A Just Punishment –
As Umar Ibn Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, strived to gain and act on Islamic knowledge, he was granted a deep understanding of Islam, an understanding matched only by a few. He reached such a level that his opinions and statements were often confirmed through divine revelation. It is why Ali Bin Abu Talib, once commented that the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, believed that there was an Angel who spoke with the tongue of Umar Ibn Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. This has been discussed in Imam Al Asfahani’s, Hilyat Al Awliya, Number 64.
After victory was given to the Muslims at the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, turned down the suggestion of Umar Bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, of executing the prisoners of war and instead allowed them to purchase their own freedom. The next day, Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, found the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, weeping. When he questioned their behaviour, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, commented that Allah, the Exalted, had shown him the punishment that would have afflicted them for taking ransom for the prisoners instead of executing them. Then Allah, the Exalted, revealed chapter 8 Al Anfal, verses 67-68:
“It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allāh’s enemies] in the land. You [i.e., some Muslims] desire the commodities of this world, but Allāh desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise. If not for a decree from Allāh that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment.”
This has been discussed in Imam Ibn Kathir’s, the Life of the Prophet, Volume 2, Page 305 and in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 4588.
Executing the prisoners was a just punishment for their crimes and would have acted as a strong deterrent against the violent behaviour of the non-Muslims of Mecca. This deterrent, in the long run, might have prevented further battles thereby saving lives. Generally speaking, this event indicates the importance of accepting one’s lack of foresight and instead trusting and acting on the advice, commands and prohibitions of Allah, the Exalted. On many occasions a person will fail to observe the negative consequences of their choices and in order to avoid them they must trust and act on Islamic advice so that they achieve peace of mind in both worlds. Just like a wise patient trusts and acts on the medical advice of their doctor, even though it often contradicts their desires, a person must trust and act on the advice of Allah, the Exalted, so that they achieve peace of mind and body. One must always remember the different times where they believed something was good for them, even though it became a source of stress for them and when they thought something was bad for them only for it to become a source of goodness for them. This will encourage them to trust in the advice, commands and prohibitions of Allah, the Exalted, even if they fail to observe the wisdoms behind them. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 216:
“…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.”
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