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The following points have been noted from the military operations of the Holy Prophet as stated in the Encyclopedia on Seerah:

1) The basis of the Holy Prophet’s policy was not to kill the non-believers, but to weaken, frighten or discourage them so that they may give up their opposition to the Right way of Living (i.e. Islam).

2) Arms were taken by him only as a last resort, when all alternatives of peace had failed.

3) He used only such force as was necessary. Islam calls this struggle as Jihad for achieving the pleasure of Allah.

4) With the above objectives, he made full preparations. He began training his men in the art of archery, sword fighting , and horse riding and collected weapons so that the Muslims might defend their faith.

5) He always took offensive action and executed his plans in great secrecy with speed and mobility and caught the enemy in complete surprise without giving them any chance to organize his force. Mecca, Khaiber and Tabuk were such examples of major campaigns. Fifteen of his smaller campaigns were bloodless.

6) He tried to avoid war and achieve his objectives without bloodshed.

7) He tried to minimize the loss of life on both sides.

8) He instructed not to kill any one who submitted peacefully.

9) He forbade killing of women, children & old men.

10) The total number killed in his entire war operation was 1014 (255 Muslims & 759 non-Muslims).

11) Total number of war prisoners were 6564 (all of them were released, except those who had committed horrible crimes).

12) It was a miraculous achievement that with such a small sacrifice, the whole of Arabian Peninsula was brought under the Law of Allah.

13) He ordered to kill the ring leaders only as it could save the lives of other people, who would have been killed as a result of their incitement.

The Holy Quran states:

“…And fight (kill) the ring leaders of the non-believers…” (9:12)

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