How Was The Qur'anic Doctrine Announced To the World? (2)

HOW WAS THE QUR’ANIC DOCTRINE

ANNOUNCED TO THE WORLD?(2)

In the first ten years of the Islamic call, the antagonistic powers had poured out their hatred and used their violence in persecuting and martyring the followers of the rising doctrine. In spite of all the obstacles, the simple exposition of the Islamic doctrine led to new conversions every day. At the same time, those years witnessed how with bravery and tolerance, the master and his disciples had accepted not only the mockery and the insults of their fellow citizens but also the isolation and the interdiction of any approach with the public. Sometimes, they accepted the cruellest torture and physical punishment:

“Whoever disbelieved in Allâh after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith; but such as open their breast to disbelief on them is wrath from Allâh, and theirs will be a great torment.” (XVI, 106);

“Of mankind are some who say: “We believe in Allâh.” But if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allâh, they consider the trial of mankind as Allâh's punishment; and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: “Verily we were with you (helping you).” Is not Allâh Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the ‘Alamîn (mankind and jinn).” (XXIX, 10).

It was that which compelled hundreds of the first Muslims, among them certain of Quraish most noble, to search for a refuge:

“Then, verily. Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the cause of Allâh) and were patient, verily, your Lord afterward is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (XVI, 110), near the King of Abyssinia.

Yet, the most striking example of that period, which constitutes the most prodigious effect produced by that peaceful call, was set by the inhabitants of Yathrib (called Medina later). Thus, a long time before seeing the face of the Prophet or hearing his voice, and as soon as they merely listened to his the Qur’anic message transmitted by their pilgrims, the Medinian Arabs received it so eagerly that there remained not any family, not including many believers among its members. Moreover, all the divisions and hostilities, which were prevailing among them for a quarter of a century,[1] faded away suddenly as if by a divine puff:

“And He has united their (i.e. believers) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allâh has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All- Wise.” (VIII, 63), so that they henceforth became brothers:

“And hold fast, all of you together to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among your-selves, and remember Allâh’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it.”  (III, l03).