Raymond,
<< Is it true that Muhammad was involved in raiding caravans for his own personal gain?
No it is not true. A nice lie fabricated by Emile against Islam. But since it is against Islam, most will want to believe it. Notice Emile did not provide any justification. Simply asserted it and moved on. >>
I take responsibility for the things I print.
About this time Muhammad changed his general policy in important respects. One was his "break with the Jews"; instead of making concessions to the Jews in the hope of gaining recognition of his prophethood, he asserted the specifically Arabian character of the Islamic religion. Hitherto the Muslims had faced Jerusalem in prayer, but a revelation now bade them face Mecca. Perhaps because of the change some Muslims of Medina were readier to support Muhammad. In march 624 he was able to lead aoubt 315 men on a razzia to attack a wealthy meccan caravan returning from Syria. The caravan,, led by Abu Sufyan, the head of the Umayyah clan, eluded the Muslims by devious routes and forced marches. Abu Jahl, the head of the Makhzum clan, however, leading a supporting force of perhaps 800 men, wanted ot teach Muhammad a lesson and did not withdraw. On March 15, 624, near a place called Badr, the two forces found themselves in a situation, perhaps contrived by Muhammad, from which neither could withdrew without disgrace. In the ensuing battle at least 45 Meccans were killed, including Abu Jahl and other leading men, and nearly 70 taken prisoner, while the Muslims lost 14 killed. To Muhammad this appeared to be a divine vindication of his prophethood, and he and all the Muslims were greatly elated -Enclycopedia Britannica Vol 12 pg 607
Chris |
