THE POLICY OF THE PROPHET

THE POLICY OF THE PROPHET Pragmatic F ROM a study of the Prophet’s life, we learn an important principle—that of differentiation. That is to say, understanding significant distinctions in practical matters, and dealing with them accordingly. This differentiation is a principle of nature and the course followed by the Prophet of Islam bears out the fact that he made full concession to it. One of the distinctions to be made is between word and deed. For instance, these words of the Prophet have been recorded in a Hadith: The greatest jihad was to say a word of truth and justice to a tyrant ruler. On the other hand, a number of traditions have been recorded in books of Hadith which show that even if rulers became tyrants, Muslims had to obey them, and never clash with them or adopt a policy of confrontation. For instance, one of the Companions of the Prophet has been recorded as saying that the Prophet said, In later times perversion will set in the rulers, whose bodies will appear to be those of human beings, while their hearts will be those of Satans. The Companion then asked the Prophet what they were supposed to do at such times. The Prophet replied, You must pay heed to your ruler and obey him. Even if you are flogged on your back, and your wealth is taken away from you, you must hear and obey him. Let us make a comparative study of these two traditions. In the first Hadith we are encouraged to perform Jihad against the tyrant ruler, whereas in the second one we are strictly forbidden to do so. The reason for this difference is that the first Hadith relates to verbal advice while the second relates to practical confrontation. According to the Hadith, verbal advice is a desirable act, while practical confrontation is a totally undesirable act.