Q. & A. 711 to 1707 with solved Papers css 1971 to date

The Quraysh Taken by Surprise
On the 10th of Ramzan, 8 A.H. the Holy Prophet (PBUH) set out, at the head of 10,000 followers, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Prophet Moses, given two thousand years before: ”He came with ten thousands of Holy ones.” No other event in the post-Mosaic history fulfilled these prophetic words. Here were ten thousand Muslims and all were ’righteous’ (as foretold) without any exception. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) encamped at Marr-ur-Zahran, a place only a few hours journey from Makkah. On seeing a huge army, the Quraysh were taken by complete surprise. The Holy Prophet ordered huge Sres to be lit in every camp. This gave the Quraysh the impression that the strength of Muslim army was considerably greater than it really was. They were impressed by seeing the while desert lit up with f res of the camps in the darkness of the night. Their chief, Abu Sufyan, with other chiefs, came to heights above the Muslsm camps to survey the situation but was recognized and was brought to the merciful Prophet (PBUH). This was the same Abu Sufyan who was the bitterest enemy of Islam, who had waged so many bat»les against the very life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and had done his worst to wipe out Islam and the Muslims. But the merciful Prophet (PBUH) was an embodiment of love and compassion. He asked Abu Sufyan in a gentle mood, ”O Abu Sufyan! Do you still consider any other power (god) than Allah, Almighty?” Abu Sufyan was ashamed and said, ”If there was any then he served us.” The Holy Prophet (PBUH) then said, ”> , your faults are forgiven, Abu Sufyan! And the one who enters your house shall also be safe ” Most of the historians agree that Abu Sufyan acknowledged the Faith at that time but not in clear terms However, later on he became a sincere Muslim. Look at this most exemplary and merciful treatment of the merciful Prophet that he not only forgave him but also made the house of his arch ensmy a place of safety.