Introduction.

        Hejrah of Muhammad Rasul ullah (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) The Prophet of Islam, has a unique place in the history of Islam. The Muslim Calender starts from Hejrah and is named accordingly. But for Hejrah the "Construction of Islamic Society", may have taken a different and not so speedy a illuminating prespective of Hejrah we have to go back to Pre Hejrah Makkan period during which the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) and his companion had been receiving very hard and harsh treatment at the Hands of Unbelieving Quraysh, the leading Tribe of Makkah. This was inspite of the fact that the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) himself belonged to a respected house of the tribe. We will, try to present a brief summary of the background to Hejrah. The Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) had angered the Quraysh because he had declared that they were on the wrong path for worshiping idols. Matters had reached a stage where about 72 of his companions had to migrate to Habsha. Ibne Ishaq, one of the earliest historians of the period says, "When the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) saw the affliction of his companions and though he escaped because of his standing with Allah and his uncle Abu Talib, he could not protect them, he said to them, 'If you were to go to Abyssinia (it would be better for you) for the king will not tolerate injustice and it is a friendly country, until such time as Allah shall relieve you from your distrees'."

        Although the Makkans presecuted the Muslims, they would allow them not to leave Makkah, for fear that if they succeeded in establishing them selves abroad their way of Life, Religion of Islam will flourish, and "their numbers would so grow that they would destroy the authority of Quraysh altogether. " so they tried to bring them back from Habsha but the king refused to hand the Muslim refugees over to the Makkan delegation. When eventually the Hejrah to Madina was started the Makkans tried to stop people from immigrating.

        When they felt that the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) may also migrate to Madina they hatched a plot to kill him when he came out of his house on the next morning. All families of Quraysh were to send one volunteer who would stand guard outside the Prophet' (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) house and then on his emerging from the house they all would shower blows from their swords, simultaneously, so that the murder would be committed by the Quraysh as a tribe. The incident is referred to in Quran in a Verse and in Ibne Ishaq on page 223. The Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) and his closest friend Abu Bakr left the house miraculously in that the men guarding the house did not realise.

        When the news of his safe arrival, inspite of their searching for him enroute, reached Makkah, they wrote a letter to Madina. The letter was addressed to Abdullah bin Ubbay, telling him either to expel the immigrants or to kill them. If they did not do so they, the Quraysh, would attack Madina. This amounted to declaration of war. Abdullah bin Ubbay was inclined to turn Muslim migrants out of Madina, by force of arms. The Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) approached him and explained to him that if he did so the blood of his tribe will flow from both sides, because, Muslim members of his tribe, who were quite a few, will fight alongside their Muhajir brothers. The two nations theory had come into existence. The Muslims constituted ONE UMMA and the rest of humanity the other Ummah.

        Abdullah bin Ubbay must have asked as to who will defend Madina, in the event of Makkan attack. The Prophet must have replied, "We the Muslims will defend Madina." As a result of this discussion a meeting of entire Madina was held in which the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) dictated the document known in history, as Meethaque Madina. This historical document is called "Covenant with the Jews and men of Madina." The heading of the Document is in these words.

        "This is a Document from Muhammad the Prophet (governing the relations) between the believers, Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib and those who followed them and joined them and laboured with them 6…."; which when seen in the technical meaning of "Jahadu Maa huu" means those who fought Jehad with them. The Jews never followed them or laboured with them. Neither did they join the Muslims in Jehad. The document is thus not a treaty but A charter.7 It would, therefore, be correct to maintain, that the Hejrah, resulted in the setting up of a free and sovereign State, known as the State of Madina, with a properly awarded Constitutional Charter. The other result of Hejrah was the establishment of a society known as Islamic or Muslim Society. Some of the original members, a minority, to be more particular had migrated from Makka and had been trained by Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) with great care but they were for the first few months, less than fifty in number. The establishment of the state had come about through the acceptance by all, including the Jews and the Mushriqeen (disbelievers) of Madina. The affairs of the State were presided over by the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) personally. His Cabinet consisted of the Companions referred to in Quran as Ahlal Amr (Men with authority)8.

        The establishment of society proceeded gradually, Its authority was the Revealed Word of Allah. The Quran and the instruction given by Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) known as Ahadith. His actions, the way and manner of doing things is his Seerah, based on Quran. The formation of Muslim Society took time, throughout the period of his stay in Madina. It ended with Divine Words:-

        These Commands cover the Behavior of individual Muslims with one another and towards the society itself. They cover the behaviour and conduct of Muslims, with others. They include the subjects like promises, facts and treaties, the sale and purchase of commodities, the affairs of members of a family, the treatment of parents by their children and relations between spouses. They are obeyed because they emanate from the highest authority - the Creator of mankind to whom we all are answerable for our actions. The system operates or otherwise on the Faith (Eiman) of individual members and their Ahlalal Amr, (Men with Authority), in various societies of Muslims spread out along the surface of the Globe. We give below a summary of Commandments of Allah which add up to the Formation of a Muslim Society.
 

Muslim Society

        Muslim Society is composed of individual who believe in the Unity of Allah as the sole Creator and sustainer of the worlds and possessor of the only sovereign Will in the entire Universe, Who alone will hold authority on the Day of Resurrection and ever after.

Say: He is Allah the One!
Allah the eternally
Besought of all!
He begeteth not
Nor was He begotten
And there is none comparable to Him.

( Al-Akhlas 112:1-4 )

        If there were more than ONE gods there would certainly have been disorder. Religions which believe in more than one gods are full of stories of battles between them. Allah says.

If there were therein God beside Allah
Then verily both (the heavens and the earth)
Had been disordered Glorifies be Allah.
The Lord of the Throne,
From all that they ascribe (L Him.)

( Al-Ambia 21:22 )

He alone is the Creator and He can bring about anything at any time.
And He it is Who created
The heavens and the earth in truth (with a purpose)
And in the Day when He saith:
Be! It is (73)
His Word is the truth, And His will be the Sovereignty
On the Day when the trumpet is blown
Knower of the invisible.
And the visible.
He is the Wise, the Aware.

( Al-Alnaem 6:73-74 )

And there is a purpose in this creation
And hath made of service unto you
Whatsoever is in the heavens
And whatsoever is in the earth
It is all from Him.
Lo! Herein verily are Protents for people who reflect.

( Al-Jathia 45:12 )

        There is a purpose behind all this creation. He gave to man the knowledge in the shape of names and properties of all things:-

And He taught Adam All the names,

( Al-Baqarah 2:31 )

And:-

He unto Whom belongeth
he sovereignty of the heavens and the earth,
He hath chosen no son
Nor Hath He any partner
In the sovereignty.
He hath created everything
And hath meted for it a measure
(qualities, charater-istics, uses etc)

( Al-Furqan 25:2 )

        And expects man to make use of it by finding out "this measure" (Here keep in mind Verse 45:12) Allah is the holder of ultimate power in the Universe.

All (power, command, decision) rests with Allah alone
He has Commanded you To worship none except Him.
This is the firm religion,
But most people do not realise.

( Yusuf 12:40 )

        A society composed of individuals whose center of mental and spiritual concentration is One and only One being which is not like any other humanly imaginable substance, are by nature so congenial to one another that they can be termed as so many souls but one ONE body. He is:-

The Creator of the heavens and the earth
He hath made for you pairs of yourselves And of the cattle also pairs
Whereby He Multiplieth you
Naught is as His likeness
And He is the Hearer,the seer.

( Al-Shura. 42:11 )

        The division of mankind into pairs, then the family, the tribe and nations are mere distinctions for knowing one another. The criteria of excellence in the eyes of the creator is good deeds in accordance with His Commandment.

O mankind!
We have created you male and female,
And have made you nations and tribes
That you may know one another,
Lo! The noblist of you.
In the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is knower Aware.

( Al-Hajaraat 49:13 )

        There fore, if you belong to powerful tribe or a strong nation, do not be carried away with a false sense of power. Many a nation appeared on the scene, gained strength, prospered and then disappeared.

And how many a township
Stornger than thy township,
(Muhammad)
Which has cast thee out,
Have We destroyed,
And they had no helper.

( Muhammad 47:13 )

        And more often than not these townships destroy themselves through their misdeeds and refusal to live according to Allah'(Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) commandments, regarding a healthy Society. Allah would have pardoned them if they had repented even at the last minute.

Allah is kind, Merciful, For giving and Most Benevolent. Do not give up Hope in Him.
Say: O My slaves
Who have been prodigal to their own hurt:
Despair not of the Mercy of Allah
Who forgiveth all sens.
Lo! He is the forgiving, the Merciful

( Al-Zaman 39:53 )

        He has Ordered goodness and truth. Addressing the Believers, in Him. He has Commanded:-

O Ye who believe!
Be ye staunch in Justice,
Witness for Allah
Even though against yourself
Or (your) parents
Or (your) kindred
Whether (the affected is rich or poor
For Allah is nearer unto both then (than you are)
So follow not passion
Lest you lapse (from Truth)
An if ye lapse or fall away,
Then Lo!
Allah is ever informed of what ye do.

( Al-Nisa 4:135 )

        Societies distintegrate once justice becomes extinct. Once Justice disappears society ceases to exist. When a whole community believing in ONE ALLAH and obeying Him in matters of justice among their neighbours, whether believing or unbelieving are bound to bring about an exemplary society in all respect. To them Quran is Fundamental Law and they cannot flout Law Ordained by Him Whom they worship. And mind you there is nothing unusual or new in Quran. It contains in it what was Revealed to earlier prophet but had been forgotten or mixed with hearsay. Allah Addressing Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) says:

Naught is said unto thee (Muhammad)
Save what was said
Unto the messengers before thee.
Lo! Thy Lord is owner of Forgiveness and (He is owner also) of dire punishment.

( Hameen All Sajda 41:43 )

And He is kind, Benevolent and merciful, He does not inflict punishment where not deserved
Who so doth right
It is for his own self
And who so doth wrong
It is against him.
And thy Lord is not at all a tyrant
For His slaves.

( Hameen -Al-Sajda 41:46 )

        Cruelty is foreign to Islam. Even cruel men are to be avoided and shunned. How can a Muslim think of his Lord being inclined to cruelty. A devotee always wishes to be like the Power be worship. A believers in Allah wishes to become axoacstly as he imagines Him to be.

Those who disbelive
And do cruel (deeds)
And hinder others from
The Way of Allah.
They verily have wandered astray.

( Al-Nisa 4:138 )

Allah is far from cruel. Those who believe in Him shun cruelty. It is only the disbelievers who tend to be cruel. The cruel have no share in the future life. They have erred against Allah's creation, men and women and they will be punished for their ill deeds.

Lo! Those who disbelieve
And are cruel
Allah will never for give them
Neither will He guide them onto a road.

( Al-Nisa 4:168 )

        Cruelty in the world can be decreased or controlled if not completely eliminated if those desiring love and goodness to prevail, remain of one voice, irrespective of how great stress has been laid on unity and peaceful relations among Muslims.

Lo, keep your duty to Allah
And adjust the matters of difference
And obey Allah and His messenger
If you are believers

( Al-Anfal 8:1 )

        Only by remaining united can they bring out a healthy society. Without unity there is no force even though the call may be for the most pious purpose. This Verse has been ordained for Muslim groups more than for individuals. It will, therefore, be brought under discussion when collective affairs of Muslims are being studied, in a later publication. How ever, such important aspects of life cannot be ignored. We have been Ordained to keep reminding one another of these matters.

And warm (remind)
For warning
(reminding) profiteth believers.

( Al-Zariyat 51:55 )

        It will be noticed that for centuries affairs of Muslim group have been ignored either willfully or due to unwelcome situations. It is time that collective problems are now brought forward for discussions. We invite views on this subject.

        One of the common practices of injustice is regarding the orphans. Allah enjoins on bringing them up properly and when they come of age their share of inheritance should be handed over to them. Without strict observance of such practices future generations will grow up as disgruntled citizen and be the cause of disruption in society. A healthy society can emerge only when all section of population feel that they receive their due share in equitable manner.

Keep the orphans engaged (in walks of life)
Until they reach age of marriage (puberty)
Then if you find them of sound judgement
Deliver unto them their (share of the ) property
And devour it not by squandering (And do not) spend it in haste (fearing)
That they may not grow up quickly
Who so (of the guardians) is rich
Let him abstain generously (from taking expenses incurred)
And who so is poor
Let him take within reasons (for guardianship)
And when you deliver up their fortune
Have it (the transaction witnessed
In their presence.
Allah is enough as a Reckoner.

( Al-Nisa 4:6 )

        Looking after and bringing up orphans is the test of the soundness or otherwise of a society. Those who believe in Almighty Allah and fear the Day of Reckoning have it ingrained in them to show extra benevolence to orphans and the needy and act according to the Dictates of Allah.

And approach no wealth of the orphans
Except that which is better
Till he reach maturity.

( Al-inaam 6:153 )

        This Order is repeated in another Ayah and in addition one is reminded of the fact that when a person under-takes to look after an orphan he does it under an express word of faith and fulfillment of promises so important for the healthy upholding of a society in which its member can trust and plan on the fulfillment of promises. This Order is repeated in clearest possible word:-

Approach not the wealth of the orphan
Except with that which is better
Till he reach maturity
And keep the covenant
Lo! Of the covenant it will be asked.

( Al-Asraa 17:34 )

        Imagine a society in which a promise does not matter. How can the affairs of such a group of person arrive finalisation. The affairs of day to day, nay affairs of moment to moment will not reach finalisation if people of that group do not abide by what they promise and are not certain that promises being made to them will be fulfilled. There are grave matters, and have to be approached as such.

Nay, but (the chosen of Allah ie) he who filfileth
The pledge he hath made
And wardeth off (evil)
For Lo! Allah loves those who ward off (evil)

( Aale - Imran 3:76 )

And again He Commands to His servants:-

O ye who believe
Fulfil your under-takings.

( Al-Maeda 5:1 )

        An ideal society can only be created when its individual stand by their word as a matter of honour and life and death. Man is reminded that in the long run e who fulfils his promises is the one who is wise. He establishes a reputation of being above petty behaviour and can be relied upon at all times to stand by his word

Only men of under-standing heed. (19)
Such are the people
Who fulfil the Pace with Allah
And do not break the covenant. (20)

Surely that which ye are promised
Will befall.

( Al-Murselat 77:7 )

        One form of promises is when sale and purchase takes place. The seller undertakes to sell a certain weight or length of an item, in return for a certain amount of money in exchange. If he underweighs he is breaking his promise. We are told that societies in bygone days disappeared because they did not give proper weights and measures. Allah has Ordained in clear Words of His:-

And observe the measure strictly
Never fall short there off.

( Al-Rehman 55:9 )

And never give short measure, and short weights
I see you well to do (flourishing)
And lo! I fear for you (the well to do are apt to go astray)
The doom of a besetting Day. (84)
O my people!
Give full measure and full weight in justice
And wrong not people in respect of their goods.
And do not do evil in the earth,
Causing corruption.

( Hood 11:84:85 )

        If we corrupt the society it will repurcate back on us in some form or other. How short sighted man is. H cheat's to be cheated by others in return. How easy and simple is the Path of Allah. It has no blind corners. It does not lead to pets and thorny paths. It is lighted by the Countenance of Allah Himself if only we decide to be guided by the inner light light bestowed by Allah himself

        But to reach the straight Path we need Belief in Allah that He alone is Sovereign Power in the universe, that His Laws alone be obeyed, that His Laws alone are eternal and that He well be the Master of the Day of Reckoning which has to come. Without belief man is an empty shell.

These are the people
Whose Hearts fear
When Allah is mentioned
And whatever befalls them
They bear it with patience
And who establish prayer
And who spend of that
We have bestowed on them

( Al-Hajj 22:35 )

        And when they spend of what Allah has bestowed on them they do not discard the valueless items but select of what they like best in the name of Allah because Allah is Most beautiful and gives to man of His best.

Ye will not attain to piety
Until ye spend of that w
Which ye love
And whatsoever ye spend
Allah is aware thereof

( Aal-e-Imran 3:92 )

In another place He says:-

And be benevolent
Allah loveth the beeficent

( Al-Babrah 2:195 )

        Because He is Most Beneficent Himself. Allah will show His Blessings on a society of benevolent men and women.

        Muslims have been told to wish one another peace when they enter a house. It creates friendly feeling towards one another, Particularly because it is "a greeting from Allah blessed and sweet."

When ye enter houses,
Salute one another
With a greeting from Allah
Blessed and sweet.
Thus Allah makes His revelation for you,
That haply you may understand.

( Al-Noor 24:61 )

        When out of the house they are equally nice and friendly to one another. Men and women alike. They are people who do not stare at passers by whether male or female and they walk with eyes cast down. They are advised to look after their eyes, the windows of the soul.

Tell the believing men to lo men to gaze
And be modest.
That is purer for them.
Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. (30)
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze
And be modest
And to display of their ornaments
Only that which is apparent
And to draw their veil over their bosom

( Al-Shoora 24:30-31 )

        The complete Ayah needs attention on this subject both by the holders of conservative views and those holding views otherwise. It is however important to see that difference of views is tolerated and in discussion the directions contained in Quran are observed sincerely.

Call unto the way of thy Lord
With wisdom and fair exaltation
And reason with them in the better way
Lo! Thy Lord is best aware of him
Who strayeth from His way.
And He is best Aware of those who go astray

( Al-Nahal 16:125 )

        Human beings are weak. Man has great capabilities but at times he shows weakness. His weakness must be kept in mind

Allah desires to lighten your burden
For man was created weak.

( Al-Nisa 4:28 )

        Therefore man has to be reminded again and again. Keep people aware of their duties to Allah and to fellow men and women because after belief it is actions that count.

And warn (remind)
For warning (reminding profits believers

( Al-Zariat 51:55 )

        The prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) was told that his duty was to convey the Message and no more He was not to be held responsible for the misdeed of people.

Thine is but conveyance (of the message)
Ours the reckoning.

( Al-Raad 13:40 )

        Do we realise the extent of reckoning awaiting us.

        Allah desires the formation of a well knit and happy society not through speech but through action He has warned that mere verbal acceptance of Islam is not enough. He has emphasized action as "Righteous action". It is action which will count at the time of reckoning and mere words will not count unless they have resulted in good and righteous action on somebodies part.

O ye who believe!
Why say ye things which ye do not

( Al-Saff 61:2 )

        The society revolves on the pivotal position held by a household. Parents are the vocal point of a family. Great stress has been laid on due respect to be offered to them. The emphasis on respect of parents can be judged with its frequencies and the farming of the commandment. For instance it says:-

And Lord has decreed
That ye worship none save Him
And (that ye show) kindness to parents
If one of them or both attain to old age with thee
Say not "fie" unto them,
Nor repulse them,
But speak unto them a gracious word. (24)
And lower unto them the wing of submission
Through mercy
And say, My Lord!
Have mercy on them both
As they did care for me when I was little

( Al-Asraa 17:23-24 )

        These instructions must have been contained in earlier Codes of Law as well because with love and respect for parents no society can continue healthy and robust structure. If mankind has deviated from this basic principle it will find that it is unhappy to that extent. Allah reminds in these words:-
And We enjoined upon mankind

Concerning his parents
His mother beareth him in weakness upon weakness
And his weaning for two years
Give thanks Unto me and unto thy parents
Unto me is the jorneying.

        Parents hold a specially revered position in the family and Islam orders Muslims to continue giving the respect, honour and love which mankind has rendered through the ages and reject the free for all and short sighted ungodly philosophies of modern age.

        Islam which expects Muslims to pay back evil with kindness and good could not have ignored advising, and in fact, ordering Muslims to show kindness to parents even though they may not have accepted Islam.

Repel evil with that
Which is better.
We are best aware which they allege. (96)
And say: My Lord!
I seek refuge in Thee From suggestions of the evil ones

( Al-Moemenoon 23:96-97 )

        Allah commands that if your enemies desist from mischief they should be pardoned except he war mongers who were guilty of cruel acts.

If they desist
Then let there be no revenge
Except against guilty of cruelty.

( Al-Baqarah 2:193 )

        In other place, addressing Muhammad, the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) Allah has Commanded:-

And lo! The hour is surely coming,
So forgive, O Muhammad
With gracious forgiveness.

( Al-Hajar 15:85 )

        The Muslims have to obey such an order even with greater care than if it was given as a general order and Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) was not directly specified. And we know that he forgave his enemies again and again. This theme is the dominant theme of Quran. Allah Commands in another place as under:-

Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad)
And enjoin kindness,
And turn away from the ignorant.

( Al-Aaraf 7:199 )

        It clearly denotes that unkindness, mischief and cruelty are the result of ignorance. The distinctive characteristic of a Muslim society should be love, kindness and forgiveness. These qualities, in the end make a society well knit, strong and leading a happy life, and not the life of ignorance.

        These are directions for the establishment of a well-knit, friendly and loving society formed by upright self-respecting individuals who shun evil to please their Lord and in return are given contented happiness in the day to day life of this mundale world. The internal smooth and peaceful moral life of a Muslim society is so important that its individuals are advised to avoid giving names to one another which may hurt them in the slightest.

O ye who believe
Let not a folk diride
Who may be better than they.

( Al-Hajarat 49:11 )

        A society which relaxes its hold on behaviour of individuals becomes a prey to suspicions resulting in petty quarrels leading to bloodshed and eventual disruption. It is, therefore, Commanded:-

O ye who believe!
Shun much suspicion;
For some suspicions is a crime.
And spy not
Neither back bite one another.
Would one of you
Love to eat the flesh of his dead brother?
And keep your duty (to Allah)
Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.

( Al-Hajarat 49:12 )

        Selfishness and pride lead to such base characteristics. Both have to be avoided if a happy and contented social structure is to emerge. High ideals, free of petty mindedness alone can build a viable and lasting social structure.

The following Verse needs to be kept in mind at all time.
O mankind!
Lo! The promise of Allah is true
So let not the life of the world beguile you
And let not the (avowed) beguiler
Buguile you with regard to Allah.

( Fatir. 35:5 )

Because:

Every soul will taste of death
And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection
Only that which ye have fairly earned
Who so is removed from the fire
And is made to enter Paradise,
He indeed is triumphant.
The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.
Q Aal-e-Imran 3:185
The evil spirit, Satan is there to mislead only.
And Satan promiseth them only to beguile.

( Al-Nisa 4:120 )

        Man will earn the reward of his deeds. There is no doubt about it. He may have been made out of clay, no doubt, but this is not the end of his life. The second phase, the more important when he takes position behind the curtain of death. His "fair earnings", in the shape of how he helped in giving peace and happiness to the society in which he was placed. This will be the criteria of judging his actions. Man is expected by Allah to:-

Establish prayer,
And pay Zakat
And whatever of good ye send before (you)
For your souls,
Ye will find it with Allah
Lo! Allah is Seer of what ye do

( Al-Bakaral 2:110 )

        A question is often asked as to how much distribution of wealth must be undertaken. A principle has been established that what has not been used or consumed for a year must be subject to Zakat, which is 2 1/2%. This means that an omament of gold or silver if retained for 40 years must be subject to its equal value through Zakat. Relics of grandmothers must have paid many times their value when retained for two or three generations. Similarly questions are asked as to how much should be spent for good deeds. The answer is.

They ask the (O Muhammad)
What they shall spend (On good deeds)
Say: That which ye spend for good (must include)
To parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy
And the wayfarer.
And whatever good you do
Lo! Allah is Aware of it.

( Al-Baqara 2:215 )

        But you do not have to make public knowledge of the good deeds you do. You are at liberty to do as you like.

If you do good openly
Or keep it secret
Or forgive evil,
Lo! Allah is forgiving Powerful.

( Al-Nisa 4:149 )

        Good deeds are to be encouraged a great deal. As a matter of fact, a truly Muslim society comes into existence only if every individual makes effort to support others in good deeds.

Wealth and children are
An ornament of life of the world
But the goods which endure
Are better in thy
Lord' s sight for reward
And better in respect of life.

( Al-Kahaf 18:46 )

        The type of actions that are prohibited in an Islamic society are those which are liable to hurt others. Islam, as the name devotes means submission to the Will of Allah. Allah Desires that His Creation of Excellence, should live in peace and continue to gain knowledge, particularly knowledge which will lead to mastery over matter. Matter, in fact, all matter, has been placed at his disposal. It is for him to attain it. This can be attained only when peace reigns.

Allah it is Who hath made
The sea of service to you
That the ship may run thereon
By His command,
And that ye may seek of His bounty,
And that haply ye may be thankful; (12)
And whatsoever is in the earth,
It is all from His.
Lo! Herein are portents
For people who reflect.

( Al-Jathia 45:12-13 )

        Those who do not believe in the life to come should not be ignored but they deserve a prayer to Allah, to lead them to the right path.

Tell those who believe
To forgive those who hope not
For the days of Allah:
In order that He may requite folk
What they used to earn.

( Al-Jathia 45:14 )

        But when trying to bring people to the right path, those that have gone astray, remember that in the matter of religion (Deen ie way of life) no pressure or force can be used. Islam is a Way of life, complete in itself. Islam has to be lived and not merely accepted verbally. A way of life which has to be observed under all conditions of waking period of day and night cannot be and should not be forced on a self respecting human being. We are told to enter Islam in One complete whole.

O you who believe!
Came into Islam completely
And follow not the footsteps
Of the Satan
Lo! he is an avowed enemy of yours.

( Al-Baqarah 2:208 )

        When entry into this way of life is a complete entry then it should a voluntary entry. Hence the Commandment:

There is no compulsion in religion.
The right direction is henceforth distinct from error
And he who rejecteth false dieties
And believeth in Allah
Hath grasped a firm handle hold
Which will never break.
Allah is hearer, Knower.

( Al-Baqarah 2:256 )

        As such what would be the benefit of bringing people by pressure and force into Islam. The decision to accept Islam as a Way of Life for the remaining period of one'(Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) existence on this planet cannot be made as a matter of jest. It is a serious affair affecting ever waking and sleeping moment of a person's life.

Say: Lo! As for me
My Lord hath guided me
Unto the straight path
A right religion, (way of Life)
The Millah (community - society) of Ibrahim (Abraham)
The upright, who was not an idolater.

( Al-Anaam 6:162 )

        In effect it means that the Lord has guided the applicant to that community which believes that their Lord is so Magnanimous that for every good deed he repays tenfold and he is so merciful that for bad deeds he punishes onefold and assures the sinner that he will be wronged.

Whoso bringeth a good deed
Will receive tenfold the like thereof,
While whoso bringeth an ill deed
Will be awarded but the like thereof:
And they will not be wronged.

( Al-Anaam 6:161 )

        As said earlier the man or woman who elects to be a Muslim surrenders completely to The Will of Allah. Every moment of his life is to be controlled and guided by the Quranic Code. He is Commanded to say:-

Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice
And my (say to day) living (the entire life)
And my dying (the cause for which I will lay down my life)
Are (all) for Allah,
Lord of the Worlds.

( Al-Anaam 6:163 )

        A person, who accepts Islam under pressure or through fear of death will not be able to stand upto the hard and rigorous life of a Muslim who has to be ever ready to make sacrifices including the sacrifice of life smilingly.

        That precisely would be the reason why the Prophet of Allah (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) agreed to the clause which stipulated that if Makkan youth went to Madina and accepted Islam without permission of his guardian he will not be returned to Makkah but if a Muslim youth of Madina abrogated Islam and went to Makkah to join the Quraysh and live with them he will not be returned to his guardian. The philosophy behind this seemingly derogatory clause was that a Makkan youth will remain a Muslim even if he was taken back to Makkah by his guardian and under went great hardship. As for as the case of a Muslim youth taking protection in Makka was considered it amounted to a contradiction in terms. No Muslim youth was likely to abrogate Islam and none did so. Therefore the Clause did not prove of any advantage to the Makkans and they themselves requested its removal from the Peace Treaty of Hudaybia.
 

Summing up

        Formation of Islamic Society based on Quranic commandments of Almighty Allah, was undertaken by Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) after he migrated to Madina. It is reported that, after the conquest of Makkah and the Battle of Hunain, when some people thought that he may move the Head Quarter of his State to Makka, he allayed their fears saying that Makka has its own importance but Hijrah has special significance in the scheme of things (or words) to that effect). The point that needs being brought out is that inspite of the importance of Makkah and the fact that Quran started being revealed while the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) still resided there and the fact of conferment of Prophethood in that city, the society based on Divine Commandments was established practically in Madina Events of Life of Prophet Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) take importance only when viewed in the light of Law Revealed at Madina. Islamic Shariah except Belief in One Allah is mainly confined to Madina period and this we feel enhances the importance of Hijrah in the seerah "Life History" of Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) . The Last Prophet who put a seal to the Code of Guidance for humanity for the period of their existence on Earth. If a question is asked as to what is the criteria of an Islamic Society, the answer is that unless a society in its communal life, follows the pattern set by The Seerah of the Prophet (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) during his life in Madina, a society does not qualify to be called Muslim society.

        It was this society, created by Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) at Madina, which bore the burden of a long drawn total war against heavy odds. It was the men and women of Madina, who inspite of waverers living within Madina rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge to meet the Quraysh of Makka, inspite of inferiority in numbers and no weapons worth the name.

        It was the men and women, the product of these Commandments of Allah, who withstood the entire Armed forces of Arabia's Confederacy and forced them to abandon their siege and depart to their various abodes spread out over entire Arabia.

        It was a society brought into existence by peaceful personal example which bore the financial burden of over nine years war and at the same time carried on the burden of inner administration throughout this period without one instance of complaining about the rigors of war time scarcity. Brothers and sisters this is brief summing up of Allah's Commandments which when followed bring into existence the manner of society which Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) was able to create. We need to emulate his methods of preaching, his manner of approach to complicated problems and his loving form of leadership of hard, sincere and honest men and women of both the city and the desert.

        Life of Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) during the time that he brought about the Ideal Islamic Society at Madina is a fascinating life story bounded by Commandment of Almighty Allah both during peace and war. It is a unique life, full of lessons for the ruler and the ruled, the rich and the poor, the farmer and the merchant and the teacher and the taught. We hope to be putting before our brothers and sisters glimpses of this life in our futures numbers with the hope that groups of Millah spread along the surface of the Globe will try to emulate this life of which has been said in Quran:-

Verily in the Messenger of Allah ye have a good example
For him who looketh at Allah
And the Last Day,
And remembereth Allah much.

( Al-Ahzab 33:21 )

NOTES

1. Ibne Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam), English Translation by A Guillaume, Oxford University Press, Karachi, 1968,p.146
2. Ibid p.221.
3. Ibid p.152.
4. Ibid p.213.
5. Ibid p.222.
6. Ibid p.231-233.
7. For a Fuller discussion see authors book "Muhammad (Sallala o Alaihe Wa sallam) and his Constituional Charter". Institute of Islamic Culture Lahore and Pap-Board Printers (Pvt.) Ltd., Rawalpindi.
8. See Verses.
9. This subject will be dealt with in greater detail at an other time.