Prophet Muhammad wanted to eradicate polythiesm and all practices associated with it, such as doing tawaaf around the kaaba naked.

Surah Tawbah was revealed, which included a message that the idolaters should not be allowed near the kaaba after this year. The Prophet first sent Abu Bakr to share this news with the Meccans, but then God instructed him to send Ali instead. The message was that the polythiests would be banished from Mecca after four months, except for those who had treaties that lasted longer. Those who asked for safety would be granted it after being taught about Islam. But shia and sunni views of this even are discussed.

Surah Tawbah is the only surah without a bismillah, and it contains many references to the idolaters, and how to treat them. It defined the rules of engagement against those who would fight agains the Muslims and that they should be granted asylum if they seek it.

The banishment of kuffar was similar to how governments today determine what speech is harmful and what the accepetable overton window for a soecity is. Even liberal governments have ideologies they don't tolerate.

Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=746.

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Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WikQByyik&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Among the delegations that came to Prophet Muhammad was on e from the Christians of Najran after their chief chief bishop and his people were invited to Islam. They came to negotiate a truce with the Prophet.

They offered terms that were unacceptable to the Prophet, and he invited them to a Mubahila, a prayer for divine curse upon the liars. The Prophet accepted, and a verse from the Quran was revealed telling each side to call their sons, women, and selves to invoke the curse.

While the Christians brough all their leaders, Prophet Muhammad brought only his daughter Fatima, his cousin Ali, and his grandsons Hasan and Husayn. The Christians were struck with fear at seeing their luminous faces and did not go through with the Mubahila.

The lecture goes on to discuss how this event highlights the importance of the family of the Prophet, comparing both Sunni and Shia views.

Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=742.

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Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj9d6jaAWv0&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The Expedition of Tabuk demonstrated to Arabs the strength of the Muslims. Over the next year, the various tribes responded by sending the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delegations to accept Islam and pledge their allegiance. Prophet Muhammmad welcomed them & forgave past conflicts.

He focused on:
- Renouncing idolatry & polytheism
- Spreading Islamic knowledge
- Building strong alliances and goodwill

The Prophet's Methods:

- Generosity: Gave gifts (gold, dates, land) to solidify alliances.
- Compassion: Blessed children & offered amnesty even before requested.
- Education: Assigned teachers to delegations.
- Respect: Gave new, honorable names to some converts.

Examples:

Bedouin Tribe: Wanted to convert & requested financial aid. The Quran revealed their motives weren't pure faith, but the Prophet didn't reject them.

Banu Thaqif: A stubborn tribe, they initially set conditions for conversion (avoid prayer, keep idols). The Prophet refused some demands but offered amnesty & teachers.
- Uthman ibn Abi Al-Aas (secret Muslim from the tribe) was assigned to be their governor, highlighting the Prophet's trust in young converts.

Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=738.

Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.

Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-q9VNc-wo0&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.