Peaceful Resistance Pioneered By Early Muslims In 610 C.E

Peaceful protest was the hallmark of the generations of Black freedom fighter Martin Luther, to some extend ANC, In India Gandhi. What is less known is the fact that, peaceful resistance was first seen in Mecca after Muslims were commanded to stop concealing their faith.

Let us get properly organise, open concrete avenues of communications, involve all parties in dealing with national issues. We too can turn the tide, we can stop self-perpetuating rule...Our problems are basic rudimentary politics.

The problem with Africans and Muslim in dealing with political struggles against their own black and Arab oppressors is that, we don’t know how to bring down dictators peacefully. Many can narrate tones of literatures on how to tackle imperialism and its machines, but are clueless as to how to stop tyranny and self-perpetuating Presidency of African and Arab politicians. Imperialism is still affecting us because we have failed to elevate ourselves since the end of colonialism.

However, in 610 C.E The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) was bestowed with the highest honour of Prophet hood. At the time of his call, the entire Arab society was besmirched in terrible practises and customs. As a snap shot of the short conversation, those who accept the message of Islam practise their faith in secret. The reason for the private concealment of their new faith was due to the fear from the prevailing political and religious customs. The Prophet knew his people, and that any speech calling for a change from the tyrannical idolatry system will cause a violent crackdown.

To safeguard the small number of people, new Muslims were advised to conduct themselves discretely. However, when the Quran Chapter 74:1-5 was revealed, secret concealment of Islam was ended. The called on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was to "arise and warn..." Mankind. He started with his household first. And it was from his own extended family that he countered the first major hostility.

However, he was undeterred to preach the word of God. When the new Muslim group were informed that, God commanded the Prophet to propagate the message of Islam in the open, they never took a moments hesitations. What was needed is what many famous political leaders led across our generations, peaceful protest. The new Muslims faced the brutal mob of Mecca under the leadership of Abu Sufiyan, Abu Lahab, Ikrama, and many tough pagan leaders.

Crowds were organise to pelt the Muslims, some were assaulted, exiled, beaten and others less fortunate, murdered. Is there any parallel to our current struggles in Muslim lands and African countries? Yes Indeed. Africans and Muslim must refuse to accept tyrants to strangle them and their potentials. The argument today is not about Western domination, it is more about African hesitation and acceptance of half-baked murderers and tyrants becoming overlords in our respective countries.

We cannot today just look to the intellectuals to safe Africa, they can't because they/we always want to be unperturbed. The ranting against the West is becoming obsolete. Muslims cannot continue to blame the West for undemocratic ethics in our countries. We can model democracy to the universal norms and still have a place in our values and traditions. The respect for human life, the cap on Presidential term of office, the battle to eliminate corruptions, the promotion of pluralism, etc etc should be the order in every country.

Early Muslims took to the street of Mecca in match to perform their religious duties. They were attacked, but they made a stand. Today, Africans and many Muslims are at lost on how to deal with tyrants and Monarchs who grew such a deep root, attempting to change them smells of impossibility. Look at Syria, Asad was on the verge of accepting the demands of the people when others went along showing unnecessary support to a life President. Muslims have a duty to allow the dynamics of today's contemporary public live to be relevant to them. Live Presidency must end, transferring power to Son's must end. Real voting rights should be instituted so that, every member of society can play a part.

 Islam will always appeal to sincere believers, no matter what system of government is in place. There are millions of Muslims living in liberal Western countries. They never miss their Prayers, never touch alcohol, never fornicate or commit murder, neither promotes terrorism. Islam has always accepted reforms in public live. Qiyas, the concept of Ijma, the development of figh are all part of explaining the faith to contemporary Muslims. It is time to stop politicians attaining absolute power...

Main Ref: (The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the noble Prophet by Al-Mubarakpuri)

Suntou Touray

www.suntoumana.blogspot.com

suntou@btinternet.com