Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
5. Lessons of the Prophet’s Life
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the Muslim force, and for this reason he became
known as the “Leader of
the Hypocrites.” In
principle, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy’s opinion had been
correct; it was also borne out by experience on the
field of battle; but, although he was in the right, his
disobedience incurred God’s displeasure, and was
considered a form of transgression.
Islam attaches great importance to consultation.
Everyone has a right to put forward his or her point
of view. But no policy can be effectively pursued if
everyone expects their own view to prevail, no
matter what the circumstances. Only one course has
to be followed, so when there is disagreement over
what that course should be, not everybody’s view
can be accommodated. True Muslims, then, should,
after offering their opinion, forget about what they
think, and follow the directives of decision-makers
as if their decisions were their own.
There is no greater sacrifice than that of one’s own
opinion. Like a building, which can only be
constructed if a considerable number of bricks are
buried in the ground, so a strong society can only
come into being if individuals are ready to bury
