The Roles of the Prophet Muhammad, (PBUH), in the Sphere of Civilization (Part 14)
9: The Function of the Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), in the Field of Politics
We should not judge through the lens of the idea of “secularism,” which posits that religion should be separated from politics, or assert that the politics of Islam is unclear. [We seek refuge in Allah.] How could the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, witness the fruits of his calling in his lifetime, enter the battlefield, emerge victorious in all encounters, and gather two billion followers today? The Prophet implemented Sharia within his government, and outside of it, his jihad continued for the sake of exalting the Word of Allah. Therefore, the work of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was based on the following foundations:
Government: Without a government, Islam cannot survive. The formation of the government in Medina and the drafting of a law known as the “Covenant of Medina” [which we discussed earlier] were among the most important functions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in establishing Islamic civilization. It should not be forgotten that the ruler in the Islamic system must be sincere, honest, and decisive.
Invitation: At the time of the establishment of Islamic civilization, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called on people to abandon superstitions and polytheism. He sacrificed thirteen consecutive years in Makkah for this pure civilization in order to advance the political goals of preaching and calling to his message. Even initially, he spent three whole years in Makkah secretly in the house of Arqam bin Abi Arqam, among others. The art of managing people required that the invitation to Islam be continuously spread, and during this time, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) presented his invitation during markets and gatherings, doing so sincerely and without flattery or undue criticism.
Emigration: Emigration can play two critical roles: First, when one is in a weak state and ineffective in a confrontation, they may have to hide temporarily in order to gain strength for a future return. Second, through emigration, one can attract financial supporters and new followers, thus entering the field with greater power. It was during this period that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, organized two migrations: the first to Abyssinia and the second to Medina.
Allegiance: The word “Bay’ah, (Allegiance)” derived from “Bi’ah,” means to sell, implying the sacrifice of all one’s resources. In this context, it indicates obedience without disobedience to Allah Almighty, based on a verbal or written agreement between the pledger and the one receiving the allegiance, applicable in both difficult and easy situations.
In the books of biography and history, it is frequently noted that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took two oaths of allegiance from the Ansar in Makkah—one in the 12th year of his prophethood, known as the First Pledge of Aqabah, and the second in the 13th year, attended by 73 men and women of the Ansar in Medina. Additionally, other pledges of allegiance were made in Medina, leaving this practice as a political principle for his caliphs and successors, serving as a political legacy.
In the thirteen years in Makkah, given that Islam was without sovereignty and there was no government, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, fought solely on intellectual and political fronts. However, upon arriving in Medina and forming a government, the foundations of Islamic civilization grew stronger. Consequently, rulings were assumed day by day, and laws were implemented.
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