An Imaginary Threat

An Imaginary Threat

1992 5 May 14 An Imaginary Threat (335) An inhabitant of Mecca by the name of Al Haris Bin Usman was once invited to enter the fold of Islam by the Prophet. In those ancient times, before the name of the Prophet had become legendary, Al Haris bin Usman was afraid of the consequences if he acceded to the Prophet’s request. I know what you say is undoubtedly true. But if I become your follower, I am afraid I’ll be thrown out of Mecca by the Arabs.” The Qur’an mentions this fear in the 57th verse of the 28th chapter: “They say: ‘If we accept the guidance with you, we shall be driven from our land.”

The threat hanging over potential converts was very material in origin. Many idols belonging to different tribes were kept in the Ka’aba, and the Meccan leadership not only gained in importance because of their presence there, but also sustained itself largely on the offerings made to these idols by the tribesmen. When the Prophet conveyed God’s message, acceptance of which would have meant destroying these idols, the Meccans may have accepted the logic of what he said in their inner minds, but practical considerations stood in the way of their openly accepting it. If they had agreed that there was only one God and that all other gods were false, they would have been ostracized by the rest of the tribes, and would have thus been deprived of both leadership and livelihood.

A somewhat similar situation exists among Indian Muslims today. When Quranic facts are presented to them, they at once recognise their veracity. But they are, at the same time plagued with doubts. If they show forbearance, the Hindus will become emboldened. If they do not start political agitation, they will lose their importance. If they stop making demands and creating unrest, they will lose whatever constitutional rights they are at present enjoying. And so on and so forth.

These doubts are nothing but Satan’s creations in Muslim minds. There is no truth in them whatsoever.