The Concept of Jihad in Islam

Kabah in Makkah was established as a centre of Tawheed, but three hundred and sixty idols had been installed therein when the Prophet Muhammad received prophethood. Hence, one might think that the Prophet should first have been instructed in the Quran to purify the Kabah of idols and remake it as a centre of Tawheed, and only then work for the mission of Tawheed. However, had he started his work in this way, it would have been tantamount to warring with the Quraysh of Makkah, who enjoyed leadership among the Arabs precisely because they had become the custodians of the Kabah. History tells us that at this stage, the Prophet completely abstained from practically purifying the Kabah of idols and limited himself only to the ideological dawah of Tawheed. It was, thus, an early example set by the Prophet of choosing a peaceful method over a violent one. 2. Firmly abiding by this peaceful principle, the Prophet carried on his preaching work in Makkah for thirteen years. However, despite this, the Quraysh turned into his fierce opponents, so much so that their leaders plotted to kill him. Accordingly, they armed themselves with swords and surrounded his house.