An Example of Noble Character

in the worst possible way. They humiliated him, spat on him, dragged him into a pagan court, and even plotted to kill him. A study of the prophets’ lives reveals that the primary cause behind people’s anger and hostility was one thing: critique—what is known today as criticism. Ibn Ishaq narrates that initially, the Prophet of Islam was not alienated from his people. But when he began speaking critically of their deities, they took grave offense and became hostile. (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 238) What Ibn Ishaq referred to as “fault-finding” and what the polytheists of Makkah labeled as “insult” would, in today’s language, be called criticism. Every prophet, while calling people to what is right, also criticized what was wrong. It was precisely this critical method that turned people against them. THE MODEL OF EXCELLENCE When the Prophet of Islam began his mission in ancient Makkah, the people—particularly the leaders—became his staunch opponents. They inflicted severe hardships on him and his followers. Yet, he was instructed not to retaliate in any way but to unilaterally ignore their aggressions. (Quran, 33:48) Thus, for thirteen years, the Prophet exercised immense patience. Eventually, the situation escalated to the point that