We quoted last week more than one Hadith in which the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) companion reporting it asserts that the Prophet was frequently seen smiling. While a smile on one’s face always promotes good social relations, it is important to know in what situations the Prophet would smile, and with whom of his companions. When we look at authentic Hadiths mentioning the Prophet’s smile or laughter, we realize that he often smiled and spread an easy and relaxed atmosphere. Jareer ibn Abdullah Al-Bujali says: “The Prophet never kept me waiting since I embraced Islam. Whenever he saw me, he smiled. I complained to him that I could not be stable on horseback. He struck his hand on my chest and prayed: ‘My Lord! Give him stability and endow him with guidance so as to guide others aright.’” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).
We understand from this Hadith that the Prophet maintained an easy relationship with his companions, welcoming them whenever they came to him and caring for them whatever their complaint was. Even a newcomer to Islam was always welcome. In this Hadith the reporter mentions that the Prophet welcomed him every time he visited him, and never denied him admittance. To Arabs, this was a sign of honor because even a tribal chief may keep his visitors waiting while he attends to some business, or some private matter. Moreover, the Prophet’s companions put to him their complaints, even though they might have nothing to do with religion. Jareer’s complaint was about his riding, and that he found it difficult to be stable on horseback. The Prophet always cared for his companions, and prayed for them. We know that whenever the Prophet prayed to God to grant someone a particular thing, that person would get it in abundance. The Prophet prayed to God to help Jareer with his problem and to make him a source of guidance to others. He certainly achieved both.
We have mentioned this Hadith, however, in connection with the situations that brought a smile to the Prophet’s face. It tells us that he met his companions with a smile, which was certain to please them and spread a friendly atmosphere in the Prophet’s presence.
A special situation might bring more than a smile to the Prophet’s face. Anas reports that Umm Sulaym carried a dagger on the day of the Battle of Hunayn. When the Prophet saw her carrying the dagger, he asked her why she carried it. She said: ‘If any idolater comes near me, I will stab him in his abdomen.’ The Prophet laughed. She said to him: ‘Messenger of God! Kill those that joined us from among Al-Tulaqa’ whom you set free, because they deserted you in battle.’ The Prophet said: ‘Umm Sulaym! God has given us what we need and more.’” (Related by Muslim and Ahmad).
The Prophet combined the roles of God’s Messenger, head of state and army commander at the same time. Nevertheless, he was aware of most of what his companions did on any occasion. Here we see him noticing a woman carrying a dagger on the day of battle. Some women always went with the Muslim army to provide support, such as looking after the wounded, providing water and other needs. They normally stayed behind the lines. However, on some occasions, they took part in the actual fighting, particularly when the going was tough for Muslims, as in the case of the Battles of Uhud and Hunayn.
Most probably this conversation between the Prophet and Umm Sulaym took place after the battle was over. This is indicated by the latter part of discussion, when Umm Sulaym suggested that the deserters should be punished. The battle went very badly for Muslims at first, as they were taken by surprise, and they felt that their army was large enough to secure victory. There was much chaos and retreat in the Muslim side at first. However, the Prophet and a small group with him remained steadfast and they were able to regain the initiative. Perhaps it was at this stage that Umm Sulaym, and may be other women, felt the need to be armed. Hence, she carried the dagger, ready to pierce it into any enemy soldier who came near her.
The Prophet laughed at the suggestion, but it was not the sort of laughter that is injurious to one who is doing her best to support Islam. It was a relaxed occasion, when the Muslim army had gained victory.
Umm Sulaym was a committed Muslim who placed the interests of Islam above all considerations, including ties of kinship. Hence, she made her suggestion to the Prophet to kill the deserters. She speaks about those deserters from among Al-Tulaqa’, which was the name given to the people of Makkah when they surrendered to the Prophet. They had opposed him most actively, waging war on several occasions, and forging alliances with others, for the specific objective of wiping out Islam from the face of the earth. When they surrendered, the Prophet asked them: “What do you think I will do with you?” They said: “Whatever you wish! You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.” The Prophet said: “You may go free. You are pardoned.” The Arabic word the Prophet used was Al-Tulaqa’, which means “the ones set free.” When the Prophet prepared to march to meet other enemies who were preparing to attack Muslims, they joined the Prophet hoping to make some gains and have a share of the booty which they felt was bound to come. But when the going was tough, they deserted. The Prophet was not keen on punishment. Since God’s help was forthcoming, he did not wish to punish those people. Instead he placed his trust in God and thanked Him for the victory He had granted him.
The Prophet’s attitude contrasts with that of any commander who would feel that his army should be purged of anyone who deserts once. Such a deserter could not be relied on in future. Rather than dismiss or punish these deserters, the Prophet pardoned them yet again. When it was time to distribute the booty gained in that battle, which was very plentiful, the Prophet gave some of their leading figures great gifts to strengthen them in following Islam. Thus, he gained their good will after they had long been hostile to Islam.