The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Policy of the Prophet
~ 110 ~
under the cover of darkness. In this move the
Prophet maintained such great secrecy that,
although he had to go to Madinah from Makkah, he
went in the opposite direction and remained hidden
on the way for three days inside the cave of Thaur.
Then he reached Madinah by an unfamiliar route.
Noting this dissimilarity of strategy, some
biographers have raised this question of why Umar
departed publicly, after challenging the idolaters
and without any fear or apprehension, and why the
Prophet migrated secretly, taking every precaution
to ensure his safety. Did that mean that Umar was
braver than the Prophet?
(Fiqh As Seerah,
p. 144)
This question has no validity, for actions have to be
judged in terms of their motivations, which will be
different at individual and communal levels. Islam
always advises proceeding wisely and judiciously,
and certainly does not favour acting on impulse.
However, an individual may be allowed to take
such steps, if it is only he himself who is
concerned. This will be no more than his personal
choice, and his actions will not serve as a model for
others.
