Ethics

The course of the Divine Call, in all its dimen-sions and various facets and scopes, be they ideologi-cal, psychological, political, social, ethical or other-wise, is that of struggle, confrontation and reform etc. This is why the Holy Qur'an calls this way "The Thorny One". This name is more appropriate for it in that it is a way of difficulties and obstacles. This is because the hostile forces, throughout the confrontation stage, use whatever is at their disposal to destroy Islam and its ideology.

And when the Qur'an discusses the difficulties and impediments faced by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and the first generation of Muslims, it is really speak-ing about the most critical part of the history of the tussle between the two opposite approaches. This picture wanted to create a clear view, a complete awareness and a mental and practical preparation for facing those difficulties and impediments. In that period, the Islamic call faced all dimensions of the conflicts with the pre-Islamic period of ignorance `jahiliyya' while the latter employed all what it had.

Studying this particular period will present us with a complete view of the course taken by Islam over the ages. It will also reveal the norms and laws governing the course of history and reform. By subjecting the history of the divine call, and particularly that of the Muhammadan call to studies and analysis, summoning witnesses as handed down to us by the Qur'an or other means of confirmation, we can identify the methods of war and opposition resorted to by the tyrants and the enemies of Allah and humanity, throughout the history and stages of the tussle, past and present.

Adapted from: "The Methods Of Propagation and Missionary Work" by: "Sayyid Bahashti"