PROPHETIC WISDOM

PROPHETIC WISDOM O NE of the qualities of the Prophet of Islam was his great vision, as a result of which he urged his followers to adopt a wise approach in all their dealings. A number of sayings on this subject have appeared in books of Hadith. The Prophet’s entire life was filled with examples of wisdom. While discharging his responsibilities, he adopted the way of wisdom on all occasions and at all stages. We continue to bring you examples from his life: No Premature Action After he received prophethood, the Prophet of Islam lived for thirteen years in Makkah where the majority of the Makkans opposed him, tormenting him in every possible way. Owing to his mission however, about two-hundred men and women accepted Islam. These Muslims would say to the Prophet again and again that they wanted to fight against this oppression. But the Prophet always exhorted them to exercise patience. Despite injustice and oppression on the part of the enemy, the way of patience and avoidance of clashes should be adopted. For instance, when Umar Farooq asked for the Prophet’s permission to fight against the oppression of the Quraysh, the latter replied: O Umar, we are small in number. Seerat Ibn Kathir, 1: 441 During the last days in Makkah about two hundred people in Medina embraced Islam. When these people learned that the Prophet and his companions were being targeted for oppression, they too asked for the Prophet’s permission to fight against the oppressors, but the Prophet gave them the same reply: Show patience, for I have not been given permission to do battle. Despite being subjected to all kinds of injustice and oppression for a period of fifteen years, the Prophet unilaterally adopted the path of patience and tolerance. Then for the first time, on the occasion of the battle of Badr, the Prophet went out along with his companions to encounter the enemy. He took this step only when he had received