Alsiraj Official Website
Answering lies about Islam and Prophet Muhammad
Was the Prophet Muhammad sent with the message of Islam to the Arabs or to all mankind?
1. The very first time that Muhammad proclaimed his
message to the people, he declared the following: "I am
the messenger of God to all mankind and to you in
particular". This means that the divine message was sent
to all mankind right from the very beginning and that the
Prophet never claimed that it was meant to be a religion
for the Arabs alone. This is confirmed by another of the
Prophet's sayings: "Every Prophet was sent to his own
people whereas I was sent to all mankind"(1).
2. Anyone who reads the Qur'an can understand that it
addresses all people and calls upon all mankind to believe
in the religion of God. This appeal to all mankind in the
verses that were revealed in Mecca, before his emigration
to Al-Medina, is as clear as daylight. For example, in the
verse 107 of Sura (chapter) 21 we read: "In no way did
We send you but as a Mercy for all creatures". Similarly
the opening sura of the Qur'an states: "Praise be to God,
the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds". This was
revealed to the Prophet before his emigration to
Al-Madina where he established the Muslim state.
3. From the aforementioned facts we can decisively
refute the allegation that the Prophet changed his plans
according to circumstances. There was a gradual
development of legislation, which is a normal and logical
procedure. It is impossible for any person to change his
customary manner of behaviour, conduct, mental attitude,
habits, or character overnight, since, inherent, deeply
rooted customs are very difficult to eliminate. Islam began
by establishing the belief in God into the hearts and minds
of the people, and this was the solid foundation upon
which legislation could then be established, in order to be
the basis of a gradual change in the peoples' way of life.
This was the policy that was followed regarding many
religious rulings and laws, such as the gradual prohibition
of intoxicants, usury, and the abolition of slavery, etc. In
fact, the Meccan period was a period during which the
faith was established and confirmed. Accordingly, further
religious laws and rulings were introduced in the Madinite
period.
(1) Related by Al-Bukhari.
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