Islam Rediscovered
18. Islamic Activism
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When the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon
him, began his mission in Makkah, hundreds of idols
had been placed in the most sacred mosque. The
Kabah, which was built as a centre of monotheism,
had virtually become a centre of
shirk
(polytheism).
At that time the method adopted by the Prophet
Muhammad, may peace be upon him, provides a
perfect example of positive status quoism.
What the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon
him, did was to refrain completely from interfering
with the idols and idol worship. Instead, letting
things remain as they were, the Prophet began to
communicate the call of monotheism to the people
who used to visit the Kabah daily, it being a central
place. The Prophet availed of these large gatherings
by going there every day and reading out to them
passages from the Qur’an. In this way Islam began
to spread gradually in the country.
2.
Avoidance of Protest Gradually Changes the Status
Quo:
The Prophet lived in Makkah for thirteen years after
he received his prophethood. During this period, a
