The Message of Islam — Page 31
The Migration 31 that if they did not expel Muhammad saw from the city, or, failing that, did not take up against him and the Muslims, jointly with the Meccans, the Meccans would invade Madinah with a mighty force and put to the sword all its male adults and enslave all its women. On receipt of this ultimatum, Abdullah held a secret council of his supporters proposed that, in view of the Meccan threat, the only course open to them was to force the Prophet saw and his followers to leave When news of this reached the Prophet saw, he went to Abdullah and tried to dissuade him from embarking on such a course pointing out that any such adventure could lead only to is own ruin. For the time being, Abdullah forbore, but he never abandoned the hope that an opportunity might arise when he could take measures to rid Madinah of the Prophet saw and the Muslims, and secure his own recognition as the chief and ruler of Madinah. Thus the stage was set for open warfare between the Meccans and the Muslims in Madinah. All the great qualities of the Holy Prophet saw were now challenged and came into play. Though God’s promise of succour for, and ultimate triumph of, Islam was wholly true and com- pletely to be depended upon, God required that every effort be put forth in support of the cause. Therein lies the secret of the strength of Islam as a faith. The fullest confidence in, and reliance upon, God’s grace and help, and the putting forth of the utmost effort that man is capable of, both these in combination, as taught by God Himself, help to achieve the goal. All success in every beneficent endeavour comes from God, but it follows upon sin- cere and steadfast effort combined with perfect trust and humble supplication to God.