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Slander and Aggression

 

Throughout history, Prophets have called people to righteousness, God's religion, and guided them to enlightenment. But in every era, some people turned on His Prophets and did their best to prevent them from teaching. These people believed that by slandering these individuals, whom God had chosen to serve as role models of morality, they could block their mission. When they realized that their slander had little or no effect, they resorted to exile, arrest, or even murder.

The Qur'an relates the Prophets' struggles in great detail, especially those of our Prophet Mohammed (may God bless him and grant him peace), who struggled against the Makkan unbelievers and hypocrites. It also reveals that those believers who faced slander and aggression never compromised; rather, they continued their struggle with the same motivation and persistence.

The Qur'an reveals that Prophets endured slanders like "mad" (Qur'an, 15:6; Qur'an, 68:51) and "lying magician" (Qur'an, 38:4). These and other slanders were used against Prophet Mohammed (may God bless him and grant him peace), and his people conspired to imprison, kill or expel him (Qur'an, 8:30).

Believers will experience similar hardships, for:

Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden without facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted them, and they were shaken to the point that the Messenger and those who believed with him asked: "When is God's help coming?" Be assured that God's help is very near. (Qur'an, 2:214)

The Bible reveals that Jesus (pbuh) was accused of being demon-possessed (John, 7:20, 8:48, 8:52), as well as of madness (John, 10:20), subverting their nation (Luke, 23:2), and not living according to the traditions of the elders (Mark, 7:5). Other passages relate that Jesus (pbuh) was mocked and subjected to insults and physical attacks. No doubt, the unbelievers' ugly slanders were the product of their mediocre intellect and misguided beliefs. God has created all Prophets as role models characterized by such qualities as superior intellect, foresight, and morality. But they and their followers, as the Qur'an reveals, never relented or despaired. As the Qur'an states:

Many a Prophet has fought, when there were many thousands with him. They did not give up in the face of what assailed them in the Way of God, nor did they weaken or yield. God loves the steadfast. (Qur'an, 3:146)

The Prophets enlightened their followers and gave them this good news. Muslims who were with our Prophet Mohammed (may God bless him and grant him peace) said, while enduring hardships: "This is what God and His Messenger promised us. God and His Messenger told us the truth" (Qur'an, 33:22). Our Lord also reveals that those who show determination and virtue will have their faith and submission enhanced. The Torah also reveals the Prophets' struggles and the hardships they endured in great detail. The Bible, on the other hand, states that sincere believers will encounter hardship and troubles and that these will be causes of joy for them:

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness... Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the Prophets who were before you. (Matthew, 5:10-12)

The Bible reveals that Jesus (pbuh) warned his followers that they would suffer injustice: You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me, you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them... Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. … but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Mark, 13:9-13)

Adapted from: "A Call for Unity" by: "Harun Yahya"

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