The Meaning of Forgiveness and Generosity

Maliha:

I love reading the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.) It helps me reconnect with his personality, the turbulent times he lived in, and to draw inspiration not only from his struggles but from the principled manner in which he approached the vicissitudes of life. It’s a mark of deep seated strength to be able to forgive your arch enemies and to treat the same people who mocked and condemned you with respect and generosity.

Here's a hint of that forgiveness:

March 624: Asma bint Marwan

Asma was a poetess who belonged to a tribe of Medinan pagans, and whose husband was named Yazid b. Zayd. She composed a poem blaming the Medinan pagans for obeying a stranger (Muhammad) and for not taking the initiative to attack him by surprise. When the Allah-inspired prophet heard what she had said, he asked, "Who will rid me of Marwan’s daughter?" A member of her husband’s tribe volunteered and crept into her house that night. She had five children, and the youngest was sleeping at her breast. The assassin gently removed the child, drew his sword, and plunged it into her, killing her in her sleep.

Also, note this dash of generosity:

[Sahih Bukhari] Volume 5, Book 59, Number 448:

Narrated 'Aisha: When the Prophet returned from the (battle) of Al-Khandaq (i.e. Trench) and laid down his arms and took a bath Gabriel came to him while he (i.e. Gabriel) was shaking the dust off his head, and said, "You have laid down the arms?" By Allah, I have not laid them down. Go out to them (to attack them)." The Prophet said, "Where?" Gabriel pointed towards Bani Quraiza. So Allah's Apostle went to them (i.e. Banu Quraiza) (i.e. besieged them). They then surrendered to the Prophet's judgment but he directed them to Sad to give his verdict concerning them. Sad said, "I give my judgment that their warriors should be killed, their women and children should be taken as captives, and their properties distributed."

What better way to showcase peace than by murdering hundreds of Jewish men and taking their women and children as slaves?