Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students. Today, we are going to learn about the relationship of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, with Jews and non-Muslims. This is an important topic because it shows us how Islam teaches justice, tolerance, and peaceful living with people of other faiths. The Prophet’s example is like a guide for us on how to live with people who may believe differently from us.
When the Prophet, peace be upon him, migrated to Madinah, there were several Jewish tribes living there, such as Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayzah. At first, the Prophet tried to build cooperation with them. He created the Constitution of Madinah, which said that Jews and Muslims were part of one community. Both had freedom of religion and agreed to defend Madinah together if attacked. This shows how the Prophet encouraged peaceful coexistence. But later, some Jewish tribes broke their promises. For example, Banu Qaynuqa plotted against Muslims, Banu Nadir worked with Quraysh against the Muslims, and Banu Qurayzah betrayed Muslims during the Battle of Khandaq. When these tribes broke the treaties, the Prophet responded firmly and justly. This teaches us that peace and fairness are always encouraged, but betrayal cannot be ignored.
The Prophet’s relationship with Christians was generally friendly and respectful. A good example is when a Christian delegation came from Najran. The Prophet welcomed them, gave them space in his mosque, and even allowed them to pray in their own way. He also sent respectful letters to Christian rulers like the Negus of Abyssinia and the Emperor Heraclius, inviting them to Islam. The Negus showed kindness by protecting Muslim refugees. This shows the Prophet’s attitude — he believed in dialogue, kindness, and respect for other faiths.
As for the polytheists of Makkah, the Prophet suffered years of persecution from them. They mocked him, hurt him, and attacked his followers. But even then, he showed patience and forgiveness. Later, when the Muslims became stronger and conquered Makkah, the Prophet had the chance to take revenge. But instead of punishing them, he forgave them all, saying: “Go, you are free.” Imagine forgiving people who had been cruel to you for years — that is a powerful lesson in mercy and forgiveness.
The key principle behind all these relationships was justice. The Qur’an tells us to treat non-Muslims fairly and kindly as long as they are not fighting us or forcing us out of our homes. The Prophet emphasized this by saying, “Whoever kills a person who has a treaty with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise.” This shows Islam is against injustice and oppression, no matter who it is against.
So, to wrap up: the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, showed us that Muslims should live peacefully with people of other religions. With Jews, he started with fairness but responded firmly when treaties were broken. With Christians, he encouraged dialogue and respect. With the polytheists, he showed patience and forgiveness, especially at the Conquest of Makkah. His life gives us a timeless example of justice, tolerance, and mercy in dealing with others.
