PART TWO
A General View of Human Security before Islam
Before speaking of the Islamic view on how to deal with this general picture of the current international situation, let us recall the old international security situation, which reflected the condition of human communities before the dawn of Islam; the conditions of societies contemporary to the mission of the last prophet and messenger, our master and messenger Muhammad, son of Abdullah, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him. Let us also recall the method used by Islam to deal with the international security condition it faced at the time.
History offers us glimpses of the human condition at the time. It narrates the stories of Assyrians and ancient Egyptians and tells us about the laws of nations of the past, such as the Code of Hammurabi in the land between Mesopotamia and the Nile River. It tells us of the Laws of Manu in the Indian subcontinent. It narrates the biography of Buddha, a Brahman, and his law. It brings us news of Confucius which occurred in China. Through history, we are introduced to the development of Greek laws, characterized by injustice, by the cruelty of war, and by sexual licentiousness. Those laws were so harsh that they are said “to have been written with blood,” and were noted for their extreme caste system. These laws gave allowances to noblemen that were denied to all other people. In addition, history tells us of reform attempts in the development of Greek laws, but these attempts could not overcome the great number of unjust practices common at the time.
History tells us about the Roman laws, most outstanding of which were the Twelve Tables. Professor Monet, a French historian, describes the sum total of the Twelve Tables stipulations, saying:
We in fact are faced by a barbaric law. In regards to debtors unable to pay the debts they owed, they could be enslaved by the lenders, who were given the right to sell, and even kill, these debtors. If the lenders were several, they all had the right to cut the body of the debtor into pieces while he was still alive. (As quoted by Dr. Ma’roof Al-Dawalibi, An Introduction to Law History.)
Having contemplated the details of what we are told by history of the stories of pre-Islamic nations and laws – such as the laws and codes of Hammurabi, Manu, Buddha, Confucius, the Greeks, the Romans, and others – one can clearly see that, as a whole, they are a combination of religious commands, conventions, and philosophy, and that they mix up good and evil, justice and injustice, the humiliation and disgrace of the human race, severity and mercy, moral standards and corruption, and respect for the family and sexual licentiousness. Thus the researcher is faced by a bizarre scene that combines conflicting elements. This suggests a great defect in the educational and cultural constitution of the makers of these laws. Probably, this disgraceful contradiction, as I see it, is due to two factors:
1. the conflict between innate nature and passion, and
2. the conflict between religious instruction and inherited conventions and traditions.
History, likewise, tells us that wars and attacks were the rule in the relations between peoples, communities, and individuals, and even between members of the same people or the same community. The most outstanding examples are the world wars that broke out between the followers of religions and subjects of empires dominant at the time. One of the best known of these was the Great Holocaust, in which Jews burnt the Christians of Najran in southern Arabia. The valleys and mountains of the area are the surviving witnesses that bear traces of the atrocious holocaust, which is deservedly regarded as the first “holocaust” in the history of Mankind. The Qur'an keeps a record of it in a document entitled “The Sura of Al-Burooj (the Constellations).” One of the bloodiest wars was the recurring wars between Persians and Romans, which had casualties numbering hundreds of thousands, in addition to horrible destruction and devastation at all levels. There were also the wars within the framework of the Roman Empire, the wars between the Greek and Roman empires, and many others. Within the Arab nation, fierce wars erupted, such as the wars of Al-Basoos, Daahes and Al-Ghabraa, and others that took the form of raids and counter-raids, being the accepted norm in the tribal life in Arabia.
The Glorious Qur'an offers an adequate account of the history of peoples and nations at that time. It offers a detailed picture of the security conditions of humanity as it progressed before the advent of the Islamic mission. These conditions include the following.
1. The Case of Greed and Mutual Envy
Narrate to them in all truth the story of Adam’s two sons: how each made an offering, and it was accepted from one but not from the other. He said, “I am going to kill you.” The other said: “God accepts from the God-fearing. ◘ If you lay your hand on me to kill me, I shall not lay my hand on you to kill you; for I fear God, the Lord of Creation (Al-Maidah V: 27-28).
This is an example of the envy and greed that used to be common among people, even between the closest people, between kin, and even between two brothers (Abel and Cain). Another supporting example of this case of envy and greed is the story of the two brothers and the ewe, a story that confirms the injustice and oppression dominant among people and in societies:
“This here is my brother, and he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one. He said, ‘Entrust it to me,’ and overwhelmed me with his speech.” ◘ He said, “He has been unjust to you in asking to add your ewe to his.’ Many associates oppress each other, with the exceptions of those who believe and do good deeds, and few are they. David thought We have tested him, so he asked his Lord for forgiveness, fell prostrate, and was repentant” (Saad XXXVIII: 23-24).
2. The Case of Degeneration of the Human Intellect through the Worship of Stones and Other Objects
We have earlier bestowed on Abraham his reasoning power, and We knew him well. He said to his father and his people, ‘What are these statues you are devoted to?’ (Al-Anbiya XXI: 51-52).
He said to his father and his people, ‘What is that you worship?’ ◘ They said, ‘We worship idols and remain devoted to them.’ ◘ He said, ‘Do they hear you as you pray? ◘ Do they help you or harm you?’ ◘ They said, ‘Actually, we have seen our fathers doing the same’ (Al-Shu'araa XXVI: 23-24).
3. The Case of Widespread Oppression Dominant among Nations at That Time
Have they not learned the histories of people before them: Noah’s people, 'Aad, and Thamood; the people of Abraham; the dwellers of Madyan, and the ruined cities? Their messengers brought them clear evidence, for God would not be unjust to them, but they rather were unjust to themselves (AL-Tawbah IX: 70).
4. The Case of Denial and Calumny
And when the people of Noah denied the messengers, We drowned them and made of them an example for mankind. We have prepared for the unjust a painful punishment. ◘ And also 'Aad, Thamood, and Al-Rass dwellers, and many centuries in between (Al-Furqaan XXV: 37-38).
The people of Noah denied the messengers (Al-Shu'araa XXVI: 105).
Before them the people of Noah, 'Aad, Pharaoh of the stakes, ◘ Thamood, the people of Lot, and dwellers of the thicket – all these parties denied (Saad XXXVIII: 77-78).
And the dwellers of the thicket and the people of Tuba' – all denied the messenger, so My threatened punishment was due (Qaaf L: 12).
5. The Case of Domination and Inequitable Standards
Woe to the unjust, who, when measured for by others, exact full measure, ◘ but when they measure or weigh for others, they fall short (Al-Mutaffifeen LXXXIII: 1-3).
6. Arrogance and International Polarization
As for 'Aad, they behaved arrogantly on earth, with no justification. They said, “Who is mightier than we?” Have they not seen that their Creator is mightier than they. They used to deny Our revelations. ◘ We sent them a howling wind for some ill-omened days, to let them experience the pain of disgrace in life on earth. The punishment in the Hereafter is more disgracing, and they receive no support (Fussilat XLI :22).
And Qaroon, Pharaoh, and Hamaan! Moses brought them clear evidence, but they were arrogant on earth, yet they could not escape. (Al-'Ankaboot XXIX: 39).
7. The Case of Family Disintegration and Same-Sex Marriage
“You approach men in your lust, rather than women. Truly, you are given to excesses.” ◘ The only response of his people was that they said, “Get them out of your town. They are people who keep themselves chaste” (Al-A'raaf VII: 80-82).
God gave unbelievers the example of the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot, who were married to two upright servants of Ours, but they were false to their husbands. This did not help them against God in anything, and they were told, “Get into Hell, with those who will enter” (Al-Tahreem LXVI: 10).
8. The Case of Wrongdoing and Tyranny
We would never destroy towns unless their peoples are wrongdoers (Al-Qassas XXVIII: 59).
We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong (Yunus X: 13).
The wrongdoers were overwhelmed with a cry, and in the morning they were crouching lifeless in their dwellings (Hood XI: 67).
We did not wrong them; they rather wronged themselves.… (Hood XI: 101).
If only there were in the generations before you those with enduring discrimination who censured corruption in the land, other than the few among them whom We have saved. The wrongdoing people persisted in the luxuries they had indulged in and were criminals. ◘ Your lord would not destroy towns unjustly when their peoples are righteous (Hood XI: 116-117).
And those towns we destroyed when they did wrong; we had set a date for their destruction (Al-Kahf XVIII: 46).
God did not wrong them; they rather used to wrong themselves (Al-Nahl XVI: 33).
Such is your Lord’s punishment of towns when He takes them to task for being bent on evildoing; His punishment is indeed severe and painful (Hood XI: 102).
Many are the towns We have cut down, being bent on wrongdoing, and raised after them new nations (Al-Anbiya XXI: 11).
How many towns, that are wrongdoing, We have destroyed! They lay waste, with an inoperative well and a haughty palace (Al-Hajj XXII: 45).
How many towns, that were wrongdoing, I gave reign to, then I took them to task. The final destination is to me (Al-Haj XXII: 45).
Their only argument when Our punishment approached them was their saying, “We have been wrongdoers” (Al-A'raaf VII: 16-17).
They said: ‘Woe to us! We were indeed wrongdoers!’ (Al-Anbiya XXI: 14).
When Our messengers came to Abraham with the happy news, they said: “We are going to destroy the people of this town, for its people are truly wrongdoers” (Al-'Ankaboot XXIX: 31).
9. The Case of Spoiling the Earth and Polluting the Environment
No sooner does he turn his back than he strives to spread corruption in the world, destroying crops and progeny. God does not love corruption (Al-Baqarah II: 205).
Corruption has emerged on land and in the sea, due to what their hands have wrought, to give them a taste of some of the things they have done, so that they may draw back (Al-Noor XXX: 41).
And with Pharaoh of the stakes? ◘ They were all tyrannical in their lands, ◘ bringing about much corruption there (Al-Fajr LXXXIX: 10-12)
Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been well ordered… (Al-A'raaf VII: 56).
Do not deprive others of what rightfully belongs to them, and do not act wickedly on earth spreading corruption (Al-Shu'araa XXVI: 183).
10. The Case of Demeaning Women
…When the infant girl, buried alive, is asked ◘ for what crime she was killed… (Al-Takweer LXXXI: 9-10).
And when any of them is given the news of a new-born girl, his face darkens and he is filled with gloom. ◘ He tries to avoid people on account of the bad news he has received. Shall he keep the baby despite the shame, or shall he bury it in the dust? Evil indeed is their judgment (Al-Nahl XVI: 59).
If one of them is brought the news of that which he has cited to the Most Beneficent as a parable, his face darkens and he is filled with gloom (Al-Zukhruf XLIII: 17).
11. The Case of Business Fraud
… So you may not transgress the balance. ◘ Observe the weight justly, and do not cause the balance to be short (Al-Rahmaan LV: 8-9).
… And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu'aib. He said: “My people! Worship God. You have no deity other than Him. Do not give short measure and weight” (Hood XI: 84).
“My people, always give full measure and weight, do not deprive others of what rightfully belongs to them, and do not act wickedly on earth spreading corruption …” (Hood XI: 85).
12. The Case of International Wars
The Romans were defeated ◘ in the land close-by, and they, after their defeat, will win ◘ within a few years. To God is the decision before and after. On that day believers will rejoice … (AL-Room XXX: 2-4).
13. The Case of Infringement on Religious Freedom
… slain be the people of the pit ◘ of the fire abounding in fuel, ◘ when they sat around it, ◘ watching what they did to the believers. ◘ They took vengeance on them only because they believed in God, the Almighty, to whom all praise is due (Al-Burooj LXXXV: 4-8).
They said: “Burn him, and succor your gods, if you are going to do anything!” But We said: “Fire, be cool to Abraham, and a source of peace” (Al-Anbiya 68-9).
They neither killed nor crucified him, but things seemed to them so (Al-Nisaa IV: 157).
… their disbelief in God’s revelations, their killing of prophets against all right … (Al-Nisaa IV: 155).
14. The Case of Renouncing Pledges and Covenants
… so, for the breaking of their pledge, their disbelief in God’s revelations … (Al-Nisaa IV: 155).
… who violate God’s covenant after having accepted it (Al-Baqarah II: 27).
We found most of them untrue to their pledges (Al-A'raaf VII: 102).
… those with whom you have concluded a treaty, and then they break their pledge at every occasion, and have no fear of God (Al-Anfaal VIII: 56).
15. The Case of Economic Domination and Tyranny
Qaroon was one of the people of Moses, but he treated them unjustly. We had granted him such treasures that their very keys would have been too heavy a burden for a band of strong men. His people said to him: “Do not exult; for God does not love those who are exultant” (Al-Qassas XXVIII: 76).
He said, “I have been given this only by virtue of the knowledge that I have.” Did he not know that God had destroyed many a generation before him, who were more powerful and greater in accumulated wealth than he? Criminals are not questioned about their sins. ◘ And so he went forth before his people in all his pomp. Those who cared only for the life of this world said, “Oh, would that we had the like of what Qaroon has been given! He is certainly a man of great fortune! (Al-Qassas XXVIII: 78-79).
Then We caused the earth to swallow him, together with his dwelling. He had no group to give him support against God, nor was he a winner (Al-Qassas XXVIII: 81).
15. The Case of Self-Deification and Enslaving People
Pharaoh said, “People, I know of no deity for you other than myself” (Al-Qassas XXVIII: 36).
He summoned people and made a proclamation; ◘ he said, “I am your supreme Lord” (Al-Naazi'aat LXXIX: 24).
He deprecated his people, and they obeyed him; they were degenerate people (Al-Zukhruf XLIII: 54).
As for the pre-Islamic conditions of Arabs in particular, they are very specifically delineated by Ja'afar Ibn Al-Khattab, may God bestow His favor on him, at an interview with the Negus of Abyssinia, who asked him about “this religion for which you have departed from your people. You do not, through it, join my religion, or that of any of these communities?”
Ja'far, may God bless him with His favor and make him content, replied by saying:
O king! We were people in a state of ignorance; we worshipped idols, ate carrion, committed adultery, and abused our neighbors. The strong among us devoured the weak. We buried females alive, we received illegitimate funds, lying was common among us, and we gave false testimonies. We lived in that style until God sent us one of our own people as a messenger. We knew his lineage, truthfulness, honesty, and chastity. He urged us to turn to God, accepting Him as the only deity and worshipping him, and to renounce what else we and our forefathers used to worship, such as rocks and idols. He commanded us to speak the truth, deliver trusts, keep family ties, be good neighbors, and refrain from prohibited practices and from blood shedding. He forbade us to commit adultery, give false testimonies, seize the property of orphans, or slander chaste women. He commanded us to worship God alone, not adding any partner to Him. He enjoined us to pray, give alms, and fast.
Ja'far, may God bless him with His favor, told the Negus many other things about Islam, and then said:
We believed him, had faith in him, and followed him in what he has brought from God. We refrained from what he had forbidden us, permitted ourselves what he had permitted us. Our people attacked and tortured us, and tempted us to abandon our religion to bring us back to the worship of idols, rather than God, the Most Sublime. They kept us from our religion. Therefore, we left for your country; we chose you from all others and wished to be in your neighborhood. We hope we will not be oppressed in your land, oh king.
The Negus asked, “Do you have anything of what he has brought you from God?” So Ja'far Bin Abu Taliban recited a passage from the Sura of Maryam (Mary). The Negus wept, and so did his bishops, upon hearing the passage read to them from the Glorious Qur'an. The Negus said, “This and what Jesus brought come out of the same niche. You can go, and by God I will never hand you over.” Turning to the messengers from Quraish who had come to get them back to Makkah, he said, “They will not be double-crossed in my land.”
The historical accounts quoted above, the stories of nations and communities in the Glorious Qur'an, and what was said by Ja'far Bin Abu Taliban, may God bless him with His favor, about the conditions of Arabs, are just a fragment from a great block that concerns the international security situation before the advent of Islam. That situation was characterized, as already mentioned, by aggravated injustice; moral decline; violation of human dignity; family disintegration; degenerate standards of justice, if any; the enslavement of human being; contempt of women; same-sex marriages; aggression against human life and property; violation of human freedom; infringement on intellectual and religious freedom; the prevalence of class distinction among people; the defectiveness of commercial transactions; extensive corruption on earth; the rise of conflicts and wars between nations and cultures; the breach of pledges and covenants; rebellion against the values of modesty and justice; domination, sadism, and international polarization; monopolization and exclusive power of possession for the nobility at the expense of the poor, weak, and oppressed; subjecting people to servitude, assuming deity stature, and treating others with arrogance; and economic domination and condescension. Undoubtedly this security situation is horrifying and shameful, which I do not believe to be less foreboding and repugnant than the contemporary international security situation. Some of its aspects may even be more ferocious and tyrannical, more savage and criminal, as suggested by the atrocious security situations faced by Muslims at the dawn of Islam and imposed by the polytheists of Quraish in the city of Makkah and of other Arab tribes. Muslims suffered all types of torment and severe humiliation. They were burnt with fire, as was the case with the Gasser family, may God bestow His favor upon its members. Umayyad was stabbed in her private parts with lances and was thus the first martyr in Islam. Abyssinian Bilal was tortured by being scorched with fire. Khubaib Bin 'Adi was crucified, and his body was cut to pieces while he was still alive. The first economic and social blockade in human history was enforced against early Muslims; leaders of Quraish signed an unjust document that called for a siege against Muslims in the harsh and desolate mountain passes around Makkah. Muslims were not to be fed or given water, nothing was to be sold to or bought from them, no intermarriage with them was allowed, and they were not to be visited, nor visit anybody. Thus they were in a tight prison. They wasted away and lost their strength. Some had no choice but to eat the skins of dead animals or weed, if any were to be found in a barren valley. Sa'eed Bin Jubair describes the torture suffered by Muslims at the hands of the polytheists of Makkah, saying:
They, i.e. the polytheists of Quraish, would beat one of them, i.e. Muslims, starve him, and allow him no water to drink, until he was unable to sit up due to the great abuse he had been subjected to. This went on until he would yield to their enticement; they would say to him, “Are Lat and 'Ozza your deities, rather than God?” He would say, “Yes.” Even when a scarab [being a black insect like a beetle] would pass by, and they would ask, “Is this scarab your deity, rather than God?” He would say, “Yes,” to escape their designs, being as exhausted as he was.
Then they made Muslims leave Makkah, chased them on mountains and along mountain passes, and instigated against them other Arab tribes so that they would not receive them or have any dealings with them. Some Muslims migrated to neighboring countries in a quest for safety and security. Thus the migration to Abyssinia and later to Yathreb took place. Quraish resorted to intrigue against Muslims. (The attempt of Quraish to get migrants back from the land of the Negus has already been referred to.) Likewise, Quraish waged wars against them to exterminate them and prevent their empowerment. Quraish led an all-out war against Muslim, with all other Arab entities taking part, and with the participation of Jews and hypocrites. Thus it was indeed the first world war, waged against Islam and Muslims. By the grace of God, the Most Glorious and Sublime, that unjust world war failed, and God empowered Muslims in their newly-established state in the bright city of Medina. By the Grace of God the Almighty, they had stable security, and the Messenger introduced the first Charter of Citizenship in human history, on the basis of which Muslims, Jews, and hypocrites coexisted in one homeland, with security for all.
From His Book (Partners ... not Guardians) Part Two
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To the Nation’s leaders - To the Nation’s scholars and intellectuals - To leaders of the world |
All Rights Reserved For The Author Prof. Dr. Hamid Al-Rifaie