Two Arab tribes, the Aws and the Khazraj, had killed one another for generations; within a few years of hearing Muhammad they were brothers, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá returns to that reversal as the plainest sign of what a Manifestation of God does to human hearts. The early history of Islam holds that transformation and its undoing: torment in Mecca, flight to Medina, the trench dug against besieging enemies, lukewarm believers who doubted even as the Prophet struck the boulder, and then, after His passing, quarrels over authority that turned a few words into swords and ended in the blood of Karbila. The Qur’an asks its hearers to remember the grace by which hostile hearts were joined [1], and that remembrance is the measure against which every later division must be weighed. Harsh judgments on particular adversaries belong to their own moment, not to whole peoples now. What the history leaves open is how faith overcomes hatred rather than feeding it, a question that leads on to the life of Muhammad, the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, and the lessons the past still has to teach.
In the time of His Holiness, the prophet (Mohammed) there were two tribes - Ous and Khazraj. These tribes were in the utmost hostility and hatred. For several centuries they were at war. As soon as they would meet they would kill one another, whether in villages, towns or cities. It was impossible for one of the tribes of Ous to meet one of the tribe of Khazraj, without killing him. Then these two tribes became believers and became as brothers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Shrine of the Bab, 1920-Oct-24 -- ABU0470)
02
At one time, the holy divine fragrances perfumed that land and region, and the call of the Beauty of Muhammad was raised from all sides and directions of the Hijaz, and that Orb of Guidance had risen from that Batha horizon, and heavenly sustenance was being sent down.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Mirza Haji Aqa -- AB01008)
03
Before the Messenger of God, the Arab people were barbaric, more ignorant than animals. The Arabian Peninsula was immersed in deep darkness. But the dawn of divine grace broke and the lights of the Sun of Truth shone upon the Arabian desert. That land and region became illumined. In a short time, they reached the highest degrees of progress, to such an extent that the Arabs became the exemplars of all nations and became renowned throughout the world for their virtues and excellences.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words transcribed on 1915-Dec-19 -- ABU3761)
04
When Mohamad travelled with his uncle Abou Talib, as far as Bostra and met the Christian Monk Sergius, or as the Mohamadan name him Boheira, he was only eleven years old and stayed one night in the monastery.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Nov-22 -- ABU0409)
05
The Messenger of God was in Mecca for thirteen years, and He was constantly subjected to torment and hardship. His opponents persecuted Him, murdered and plundered His companions - some fled and some were taken captive. They sought to kill the Messenger Himself, and so He emigrated.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Mar-27 in Paris -- ABU2230)
06
In the year 622 A.D. Mohamad, after several years of preaching and teaching his Islamic doctrines in his own native city Mecca and receiving all manner of rebuffs and persecutions, he decided to migrate to Medina. From that memorable year began the Arabian Calendar and it is named by them the year of Hegira or Migration.
But another remarkable migration took place in the fifth year of the mission of Mohamad, not by himself but by his persecuted disciples, not to Medina but to Abyssinia.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1915-Jan-08 -- ABU0312)
07
At the time of Muhammad's migration to Medina under divine protection, Abu Bakr, was with Him. He said to Abu Bakr, 'Be not afraid, God is with us.' These very words became afterwards the cause of his succession to the Caliphate because the word 'with us' included him also. Many proofs and arguments based on these words have been advanced.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1912-Sep-04 in Montreal -- ABU2564)
08
At one time during His migration journey, while surrounded by enemies who were exerting their utmost in reducing the believers and in this regard were succeeding, the Prophet Muhammad ordered a moat to be dug so they could hide therein.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU1995)
09
When His Holiness was striking the boulder with His staff, some of the munafiqin were remarking to their lukewarm friends [among the believers], "Out of our fear, not a sign of our courage, we wet ourselves. Therefore, how can He speak so boldly?" Which is why the following verse has been revealed, "God shall mock them, and keep them long in their rebellion, wandering in perplexity."
In this battle the number of defenders were seven hundred, of which nearly three hundred were either of the munafiqin or lukewarm in their convictions. But when they reached the Ayvan-i Kasraw and saw the divine prophecies fulfilled, they were all ashamed and remorseful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU1493)
10
In the days of the Prophet--may my spirit be a sacrifice unto Him--despite the spread of power in Yathrib, in a single day a great multitude from the Bani Zafar tribe, with their families and children, apostatized and joined the enemy. In the Battle of the Confederates, on the Day of the Trench, when affliction and severe hunger intensified, the companions of the Prophet--who numbered close to six or seven hundred--three hundred showed hypocrisy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jun-09, to Mirza Ghulam-Rida et al -- AB01753)
11
At the time of Muhammad, He sanctioned war for the preservation of the lives of His followers. The laws of individual justice were confused and preliminary in the souls of men. Therefore, the law of general justice of the community was revealed by this Prophet. He commanded His followers to carry the Religion of God by the sword.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU2396)
12
Let us return to our narrative: After the conquest of Mecca, the Battle of Hunayn, which is between Mecca and Ta'if, took place. After the victory, much wealth was gathered before His Holiness, including camels, sheep, and other things. His Holiness bestowed upon the nobles of Mecca, such as Abu Sufyan and others, one hundred camels each, and to those below them, forty each. Someone remarked, "I do not see you acting justly." The Messenger became angry and said, "If justice is not with me, then with whom is it?"
This concerned the Battle of Banu Qurayza. After the Battle of the Trench, Gabriel descended and said, "O Messenger of God! The Lord of great command orders you and your companions to pray the afternoon prayer at Banu Qurayza." The Prophet commanded his companions as ordered and departed with them to Banu Qurayza. When they arrived, God's forces surrounded them and terror seized their hearts.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Balaya - Tablet of Tribulations, ca. 1289-1290?, to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji -- BH00346)
13
Notwithstanding that the Jews had made a pact with the Prophet Muhammad, a pact which guaranteed the protection of the Jews so long as they remained faithful to it, they formed an alliance nonetheless with the tribes of Quraysh and arrayed themselves against Islam. This development forced the Prophet Muhammad and His companions to dig a trench, where they remained confined for some time.
Seven hundred of those covenant-breaking enemies were massacred in the span of a single day.
If this massacre had not taken place, the Jews would have made pacts with like-minded tribes once again - bending every effort to lay axe to the root of Islam, and rendering its firm and secure establishment a most difficult prospect.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Feb-11 in Paris -- ABU3692)
14
In my childhood, this wronged one read in a book by Mulla Baqir Majlisi about the raid on the Banu Qurayzah. From that moment I was distressed and full of sorrow, to the extent that my pen cannot express it -- even though what happened was the decree of God, and its intent was only to foil oppressors.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Babu'l-Ata [Lawh-i-Banu-Qurayzih], 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Mashhadi Ali Milani -- BH02329)
15
Furthermore, consider what transpired with the Banu Nadir and Banu Qurayzah, and likewise in the fortresses around Medina. By His command, Ali and Zubayr beheaded nine hundred souls in two days, and they either took possession of that people's belongings or sent them to other regions and sold them. They dealt similarly with other tribes in ways I prefer not to mention. Open thine eyes and recognize the truth. Whatever ye say has been said before by the idolaters. In any case, this Wronged One's purpose is to remove hatred, malice, strife and contention from the world.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Haydar Qabl-i-Ali et al -- BH00126)
16
The story of Ghadir-i-Khum is as follows:
On the occasion of the farewell pilgrimage at Ghadir-i-Khum, situated between Mecca and Medina, the Apostle of God seized 'Ali's sash and, raising him up, said: "O people! Whoever hath Me as his Lord, let this 'Ali be his Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Nanih Aqa, mother of Muhammad Ali Kashani et al -- AB08296)
17
Division first appeared in the house of the Prophet. When the Messenger of God [Muhammad] was ill and His companions gathered about His deathbed, He asked for a pen and paper to write His Will. `Umar said, "He is delirious." His Holiness `Ali responded, "Sickness and fever have no effect on the condition of the Prophets; they are always inspired. Present Him with writing materials and see what guidance He gives." `Umar responded, "The Book of God is sufficient unto us."
(Bahá’u’lláh, words recollected by Mirza Habibu'llah Afnan, 1308-1309 [1891-1892] -- BHU0067)
18
This statement was the first breach in Islam and was the saying of the second Caliph who said "The Book of God is sufficient for us," as mentioned in Bukhari which is considered an authentic book of hadith by the Sunnis.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Apr or <, to Haji Abdur-Rahim -- AB01009)
19
The words "Sufficient unto us is the Book of God" became as a piercing blade that cleft the head of the Prince of the faithful; it became the trenchant sword that was wielded by the son of the "Eater of Livers." These words kindled a raging fire on the "Night of Clangour" and caused four thousand memorizers of the Qur'an, the most prominent companions of 'Ali, to turn into the wretched rabble of the Seceders. These words scattered the ranks of the believers and divided the lines of the faithful. These words changed the affection of the lovers of the Muhammadan Beauty into swords and spears, into injury and enmity. These words became a dagger of hatred and, in the land of Taff, lacerated the throat of that luminous beauty, staining the earth with his blessed blood. These words brought about that most great disaster and most profound disgrace on the plain of Karbila.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Hizar Bayti (Tablet of the Thousand Verses), 1897 or <, to Mirza Jalil Khui -- AB00005)
20
Even the hateful company of the oppressors in the desert of Karbila, showed an outward semblance of devotion to Him, but although they made mention of Him with words yet in reality they were insincere, ill-intentioned, and deceitful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Feb ca., to Ahmad Aqa Balazadih -- AB03851)
21
Yes, this is how it is - this cleric always had on his tongue "Oh, would that I had been with you to attain a mighty triumph!" But when he found himself on the plain of Karbala in the field of tribulation under siege, he took his horse and sword and fled.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Feb. 1920 -- ABU1252)
22
His Holiness the Messenger in the Battle of Badr struck off the heads of the opposers and was victorious. The Prince of Martyrs in Karbala had his body torn to pieces, yet was still victorious, for "verily it was incumbent upon Us to help the believers."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1916-Jun-04 in Haifa -- ABU2444)
23
They razed to dust the site of martyrdom in Karbila and Najaf, then plowed it under. For nearly eighty years they plowed and planted crops so that no trace would remain. After eighty years, people came and said: "Yes, it was here." They built up that site of martyrdom. This was in the time of the Umayyads. Then when the Abbasids came, they built it up. In the time of Mutawakkil they destroyed it again and cultivated crops for nearly two hundred years.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-31 in Haifa -- ABU2587)
24
Thirty-six persons sat upon the throne of the caliphate, and all were bound to name and fame, yet of none of them does any trace or sign remain. But because Bahlul was known as the madman of God, they are still building domes and shrines in his honor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-21 in Haifa -- ABU2742)
25
Today I read in history about Ibn Mashtub in Diyar Bakr, who was among the most fortunate of early Muslim kings, blessed with every means of success. Throughout his reign, no event occurred that caused him distress. His domains were in utmost security and peace. He waged several battles against the Crusaders and was victorious in all encounters.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Nov-25 in Haifa -- ABU0955)
26
In the days of the Prophet, there was one named Nu'man who was quite mischievous, and one named Mu'ayth who was dark of countenance. The Prince of the Faithful was engaged in battle with one of the tribes and appointed Mu'ayth as storekeeper.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1916-May-25 in Haifa -- ABU0884)
27
When in March 629 the Prophet made the well-known pilgrimage from Medina to Mecca at the head of two thousand camel-riders, all devoted Muslims, the Prophet was asked by His servant how he should safely care for El-Kaswa, the famous camel of Muhammad, the Lord Muhammad answered him: 'First give it to drink and eat, then tie it up, and afterwards commend it to the protection of God the Most High.'
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Persian Baha'Is and others in Ridvan Garden, Apr 1910 -- ABU0414)
28
In the battle of Khandag the enemies hordes rushed forward and besieged the city Medina. Mohamad and his companions were in the town and had no other recou[rse] but to defend it. The prophet's uncle being amongst the enemies cut all the [ways] of communication and the innocent inhabitants were on the verge of starv[ation.] All the foodstuffs were consumed and the animals killed to appease the appetite of the people.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken around 1914-Nov-10 -- ABU0582)
29
The blessed utterances concerning the chronicles of the Islamic era were most detailed. Among them was the account of Hajjaj the tyrant and the burning of the minister’s tent for the sake of the discipline of the camp. For, after disorder had arisen, when he was appointed to the command of the army, the first decree he issued was this: that all the tents should be pitched at one and the same time, and all at once be taken down.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-27 in Paris -- ABU2565)
30
Hajjaj had a wife who was a source of torment to him. One day, while looking in the mirror, he said, "O God, make my character as beautiful as You have made my creation." His wife cried out, "Look at this one who lies to God!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1916-Mar-31 in Bahji -- ABU0479)
31
Convey my greetings and praise to that distinguished person, and mention that in regard to the Qa'im, the truth lay with the Sunnis, for the Desired One appeared from physical descent in accordance with their beliefs, while the Shi'ih divines have been and continue to be in error from the beginning of Islam until now. Even now they await the appearance of an imaginary person from an imaginary Jabulqa. … The likes of these turbaned ones that are seen today, together with Ja'far and his sons before them, have led the helpless people astray and cast them into the well of vain imaginings. The Sun is shining and manifest, yet they shut their eyes and blindly search for Jabulqa and Jabulsa.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-04-01 [1886-Jan-7], to Shaykh Muhammad Arab et al -- BH00016)
32
Indeed, they repeatedly squeezed His blessed throat until He nearly declared "Verily we are God's, and to Him do we return." As it is recorded in the books that one day Abu Jahl squeezed His throat in the House of Ka'bah until He was near to yielding up His spirit. At that moment Hamzah, His uncle, was returning from the hunt with a bow in his hand, and he rushed upon Abu-Jahl and saved His Holiness from the torment of that wretched one. Then Abu-Jahl said, "Have you too become a follower of this person?" Until that time Hamzih was not a believer, but his sense of honor was aroused and he replied, "Yes, I too have become His follower." This very act of protection caused him to be blessed with the light of faith.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Jul-10, to Aqa Siyyid Hidayatullah Shahab Farani -- AB00226)