Hisham Passage Analysis

Of the following counterattack, Hisham focusses on the strategic and “orderly” nature of the takeover rather than any disturbances that likely did occur. This is particularly evident in the description of Abu Suffyan’s conversion. Many years of violent animosity is dissipated by one conversation and Abu Suffyan relinquishes his authority and original goals of intelligence gathering to become a Muslim. All previous misdemeanors are forgiven and he is allowed to not only join the Ummah but his military jurisdiction is restored to some degree and all who “take refuge in his house” are equally exempt from punishment. With the arrival of the Muslim fighters, Hisham states the Prophet opted for strategizing Mecca’s occupation by sending troops to

He also fails to acknowledge whether the Meccan compliance was due to outright fear and resignation against the purported “ten thousand men” that “looked like men of iron” and instead glorifies this demeanor to display the unity of Muslims under the Prophet’s tactical directions. The exchange with Suhayl and the imagery of Mohammed weeping as he claims Allah is “the most merciful of all who know what mercy is” consolidates how forgiving Islam truly is. Hisham’s structure of the passage leads readers to assume the following conversion of Mecca’s population is the directly motivated by this display. Hisham’s bias towards Islam is more overtly exhibited when he mentions Hind’s affair. By stating that her frivolity occurred “in the age of the Ignorance before Islam” before labelling her a “loose woman”, he delegates the lack of the religion’s presence partially liable for her immorality. To some extent his suggestive wording also insinuates that such delinquency did not occur in the age of Islam (foreshadowing Hind’s conversion and future piety). Thus Hisham contends that Islam is not only a merciful and peaceful religion but also a morally superior