Dr. Jahangir Hasan
If we reflect on the countries, societies, and environments we live in today, it becomes clear that we live in two distinct conditions: one as a minority and the other as a majority. In countries like India, Nepal, China, Japan, the UK, and the USA, we belong to a minority group, while in regions like the Arab world, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Muslim-majority countries, we are part of the majority.
In places where we are a minority, despite enjoying various freedoms, we need to adopt a cautious approach in many matters, as this is both wise and necessary for the time. On the other hand, in countries where we are in the majority, it is essential to promote justice, impartiality, and the values of love and brotherhood.
Sadly, in situations where we are a minority, we often try to live with the mentality of the majority or, due to pressure from the majority, have become prone to violence. Alternatively, due to our ignorance, impatience, and restlessness, we find ourselves in a state of great anxiety. Despite these challenges, we fail to reflect on the guidance the Prophet of Islam provided for living as a minority.
In contrast, where we are in the majority, we are intoxicated with the arrogance of our power, which has placed us in great difficulty. Even in this difficult situation, we remain unwilling to learn how the Prophet lived when he was in the majority. Furthermore, as a minority, we suffer from an inferiority complex due to our ignorance and complacency, and as a majority, through our inhumane actions, biased attitudes, and discriminatory behaviours, we are distorting our true image.
Whether we find ourselves in the minority or the majority, we are gradually losing our identity on the global stage. What’s worse is that we are unsure of how to maintain our identity or regain the respect we have lost. We don’t seem to have the time or willingness to seriously reflect on this issue.
However, the life of the Prophet of Islam offers us complete guidance in this regard. Where we are in the minority, the Prophet’s Meccan life (Makki Seerah) serves as the perfect guide, and where we are in the majority, his life in Medina (Madani Seerah) stands as an excellent model for us to follow.
It is well known that when the Prophet of Islam declared his prophethood, he was in the minority and was striving to establish the presence of the new faith. He knew that the religion of Islam, which he had been given, was superior in truth and authenticity to all other religions. Yet, he advanced Islam with great patience and quiet persistence. He first conveyed the message of Islam to those closest to him, and as opportunities arose, he spread it more widely.
Despite his conviction in the truth of Islam, the Prophet never resorted to coercion, force, or compulsion for anyone to accept Islam. He always upheld the divine command that there is no compulsion in religion (Al-Baqarah: 256). Whenever he spoke about Islam to someone, he did so with gentleness, kindness, and love, always keeping in mind the instruction from Allah: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel, and argue with them in the best of manners” (An-Nahl: 125).
If the person accepted, that was good; if not, and even if they responded with hostility, the Prophet would still show the highest level of moral conduct and kindness in return.
Even with those who constantly harassed and troubled him, he treated them with love, kindness, and the highest level of ethics. During his time in the minority, the Prophet carried out his mission with great patience, perseverance, and in silence, gradually advancing his efforts to build a community, moulding individuals according to the circumstances.
Though the Prophet could have easily opened a front against the disbelievers and polytheists, especially given that he belonged to one of the most noble and courageous tribes in Mecca, the Quraysh, he refrained. He chose not to act in such a manner because it was not conducive to the message of peaceful propagation.
In this way, the Prophet left behind invaluable examples for living as a minority. By following these lessons, we can lead exemplary lives today, contributing positively to the whole of humanity. These principles have the potential to maintain peace even in violent or hostile environments.
Then the Prophet of Islam had lived a life in the minority, the time came when he was commanded to migrate to Medina. He and his companions then migrated to Medina, where they began life in a majority setting. The Prophet established a bond of (Mawakhat (brotherhood) between the Muhajirun (migrants) and the Ansar (helpers), who were initially strangers to one another.
Though this bond appeared to be a relationship of brotherhood between the Muhajirun and Ansar, in reality, it was a message for all of humanity. The impact of this unity and brotherhood was so profound that it inspired others to embrace Islam. However, today we have sadly forgotten this important lesson.
After that the event of the Mithaq-e-Madina (Charter of Medina) took place, in which an agreement was established between three groups: Muslims, disbelievers, polytheists, and Jews. The agreement ensured that they would politically and socially support and protect one another. At that time, the Prophet of Islam was in Medina, and unlike in Mecca, he was in the majority. If he had wished, he could have imposed his religion on the minority groups through force and coercion, much like some groups today attempt to impose their views through power. However, the Prophet did not choose this path. Despite being in the majority, he made an agreement with the minority communities and not only created a peaceful environment and paved the way for the progress of the people of Medina and its residents,but also provided political and social protection to the disbelievers and polytheists. Through his exemplary system of governance, he presented a model that remains admirable for all of humanity.
Similarly, during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (Sulh-e-Hudaybiyyah), despite the fact that the Prophet and his followers were in the majority, he still opted for peace, even under one-sided conditions. Some of the Companions were displeased with these terms, as they felt that agreeing to such one-sided conditions was difficult. Nevertheless, the Prophet accepted the terms set by the disbelievers and polytheists for the sake of establishing peace, even if only for a few years, to ensure stability and security for all.
At the time of the Conquest of Mecca, when every individual in Mecca was under the control of the Prophet of Islam, one would expect that he would enter the city in a grand, victorious, and authoritative manner. However, contrary to this expectation, the Prophet entered Mecca with profound humility. Such was his modesty that despite being a victorious leader, his head was bowed so low that his forehead was touching the front of the camel named Qaswa upon which he was riding.
The Prophet also had the power to avenge the mistreatment, oppression, and cruelty that the polytheists of Mecca had inflicted upon him and his companions during their time as a minority. Yet, instead of seeking revenge, he chose the path of forgiveness and announced a general amnesty for even those who had been his and his companions’ mortal enemies. Ensuring the survival and protection of humanity, he declared, “There is no retribution against you today. May Allah forgive you, for He is the Most Forgiving. Go, for you are all free today.”
This act of clemency was a defining moment in history. The Prophet not only prohibited all forms of inhumane behaviour but also established a system that erased the sense of superiority between minorities and majorities. The distinctions between Arabs and non-Arabs, between the white and the black, were dissolved. All of humanity was united as one, bound by a common thread of brotherhood and equality.
In our view, during significant events such as the Pact of Brotherhood in Medina (Muwakhat-e-Madina), the Charter of Medina (Mithaq-e-Madina), the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (Sulh-e-Hudaybiyyah), and the Conquest of Mecca (Fath-e-Makkah), the Prophet of Islam played a fundamental role in the survival and protection of humanity. The world is not only incapable of presenting a similar example but also humanity can never repay the debt of gratitude for these actions.
Whether we are in the minority or the majority, we must take special lessons from the life of the Prophet. If we are in the minority, we should, according to the circumstances, first prove ourselves through patience, endurance in hardships, and individual development. If we are in the majority, we must uphold justice, fairness, honesty, and integrity towards all, whether rich or poor, needy or self-sufficient, strong or weak