Missing Zeal

Missing Zeal

1988 4 April 18 Missing Zeal (265) The Holy Prophet commenced his mission in Mecca with the determination to convey the word of God to mankind at all costs. But there were many in Mecca who became antagonistic to him and his cause, and in the first twelve years of his Prophethood there, it appeared that the history of Islam would end at its starting-point–in Mecca. Then, quite unlooked for opportunities were created for the Prophet and his followers to emigrate to Medina and to carry on their mission there.

This new direction which his missionary activities took was the direct result of the efforts made by the Muslims to preach the word of God in Medina. In this, the Prophet, aided by his companions, was zealous in following the injunction: “Apostle, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord” and in heeding the admonition:” ... if you do not, you will surely fail to convey his message.” It was their earnest belief in the last part of this injunction: “God will protect you from all men, which gave them the courage to carry on. (Quran, 5:67) This message to the Prophet, recorded in the Quran, was spread to the whole Muslim community, that is, that Muslim can only earn God’s protection on earth if they communicate the word of God.

It is related in biographies of the Prophet, that the Muslims who went from Mecca to Medina were so unflagging in their efforts to propogate Islam, that “there was not a house belonging to the Ansar (the inhabitants of Medina) in which there were not Muslim men and women.”

What those who sit with leaders should be like

1988 4 April 18 What those who sit with leaders should be like: (119) Abdullah ibn Abbas tells how his father once said to him: “My boy, I see how the Commander of the Faithful, Umer ibn Khattab, invites you to his meetings and takes you into his confidence. He also turns to you as well as to the other Companions for advice. I am going to give you three pieces of advice which are worth remembering: firstly, fear God, and never let it be said of you by Umer that you told a lie; secondly, keep his secrets well and thirdly, never speak ill of anyone in his presence.” Amir says that each one of those pieces of advice was better than a thousand.” “Better than ten thousand,” rejoined Ibn Abbas.

(Tabarani)