Islam Rediscovered
21. Islam in History
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replied: ‘We are God’s helpers.’ Some of the
children of Israel believed in Him, while
others did not. We aided the believers against
their enemies and they triumphed over them.
(61:14)
On deeper reflection we find that this verse is of
relevance to the history of the second stage of Islam,
that is, the second period of the Muslim
ummah
(community). That was when
fitna
had ceased and
religious freedom had been introduced into the
world. Then the Muslims had to adopt the same
course as that adopted by the followers of Christ
under his guidance. Of course, there was no
question of adopting the additions and innovations
in their religious beliefs; these were to be rejected.
Therefore, leaving aside the system of their beliefs,
the practical pattern adopted by them in
da’wah
was
without doubt a prophetic pattern. And it was as
worth adopting for the Muslims as it was for the
Christians.
The question arises as to what kind of “help” Christ
had asked his followers to give. We find the answer
in the traditions. Ibn Hisham, the Prophet’s
