The Principles of Change
Al-Risala (English), December 1990, p. 17
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
The Principles of Change
1990 12 December 17-18 The Principles of Change (383) After the conquest of Mecca, most things were left as they were, until gradually, naturally, everything took on the colour of Islam.
The pre-Islamic era in Arabia is known as the Jahiliya period. (The period of ignorance). During this time, the Meccans had once quarreled so bitterly amongst themselves that they had started preparing for war. This quarrel was about who should hold the traditional offices of hijabah, siqayah, rifadah, nadwah, liwa’ and qiyadah.*
Finally, certain serious-minded people intervened and an agreement was reached that the offices of AI-Hijabah and Al-liwa’ should remain with the Banu Abd-Ad-Dar (the Dar tribe) and those of As-Siqaya and AI-Rifada should be given to the Banu Abd-Munaf (the Munaf tribe). Ibn Ishaq, the historian and first biographer of the Prophet, writes:
People adhered to this settlement until finally God sent Islam among them. Then the Prophet of Islam said that Islam has done nothing more but fortify further whatever settlements existed in the period of Jahiliya. (Seerat ibn Hisham, vol.1,p.144).
This underlines a very important principle of Islamic policy. Prior to the advent of Islam, the Meccans were idolaters, and any decisions arrived at by them were made as by idolaters. Moreover, these were the very people who had opposed Islam with all their might. Even so, the Prophet did not hasten to alter their decisions. He rather announced the reinforcement of such decisions or settlements.
Attempting to change all decisions taken by a rival group, after securing a hold on one’s opponents, is extremely unwise. It is just like adding insult to injury, and only adds to one’s problems. Corruption will inevitably reappear in society and, even in the name of carrying out reforms, evil can result. It is better to be circumspect and to keep the previous structure intact, in spite of having full authority to change it. And whatever the necessary changes, they should be effected gradually and in a natural way, as was done by the Prophet.
After the conquest of Mecca, most things were left as they were, until gradually, naturally, everything took on the colour of Islam.
* Siqayah: provider of water for Meccan pilgrims; Hijabah: gate-keeper; Liwa,’ wartime standard-bearer; Nadwah: caterer to the needs of pilgrims (e.g. travel arrangements, board and lodging, etc.). Qiyadah: leadership of the army at war.
