The Prophetic Method

THE PROPHETIC METHOD the economic bias of their non-Muslim compatriots, the way of sabr is not to start demanding equal treatment but rather to make extra efforts to excel over others. Prejudice can only have an adverse effect when people of similar abilities compete for one job. If one of the contestants excels over the others in ability, then not even prejudice can deny him his rightful place. When the Muslims were economically isolated in Makkah during the time of the Prophet, some emigrated to Abyssinia, thus consolidating their position. The people of Makkah had made it impossible for the Prophet’s followers to continue trading. So the Muslims moved to a neighbouring country and pursued their livelihood there. So hardworking and honest were they in their dealings that Najashi, the king of Abyssinia, proclaimed that anyone who wronged a Muslim would have to compensate the wronged party 8 dirhams. This was just one of how God helped the Muslims re-establish themselves, considering their patience in the face of persecution by others. Patience may appear to be a negative virtue, but as far as its results are concerned, it is a highly positive one. Once we have realized the value of sabr, we do not take immediate retaliatory measures against our oppressors; instead, we look further into the future and set in motion a series of events which lead to final success. Feelings run high when we have just been wronged. If we take immediate action, we may not be able to consider rationally what we should do: instead, we may act based on our emotions at