The Prophetic Method

THE PROPHETIC METHOD to realize that these advantages were an indirect result of the Prophet’s struggle: it was not towards political and financial gain that he directed his efforts. The Prophet’s whole life shows that the matter to which he attached fundamental importance was preaching of the faith. As soon as he started his active mission, he laid aside all other issues and concentrated solely on propagating the message of Islam. First, he was determined to inform his kinsfolk that he had been chosen to communicate the word of God to humanity. For this purpose, he invited all his relatives— about forty were invited, at least thirty attended—to a dinner. After dinner, he addressed his guests but met with little success. “Banu Muttalib,” he said, “I have been sent to you in particular, then to humanity as a whole. Who then will fulfil on my behalf my debts and my promises? Who will look after my family while I am away? Whoever does so will be my companion in paradise.” The Prophet repeated his words, but only ‘Ali, a young boy at the time, responded positively. “I will, Prophet of God,” he said. “You, ‘Ali, you, ‘Ali!” came the Prophet’s reply.79 Abu Jahal threw a stone at the Prophet one day, drawing blood from his face. The Prophet’s uncle, ‘Abbas, heard about this. Though Abbas had not accepted Islam then, family pride moved him to go and smite Abu Jahl in return. Then he returned to the Prophet, “Nephew,” he said triumphantly, “I have taken your revenge.” “It would make me happier if you accepted Islam,” The Prophet replied.