Introduction

Tuesday, 01 April 2008

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Written by Abdul-Rahim Ammar

The idea of having treaties, negotiations and coexistence with the polytheists was not far from the Prophet's (SAWS) mind nor strange to him.  Many analysts would think that it is strange because the polytheists’ ideology is completely different than the Islamic creed. That is why many people would think the concept of coexistence between both communities is impossible.

The facts about the Prophet's (SAWS) life show his true wish to coexist peacefully with communities around him no matter what their creed was.  He wished to coexist even with worshippers of idols, stars, trees or any thing else.

 The most important type of peaceful coexistence is in the form of treaties, conventions and even alliances at times for the sake of achieving an interest for common cause.  That concept, built on the love and design of peace, was not a result of experiencing the scourges of wars or disasters of battles.  It was a result of the philosophy of the Prophet (SAWS) which he was keen to implement from the emergence of the Islamic state.

 Books about the Prophet's (SAWS) biography refer to numerous treasured examples of treaties and alliances.  One of them was the treaty which the Prophet (SAWS) signed with the tribe of Banu-Damorah[1], whose leader at the time was Makhshy Ibn-Amr al-Damory.  It was narrated[2] that the Prophet (SAWS) "reconciled" them.  We should take a closer look at the meaning of reconciliation[3] and how that word holds great meanings such as peace, serenity, tranquility and safety.  That reconciliation was during the month of Safar, year 2 A.H.[4], which was less than a year after the Prophet's (SAWS) migration[5].  This confirms the existence of coexistence since the early days of the Islamic state.

 The Prophet (SAWS) also reconciled the tribe of Banu-Madlaj who lived at the region of Yanbu'. That was during the month of Gumada al-Awal, in the year 2 A.H.[6]. He also did the same thing with the tribes of Juhayna who lived in the area north west to Madinah[7].

 The Prophet (SAWS) tried to live in a peaceful and quiet environment with the neighboring tribes. He never wanted to fight and repeatedly showed preference to peace over war and harmony over dispute.