The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 51
51 punishment shall befall you in this very world. Then, in the hereafter you shall be punished along with these tyrant rulers for their oppression, because it was you who became the means for their having assumed power. ” Upon hearing this admonition of Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra one of them replied: “Do not speak of the Quraish, neither were they greater than us in number before, nor are they greater now; and as for the shield you speak of - if it is snatched - it is we who shall receive it. ” Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra said: “It appears that you are foolish as well. I speak to you about the teachings of Islam and you remind me of the era of j a hiliyyah. 50 The question is not of the minority or majority of the Quraish, but of the responsibility Islam has laid upon them. No doubt, the Quraish are few, but when God the Exalted has honoured them with the religion of Islam and has continued to protect them since time immemorial due to their connection with Makkah, then who can compete with the bounty of God. When they were disbelievers, He protected them due to this insignificant connection. Now, after accepting Islam they have become the upholders of His religion. Would then God the Exalted waste them now? Keep in mind that you became Muslims along with the crowd, upon witnessing the victory of Islam. Now, Satan is using you as a weapon in order to destroy 50. Literally means ‘ignorance,’ and refers to the pre-Islamic era. [Publishers]