Page 36 - Justice and Compassion in the Qur'an

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JUSTICE AND COMPASSION IN THE QUR'AN

compassion, and proved that a peaceful life among groups of
people of different religions, races and languages is possible.
The fact that the first text the Prophet (saas) dictated was a
peace agreement provides evidence for the fact that he was
committed to the establishment of peace and friendship.

Following his conquest of Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad
(saas) released even those who had formerly tortured
Muslims, and was tolerant towards them. This superior
morality of the Prophet Muhammad (saas) was
unprecedented in Arab society, and was greatly appreciated
by people.
At that time, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) also became a
role model for all believers regarding the establishment of true
justice in conquered countries. Towards the natives of these
lands, he exercised the justice described in the Qur'an and
made agreements which pleased the parties involved. The fact
that no party suffered even minor injustice was the distinctive
feature of these agreements. For this reason, no matter which
race or religion they belonged to, the people of conquered
countries were always pleased with the justice introduced by
Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) and the companions of the
Prophet, peace be upon them all, were people who ensured
justice among people, as the verse stresses: "Among those We
have created there is a community who guide by the Truth
and act justly according to it." (Surat al-A‘raf, 181)
In the contract made with the Christians of Najran, who
lived in South Arabia, the Prophet Muhammad (saas)
demonstrates one of the best examples of understanding and
justice. The contract included the following article: