Why We Are Not Given Victory

I’m going through the Seerah of Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), reflecting on the part where the Muslims were given victory in Mecca or fathul-Makkah (opening of Mecca).

The way in which the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) entered Mecca - humble because victory is granted only by God. The way he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) dealt with those that fought against the Muslims - he forgave them and said they are free, even though they killed many of his companions and his own uncle (ra), they were by all means war criminals. 

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) didn’t take retribution for all the wrongs committed against him (صلى الله عليه وسلم). For he was not sent for this, he was sent as a mercy to mankind (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

It’s called the “opening of Mecca” and not “conquering Mecca”. It wasn’t about defeating the enemy to take their wealth and land (in this case take back their own land). It was about opening the hearts of enemies to the truth.

Fight them if they fight you, we have been given the right to defend ourselves from aggression, but when we are given the upper hand we are taught the best way is to forgive and show mercy.

Just think if Muslims were given victory over our perceived enemies in these times, how would we react? What if Israel was defeated how would the Muslims deal with the Israelis? How about America? Would we follow the example set by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and show mercy or would we take revenge?

Victory is granted by Allah alone, the way the Muslims behaved after the opening of Mecca proved they were sincerely fighting for the sake of Allah, not for any other worldly reason, they deserved victory.

Maybe we are not yet given victory because we don’t deserve it.

Allah knows best.