Islam in History

guidance. Of course, there was no question of adopting the additions and innovations in their religious beliefs; these were to be rejected. Therefore, leaving aside the system of their beliefs, the practical pattern adopted by them in da’wah was without doubt a prophetic pattern. And it was as worth adopting for the Muslims as it was for the Christians. The question arises as to what kind of “help” Christ had asked his followers to give. We find the answer in the traditions. Ibn Hisham, the Prophet’s biographer of the first phase, writes: “I have received it from reliable sources that Abu Bakr al-Huzali narrated that, one day, after the peace treaty of Hudaibiya, the Prophet came to his companions and said, ‘O people, God has sent me as a mercy to all the nations of the world, therefore, do not differ as the disciples of Christ differed with Christ.’ The Prophet’s companions asked: ‘O Messenger of God, how did the disciples of Christ differ from their Prophet?’ The Prophet replied: ‘Christ invited the disciples to what I have invited you. So those who were sent to nearby places, happily accepted it, but those who were sent to distant places were reluctant to go. Then Christ complained to God about it, so God’s special succour descended upon them and these disciples began speaking the language of the community to which they were being sent.” (Seerat an-Nabi, Ibn Hisham, vol. 4/279). This incident has been recorded in the present Bible. Here are some excerpts in brief: Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations. (Matthew, 28:19). And the gospel must first be preached among all the nations. (Mark, 13:10). Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark, 16:15).