| 26 September 2009
Malik Ibn-Avf was the commander-in-chief of those who fought against Muhammed. In 630, in the War of *Huneyn, also known as *the War of Hevazin, *he was beaten by the Muslims. The War, which took place in Huneyn located between Mekke and Taif Valley, was fought by the Arabian tribes Hevazin and Sakif versus Muslims. Malik Ibn Avf left Huneyn and went to Taif. He was himself an enemy of Islam, but he found the offer which came from the Prophet very interesting. If he agreed to be converted to Islam, all of his properties and his family, who were being kept as *prisoners of war, would be given back to him, and he wouldn’t be punished. What’s more, he would *be given 100 camels. In addition, he would be authorized in the management. He accepted the offer immediately and became a convert to Islam.According to Kamil Miras, translator of Buhari, this offer was an “extraordinary generosity of prophecy.”
But according to Taberi’s interpretation, which is one of the main interpretations, this was absolutely a “bribe.” (Source: Camiu’l-Beyan fi interpretation of Quran c.10, p.141)
The Prophet had said, “May God curse on both those who give and receive bribes.” This time, it was the Prophet himself who gave bribes.
The ones who were bribed: “Müellefetül’l-Kulup”
”Müellefetü’l Kulup”, means the ones whose hearts are filled with affection towards Islam and those whose beliefs are strengthened. After the War of Hevazin, it was thought that it would be beneficial to attract the powerful and dominant characters to Islam. The best way to do this was to give them some of the spoils obtained in wars. After the war, the Muslims had such enormous booty that they had never got before. The booty included;
6000 women,
24000 camels,
40000 sheep and goats,
4000 okiyye (5120 kg) silver.( source: Sahih-i Buhari)
The prophet knew very well which members of the tribe were more effective and more influential.For *, he selected the ones to be bribed.
What do the law men of Islam say about Müellefetü’l Kulup?
According to fakih* of the Maliki sect, these were the infidels who were to be encouraged to become muslim. To some others, these were the ones who were half muslims, but Islam had not taken root firmly enough in their hearts.
It’s apparent that in order to strengthen Islam, the door of bribery was kept open for those who were believed to be able to supply power and support Islam. *Those who were likely to become powerful in their community were allowed to benefit from both the spoils and the “zakat” , that is, obligatory alms.
In order to strengthen Islam, the appropriations which were used by the Prophet to get some people on his side were the spoils, his property and camels, orchards of date palms, lands and the “zakat”. *
Fakih: the one who studies Fıkıh.
Fıkıh: *the deep understanding of words and acts in Islam. So, this is to
* * * * know what is useful and good or what is harmful and bad for his
* * * * religion.
