What I see, however, is that comparing Mandela's situation where jail, police forces, and some semblance of civility existed, with Prophet Muhammad's situation where none of those options existed are not fully comparable.
Nelson Mandela and his family faced the power of state, and then he spread his doctrine of reconciliation, peace, respect etc through this doctrine of reconciliation, peace, respect etc. Mohamed spread his doctrine through threats and the sword.
That is the difference and the reason that thy are not comparable.
I would appreciate any examples of "turning the other cheek" in 7th century Arabia that might be more comparable.
In a land in which disputes are settled through the sword would you expect to find examples?
