Winning the Hearts & Souls

Darussalam is proud to present the abridged English translation of the classic work: Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, focusing exclusively on the delegations and expeditions undertaken in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

This volume contains an account of some of the most important expeditions and delegations that occurred in the lifetime and under the leadership of the Messenger of Allah. These events had a significant impact on the spread of the Islamic faith to all the corners of Arabia and beyond.

تأليف القلوب والارواح - الغزوات والوفود في عهد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم

Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah (The Beginning and The End) by the renowned scholar Abu Al-Fida 'Imad ad-Deen Isma'eel bin 'Umar ibn Katheer/Kathir, is considered one of the most authoritative sources on Islamic history.

Winning the Hearts & Souls by Hafiz Ibn Katheer is a profound and inspiring book that focuses on the noble qualities, wisdom, and compassion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in spreading the message of Islam. Renowned for his monumental works such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah, Ibn Kathir beautifully compiles in this book authentic reports from the Seerah that highlight the Prophet’s ﷺ mercy, patience, and ability to win the hearts of both friends and foes alike.

Rather than presenting only the chronological events of the Prophet’s life, this book emphasizes the methods and strategies Rasulullah ﷺ employed to transform individuals and societies. It demonstrates how he ﷺ brought people closer to Allah through gentleness, truthfulness, forgiveness, and justice. Even those who opposed him bitterly were often humbled and softened by his compassion, sincerity, and steadfastness.

The book draws extensively from the Qur’an and Hadith, showcasing the Prophet’s ﷺ unique balance between firmness in upholding Tawheed and mercy in dealing with people. It describes how the Prophet ﷺ guided his Companions, dealt with enemies, reconciled hearts, and built unity among the Muslims — not through harshness or coercion, but through wisdom, humility, and kindness.

For today’s Muslims, this work serves as both a Seerah resource and a manual of da‘wah (inviting to Islam). It provides timeless lessons in leadership, character development, and community building. Readers will see how the Prophet ﷺ embodied the Qur’anic command: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107).

This book is invaluable for students of Islamic history, seekers of knowledge, educators, and families who wish to deepen their love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and apply his methods in their daily lives. With its authentic sources, eloquent narration, and emphasis on character, it stands as a reminder that the greatest victory is not through force, but through winning the hearts and souls.