5. Perceptions of Coexistence in Arabic Prose: Special Reference to the Holy Prophet’s Agreement of Hudaybiyyah

Abstract

Prose is an inevitable part of literature. It stands apart from the poetic literature. Arabic prose literature consists of several parts. After the emergence of Islam, when the revelations from Allah (Wahiy) began to reveal upon the Prophet (PBUH), Arabic prose literature began to move towards another level. Especially Al-Qur'an and the Hathees of the Prophet (PBUH) have occupied a unique place in Arabic literature. This study takes issue with criticizing the propaganda that primary sources of Islam instill terrorism and extremism. But, the study affirms that it contains the qualities of coexistence and peace. This study tries to introduce the agreement of ‘Hudaybiyyah’ as an important document in Arabic prose, to disclose the contribution of Arabic literature in building perceptions of coexistence via a comprehensive approach. The methodology adopted is qualitative method. The primary and secondary data were collected through original sources and related books, scholarly works and data were analyzed. This study has concluded that the agreement of Hudaybiyyah represented an important event in the history, consisting many provisions related to war, peace, governing, agreements and treaties. The Messenger (PBUH), with his wisdom and skill, insisted on building peace and achieving coexistence. This study highlights this agreement as an important model and a wonderful example in the process of peace-keeping, mutual understanding and coexistence.