belittling the delegates of the unbelievers,

From this we learn that we Muslims ought to provoke the unbelievers both in word and in deed, for that is what we have been commanded to do. Allah, exalted is He, says: “O Prophet, strive against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them” (Qur’an 9:73). He also says: “They do not set foot in any place that angers the unbelievers, nor do they inflict any injury upon an enemy, but that a righteous deed is recorded for them because of it” (Qur’an 9:120).

It is therefore lamentable that some of us actually please them and gladden their hearts, even to the point of taking part in their idolatrous holidays—festivals that Allah rejects and detests, and during which one fears that punishment might descend upon them while they are merrymaking. Among mankind—may Allah protect us—are those who give religion no weight at all. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his book Ahkam Ahl al-Dhimmah: “Whoever places no value on the faith joins them in their festivals and congratulates them.” How, then, can you bring joy to those who are the enemies of Allah and your own enemies? Rather, bring upon them what grieves and enrages them, what constricts them the most—that is what we have been commanded—for they are enemies to us, to Allah, to His religion, and to the angels, the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.

Now, al-Mughīrah ibn Shuʿbah stood at the head of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with his sword, honoring him. During those negotiations the Companions did something they did not normally do: whenever the Prophet ﷺ spat, they would catch the saliva in their open hands and wipe it over their faces and chests. They did this so that when the envoy of the unbelievers returned, he would describe to his people the devotion the Companions had for their Prophet ﷺ.

Accordingly, when the delegate of Quraysh returned to his people he said, “By Allah, I have entered upon …”