slavery and the Holy Prophet (sa)] »
Historical Account
disbelievers of Makkah and limited a period of three to nine years, which was the term mentioned by the Holy Qur’ān, to merely six years. In this manner, the Quraish received a false opportunity to rejoice. Afterwards, however, the Holy Prophetsa made the rectification that no one had the right to limit a term set by God and that the full term was nine years; therefore, everyone should wait until this time for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Hence, nine years had not passed when the war took a sudden turn and hitting Persia with defeat upon defeat, Byzantium seized all of its lost territory, and the war concluded with a Byzantium victory. These were the same days when the Companions defeated the Quraish of Makkah, in the field of Badr. In other words at this time, the Muslims were met with two joys, while the Quraish of Makkah were confronted with two misfortunes. In various narrations it has been related that the Byzantines acquired this victory in the era of the Treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah. However, these narrations are not contradictory, because in actuality, the era of the Byzantine victory covered a period spanning from the battle of Badr to the Treaty of Ḥudaibiyyah.
[Ar-Rūm (30:3-5) * Sunanut-Tirmidhī, Kitābu Tafsīril-Qur’ān, Bābu Wa Min Sūratir-Rūm, Ḥadīth No. 3193-3194 * The Life of Mahomet, By Sir William Muir, Chapter XII (Relations with Christianity), His sympathies with Heraclius, p. 245, Published by Smith, Elder, & Co. London (1878) * The Encyclopedia Britannica (Eleventh Edition), Volume XIII, p. 310, Under the name ‘Heraclius’, Encyclopedia Britannica Inc, New York (1910-1911)]
V Conduct of the Holy Prophetsa with Slaves and His Teachings on the Issue of Slavery
V Conduct of the Holy Prophetsa with Slaves and His Teachings on the Issue of Slavery
Issue of Slavery and the Holy Prophetsa
War possesses a fundamental relationship with the issue of slavery and Badr was the first formal war to have taken place between the disbelievers and Muslims. For this reason, in mentioning the battle of Badr, the question naturally arises as to what teaching the Holy Prophetsa gave with respect to the issue of slavery and what practice he employed in this regard. Hence, prior to moving forward it would not be inappropriate to write a brief note on the issue of slavery. However, this issue is extremely vast and very sensitive. Furthermore, in order to comment upon this issue one is compelled to take up many other discussions, for which there is not sufficient room here. Moreover, in my capacity as a historian, I cannot overly involve myself in such academic discussions. Therefore, on this occasion, I shall only cast a brief glance upon this issue from a fundamental perspective; and even in this regard, I shall confine myself only to such issues as relate directly to the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and his practice.
First and foremost it should be understood that as elaborated upon in Encyclopedia Brittannica, slavery actually began in the world as a result of war. Initially, the manner in which people were forced into slavery was through the aftermath of war between two tribes, two nations, or two countries. As a
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Section: IV – Battle of Badr, Establishment of the Islamic Empire and Destruction of the Chieftains of the Quraish | Navigation: « Previous: [Effect of Badr Upon the Idolaters of Madinah] | Next: [Issue of Slavery and the Holy Prophet (sa)] »