The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 187
VI - Commencement of Prophethood 187 “O Ye People! Surely you and your idols which you worship are the fuel of Hell. ” 1 These statements had blazed a fire among the Quraish, and they stood up united to obliterate Islām. 2. With the exception of idolatry, the customs and morals of the Arabs have been mentioned in the beginning of this book. The arena of adultery, alcohol, gambling, pillaging, murder, and unlawful gains was ever ablaze. Islām, on the other hand, condemned such things. As such, by accepting Islām, they were compelled to adopt a new way of life, and the Quraish were not prepared for this in the least. Similar was the case with ritualism, which had, as if, become part of the Arab religion. Islām, on the other hand, prohibited and crushed all vile, immoral, and irreligious rituals. 3. To honour the traditions of their ancestors and follow them, whether right or wrong, was a part of the Arab religion. For this reason, they insisted: “Nay, we will follow that wherein we found our fathers” 2 However, Islām declared God-given intellect an arbitrator between truth and falsehood, and with regards to their idolatrous ancestors, it clearly said: “Shall they then follow their fathers, even if they had no sense at all and no guidance?” 3 4. The Quraish were a very arrogant people. These people thought of no one like unto themselves. As far as slaves were concerned, they especially desired to debase them and keep them down-trodden. Quite the contrary, with respect to rights, Islām dispelled all such 1 Al-Anbiyā’ (21:99) 2 Al-Baqarah (2:171) 3 Al-Baqarah (2:171)