ISLAM IN HISTORY

Islam

Stands the test of history

Muslims claim that Islam is the eternal religion. Any claim of these kinds invites people to judge its validity on historical grounds. If latter day history testifies to its claim, its stand endorsed, otherwise it must be rejected. Marxism in the 20^th century CE is a clear-cut example of historical rejection. According to his concept of historical determinism, Karl Marx held that modern industrial capitalism bore within him the seeds of its own destruction. He further observed that according to its own inherent laws, its antithesis would emerge which would destroy it whereupon a new synthesis would come into being. But, quite contrary to his prediction, industrial capitalism has not only survived, but is making some progress. Historical symbol have thus buried Marxist theory. Then there is the case of Adolph Hitler who made grandiose claims that Germans were the “master race” and were destined to rule over all Europe. The rout of Hitler and his Nazi party at the end of World War II put paid to all such theorizing.

But the case of Islam is quite different. Even after a period of more than 1400 years, Islam has suffered no erosion of its validity. The well known British historian, Edward Gibbon describes the rise and expansion of Islam as: “one of the most memorable revolutions which have impressed a new and lasting character on the nations of the globe.” An Indian historian, M.N. Roy, has observed: “Muhammad must be recognized as by far the greatest of all Prophets, before or after him.” He goes on to say that “the expansion of Islam is the miraculous of all miracles.” (The Historical Role of Islam, pp, 4-5).

The American writer, Michael Hart, in his book, “The 100” has made a selection of the 100 most influential persons in history, who have achieved the most outstanding success in this world. Right at the top of this list is the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of whom the author writes: “He was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels.”

The great success that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), had predicted for his mission at the very outset came true. The success came in spite of the stiff opposition which Prophet Muhammad, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) faced right from the beginning, both from within his own family and from the outside world. This was in 610CE, the year when he first started receiving divine revelations. At this stage he felt totally helpless. But then, in this adverse situation, he received a revelation from Allaah, which says (what means): “They want to extinguish Allaah’s light with their mouths. But Allaah will perfect His Light, even though the unbelievers may detest it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, so that he may exalt it over all religions, much as the pagans may dislike it.” (Q1: 8-9)

At the very beginning of his prophetic career, the Qur’an declared that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would certainly succeed in his mission. All his opponents, however powerful they might be, would ultimately be defeated. (This is pointed out at several places in the Qur’an in different wording). In history we find numerous personalities who began their work with towering claims, but none of them achieved the success they envisioned. Throughout human history, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is a unique exception to this rule, in that his predictions were fulfilled to the fullest extent.

Through the efforts of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and his Companions, a unique events took place, starting from scratch, they succeeded in extending their influence to the entire populated world of that age. During this brief period, they not only conquered Arabia but also succeeded in crushing the two great empires of their time, the Roman and the Sassanid empires. This exceptional phase in history has been almost universally acknowledged by historians.

The Qur’an was revealed prior to the modern age of knowledge, yet 1400 years ago at the time of its revelation, the Qur’an declared that the proof of its divine origin lay in its being in complete accordance with historical facts and its constituency with contemporary discoveries and those that might be made in future times. Advances may be made in human knowledge, but they will never contradict the Qur’anic statements. To a remarkable degree, latter day history has testified to this. While many statements contained in all the entire ancient books have been at loggerheads with the latest scientific discoveries, the Qur’an is unique in steering clear of all such contradiction.

As the Qur’an says: “Do they not ponder on the Qur’an? Had it been from other than God, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (Q4:82). (The word “discrepancy” here means inconsistency, that is, a Qur’anic statement not agreeing with eternal knowledge). Much has been written on this aspect of the Qur’an in modern times. This shows that the Qur’an perfectly comes up to the scientific standards.

This development of human knowledge in favor of Qur’anic contents is no mere accident. It is another historical proof that the Qur’an is a book revealed by the Creator of the Universe, Whose knowledge is not bound by the limitations of space and time. Hence we find In the Qur’an a unique prediction to this effect: “We will soon show them Our signs in the Universe and in their own souls, until they clearly see that it is the truth.” (Q41:53)

To sum up, there is no other scripture that, having challenged all of mankind to disprove its authenticity as the Qur’an did, finally gained total rational support for its most bitter opponents. And there is no other historic figure whose full success was as uncertain as that of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) who was finally crowned with such supreme success.