CSS Islamiat | The Prophet’s (PBUH) Diplomatic Engagements with Non-Muslim
The following question of CSS Islamiat is solved by Maliha Noor under the supervision of Howfiv’s Islamiat coach, Miss Ayesha Irfan. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved question is attempted using the pattern taught by Sir to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Role of the Prophet as a Diplomat
3-Diplomatic Engagements of the Prophet (PBUH) With Non-Muslims and Empires
- Agreement Of Hilf-al-Fudul: The League of the Virtuous
- Herb-ul-Fijar: The Sacrilegious Wars
- Union of the Aws And Khazraj: Back Door of Diplomacy
- Treaty of Hudabiya: a Top-Tier Diplomatic Engagement
5- Promotion of Peace and Co-Existence through Diplomatic Engagements with Non-Muslim Tribes and Empires
- Promotion of Religious Freedom by the Act of Diplomacy
- Replacement of War With Dialogue: A Peaceful Way For Confrontation
- Enhancement of Interfaith Harmony and a Unified Society
- Successful Event of the Conquest of Makkha: Diplomatic Brilliance
6- Critical Analysis
7- Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only the last messenger but also a vigilant, wise, and prudent diplomat. His exceptional ability to deal with people made him unique among leaders. His rigorous diplomatic skills to resolve conflicts were praiseworthy. There are multiple events where He rendered diplomatic services to promote peace over bloodshed: the agreement of Hilf-ul-Fulud, Herb-ul-Fajir, and the Union of Aws and Khazraj. He supported diplomacy over wars. Religious freedom, the replacement of wars with dialogues, and the advancement of interfaith harmony and a unified society. The Prophet Muhammad (BPUH peace) performed these activities to follow the righteous path and support the cause of Allah and Islam. He made multiple treaties and diplomatic ties to maintain social justice and promote long-term peace in the state.
Role of the Prophet as a Diplomat
The role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was marked by wisdom, patience, tolerance, analytical thinking, and a deep commitment to justice, peace, and equality. He played a pivotal role as a diplomat in his life, where he spread Islam, built alliances, solved conflicts, and established fairness and impartiality in a community. He also made various treaties like the Hilf-ul-Fudul Al-Aqaba Pledge, Misaq-e-Madina, and Treaty of Hudabiya to make peaceful negotiations rather than warfare. His strategic skills, no doubt, changed the destiny of the Arab Peninsula and created a society free of conflicts and transgressors. Indeed, he was not only the prophet but also a person who established a Muslim world where Muslims lived and practised their religion and worship.
Diplomatic Engagements of the Prophet (PBUH) with non-Muslims and Empires
- Agreement of Hilf al-Fudul (The League of the Virtuous)
The agreement of Hilf-ul-Fudul, commonly known as the League of Virtuous, was signed by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him at the age of 14, for instance, when Amr ibn al-As’s father, al-As ibn Wa’il al-Sahmi, had purchased some goods from a Zabid-based Yemeni trader. And the buyer betrayed the vendor by saying to him that I would pay you money after 15 days. When the days passed, he refused to pay by saying that your goods were spoiled, and I would not pay you a single rupee. Then the merchant cried and shouted, saying Is there anyone who does justice with me. Then Hazrat Abu Talib came and gave him his money. After this incident, the Prophet’s uncle called the meeting of all the tribes’ leaders to address a speech where numerous leaders of the different tribes, such as Banu Hashim, Banu Zuhra, Banu Mutalib, Banu Asad, and Banu Taym participated, and they signed a pact, stating that justice should be served at any cost to the Yemeni trader, to hold powerful individuals accountable for wrongdoings, to support oppressed regardless of their creed and tribal background. This was the first pact which the Prophet signed to maintain justice in the state.
- Herb –Ul- Fijar (The Sacrilegious Wars)
Herb-ul-Fijar, the sacrilegious war, was where a series of conflicts occurred, primarily involving the tribes of Quraysh and Hawazin. Quraysh followed Kanana, and Hawazin followed Okaz. The battle started because three men of the Qays-Ailan were captured by the Al-Barrad, one of the Kanana tribes. Qays overcame Kanana, but later Qays was surrounded. The Quraysh called for peace, and they said both sides should add the same number of dead, and whoever had more dead men would take blood money. They agreed and stopped the battle and enmity between them. This conflict was called the Fijar battle as it was carried out in the Holy month in which war was prohibited. As Quran says, Surah Al-Anfal (8:61), “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing”. This ayat emphasises peace negotiations and resolution, and indicates that Allah is hearing and knowing every act of yours. Hence, the Prophet, who was young at that time, participated in diplomatic strategies to stop further bloodshed.
- Union of the Aws and Khazraj
Awz and Khazraj were two tribes of Arabs. They were frequently engaged in bloodshed, warfare, and conflicts for decades. Their most notable battle was Bu’ath, which left both tribes exhausted and weakened. However, continued warfare in the area made the lives miserable. The following tribes, such as the Jewish tribe, Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Kuryas, and Banu Nadir, sometimes made alliances with either the Aws or the Khazraj according to their conflict situation. After this whole scenario, the people of Yathrab needed a trustworthy and competitive leader who would solve their ongoing rivalry. After the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, he formulated the constitution of Medina that outlined the rights and responsibilities of the groups within the community. As the quran says, Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:103, “You were enemies, then He joined your hearts, and you became brothers by His grace”. This verse clearly states that the Prophet (PBUH) chose the path of peace and performed this role as a mediator to bring people together under the umbrella of Islam. As a result, this constitution helped to unify the diverse groups in Medina, such as the Aws and the Khazraj. This showed how substantially the Prophet played a role in ending the ongoing rivalry and building a peaceful society.
- Treaty of Hudabiya: A Top-Tier Diplomatic Engagement
The Treaty of Hudabiya was the peaceful agreement signed between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quraysh of Makkah. Quraysh kept their demands before the Holy Prophet; however, the demands were against the Muslims, but for the long-term benefits of the Muslim ummah, the Prophet (PBUH) accepted their clauses and signed a treaty. As Allah mentions in the Quran Surah Al-Fatiha (48:1), “Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory”. This verse states that Sulh-e-Hudabiya is the clear triumph for the Muslim umma; this compromise of Muslims bestowed upon the Prophet (PBUH) a manifest conquest that surpassed all the praise grounds. Hence, his treaty of Hudabiya demonstrated the Prophet’s diplomacy at its par excellence.
Promotion of Peace and Co-existence Through Diplomatic Engagements with non-Muslim Tribes and Empires
- Promotion of Religious Freedom
Diplomatic strategies of the Prophet (PBUH) played a significant role in promoting religious freedom. His approach to diplomacy was based on mutual respect, perseverance, and peaceful coexistence. However, the formation of the Constitution of Madina united different tribes, such as Jews and Muslims, and allowed them to follow their respective religion. As the Quran says, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), “there is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right way has become distinct from the wrong”. This verse firmly says that everyone is free to choose their religion, and there is no wise difference between wrong and right. This constitution granted freedom of religion and religious practices to all the residents of Madina. As one of the clauses of the constitution narrates that “the Jews shall have their religion and the Muslims shall have theirs”. Consequently, this left an evenness, tranquillity, and a harmonious society.
- Replacement of War with Dialogue
Diplomatic strategies of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helped to replace wars and bloodshed with dialogues, treaties, and agreements. For instance, the Treaty of Hudabiya between Muslims and Quraysh paused hostilities and promoted the peaceful propagation of Islam. He also solved conflicts through dialogue instead of armed confrontation. He sent envoys, held peace talks with various leaders, and encouraged reconciliation. Moreover, the Pledge of Aqaba was a wise incident that showed the diplomatic skills of the Prophet (PBUH), initiating interfaith harmony and mutual understanding of the relations among tribes. Top-tier diplomacy and inclusive policies toward lawfulness fostered interfaith solidarity, equal rights, parity, and righteousness.
- Enhancement of Interfaith Harmony and a Unified Society
Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH )’s diplomatic strategies and decision-making established a long-term framework of peace. For instance, A treaty with the Christians of Najran and a treaty with the prisoners of war, the Treaty of Hudabiya, Misaq-e-Medina, and the Treaty with Qureysh, are involved, which laid the peaceful foundation of long-lasting ties with tribes. Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers”. This Quranic verse quotes that Muslims are brothers, so avoid conflicts and encourage harmony and unity, as Aws and Khazraj united after warfare. So that people from different backgrounds, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or culture, can live together.
- Successful event of the Conquest of Makkha
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acted as a visionary diplomat in the conquest of Makkah, as he took over the city peacefully after the violation of the Treaty of Hudabiya. It was considered a significant event without armed conflict but with diplomacy. This conquest of the area showcased the Prophet (PBUH )’s ideal leadership, moral integrity, and diplomatic brilliance. This act of the Prophet (PBHU) created a soft corner in the hearts of Quraysh and they converted to Islam.
Critical Analysis
Diplomacy is the back-door strategy which can be achieved without armed conflicts in society. The diplomatic strategies of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), primarily showed the peace and co-existence in the tribes and empires. This not only led to a stable society but also paved the way for generations to use these techniques for long-term peace and triumph. In today’s era, the world is facing bloodshed, wars, conflicts, and genocides over diplomatic talks and dialogues. As an issue of irredentism between Pakistan and India on Kashmir and with Afghanistan, ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, separatism movements, like ethnic, extremist, and religious confrontations in Pakistan and in secular states, need to be addressed at the diplomatic level to avoid the bloodshed and to promote peaceful co-existence among the nations.
Conclusion
The diplomatic ties of the Prophet (PBUH) with non- Muslims and empires recorded a landmark example for the world. He not only used these techniques verbally but also proved them through his actions. The Holy Prophet’s diplomatic achievements paved the way for a peaceful society, impartial governance, social harmony and justice. However, these incidents remind Muslims to encourage dialogues and table talks over bloodshed, which not only flourishes Muslims’ lives here and hereafter but also increases their value and respect in the eyes of Allah. Indeed, Allah does not waste a small deed of a person, and he rewards whatever a person does.
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