The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
Prophetic Wisdom
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ultimately becomes established. An attempt to
change this status quo in most cases results in
futility or in all out strife. What normally happens is
that the status quo continues. If not, mutual
retaliation results in further losses. In this pointless
engagement, precious opportunities are also
wasted.
In such a controversial matter, the Prophet’s
sunnah
is to accept the status quo. The great benefit of this
status-quoism is that it gives one the respite to
consolidate one’s energies. By removing oneself
from the scene of controversy, one may strengthen
oneself so greatly that a time will come when
ultimately the balance of power will change without
any major confrontation.
The Prophet of Islam adopted this wise course on
the occasion of the drawing up of the Treaty of
Hudaybiya. When the Makkans heard that their
opponents had gathered at Hudaybiya, they too
reached there to stop the Muslims from going any
further. The Prophet at this juncture was on his way
to Makkah to perform the rite of
Umra
(minor
pilgrimage). Thus a situation of deadlock came to
