The Prophet in the Quran

is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend. (The Quran, 41:33-34) These two verses indicate the missionary character of the Prophet of Islam. The call of dawah is good in intention, having nothing in it but mercy for man. However, the demand of dawah is that man rectifies his own mistakes, that he abandons one life for another. This kind of change is generally very difficult in one’s personal life. That is why the dayees have to suffer bad treatment at the hands of the madu. If the dayee reacts negatively in such situations, the propitious atmosphere between dayee and madu – an atmosphere which is essential to preserve for the carrying out of the task of dawah - will be vitiated. That is why the Prophet was enjoined to return good behaviour for the bad behaviour of the madu, i.e. so that the atmosphere of dawah should not be disturbed. Finally, the time will come when the message of truth finds its place in the hearts of the people, turning opponents into companions of the Prophet. The picture that emerges from these verses of the way of the Prophet is one bearing the stamp of his unconditionally good character. The gaze of the Prophet was not fixed on the present state of his hearers, but rather on their future. If anyone treated him badly, he adopted an attitude of restraint, being convinced that, at some future date his addressees would certainly understand the importance of the truth, at which point nothing would stop them from accepting it. In the eyes of the Prophet the enemy too was a friend; he saw today’s opponents as tomorrow’s supporters. The Patient Attitude In chapter no. 46 of the Quran the Prophet is thus addressed by God: Have patience, then, as had the steadfast Messengers before you; and be in no haste about them. On the Day when they see what they are threatened with, it will appear to them as though they had not tarried longer than an hour of a day. [Your responsibility is] to deliver the message: and none but the disobedient shall be destroyed. (The Quran, 46:35) The Prophet’s most dominant trait was patience. One who calls for truth has to resist any tendency to impetuousness, which means unconditionally refraining from persecution of the madu. Despite the madu’s denial and stubbornness, he continues peacefully and amicably to convey to them the message of Truth. The dayee has to be the madu’s well-wisher in all circumstances, howsoever unpleasant the experiences he may be undergoing. This unbounded patience is essential, for without it the communication of the divine message can never be fully undertaken. All the prophets of God, in all ages, have performed the task of proclaiming the truth with total patience and perseverance. In future, those who, following in the footsteps of the Prophet work