The Personality of the Prophet of Islam

controversial situations, for individuals as well as for nations – one being based on godliness and the other on ungodliness (an insolent attitude). Success is reserved only for those who adopt a god-fearing attitude on such occasions. For those who are fearless of God, nothing but failure awaits them in this world. What would an ungodly attitude be on such occasions? It is called hamiyat-e-jahiliyya in the Quran. The truth is that people generally become provoked in a controversial situation. Negative feelings within them are activated. They are not in a position to look at the matter with a cool mind and arrive at a settlement solely on the basis of principle. Those who give in to such a negative attitude fall prey to hamiyat-e- jahiliya, as the Quran calls it. The opposite attitude is that which is called god-fearing in the Quran. The god-fearing are those who adhere strictly to the path of principled approach for they fear the retribution of God. They hold fast to the path of truth and justice, even in the face of extreme provocation. Their judgements and decisions are not the result of reaction, but rather of careful deliberation. According to the Quran, the ungodly attitude as mentioned above is wholly against the spirit of Islam. Those who opt for ungodly ways can never succeed in this world of God. On the contrary those who opt for godly ways will certainly be successful. It is the decree of the Creator of the universe that they will succeed. The incident of Hudaybiya in the first phase of Islam provides a practical example. In this matter one course was that opted for by the non-Muslims of Makkah. The other was that which the believers opted for, in following the leadership of the Prophet. Now in the light of this incident everyone can judge his actions for himself. Those who opt for the ungodly path in the thick of controversy are practically joining the group of non-Muslims, while opting for the godly course in such a situation amounts to joining the body of believers. Chapter 48 of the Quran begins with these words: We have granted you a clear victory. In this context it means that God has decreed victory in this world only for those who adopt a godly attitude, while those who adopt an ungodly course of action are destined to remain in a state of subjugation. The incident of Hudaybiya provides a historic example of conduct appropriate to the situation. The believers on that occasion, in taking up a godly attitude, entitled themselves to victory, while the Quraysh who took up an ungodly attitude had consequently to suffer defeat and failure. The incident of Hudaybiya is not simply a chapter of past history. It is a living historical example. It tells believers in every age as to which course in controversial situations is a sure guarantee of success. This involves refraining from making a controversial matter into one of prestige, rather trying to seek a solution in the spirit of taqwa (God­-fearing spirit).