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Rebuttal to Craig Winn "Prophet of Doom: THIEVERY AND SLAVERY" article:

The following article is a rebuttal to Craig Winn's article that is located at:  http://www.prophetofdoom.net/quotes2.html#thievery.

Important Note to the Reader:

Craig Winn purposely twisted and modified the English translations that he used!  He changes words in translations and uses non-Muslim ones.  I've noticed this a lot through his translations of the Noble Verses that he used from the Noble Quran.

Please visit:

List of Craig Winn's fabricated lies and deliberate alteration of quotes, WITH CLEAR-CUT PROOFS!

The Prophet, peace be upon him, NEVER TOOK 20% of the booty:

"And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God,- and to the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in God and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For God hath power over all things.  (The Noble Quran, 8:41)"

The entire war booty was to be distributed among Muslims.  20% of it was to be given to the poor (of all their kinds as listed above) and some to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his family.

The Prophet was known to be poor and always giving in charity everything he had as I clearly proved in this article.  The proofs and elaborations are listed below.

Let's discuss slavery and booty of war in the Bible FIRST:

Leviticus 25:44-46 "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly." 

Numbers 31:17-18 "Now kill all the boys [innocent kids]. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man."

In Craig Winn's Bible, slaves are to be kept and inherited until they die.  Also, all the boys and non-virgin "women" were to be killed.  According to the Talmud's historical elaborations on these events, little girls as young as 3 were FORCED into sex by Moses and his men:

"....The Tannaïtic Midrash Sifre to Numbers in §157 comments on the above quoted commandment of MOSES to kill the Midianite women as well as the male children...."

"....According to the Tannaïte Rabbis, MOSES therefore had ordered the Israelites to kill all women older than three years and a day, because they were "suitable for having sexual relations." [138]...."

"Said Rabbi Joseph, "Come and take note: A girl three years and one day old is betrothed by intercourse....."

"A girl three years and one day old is betrothed by intercourse. "A girl three years old may be betrothed through an act of sexual intercourse," the words of R. Meir. And sages say, "Three years and one day old."....."

The detailed quotes, elaborations and bibliography are in this article.

Also, see detailed Biblical verses about slavery and how low and degraded slaves are in the Bible.

He wrote:

THIEVERY & SLAVERY:

Qur’an 8:1 “They ask you about the benefits of capturing the spoils of war. Tell them: ‘The benefits belong to Allah and to His Messenger.’”
Ishaq:510 “We ask Thee for the booty of this town and its people. Forward in the name of Allah.’ He used to say this of every town he raided.”
Ishaq:327 “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’”
Tabari VII:64/Ishaq:307 “The Messenger of Allah gave orders concerning the contents of the camp which the people had collected, and it was all brought together. Among the Muslims, however, there was a difference of opinion concerning it. Those who had collected it said, ‘It is ours. Muhammad promised every man that he could keep the booty he took.’ Those who were fighting said, ‘If it had not been for us, you would not have taken it. We distracted the enemy from you so that you could take what you took.’ Those who were guarding the Prophet for fear the enemy would attack him said, ‘By Allah, you have no better right to it than we have. We wanted to kill the enemy when Allah gave us the opportunity and made them turn their backs, and we wanted to take property when there was no one to protect it; but we were afraid that the Meccans might attack the Prophet. We protected him so you have no better right to it than we have.’ When we quarreled about the booty we became very bad tempered. So Allah removed it from us and handed it over to His Messenger.”
Bukhari:V5B59N360 “The total number of Muslim fighters from Mecca who fought at Badr and were given a share of the booty, were 81. When their shares were distributed, their number was 101. But Allah knows it better.”
Ishaq:307 “The ‘Spoils of War’ Surah came down from Allah to His Prophet concerning the distribution of the booty when the Muslims showed their evil nature. Allah took it out of their hands and gave it to the Apostle.”
Tabari VII:65 “Allah’s Messenger came back to Medina, bringing with him the booty which had been taken from the polytheists.... There were forty-four captives in the Messenger of Allah’s possession. There was a similar number of dead.”
Bukhari:V5B59N512 “The captives of Khaybar were divided among the Muslims. Then the Messenger began taking the homes and property that were closest to him.”
Tabari VIII:116/Ishaq:511  “So Muhammad began seizing their herds and their property bit by bit. He conquered home by home. The Messenger took some of its people captive, including Safiyah and her two cousins. The Prophet chose Safiyah for himself.”
Ishaq:511 “When Dihyah protested, wanting to keep Safiyah for himself, the Apostle traded for Safiyah by giving Dihyah her two cousins. The women of Khaybar were distributed among the Muslims.”
Tabari VIII:130 “The Prophet conquered Khaybar by force after fighting. Khaybar was something that Allah gave as booty to His Messenger. He took one-fifth of it and divided the remainder among the Muslims.”
Bukhari V4B52N46 “I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘Allah guarantees that He will admit the Muslim fighter into Paradise if he is killed, otherwise He will return him to his home safely with rewards and booty.’”
Tabari VIII:117 “The Banu Sahm of Aslam [newly recruited Muslim militants] came to the Messenger and complained, ‘Muhammad, we have been hurt by drought and possess nothing.’ Although they had fought for the Prophet they found he had nothing [he was willing] to give them. The Apostle said, ‘O Allah, You know their condition—I have no strength and nothing [I want] to give them [from the booty I have stolen]. So conquer for them the wealthiest of the Khaybar homes, the ones with the most food and fat meat.’”
Ishaq:515 “Allah’s Apostle besieged the final [Jewish] community of Khaybar until they could hold out no longer. Finally, when they were certain that they would perish, they asked Muhammad to banish them and spare their lives, which he did. The Prophet took possession of all their property.”
Tabari VIII:128 “Khaybar was divided among the people who had been at Hudaybiyah.”
Ishaq:521 “Khaybar was apportioned among the men of Hudaybiyah without regard to whether they were present at Khaybar or not. The spoil was divided into 1,800 shares.”
Ishaq:521 “When the spoil of Khaybar was apportioned, the settlements of Shaqq and Nata were given to the Muslims while Katiba was divided into five sections: Allah’s fifth [which Muhammad was custodian]; the Prophet’s fifth; the share to the kindred [Muhammad’s kin]; maintenance of the Prophet’s wives [now there’s an honest report]; and payment to the men who acted as intermediaries in the peace negotiation with Fadak [which enabled the prophet to steal the entire spoil].”
Ishaq:522 “Then the Apostle distributed the booty between his relatives, his wives, and to other men and women. He gave his daughter Fatima 200 shares, Ali 100, Usama 250, Aisha 200, Bakr 100…. In the name of Allah—this is a memorandum of what Muhammad the Apostle gave his wives from the dates and wheat: 180 loads.”
Bukhari:V5B59N537 “Allah’s Apostle divided the war booty with the ratio of two shares for the horse and one-share for the foot soldier.” 
Bukhari:V5B59N541 “When we conquered, we gained neither gold nor silver as booty, but we gained cows, camels, goods and gardens.”
Tabari VIII:12 “When cities were conquered Muslims used to say, ‘Conquer for yourselves whatever seems good to you because all treasures were given to Muhammad.’”
Qur’an 48:19  “He rewarded them with abundant spoils that they will capture. Allah has promised you much booty that you shall take, and He has made this easy for you.”
Qur’an 9:103 “Take alms out of their property in order to cleanse and purify them, and invoke Allah for them; surely this is a relief for them.”
Tabari IX:3 “Since the Hawazin and Thaqif had marched with their women, children, and flocks, Allah granted them as booty to His Messenger, who divided the spoils among those Quraysh who had recently embraced Islam.”
Tabari IX:13 “Abu Talhah alone took the spoils of twenty men whom he had killed.”
Ishaq:571 “I went up to a man and struck off his hand. He fell and I killed him while he was down. But I was too occupied with fighting to pay any more attention to him. So one of the Meccan Muslims passed by and stripped him. Then when the fighting was over and we had finished with the enemy, the Apostle said that anyone who had killed a foe could have his spoil. I told the Apostle that I had killed a man who was worth stripping but had been too busy killing others at the time to notice who had spoiled him. Abu Bakr said, “To Allah’s lions who fight for His religion go the spoils that come from their prey. Return the booty to the man who killed him.’ The Apostle confirmed Abu Bakr’s words. So I was given the property of the man whom I had killed. I sold it and bought a small palm grove with the money. It was the first property I ever owned.”
Ishaq:592 “The Apostle held a large number of captives. There were 6,000 women and children prisoners. He had captured so many sheep and camels they could not be counted.”
Tabari IX:31/Ishaq:594 “‘Muhammad, divide the spoil and booty of camels and cattle among us.’ They forced the Prophet up against a tree, and his robe was torn from him. Muhammad cried, ‘Give me back my robe. If there had been more sheep I would have given you some. You have not found me to be niggardly, cowardly or false.”
Tabari IX:31/Ishaq:594 “‘You have not found me miserly, cowardly, or a liar.’ Then he walked over to his camel and took a hair from its hump. Holding it aloft in his fingers he said, ‘Men, I do not have anything of your booty, not even as much as this hair. Just filth. And that filth is what is being given to you. So, bring back my cloak.’”
Ishaq:594 “The Apostle gave gifts to those whose hearts were to be won over, notably the chiefs of the army, to win them and through them the people.”
Bukhari:V4B53N373 “Allah’s Apostle got property and war prisoners and gave them to some people to the exclusion of others. The latter seemed to be displeased by that. The Prophet said, ‘I give to some people, lest they should deviate from Islam or lose patience.’”
Bukhari:V4B53N374 “The Prophet said, ‘I give to the Quraysh so that they will desire Islam, for they are nearer to their life of Ignorance and it is not strong in their hearts.’”
Tabari IX:36/Ishaq:596 “‘Prophet, this group of Ansar have a grudge against you for what you did with the booty and how you divided it among you own people.’ ‘Ansar, what is this talk I hear from you? What is the grudge you harbor against me? Do you think ill of me? Did I not come to you when you were erring and needy, and then made rich by Allah?”
Tabari IX:37/Ishaq:596 “Do you hold a grudge against me and are you mentally disturbed because of the worldly things by which I conciliate a people and win them over so that they will embrace Islam and become Muslims?”
Tabari IX:38 “In this year, the Messenger sent Amr to collect the zakat tax from Jayfar and Amr, the clans of Julanda and Azd.... He collected the jizyah from the Zoroastrians.”
Tabari IX:74 “Indeed, Allah has guided you with His guidance. If you wish to do well [capture booty], obey Allah and His Messenger. You must perform the prayers, pay the zakat tax, and give a fifth share of Allah’s booty to His Messenger. The required zakat is: from the land one tenth of that watered by springs and rain, and one twentieth of that watered by the leathern bucket. From camels, a milch camel for every forty camels, and a young male camel for every thirty camels. From sheep, one for every five camels; and from cows, one from every fourth… If anyone pays more, it is to his credit. He who professes this, bears witness to his Islam and helps the faithful [fight] against the polytheists, he has the protection of Allah and His Messenger.”
Tabari IX:75 “He who holds fast to his religion, Judaism or Christianity, is not to be tempted from it. It is incumbent on them to pay the jizyah protection tax. For every adult, male or female, free or slave, one full denarius, or its value in al-ma’afir [fine cloth].  He who pays that to the Messenger has the protection of Allah and His Messenger, and he who holds back from it is the enemy of Allah and His Messenger.”
Tabari IX:76 “The Messenger has sent Zur’ah and his Companions to you. ‘I commend them to your care. Collect the zakat and jizyah from your districts and hand the money over to my messengers.’ The Prophet is the master of your rich and your poor.”
Ishaq:564 “The Muslims stole our goods and divided them. Their spears pierced us not once but twice. Their squadrons came at us like a swarm of locusts. Were it not for the religion of Muhammad’s people, their cavalry would never have attacked us.”
Bukhari:V9B84N59 “When the Prophet died, Arabs reverted to disbelief. Umar said, ‘Should we fight these people?’ Bakr said, ‘By Allah! I will fight whoever differentiates between prayers and Zakat, as Zakat is to be taken from property according to Allah’s Orders. If they refuse to pay me even so little as a kid they used to pay, I will fight with them for withholding it.’”
Qur’an 59:6 “What Allah gave as booty to His Messenger He has taken away from them [the Jews]. For this you made no raid. Allah gives His Messenger Lordship over whomsoever He wills. Whatever booty Allah has given to His Messenger and taken away from the [Jewish] people of the townships, belongs to Allah and to His Messenger.... So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you.”
Tabari VII:26 “In this year Muhammad ordered people to pay the zakat tax. It is said that the Prophet commanded them to do this.”
Ishaq:309 “‘Bind Abu Aziz tight for his mother is rich and she may ransom him for a great deal of money.’”
Tabari VII:71 “Among the captives was Abu Wada. Muhammad said, ‘He has a son who is a shrewd merchant with much money.” [The son] “slipped away at night, went to Medina, ransomed his father for 4,000 dirhams.”
Ishaq:312 “The Prophet said, ‘Abbas, you must ransom yourself, your two nephews, Aqil and Nawfal, and your confederate, Utbah, for you are a wealthy man.’ ‘Muhammad,’ Abbas said, ‘I was a Muslim, but the people compelled me to fight against my will.’ Allah knows best concerning your Islam,’ Muhammad said. ‘As for your outward appearance, you have been against us, so pay to ransom yourself.’ The Messenger had previously taken twenty ounces of gold from him following the battle. So Abbas said, ‘Credit me with this amount towards my ransom.’ ‘No,’ Muhammad replied. ‘That money Allah has already taken from you and given to us.’”
Ishaq:313 “The Muslims told Abu Sufyan to pay them a ransom to free his son, Amr. He replied, ‘Am I to suffer the double loss of my blood and my money? After you have killed my son Hanzala, you want me to pay you a ransom to save Amr?’”
Bukhari:V5B59N357 “The Badr warriors were given five thousand dirhams each, yearly. Umar [the future Caliph] said, ‘I will always give them more than what I will give to others.’”
Tabari VII:80 “When the events of Badr were over, Allah revealed the 8th surah, ‘The Spoils of War,’ in its entirety. The two armies met [there were no armies—just merchants and militants] and Allah defeated the Meccans [with Muslim swords]. Seventy of them were killed, and seventy were taken captive. Abu Bakr said, ‘O Prophet of Allah, these are your people, your family; they are your cousins, fellow clansmen, and nephews. I think that you should accept ransoms for them so that what we take from them will strengthen us.’”  Tabari VII:81 “‘What do you think Khattab?’ Muhammad asked. ‘I say you should hand them over to me so that I can cut off their heads. Thus Allah will know that there is no leniency in our hearts toward the unbelievers.’ The Messenger liked what Bakr said and did not like what I said, and accepted ransoms for the captives.”
Ishaq:316 “On the Badr expedition, the Messenger took the sword of Dhu al-Faqar as booty. It had belonged to Munabbih. On that day he also took Abu Jahl’s camel as booty. It was a Mahri dromedary on which he used to go on raids. It is said that he wrote ‘Ma’aqil’ [Blood-Money] on his sword.”
Qur’an 8:1 “They question you about (windfalls taken as) spoils of war. Say: ‘Booty is at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger; they belong to Us and are for Our benefit. So fear Allah, and adjust your way of thinking in this matter. Obey Allah and His Messenger.’”
Ishaq:321 “The Spoils of War surah was handed down because we quarreled about the booty. So Allah took it away from us and gave it to His Apostle. When He did, we learned to fear Allah and obey his Messenger.... For in truth, our army had gone out with the Prophet seeking the caravan because we wanted its booty.”
Ishaq:324 “Allah taught them how to divide the spoil. He made it lawful and said, ‘A fifth of the booty belongs to the Apostle.’
Qur’an 8:40 “If people are obstinate, and refuse to surrender, know that Allah is your Supporter. And know that one fifth of all the booty you take belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and for the near relatives (of the Messenger).”
Qur’an 8:68 “Had it not been for a previous agreement from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that you took as booty.”
Qur’an 8:69 “So enjoy what you took as booty; the spoils are lawful and good.”
Ishaq:327 “Allah made booty lawful and good. He used it to incite the Muslims to unity of purpose. So enjoy what you have captured.”
Bukhari:V4B52N276 “By Allah, we saw the Meccan women running, revealing their leg-bangles. So, we cried out, ‘The booty! O Muslims, the booty! Our Companions have become victorious. What are we waiting for? By Allah! We will go to the pagans and collect our share of the war booty.’”
Tabari VIII:38 “The Messenger divided the wealth, wives, and children of the Banu Qurayza Jews among the Muslims.”  Ishaq:465 “When their wrists were bound with cords, the Apostle was a sea of generosity to us. Allah’s Messenger took his fifth of the booty. He made known on that day the extra shares for horses and their riders —giving the horse two shares and the rider one. A Muslim without a horse got one share of the spoil. It was the first booty in which lots were cast.” 
Tabari VIII:39 “Then the Messenger of Allah sent Sa’d bin Zayd with some of the Qurayza captives to Najd, and in exchange for them he purchased horses and arms.”
Ishaq:503 “Allah saw what was in their hearts [what they coveted] so he rewarded them with victory and with as much spoil as they could take. Allah promised that they would soon capture a great deal of booty.”
Ishaq:508/Tabari VIII:91 “Abu Jandal, Suhayl’s son, escaped and joined Abu Basir. Nearly seventy Muslim men gathered around them and they harassed the Quraysh. Whenever they heard of a Meccan caravan setting out for Syria, they intercepted it, and killed everyone they could get a hold of. They tore every caravan to pieces and took the goods.”
Tabari VIII:93 “According to Waqidi, in this month, the Messenger sent out Ukkashah with forty men to raid Ghamr. He traveled quickly, but the enemy became aware and fled. He sent out scouts and they captured a spy who guided them to some of their cattle. They took two hundred head back to Medina.”
Tabari IX:28 “The Muslims were concerned. They did not want to give up their share. So Muhammad said, ‘He who holds a share of these captives shall get six camels for every slave from the next booty we take.’ So the Muslims returned the women and children captives.”
Qur’an 4:94 “Believers, when you go abroad to fight wars in Allah’s Cause, investigate carefully, and say not to anyone who greets you: ‘You are not a believer!’ Coveting the chance profits of this life (so that you may despoil him). With Allah are plenteous spoils and booty.”

My response:

First of all, as I proved in my previous rebuttals, the Al-Tabari and Ibn-Ishaq and other sources are extremely doubtful and unauthenticated.  Most Muslim scholars today firmly and strongly believe in this.  Not that the hadiths above are bad or anything, but as most Muslim Scholars agree, we Muslims can't take them as absolute Truth or accurate information.  Much of these volumes are either corrupt or taken out of context.  Again, this is according to the Muslims scholars.  This is why these volumes are considered "unauthenticated".

Also visit:  What parts of the Bible and Hadiths do Muslims believe are closest to the Truth, and Why?

Now, Craig Winn has focused on four points:

1-  Slavery in general and enslaving people.  ISLAM CAME TO END SLAVERY as you will shortly see!

2-  The booty of war.

3-  The Jews' battles with the Muslims, and their status in the Bible and Islam.

4-  Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, getting 1/5 of the booty.  See the following note:

Very Important Note on POINT #4 above:

The Prophet's 20% share was for ALLAH ALMIGHTY, HIM AND THE POOR!!  This is clearly laid out in the Noble Quran!

The Prophet was known to be very poor and extremely generous who used to feed and give the poor until everything gets emptied from his home!!

For point #1:

As we've seen above, the Bible commands its followers to not only keep the slaves, but also inherit them to their children.  Now in regards to Islam, it is important for the reader to know that in Islam, slaves are allowed to gain their freedom from their Muslim masters.  All they have to do is request their freedom:

"Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them),  (The Noble Quran, 24:33)"

Narrated Al-Ma'rur: "At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, "I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names." The Prophet said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.'  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29)"

Also, Islam came to eventually and GRADUALLY end the Judeo-Christian and Pagan slavery:

Let us look at Noble Verse 2:177 "It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing."  In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty orders Muslims to spend from their money and wealth and to give with love and respect the kin, orphans, the needy, the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for slaves.  Muslims have to help those who need it in their community. 

Let us look at Noble Verse 2:221 "Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But God beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise."  In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty in some cases considers a slave to be better than a free human being.  Allah Almighty orders Muslims not to marry from the Pagans, and He tells us that a slave Muslim (who is owned by a non Muslim) is better than a non believer, even if that non believer was beautiful.

Let us look at Noble Verse 24:31 "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the  slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss."  In this Noble Verse, we see that Allah Almighty orders the Muslim women to guard their modesty and not to display their beauty to strangers.  However, the Muslim women are allowed to display their beauty to their husbands, relatives, other women, and their slaves.  This Noble Verse clearly shows a full respect to the slaves by allowing the Muslim women to display their beauty to them.

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari:  "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)."  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"

Narrated Asma: "No doubt the Prophet ordered people to manumit slaves during the solar eclipse.  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Eclipses, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 163)"

"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free.  (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"

For a lot more a lot more proofs and elaborations, please visit:

Islam and the ending of the Judeo-Christian and Pagan slavery.

For point #2:

For the booty of war, it was only normal and natural to have booty after every battle.   Wars were imposed upon the Muslims.  The Muslims never asked to fight the 365 pagan Arab tribes.  Also, Allah Almighty clearly Commanded the Muslims to be peaceful to the peaceful non-Muslims:

"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.  (The Noble Quran, 2:190)"

"But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in God: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).  (The Noble Quran, 8:61)"


"If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear God, the cherisher of the worlds.  (The Noble Quran, 5:28)"

The reason for "Jihad" Noble Verses:

The so-called "Jihad" Noble Verses came for specific times and places.  They don't apply for all times and everybody!  I can't slay you, a non-Muslim, just because you're not a Muslim.  The pagan Arabs were very hostile people and only knew the sword as an answer.  Many wars were imposed upon the Muslims, and thus, it is only normal and natural to find Noble Verses that deal with these specific hostile situations.  But the Message of the Noble Quran is PEACE, as clearly proven in Noble Verses 2:190, 8:61 and 5:28 above.

From www.answering-christianity.com/by_the_sword.htm:

About Islam:

Islam is not a religion of arms and swords!  When Allah Almighty revealed the Noble Quran to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, and Muhammad became the Messenger of GOD Almighty, Muhammad had to spread Islam to 365 Pagan Arab Tribes.  These tribes showed so much hostility toward the Muslims and Islam, and have imposed so many battles against the Muslims. 

Later, when Islam was the religion of what we call today Saudi Arabia, and the 365 Pagan Arab tribes mostly converted to Islam, the Muslims had to yet face another type of challenge.

The Nuclear Soviet Union and the United States of America of our days were the Great Empires of the Christian Romans and the Pagan Persians.  If you know geography and history well enough, then you would see that the Muslims were trapped between those two big Super Powers.

Hostility and Battles from those two Empires were imposed upon the Muslims.  For instance, when our Prophet peace be upon him sent his messenger to "Kisrah", the Emperor of Persia, introducing Islam to him, Kisrah ordered for the Muslims' Messenger to be executed!

Back then, like today, this was considered a coward act.  It was the Persians who showed the hostility toward the Muslims and declared the many battles against Islam.

The Christian Romans weren't any better.  For instance, in one of their many battles against the Muslims is when they saw the threat to their religion in the Middle East, the King "Herucl", sent out an army of 100,000 men and ordered them to go to "Madina" in what we call today Saudi Arabia to destroy Islam once and for all.

The Muslims were not stable yet at that time, and they only sent out an army of 3,000 men at that time to drive the Christian Romans away from Madina.  The battle was named "The battle of Mo'ta" and it took place in Mo'ta, Jordan today.

The Muslims' plan was to meet the Christian Romans far away from Madina, and to have them stray away from Madina.  The army of 3,000 men was successful enough to fight the Christian Romans for few days and then to pull away from the battle and headed South of Jordan.  The Romans strayed away from Madina and the small army of the Muslims was able to run away through the mountains.  More than half of the 3,000 Muslims however were killed in this operation.

The point is that Islam didn't spread by sword with much choice.  The wars were imposed upon the Muslims. The Muslims didn't ask for those wars. 

Islam is a Religion of Love and Peace and Forgiveness [1] [2] [3] [4] [5].

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him never took any personal revenge from anyone.

What does the Qu'ran say about violence?  Why does the Noble Quran contain Verses that command the Muslims to fight?  See the justified and good reasons behind it.

For point #3:

Now according to the Bible itself, most Jews are people of evil, lies and worst of all, betrayal.  Let us look at what the Bible also says about them:

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  (From the KJV Bible, Matthew 23:37)"

"Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.  (From the KJV Bible, Matthew 21:43)"

"You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot say, 'Yes, I knew of them.'  You have neither heard nor understood; from of old your ear has not been open. Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth.  For my own name's sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off.  (From the NIV Bible, Isaiah 48:6-9)"

"So I will disgrace the dignitaries of your temple, and I will consign Jacob to destruction and Israel to scorn.  (From the NIV Bible, Isaiah 43:28)"

"But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.  (From the NIV Bible, Isaiah 50:11)"

Further more from www.answering-christianity.com/bible_quran_differences.htm:

The Bible gives ample evidence of their blasphemy to GOD Almighty.  You can read in full details the following Biblical books:

Exodus 32 -  They built their golden calf god using their jewelry.

Exodus 34 -  The Jews are hard-headed people who don't listen.

Deuteronomy 31 - Moses is concerned about the Jews' future after his death because they are constantly rebellious against the Holy Words and Law of GOD Almighty.

Here are some sample verses from the chapters above:

Exodus 32
1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."

Exodus 32
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.
8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'
9 "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.

Exodus 34
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 "O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance."

Deuteronomy 31
25 he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD :
26 "Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.
27 For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the LORD while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die!
28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to testify against them.
29 For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall upon you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD and provoke him to anger by what your hands have made."

Numbers 16
12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, "We will not come!
13 Isn't it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord it over us?
14 Moreover, you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!"

Numbers 14
10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites.
11 The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?
12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they."

Numbers 14
22 not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times-
23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.
24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

Numbers 16
29 If these men die a natural death and experience only what usually happens to men, then the LORD has not sent me.
30 But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt."
31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart

Note:   I believe this is where they were transformed into apes and swines according to the Noble Quran.  The earth probably never opened up and swallowed them.  Or may be it did after they were shown to everyone.  Only Allah Almighty Knows about the exact timing.

The Noble Quran is clear about the Jews.  Some of them are Great people, and most of them are evil ones:

From www.answering-christianity.com/blessed_jesus.htm:

What is the place of the Jews and Christians in Islam?

According to Islam, the righteous people from the Jews and Christians will have their Great Reward from Allah Almighty and will enter Paradise.  Let us look at the following Noble Verses:

"And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book [Jews and Christians], those who believe in God, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to God: They will not sell the Signs of God for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and God is swift in account.   (The Noble Quran, 3:199)"

"Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.  They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.  (The Noble Quran, 3:113-114)"

"Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.  (The Noble Quran, 2:62)"

"Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to God and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.  (The Noble Quran, 2:112)"

"Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.  (The Noble Quran, 2:277)"

The Righteous and Beloved Jews in the Noble Quran:

"Of the people of Moses (i.e., the Jews) there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth.  (The Noble Quran, 7:159)"

The above Noble Verses clearly speak about the righteous Jews and Christians who believe in Allah Almighty and do righteousness and will have their Great Reward and enter Paradise.

However, according to Allah Almighty, from among the people of the Book, most of the ones who will gain Paradise are Christians; few of them are Jews.   Let us look at the following Noble Verses:

"Strongest among men in enmity to the believers [Muslims] wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, 'We are Christians': because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. (The Noble Quran, 5:82)" 

"The Jews say: 'God's hand is tied up.' Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from God increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, God doth extinguish it; but they strive to do mischief on earth. And God loveth not those who do mischief. (The Noble Quran, 5:64)"

"But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard; they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor wilt thou cease to find them- barring a few - ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): for God loveth those who are kind. (The Noble Quran, 5:13)"

We must also know that according to Islam most of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) are perverted transgressors, deceiving, in some cases are hypocrites, and most of them are considered Truth rejecters!  Let us look at the following Noble Verses:

"Ye [Muslims] are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in God. If only the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors. (The Noble Quran 3:110)"   

"And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say: 'Produce your proof if ye are truthful.'  (The Noble Quran, 2:111)"

"A section of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians during Prophet Muhammad's time] say: Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers [Muslims], but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back (from Islam).  (The Noble Quran, 3:72)" 

"Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: 'The Guidance of God,-that is the (only) Guidance.' Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against God.  (The Noble Quran, 2:120)"

"They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation).' Say thou: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with God.'  (The Noble Quran, 2:135)"

"They do blaspheme who say:  'Allah is Christ the son of Mary.'  But said Christ: 'O Children of Israel!  Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.'   Whoever joins other gods with Allah - Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode.  There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.  (The Holy Quran, 5:72)"

After the Jews' betrayal to the Prophet peace be upon him, it became necessary to punish them and cleanse them out of the Holy Lands:

From http://www.alminbar.com/khutbaheng/819.htm:

.............

Let us never forget that the Jews fought against the most honourable person and the master of the Prophets and Messengers; our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, until the very last moment of his life, despite the fact that they knew for certain that he was the seal of the Prophets which the Torah and the Bible had mentioned. They also knew for sure that Allaah would grant him victory over them and all other disbelievers; but despite all of this, they still fought, betrayed and deceived him. Moreover, they actually plotted to assassinate him sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and never lowered the banner of war against him.

During the worst and most difficult times of times for the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, at the battle of the trench, while there were armies surrounding Madeenah, the Jews plotted to kill the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his companions from within Madeenah. The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were having a terrible experience during this battle, yet the Jews of Banu Quraydhah (who were one of the Jewish tribes of Madeenah), at this most critical of times, broke the pledge of non-aggression and mutual defence which they given to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

The Jews intimidated the Muslims, which added to their sense of fear and danger of being in Madeenah. Their families were at great risk and had it not been for the mercy of Allaah, the Jews of Banu Quraydhah would have started another front in the war against the Muslims from within, just when the Muslims were at their most vulnerable.

Allaah rendered the Jews plans as futile as well as those of the confederate tribes who had surrounded Madeenah. He sent down His angels who cast terror into the hearts of the confederates and they withdrew, leaving the Jews of Banu Quraydhah alone with no support. 

When the battle was over, the Muslim army and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam went back to their homes. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam then took off his armour and began to have a wash when the angel Jibreel, peace be upon him, came to him and said: “O Messenger of Allaah! You have taken off your armour, but I swear by Allaah that the angels have not yet put down their weapons, go to them” (and he pointed in the direction of Banu Quraydhah). Thereupon, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam instructed an envoy to command the Muslim army to go to attack Banu Quraydhah by proclaiming: “None of you should pray ‘Asr until they are within the territory of Banu Quraydhah.” After this, the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam set out with his army of believers who numbered close to three-thousand mujaahideen.

Banu Quraydhah were surrounded and blockaded for more than twenty nights until they offered to surrender on the condition that Sa’d Ibn Mu’aadh, may Allaah be pleased with him, would act as an arbiter in their case. They asked for this because he, may Allaah be pleased with him, was from the tribe of Aws who were their allies before Islaam and therefore they hoped that he would give a biased judgement in their favour. Also, they refused the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam as a judge because they where afraid of the consequences of his judgement.

So the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam sent for Sa’d, who was injured during the battle and therefore had to be carried. The judgement of Sa’d was that all their men should be beheaded, their properties be seized and distributed among the Muslims and that their women and offspring be held captive. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allaah exclaimed: “Allaahu Akbar! O Sa’d! You have judged by the command of Allaah.”

Indeed, this is the judgment of Allaah with regard to the Jews who are the people of betrayal, deception, evil and corruption; the people who exhibited these repugnant characteristics even with the most honourable of the creations of Allaah; His Prophets and Messengers.

.............

From http://www.islamic-message.net/English/Books/lopm/chptr21.htm:

THE BATTLE OF THE TRENCH

           WHEN the Prophet (Pbuh) first arrived in Medina, the Jews whowere living there had welcomed him. The Prophet (Pbuh) had returned their greeting, as he wished to be on good terms with them. An agreement was also reached between the Muslims and the Jews, which gave the Jews the freedom to practice their religion andwhich also set out their rights and their duties. Among these duties was that in the case of war with Quraysh, the Jews would fight on the side of the Muslims.

            Despite this agreement, however, some of the Jewish tribes, who resented the Prophet's presence in Medina, soon began to cause trouble amongst the Muslims. They tried to set the Muslim Emigrants from Mecca and the Ansar against each other. The troublemakers were given many warnings but they continued to be a nuisance. In the end, the Muslims had no choice but to drive them from Medina. A new agreement was offered those Jews who remained but the trouble did not end there. One of the Jewish tribes, the Bani Nadir plotted to murder the Prophet (Pbuh) but their plan was discovered and they, too, were exiled from the city. Knowing that they could not defeat the Muslims themselves, some of the leaders of the exiled Jews secretly went to Mecca to enlist the help of Quraysh. Knowing what the Meccans would like to hear, they pretended to believe in the same things. They said that they thought that the old Arab tradition was better than the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and that they believed that the Quraysh religion of worshipping many idols was better than the Prophet's with only one God. Then the Jews told them that if all the Arab tribes attacked Medina, the Jews inside the city would help to defeat the Prophet (Pbuh) and Islam once and for all.

            The leaders of Quraysh were pleased to hear all this and seizing on what seemed to them a very good opportunity, agreed to the plan and began to gather together a formidable army. In the meantime in Medina, only one Jewish tribe, the Bani Quraydhah, refused to betray the Muslims.

            Eventually the Muslims learned of the preparations being made for war in Mecca and of the plotting of the Jews within Medina itself. The betrayal of the Muslims by the Jews did not surprise the Prophet (Pbuh), who said of them: 'The hearts of the Jews have become closed to the truth. They have forgotten what Muses taught them long ago that there is only one God.'

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 The likeness of those who are entrusted with the

Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books.

Evil is the likeness of the people who deny the revelations of Allah. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.

(Koran lxii.5)

           The Muslims wondered how they could defend Medina. They heard that Abu Sufyan was coming to attack them with an enormous army which included many other Arab tribes, as well as Quraysh. What were theyto do with only a single week to prepare? The Prophet (Pbuh) and his men knew that it would be impossible for them to fight off all these tribes! The only thing they could do was to stay inside the city and try to defend it as best they could.

            Now among the people of Medina was a Persian named Salman, who had to live in the city some time before the Prophet's arrival there. As a convert to Christianity he had traveled to Medina after Christian sages had told him that a Prophet would be born in Arabia. On arriving in Medina he was, however, sold into slavery by the merchants with whom he had traveled. Later he became a Muslim, gained his freedom and became a member of the Prophet's household.

            When the people gathered to discuss a plan of action against the approaching enemy, Salman was present and it was he who suggested that they should dig a trench around the city. The Prophet (Pbuh) thought this a good idea, so the Muslims set to work, although it was in the middle of winter. They worked day and night, digging the trench as quickly as possible. The Prophet (Pbuh) himself carried rocks and when the men were tired he gave them the will to carry on. Someone later recalled how beautiful he looked, dressed in a red cloak with dust upon his breast and his dark hair nearly reaching his shoulders.

            There was little food at this time and the men were often hungry as they worked. On one occasion, however, a little girl gave some dates to the Prophet (Pbuh), which he spread out on a cloth. The men were then called to eat and the dates kept increasing in number until everyone had been fed. Even after everyone had eaten their fill, the dates continued to increase so that there were more than the cloth could hold.

            Similarly, there is the story of the lamb, that has come down to us from one who was there: 'We worked with the Apostle at the trench. I had a half-grown lamb and I thought it would be a good thing to cook it for Allah's Messenger. I told my wife to grind barley and make some bread for us. I killed the lamb and we roasted it for the Prophet (Pbuh). When night fell and he was about to leave the trench, I told him we had prepared bread and meat and invited him to our home. I wanted him to come on his own, but when I said this he sent someone to call all the men to come along. Everyone arrived and the food was served. He blessed it and invoked the Name of Allah over it. Then he ate and so did all of the others. As soon as one lot were satisfied, another group came until all the diggers had eaten enough, but still there was food to spare.

            On March 24, 627 A.D., Abu Sufyan arrived with more than ten thousand men. The Muslims numbered only three thousand. Quraysh and their allies surrounded Medina but between the two armies was the long, wide trench. The Prophet (pbuh) and his men stayed behind this trench for nearly a month defending the city against their more powerful enemy. Many times warriors tried to cross the trench and enter the city, but each time they were pushed back by the Muslims. The Muslims were afraid that if any did manage to cross over, the Jews inside Medina would join forces with them and the Muslims would be beaten. The Jewish tribe of Bani Quraydhah, who had stood by the agreement with the Muslims, were pressed by a Jewish emissary from the enemy without, to break their promise. Eventually they agreed to do so and when the news of this reached the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions they were greatly troubled. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, the leader of the tribe of Aws, was sent by the Prophet (pbuh) with two other men to find out if this were true. When they arrived in the part of Medina where the Jews lived, they found were even worse than they had previously thought. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, whose tribe was closely allied with the Bani Quraydhah, tried to persuade their leader not to break the treaty with the Muslims, but he refused to listen. This meant that the Muslims could not relax their guard for one moment, for they were now threatened not only by the enemy beyond the trench, but by the Bani Qurayzah, within the walls of the city.

            Things became more difficult for the Muslims day by day. It was extremely cold and food began to run out. To make matters worse, the Bani Qurayzah began openly and actively to join forces with the other Jews and cut off all supplies to the Muslims, including food. The enemies of Islam then planned how to capture Medina.

            The situation looked desperate and the Prophet (pbuh) prayed to Allah to help the Muslims defeat their enemies. That very night a sandstorm blew up which buried the tents of Quraysh. The storm continued for three days and three nights making it impossible for the enemy to light a fire to cook a meal or warm themselves by.

            On one of these dark nights the Prophet (pbuh) asked one of his men, Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, to go on a dangerous mission. The Prophet (pbuh) told him to make his way across the trench to the enemy camp where he should find out what they were doing.

            With much difficulty Hudhayfah crossed the trench and made his way to a circle of Quraysh warriors talking in the darkness. He sat near them, but as there was no fire, no one noticed him. He then heard Abu Sufyan's voice: 'Let us go hom!' he said. 'We have had enough. The horses and camels are dying, the tents keep blowing away, most of the equipment has been lost, and we can not cook our food. There is no reason to stay!' Shortly after hearing this Hudhayfah made his way quickly and quietly back across the trench and the next morning the Muslims rejoiced to find that what he had overheard had come true-Quraysh and their allies had gone away! The siege of Medina had ended in a great victory for Islam.

            But this was not to be the end of the difficulties, for the Archangel Gabriel came to the Prophet (pbuh) and told him that he should punish the Bani Qurayzah for betraying him and the Muslims. On hearing this, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered the Muslims to march against the Bani Qurayzah as they hid in their fortress. The Muslims besieged them for twenty-five days until they finally gave in. On surrendering, they asked the Prophet (pbuh) to let someone judge their case, and he agreed. He also allowed them to choose who would give the ruling.

            The man chosen to judge the Bani Qurayzah was Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, leader of the Aws, a tribe which had always protected Bani Qurayzah in the past. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh who had himself been wounded in the battle, decided that the Jews should be tried by their own Holy Law, according to which anyone who broke a treaty would be put to death. As a result all the men of the Bani Qurayzah were executed and the women and children made captive.

            If the Jews had succeeded in their pact, Islam would have been destroyed. Instead from that day on, Medina became a city where only Muslims lived. Very soon after peace had been restored to Medina, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh died of his wounds. It was said that the Archangel Gabriel came in the middle of that night and said to the Prophet (pbuh) 'O Muhammad, who is this dead man? When he arrived, the doors of heaven opened and the Throne of Allah shook.' The Prophet (pbuh) got up as soon as he heard this, but found that Sa'd was already dead. Although he had been a heavy man, the men who carried his body to the grave found it quite light. They were told that the angels were helping them. When he was buried, the Prophet (pbuh) said three times 'Subhan Allah!' (Glory be to Allah!), and 'Allahu Akbar!' (Allah is Most Great!). When asked why he did this, he replied, 'The grave was tight for this good man, until Allah eased it for him.' This is one of the rewards that Allah gives to martyrs and good Muslims.

For point #4:

The Prophet's 20% share was for ALLAH ALMIGHTY, HIM AND THE POOR!!  This is clearly laid out in the Noble Quran:

The Prophet was known to be very poor and extremely generous who used to feed and give the poor until everything gets emptied from his home!!

From Did Prophet Muhammad really take 20% of all of the Muslims' booty gains?:

Did Prophet Muhammad really take 20% of all of the Muslims' booty gains?

The sections of this article are:

1-  Did Prophet Muhammad really take 20% of all of the Muslims' booty gains?
2-  So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?
      - Prophet Muhammad was extremely generous.
      - Prophet Muhammad and the freeing of the Slaves.
3-  Who were the "near relatives" of the Prophet?
4-  So how much did the Prophet's "near relatives" get? and why?
      - The Prophet proved himself to be fair and just, even if its against his relatives!
5-  Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give.
6-  Would Noble Verse 8:41 apply to the Commander's "near relatives" today?
7-  So what punishment does Allah Almighty have for those who keep their wealth
      without spending some of it on Islamic duties?
8-  Conclusion.

Let us look at the following Noble Verses from the Noble Quran:

"They ask thee concerning (Things taken as) spoils of war. Say: '(Such) spoils are At the disposal of Allah And the Messenger: so fear Allah, and keep straight The relations between yourselves: Obey Allah and His Messenger, If ye do believe.  (The Noble Quran, 8:1)"

"And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God,- and to the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in God and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For God hath power over all things.  (The Noble Quran, 8:41)"

"Booty taken in a lawful and just war does not belong to any individual.  If he fought for such accessory rewards, he fought from wrong motives.  It belongs to the Cause, in this case the Cause of Allah, as administered by His Messenger.  Any portion given out to individuals are accessory gifts, windfalls from the bounty of the Commander.  The chief thing is to remain staunch to the Cause of Allah, and have no differences among those who stand for the Cause.  Our internal relations must be kept straight: they must not be disturbed by cupidity or worldly considerations of gain, for any windfalls of this kind should be outside our calculations." [2]

"The rule is that a fifth share is set apart for the Imam (the Commander) and the rest is divided among the forces.  The fifth share reserved is expressed to be for Allah and the Prophet, and for charitable purposes for those to whom charity is due.   Ultimately everything is at the disposal of Allah and His Prophet: (Noble Verse) 8:1: but four-fifths are divided, and only one-fifth is retained for the special purposes.   The Imam has discretion as to the mode of division.  In the Prophet's lifetime a certain portion was assigned to him and his near relatives." [3]

"As regards booty taken in battle, the first point to note is that that should never be our aim in war.  It is only an adventitious circumstance, a sort of windfall.  Secondly, no soldier or troop has any inherent right to it.  A righteous war is a community affair, and any accessions resulting from it belong to Allah, or the community or Cause.  Thirdly, certain equitable principles of division should be laid down to check human greed and selfishness.  A fifth share goes to the Commander, and he can use it at his discretion; for his own expenses, and for the relief of the poor and suffering, and the orphans and widows (8:41).  The remainder was divided, according to the Prophet's practice, not only among those who were actually in the fight physically, but all who were in the enterprise, young and old, provided they loyally did some duty assigned to them.  fourthly, there should be no disputes, as they interfere with internal discipline and harmony.

These principles are followed in the best modern practice of civilized nations.   All acquisitions of war belong absolutely to the Sovereign as representing the commonwealth.  In the distribution of booty not only the actual captors but also the "joint captors" and the "constructive captors" share.  See Sir R. Phillimore's International Law (1885), vol. 3, pp. 209-10, 221-24." [4]

So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?

In this section we will see where the Prophet peace be upon him spent his money.  Allah Almighty resents those who withhold their wealth from helping in defending Islam and their brethrens:

"When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in God and to strive and fight along with His Apostle, those with wealth and influence among them ask thee for exemption, and say: 'Leave us (behind): we would be with those who sit (at home).'  They prefer to be with (the women) Who remain behind (at home): Their hearts are sealed And so they understand not.  But the Apostle, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is they who will prosper.  (The Noble Quran, 9:86-88)"

"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.  (The Noble Quran, 2:177)"

"They ask thee What they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever Ye spend that is good, Is for parents and kindred And orphans And those in want And for wayfarers. And whatever ye do That is good -- Allah Knoweth it well.   (The Noble Quran, 2:215)"

"(Their bearings) on This life and the Hereafter. They ask thee Concerning orphans. Say: 'The best thing to do Is what is for their good; If ye mix Their affairs with yours, They are your brethren; But Allah knows The man who means mischief From the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you Into difficulties: he is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise.  (The Noble Quran, 2:220)"

"But if at the time of a division Other relatives, or orphans, Or poor, are present, Feed them out of the (property), And speak to them Words of kindness and justice.  (The Noble Quran, 4:8)"

"Serve Allah, and join not Any partners with Him; And do good -- To parents, kinsfolk, Orphans, those in need, Neighbours who are near, Neighbours who are strangers, The Companion by your side, The wayfarer (ye meet), And what your right hands posses: For Allah loveth not The arrogant, the vainglorious.   (The Noble Quran, 4:36)"

"It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness - these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied Reward for their deeds, while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high!  (The Noble Quran, 34:37)"

"Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification, And have in their minds No favour from anyone For which a reward Is expected in return, But only the desire To seek for the Countenance Of their Lord Most High; And soon will they Attain (complete) satisfaction.  (The Noble Quran, 92:18-21)"

Prophet Muhammad was extremely generous:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:  "Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Revelation, Volume 1, Book 1, Number 5)"

Narrated Ibn Abbas:  "The Prophet was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur'an with him. Allah's Apostle then used to be more generous than the fast wind.  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 754)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "Allah's Apostle said, The example of a miser and a generous person is like that of two persons wearing iron cloaks from the breast up to the neck When the generous person spends, the iron cloak enlarges and spread over his skin so much so that it covers his fingertips and obliterates his tracks. As for the miser, as soon as he thinks of spending every ring of the iron cloak sticks to its place (against his body) and he tries to expand it, but it does not expand. The Prophet pointed with his hand towards his throat.  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Divorce, Volume 7, Book 63, Number 219i)"

Narrated AbuSalamah ; AbuHurayrah:  "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The believer is simple and generous, but the profligate is deceitful and ignoble.  (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab), Book 41, Number 4772)"

Prophet Muhammad and the freeing of the Slaves:

"Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them),  (The Noble Quran, 24:33)"

"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free.  (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"

As we clearly see from the above Noble Verses, that Allah Almighty loves for the Muslims to spend from their wealth on charity and helping the orphans and the needy.   We also see from above the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was extremely generous and always giving and forgiving.  It is also important to know that Allah Almighty commands us to not only grant the slave his freedom when he/she request it, but we must also give them money to help them to get a good start in their free life.

I must remind the reader that the money we're talking about here is not the general money of the Islamic State, because the general money of the Islamic State that comes mainly from the Zakah and Jizyah (2.5% of the person's annual income paid for taxes) is mainly dedicated for covering the society's welfare system.  This money today would also go for building the infrastructure of the State and for improving the Educational institutions as well.

Please visit The liberation of slaves in Islam.

Who were the "near relatives" of the Prophet?

They are the "People of the House", whom were (1) the wives of the Prophet peace be upon him; (2) his cousin and fourth Caliph and son in law, Ali bin Abi-Talib; (3) Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter; and (4) the Prophet's two grand sons, Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein.

The Prophet's wives had special Islamic responsibilities and duties:

" 28. O Prophet! say To thy Consorts: 'If it be that ye desire The life of this world, And its glitter, -- then come! I will provide for your Enjoyment and set you free In a handsome manner.

29. But if ye seek Allah And His Messenger, and The Home of the Hereafter, Verily Allah has prepared For the well-doers amongst you A great reward.

30. O Consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty Of evident unseemly conduct, The Punishment would be Doubled to her, and that Is easy for Allah.

31. But if any of you that is Devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger, And works righteousness -- To her shall We grant Her reward twice: and We have prepared for her A generous Sustenance.

32. O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any Of the (other) women: If ye do fear (Allah), Be not too complaisant Of speech, lest one In whose heart is A disease should be moved With desire: but speak ye A speech (that is) just.

33. And stay quietly in Your houses, and make not A dazzling display, like That of the former Times Of Ignorance: and establish Regular Prayer, and give Regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger.  And Allah only wishes To remove all abomination From you, ye Members Of the Family, and to make You pure and spotless.

34. And recite what is Rehearsed to you in your Homes, of the Signs of Allah And His Wisdom: For Allah understands The finest mysteries and Is well-acquainted (with them).  (The Noble Quran, 33:28-34)"

One quick note before I elaborate on the Noble Verses is that in Noble Verse 33:33, it says "ye Members Of the Family".  This is a mistranslation because in Arabic it says "Ahla Al-Bayt", which literally means "People of the Home" or "People of the House", which is referring to the "People of the House of the Prophet".

Anyway, it is important to know that the Prophet's wives were called "The Mothers of the Muslims", because they were literally like the Mothers of the Muslims:

"The Prophet is closer To the Believers than Their own selves, And his wives are Their mothers.  Blood-relations Among each other have Closer personal ties, In the Decree of Allah, Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs (i.e., those Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Madina escaping the tortures of the Pagans): Nevertheless do ye What is just to your Closest friends: such is The writing of the Decree (Of Allah).  (The Noble Quran, 33:6)"

The Prophet's wives, who were all of the Muslims' mothers, were responsible for teaching Islam, especially to the females and the kids, keep the documentation of the Noble Quran safe, pay Charity and help the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers, and be the best role models to all women.   That is why Allah Almighty told the wives of the Prophet: "O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any Of the (other) women...".  Also, another reason why Allah Almighty considered them different than any other women is because He prohibited for them to marry any person after the Prophet's death.

So how much did the Prophet's "near relatives" get? and why?

There is no Islamic documentation or doctrine that expressly claims how much they got.   It was known however that the Prophet peace be upon him was not a rich person.   In fact, he was known to be poor.  He was a very simple person.  His clothes were not of expensive quality, and his job was mainly farming, and grazing his cattles.  His house wasn't also that big either, and it wasn't isolated from everyone else, nor did he have any special security on it.

Please read the "Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give" section below to see how the Prophet peace be upon him never really cared to save much for himself or his family.

I was taught in school in the Middle East in school about one of Prophet Muhammad's famous stories, about one of neighbors was a Jew, and this person used to every morning throw his garbage at the door step of the Prophet's home.  The Prophet would then pick it up and throw it in the disposal area along with his personal trash.  One morning the Prophet didn't see any garbage on his door step and he didn't really care much about it.  The next morning same thing and so on, until a week passed by without any garbage being put on the Prophet's door step.  So our Prophet went to that Jewish neighbor and paid him a visit to check on him.  The Jewish neighbor was sick and he was in bed.  Our Prophet then started taking care of his Jewish neighbor and the Jewish very soon embraced Islam because of our beloved Prophet's high morals.

The point of the story is that Prophet Muhammad was very ordinary.  He wasn't rich nor was he treated with any special security by anyone.  He spent his wealth on good Islamic causes and he was the best role model for everyone.

His only cousin and son in law and the fourth Islamic Caliph, Ali bin Abi-Talib was also very poor.  I was also taught in school in the Middle East when I was young about Ali's famous story, where he used to in so many occasions give to the hungry wayfarers and the needy the food of his family (Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter and their two sons: Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein) during the Fasting Month of Ramadan and leave them with very little food to eat, after a very long day of food and drink depravation from fasting.

The point of this story also is that Ali who was  a "near relative" of the Prophet was also poor and spent most of his money on good Islamic causes. 

So the Prophet's "near relatives" didn't really benefit much from any booty distributions, because they were all (wives, daughter, son in law and the two grand sons) busy spending their money on good Islamic causes.  They were indeed the best Role Models to all Muslims, because Allah Almighty removed "all abomination from you, ye Members Of the Family....(33:33)", or Members of the House as I explained in the "Who were the "near relatives" of the Prophet?" section above.

As to why the Prophet's relatives received a portion of the booty money is because they are from the "People of the House", and they were the Role Models for all Muslims in charity giving, generosity, etc...  I believe that Allah Almighty wanted to give the near relatives of Prophet Muhammad the opportunity to guide the Muslims, especially after He the Almighty removed all abomination from them.

Again, I must remind the reader that the money we're talking about here is not the general money of the Islamic State, because the general money of the Islamic State that comes mainly from the Zakah and Jizyah (2.5% of the person's annual income paid for taxes) is mainly dedicated for covering the society's welfare system.  This money today would also go for building the infrastructure of the State and for improving the Educational institutions as well.

The Prophet proved himself to be fair and just, even if its against his relatives!

Let us look at one from the many situations where Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him proved himself to be unbiased, just and fair:

Narrated 'Urwa:  "Az-Zubair quarrelled with a man from the Ansar because of a natural mountainous stream at Al-Harra. The Prophet said "O Zubair! Irrigate (your lands and the let the water flow to your neighbor The Ansar said, "O Allah's Apostle (This is because) he (Zubair) is your cousin?" At that, the Prophet's face became red (with anger) and he said "O Zubair! Irrigate (your land) and then withhold the water till it fills the land up to the walls and then let it flow to your neighbor." So the Prophet enabled Az-Zubair to take his full right after the Ansari provoked his anger. The Prophet had previously given a order that was in favor of both of them Az-Zubair said, "I don't think but the Verse was revealed in this connection: "But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them." (4.6).  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 109)"

Not only did the Prophet peace be upon him not favor his cousin unjustly, but he also commanded the Muslims through this incident to look after and care for their neighbors.   Your neighbor does have rights upon you.

Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give:

Narrated Abu 'Uthman:  " 'Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr said, "The Suffa Companions were poor people and the Prophet said, 'Whoever has food for two persons should take a third one from them (Suffa companions). And whosoever has food for four persons he should take one or two from them' Abu Bakr took three men and the Prophet took ten of them." 

'Abdur Rahman added, my father my mother and I were there (in the house). (The sub-narrator is in doubt whether 'Abdur Rahman also said, 'My wife and our servant who was common for both my house and Abu Bakr's house). Abu Bakr took his supper with the Prophet and remained there till the 'Isha' prayer was offered. Abu Bakr went back and stayed with the Prophet till the Prophet took his meal and then Abu Bakr returned to his house after a long portion of the night had passed. Abu Bakr's wife said, 'What detained you from your guests (or guest)?' He said, 'Have you not served them yet?' She said, 'They refused to eat until you come. The food was served for them but they refused." 'Abdur Rahman added, "I went away and hid myself (being afraid of Abu Bakr) and in the meantime he (Abu Bakr) called me, 'O Ghunthar (a harsh word)!' and also called me bad names and abused me and then said (to his family), 'Eat. No welcome for you.' Then (the supper was served). Abu Bakr took an oath that he would not eat that food. The narrator added: By Allah, whenever any one of us (myself and the guests of Suffa companions) took anything from the food, it increased from underneath. We all ate to our fill and the food was more than it was before its serving.

Abu Bakr looked at it (the food) and found it as it was before serving or even more than that. He addressed his wife (saying) 'O the sister of Bani Firas! What is this?' She said, 'O the pleasure of my eyes! The food is now three times more than it was before.' Abu Bakr ate from it, and said, 'That (oath) was from Satan' meaning his oath (not to eat). Then he again took a morsel (mouthful) from it and then took the rest of it to the Prophet. So that meal was with the Prophet. There was a treaty between us and some people, and when the period of that treaty had elapsed the Prophet divided us into twelve (groups) (the Prophet's companions) each being headed by a man. Allah knows how many men were under the command of each (leader). So all of them (12 groups of men) ate of that meal."  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Times of the Prayers, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 576)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I am suffering from fatigue and hunger." The Prophet sent (somebody) to his wives (to get something), but the messenger found nothing with them. Then Allah's Apostle said (to his companions). "Isn't there anybody who can entertain this man tonight so that Allah may be merciful to him?" An Ansari man got up and said, "I (will, entertain him), O Allah's Apostle!" So he went to his wife and said to her, "This is the guest of Allah's Apostle, so do not keep anything away from him." She said. "By Allah, I have nothing but the children's food." He said, "When the children ask for their dinner, put them to bed and put out the light; we shall not take our meals tonight," She did so. In the morning the Ansari man went to Allah's Apostle who said, "Allah was pleased with (or He bestowed His Mercy) on so-and-so and his wife (because of their good deed)." Then Allah revealed:  'But give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that.' (59.9).  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 411)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "A man came to the Prophet. The Prophet sent a messenger to his wives (to bring something for that man to eat) but they said that they had nothing except water. Then Allah's Apostle said, "Who will take this (person) or entertain him as a guest?" An Ansar man said, "I." So he took him to his wife and said to her, "Entertain generously the guest of Allah's Apostle " She said, "We have got nothing except the meals of my children." He said, "Prepare your meal, light your lamp and let your children sleep if they ask for supper." So she prepared her meal, lighted her lamp and made her children sleep, and then stood up pretending to mend her lamp, but she put it off. Then both of them pretended to be eating, but they really went to bed hungry. In the morning the Ansari went to Allah's Apostle who said, "Tonight Allah laughed or wondered at your action." Then Allah revealed:  "But give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that And whosoever is saved from the covetousness Such are they who will be successful." (59.9).  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar), Volume 5, Book 58, Number 142)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "By Allah except Whom none has the right to- be worshipped, (sometimes) I used to lay (sleep) on the ground on my liver (abdomen) because of hunger, and (sometimes) I used to bind a stone over my belly because of hunger. One day I sat by the way from where they (the Prophet and h is companions) used to come out. When Abu Bakr passed by, I asked him about a Verse from Allah's Book and   I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by and did not do so. Then Umar passed by me and I asked him about a Verse from Allah's Book, and I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so. Finally Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet ) passed by me and he smiled when he saw me, for he knew what was in my heart and on my face. He said, "O Aba Hirr (Abu Huraira)!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said to me, "Follow me." He left and I followed him. 

Then he entered the house and I asked permission to enter and was admitted. He found milk in a bowl and said, "From where is this milk?" They said, "It has been presented to you by such-and-such man (or by such and such woman)." He said, "O Aba Hirr!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Go and call the people of Suffa to me." These people of Suffa were the guests of Islam who had no families, nor money, nor anybody to depend upon, and whenever an object of charity was brought to the Prophet , he would send it to them and would not take anything from it, and whenever any present was given to him, he used to send some for them and take some of it for himself. The order off the Prophet upset me, and I said to myself, "How will this little milk be enough for the people of As-Suffa?" thought I was more entitled to drink from that milk in order to strengthen myself, but behold! The Prophet came to order me to give that milk to them. I wondered what will remain of that milk for me, but anyway, I could not but obey Allah and His Apostle so I went to the people of As-Suffa and called them, and they came and asked the Prophet's permission to enter. They were admitted and took their seats in the house.  

The Prophet said, "O Aba-Hirr!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Take it and give it to them." So I took the bowl (of Milk) and started giving it to one man who would drink his fill and return it to me, whereupon I would give it to another man who, in his turn, would drink his fill and return it to me, and I would then offer it to another man who would drink his fill and return it to me. Finally, after the whole group had drunk their fill, I reached the Prophet who took the bowl and put it on his hand, looked at me and smiled and said. "O Aba Hirr!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "There remain you and I." I said, "You have said the truth, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Sit down and drink." I sat down and drank. He said, "Drink," and I drank. He kept on telling me repeatedly to drink, till I said, "No by Allah Who sent you with the Truth, I have no space for it (in my stomach)." He said, "Hand it over to me." When I gave him the bowl, he praised Allah and pronounced Allah's Name on it and drank the remaining milk.  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq), Volume 8, Book 76, Number 459)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "Allah's Apostle said, "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk).  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47)"

Narrated Abu Shuraih Al-Ka'bi:  "Allah's Apostle said, Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously. The guest's reward is: To provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day and a guest is to be entertained with food for three days, and whatever is offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in charity. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long period so as to put him in a critical position."  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 156)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet."  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 158)"

Narrated Abu Huraira:  "The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship (i.e. keep good relation with his Kith and kin); and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quit."  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 160)"

Would Noble Verse 8:41 apply to the Commander's "near relatives" today?

No, because the Noble Verse was talking explicitly about Prophet Muhammad's family.   However, the principle of distributing the 20% of the booty under the Commander's discretion and supervision to the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers in the society would still apply today, because the 20% is for Allah Almighty as mentioned in Noble Verse 8:41.

Again, I must remind the reader that the money we're talking about here is not the general money of the Islamic State, because the general money of the Islamic State that comes mainly from the Zakah and Jizyah (2.5% of the person's annual income paid for taxes) is mainly dedicated for covering the society's welfare system.  This money today would also go for building the infrastructure of the State and for improving the Educational institutions as well.

Anyway, if we divide the 20% by whom Allah Almighty mentioned in Noble Verse 8:41, then we would get six: (1) Allah; (2) Muhammad; (3) the near relatives of the Prophet; (4) the orphans; (5) the needy; and (6) the wayfarers.

This means that the Commander would receive around 16.7% of the 20% of the amount of booty.  This means that he would receive up to approximately 3.5% of the entire amount of the booty.

I personally believe that up to 3.5% of the entire amount of the booty wealth (only) going to the Commander and his family is really not much.  After all, he is the Commander in Chief, who plans and executes everything.  That is his job.

It is also important to know that Allah Almighty commands all Muslims (including the Commander) to spend from their wealth to help orphans, needy and the wayfarers, and to help in the preparation of the military when it is needed.  Please read "So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?" section above for more details.

And for those who withhold from spending from their wealth to fulfill their Islamic duties, Allah Almighty promised them sever punishment as clearly shown in the section below.

So what punishment does Allah Almighty have for those who keep their wealth without spending some of it on Islamic duties?

Let us look at the following Noble Verses:

"On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs - 'This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!'  (The Noble Quran, 9:35)"

"By no means! For it would be The Fire of Hell! -- Plucking out (his being) Right to the skull! -- Inviting (all) such As turn their backs And turn away their faces (From the Right), And collect (wealth) And hide it (from use)! Truly man was created Very impatient -- Fretful when evil Touches him;  (The Noble Quran, 70:15-20)"

It is the duty of every Muslim to spend reasonably from what Allah Almighty gave him from wealth, even if it were small wealth.  Muslims must always set the best example on charity spending and taking care of the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers in the society.  Being cheap and refusing to help your society is not the Islamic way of life.

Conclusion:

The 20% from the spoils of war that was assigned to Allah Almighty, Prophet Muhammad, the near relatives of the Prophet, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers was mostly spent with the Prophet's discretion on charity and helping the orphans and the needy, as well as helping the Muslims' army in preparation for battles when the time came to defend Islam from the Pagans.

It is important to know that the Muslims never started any war.  All of the wars that the Muslims fought were imposed upon them by the enemy:  "Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.  (The Noble Quran, 2:190)"  Fighting in the cause of GOD Almighty those who fight us is what "Jihad" is all about.

Bibliography:

1- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an.
Author:  Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
Published by:  Amana Publications, 10710 Tucker Street, Suite B, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2223 USA.
Telephone:  (301) 595-5777.
Fax:  (301) 595-5888.
ISBN:  0-91597-59-0 (HC).

2- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an [1], foot note #1179, page 414.

3- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an [1], foot note #1209, page 424.

4- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an [1], Introduction to Surah 8, page 413.

Again, look at the inhumane Murders and Terrorism in the Bible by its Prophets:

Back to My Rebuttals, and exposing the lies of the Answering Islam team section.

Rebuttals to Craig Winn - "The Prophet of Doom" book.

Answering Trinity.

Contradictions and History of Corruption in the Bible.

Questions about Jesus that trinitarian Christians don't have logical answers for.

What parts of the Bible do Muslims believe are closest to the Truth? and Why?

"Allah" was GOD Almighty's original Name in the Bible according to the Hebrew and Aramaic sources.

Scientific Miracles in Islam and the Noble Quran.

Most of the Bible's books and gospels were written by mysterious people!

Jesus mentioned Muhammad by the name in the Bible.

Did Isaiah 53 really prophesies about the crucifixion of Jesus? It supports Islam's claims about Jesus peace be upon him never died on the cross.  I also addressed John 19:36-37 from the Bible and proved that Jesus never got crucified, since GOD Almighty promised that he will protect Jesus' body and not let even a single bone be broken.   My question to all Christians is: How in the world is it possible for the feet to get nailed on the cross without any penetration to the bones by the nails, hence breaking part of the feet's bones?! I also added refutations to Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Zechariah 12:10 and Psalm 34:20, which supposedly prove the Christians' belief about Jesus crucifixion.  I proved that this dogma has no truth what so ever and exposed the wrong Trinitarian English translation of Zechariah 12:10.

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