The Path of the Prophet

THE PATH OF THE PROPHET Many sides of the Prophet have not generally been acknowledged as necessary: for one thing, his realistic and gradual approach to everything he did has never been hailed as being of particular significance. For instance, the Prophet lived in Makkah for thirteen years after the commencement of his prophetic mission, but not once did he remonstrate against the continual desecration of the Kab’ah. Even after conquering the city, he was in no hurry to abolish vain and frivolous customs. He waited for two years, even though he had the power to take immediate action. Only in the third year did he introduce the reforms he had in mind. A gradual approach reaps several advantages, which cannot be accrued from any other method. First, it guarantees success in attaining one’s objectives. One who adopts this approach does not advance further until he has consolidated his previous position. He does not let himself be carried away by his zeal; instead, taking external factors into account, he proceeds with the times. There can be no doubt that one, who is so cautious in his progress, will ultimately reach his goal. Moreover, there is less risk of incurring unnecessary losses or liabilities. Those who seek to achieve too much too soon find, inevitably, that they have to surmount enormous obstacles before they are really in a position to do so. Such attempts can result in incalculable loss of life and widespread property damage. Making amends for such imprudence could take centuries.