Their Own Crown on Another’s Head

Their Own Crown on Another’s Head

1989 10 October 10-11 Their Own Crown on Another’s Head (454) Bernard Shaw once remarked, “If a man like Muhammad were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would solve its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness.” The Mohammad, may peace be upon him, concerning whom Bernard Shaw made this remark is a figure who has fourteen hundred years of history behind him; his prophethood and incomparable impact on human destiny have become established historical facts. In the light of history, it is relatively easy to make such a remark; it was extremely difficult, however, to see the greatness of the Prophet Moharnmad when history had not proved it.

But the Companions of the Prophet realized the Prophet’s greatness with such conviction that they proved themselves ready to disclaim all claims to personal greatness on his behalf. A crown which had been meant for them, they gladly placed upon his more worthy head.

Abdullah Ibn Ubayy was considered the most outstanding personality in Medina before the arrival of the Holy Prophet. Endowed with extraordinary intelligence, he was the natural leader of his people. Accordingly, the people of Medina chose him to be their king; in this way they hoped that the conflict and strife which prevailed among them would cease. As a symbol of his sovereignty, it was decided that he should be crowned.

Arrangements for Abdullah Ibn Ubayy’s coronation were complete when Islam reached Medina. Islam appealed to the people’s nature and spread into every home. When this happened, some representatives of the people went to Mecca to meet the Prophet. They heard the message of Islam from him. It struck them that Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, the Prophet of Islam, was the person most suited for the task of looking after the affairs of Medina. On behalf of the people of Medina, they asked him come to their town and become their leader.

This was no ordinary event. It amounted to placing their own crown on the head of another. Such a thing was unheard of in the ancient tribal period. It has always been most difficult for one nation to unconditionally offer its leadership to someone from another nation and it was more difficult than ever in the atmosphere that prevailed in Arabia at that time.

Moreover, the “Mohammad” to whom they were offering their crown was not the great historical figure with whom we are familiar today. It was a person who had been expelled by his people; it was a person who had not accrued national stature and historical importance. He was not only a controversial personality, he was a destitute and homeless one. He was a person to whom the people of Medina were giving everything, without expecting anything in return.