Instructions:
-
Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
-
Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
-
If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
-
Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
-
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 talk about one of the most important qualities of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): his leadership in resolving disputes. At that time, Arabian society was full of tribal fights and long-lasting feuds. People would argue fiercely, and often these arguments ended in violence. But the Prophet showed us that disputes can be solved with wisdom, fairness, and mercy, and that true leadership is about bringing people together, not dividing them.
Even before Prophethood, he was known for his honesty. A famous example is the dispute over the Black Stone when the Ka‘bah was being rebuilt. The tribes were fighting over who would place the stone in its position. The Prophet (peace be upon him) came up with a simple but brilliant solution: he placed the stone on a cloth, asked every tribe leader to hold the edges, and then he himself put it in place. This way, everyone shared the honor, and the fight was avoided. This story shows his fairness and wisdom even before he became a Prophet.
When he migrated to Madinah, he faced many groups—Muslims, Jews, and other tribes. They often had disputes, and people trusted him to judge fairly. The Constitution of Madinah even made him the final authority in conflicts. What made his leadership special was that he never showed favoritism. For him, everyone was equal in front of Allah. For example, when a woman from a noble family committed theft, some people wanted to reduce her punishment. But the Prophet firmly said, “Even if my own daughter Fatimah stole, I would apply the law.” That’s how committed he was to justice.
At the same time, he encouraged Muslims to solve their differences peacefully. He said reconciliation between people is even better than fasting and charity. Once, after a battle, when the Muhajirun and Ansar argued, he calmed them down by reminding them of their unity as Muslims. He also resolved disputes with Jews and other groups in Madinah. Even they would come to him because they knew he would always be fair.
But the Prophet’s greatness was not only in justice—it was also in forgiveness. The best example is the Conquest of Makkah. After years of persecution, when he finally returned to Makkah with power, instead of punishing his enemies, he forgave them all, saying, “Go, you are free.” That act of mercy turned many enemies into friends and showed that forgiveness can often solve what punishment cannot.
So, to quickly summarize: the Prophet (peace be upon him) solved disputes through fairness, wisdom, justice, and forgiveness. He taught us that no one is above the law, that unity is more important than division, and that mercy can sometimes win more hearts than punishment. His example remains a guide for us today—in our homes, schools, and communities, whenever disagreements arise.
