The Vision of Islam

only natural that, as the Muslims achieved a majority in Madinah, they should become influential in the city’s affairs. And so it was that, as Tabari has reported, “the Muslims were the most influential people in the city.” (At Tabarani) Factors working in favour of Dawah There are always some who resist the corruption of the world they live in, and remain attached to their own true natures. This is true of every day and age, but it was especially true of the Arabs when the Prophet commenced his mission. Besides the simple way of life to which they were accustomed, there was the legacy of the religion of Abraham, which made many inclined to seek out the truth, and turn away from idol-worship. Such people were commonly known as Hanif, or upright. Qus ibn Saida and Waraqa ibn Naufal were among these “hunafa.” So was Jundub ibn ‘Amr ad-Dawsi. During the period of ignorance that preceded Islam, he was known to have said: “I know that there must be a Creator of all this creation, but I do not know who He is.” When he heard about the Prophet, he came with 75 of his fellow tribesmen and accepted Islam. Abu Dharr Ghefari was another such person. As soon as he heard about the Prophet, he sent his brother to Makkah to find out more about him. One sentence of the report that Abu Dharr’s brother later submitted ran as follows: “I saw a man whom people call irreligious. I have never seen anyone who more resembles you.” (Muslim) People such as these had no trouble in understanding the truth of the Prophet’s message. The preacher of God’s word is like a planter who goes out to sow seeds. If sometimes his seeds fall on barren ground, there are other times when they fall in places which produce a good yield, without the planter even knowing it. Certain people took a considerable time to accept Islam. This