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Foreword

We have great pleasure in publishing another valuable work on the illustrious life of the Prophet Muḥammad, by Dr Zakaria Bashier. His earlier titles in the series published by the Foundation, Life of the Prophet in Makkah, Hijra: Story and Significance and Sunshine at Madinah, have received wide acclaim from both scholars and general readers. All these titles draw on original Arabic sources and show wide familiarity with recent works in the field. In exploring effectively and energetically the various aspects and dimensions of the Prophet’s life, Zakaria Bashier’s focus is on establishing the relevance of the Prophet’s role model for our lives. In so doing, his works transcend the ordinary writings on the subject which are concerned mainly with relating a factual account of the life and achivements of the Prophet. Zakaria Bashier’s works draw us closer to this exemplary man, his life-enriching teachings, his noble Companions, and above all, the blessed mission of Islam. Reading these, one gets a fair idea of how the Qur’ān and the Prophet’s guidance helped transform the notorious, lawless Arab bedouins into embodiments of virtues discipline and leadership. His writings bring into sharper focus the unassuming Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) and his selfless Companions who never hesitate to sacrifice all that they had for the sake of Allah and for the cause of Islam.

This latest addition to the series entitled War and Peace in the Life of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) whilst retaining all the best features of his earlier writings on Sīrah, has immediate relevance by way of its solid refutation of the misperception that Islam is inextricably linked with violence. More remarkably, this volume dismisses the Orientalists’ claim about the disparity between the Prophet’s Makkan and Madīnan phases of life. There was never any inconsistency in the Prophet’s words and deeds, as he preached and practised the same ideals of co-existence and freedom of faith in Makkah as well as in Madīnah. This truth is brought home with greater force and clarity by Zakaria Bashier’s insightful elucidation of verses 5 and 29 of Sūrah al-Tawbah which allow Muslims to wage war if necessary. The conclusion reached by him is that peaceful co-existence with other faiths is the rule in Islam and war is only an exception. Islam sanctions war only in self-defence or against tyrannical rulers. All the major battles in the early history of Islam are studied in the wider context of Islamic teachings on war and peace. In the same light peace treaties and delegations sent by the Prophet to various rulers are also examined. In sum, it is a substantial work on Sīrah for which Zakaria Bashier deserves our thanks and appreciation.

The present work could rightfully be regarded as the concluding volume of Zakaria Bashier’s earlier three works on Sīrah and the reader will get a full picture of the extraordinary life and contribution of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) if all the four volumes are studied in proper sequence.

I take this opportunity to thank the Foundation production team, especially Br Nasir Cadir for ensuring the publication of this title. May Allah reward all those who helped in its production and enable us to emulate the Prophet’s role model. (Amin)