Islamic Activism

ISLAMIC ACTIVISM of the Quraysh would have to be abolished and only then would the path be cleared for Prophet’s mission. At that juncture, certain basic guidance was revealed to the Prophet. God declared in the Quran: Surely with every hardship there is ease; with every hardship there is surely ease. (94:5-6) This means that although the status quo in Makkah appeared to be an obstacle, by the very law of nature, opportunities for the furtherance of his aims, opportunities also existed side by side. Therefore, any attempt to change the status quo was not to be made in the first stage itself. Without disturbing the prevailing situation, such opportunities as were available in other fields were to be utilized to promote the Islamic mission. The method Islam prescribes for the achievement of our goals, and the model example we find in the life of the Prophet, can be described in brief as a method based on patience. That is, remaining in harmony with the status quo and launching one’s struggle in the sphere of the possible. In this respect, it may be called positive status quoism. 1. An Obstacle Turned into a Steppingstone: When Prophet Muhammad began his mission in Makkah, hundreds of idols had been placed in the most sacred mosque. The Kabah, which was built as a centre of monotheism, had virtually become a centre of shirk (polytheism). At that time the method adopted by Prophet Muhammad provides a perfect example of positive status quoism. What Prophet Muhammad did was to refrain completely from interfering with the idols and idol worship. Instead,