The So-Called Standard-Bearers of Islam

The So-Called Standard-Bearers of Islam

1988 11 November 12 The So-Called Standard-Bearers of Islam (366) In sharp contrast are today’s so-called standard-bearers of Islam who listen with positive glee when their rivals are subjected to scurrilous abuse. How ironic it is that these self-styled custodians of Islam should fall so short – in terms of character – of the standards set, not by the adherents of Islam, but by the unbelievers.

In the year 6 AH, the Prophet Mohammad signed the peace-treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Later in the same year, the Prophet sent letters to rulers and kings on the periphery of the Arabian peninsula, inviting them to accept Islam. One such letter was sent through Dahyah Kalbi to the Roman Caesar, Heraclius, a Christian of keen intellect and realistic disposition.

Heraclius was in Palestine when he received this letter. Seeing that Arabs were frequent visitors to this region, the Caesar decided to summon some compatriots of the Prophet, in order to find out from them more about this affair. One of those summoned was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, an inveterate opponent of the prophet, speaking through an interpreter, Hercalius asked him some questions, relating directly to the prophet Mohammad: “Tell me about him,” said Heraclius. “He is a sorcerer and a liar, certainly no prophet,” replied Abu Sufyan. “I did not mean that you should heap abuse on him,” Heraclius rebuked Abu Sufyan. “Rather, I would like to know what his standing is amongst you. Is he a man of intelligence and sound opinion?”

Heraclius was a Kafir, i.e. one who rejected the message of Islam and died an unbeliever. Nevertheless, his character was such that he was not interested in hearing even a potential rival vilified. On the contrary, he was displeased when Abu Sufyan spoke of the Prophet in a derogatory manner. What did interest him was the family background of the Prophet, and whether he was a man of noble standing, sound intellect and integrity.

In sharp contrast are today’s so-called standard-bearers of Islam who listen with positive glee when their rivals are subjected to scurrilous abuse. How ironic it is that these self-styled custodians of Islam should fall so far short – in terms of character – of the standards set, not by the adherents of Islam, but by the unbelievers.