The Theory of Revolution in Islam

The Prophet lived on in Makkah for thirteen years after receiving his prophethood. At the end of this period, he migrated to Madinah, where he lived for ten years till the time of his death. It is a well-documented fact that during his Makkan period, he was offered kingship, but that he declined it (Ibn Hisham). His reason for denial was that he knew full well that the mere crowning of a man as king would not transform society. Change in society comes about not with the wielding of enormous political power, but through education and awareness. The Prophet therefore continued with great patience and perseverance to educate the people, until the time came when the social and political system was Islamized on its own.