ISLAMIC ACTIVISM

~ 14 ~ struggle in the sphere of the possible. In this respect, it may be called positive status quoism. 1. AN OBSTACLE TURNED INTO A STEPPING STONE: When the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, 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 the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, provides a perfect example of positive status quoism. What the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, did was to refrain completely from interfering with the idols and idol worship. Instead, letting things remain as they were, the Prophet began to communicate the call of monotheism to the people who used to visit the Kabah daily, it being a central place. The Prophet availed of these large gatherings by going there every day and reading out to them passages from