Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

he presented the message of Islam before the disbelievers of Makkah, they proudly pointed out that they were already involved in great religious work. “Why should we become Muslims,” they protested, “when we already look after the Sacred Mosque and give water to the pilgrims?” This verse of the Quran was revealed in condemnation of their argument: Do you pretend that He who gives a drink to the pilgrims and pays a visit to the Sacred Mosque is as worthy as a man who believes in God and the Last Day and strives for God’s cause? These are not held equal by God. He does not guide the wrongdoers. Those who have embraced the faith migrated from their homes, striven for God’s cause with their wealth and persons are held in higher regard by God. It is they who shall triumph.32 Initially, the message of the Prophet of Islam had nothing but conceptual truth behind it. It was an abstract message with no material grandeur attached. On the other hand, the Kaaba in Makkah had assumed the status of an institution backed up by grand architecture and glorious historical traditions. Consequently, associating oneself with the Ka’bah was socially acceptable; it even became a symbol of pride. To associate oneself with the message of the Prophet of Islam, meanwhile, amounted to belief in a religion which had not yet come into its own and had no material benefits to offer.