Islam Rediscovered
18. Islamic Activism
~ 320 ~
Treaty was a successful example of positive status
quoism. Consequently, the Prophet, by accepting
the prevalent situation in Arabia, secured full
opportunities for peaceful
da’wah
struggle and this
opened the door for a “clear victory” in the words
of the Qur’an (48:24). The principle of Islamic
activism has been briefly alluded to in the Qur’an:
Therefore bear up patiently as did the steadfast
Prophets before you. Bear up with patience and
do not seek to hurry on their doom. (46:35).
According to this verse, there were in any given
situation two ways of launching a campaign, — the
patient and the impatient.
The latter is that of emotional while the former is
that of considered response. The impatient person
launches himself on a collision course at the very
outset making the continuance of the struggle
impossible. On the contrary, one who follows the
patient method, and avoids any confrontation with
the status quo, is free to make full use of any
opportunities which come his way. This method
leads to sure success without creating any new
problems in society.
