A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 27
27 Ansar and the Muhajireen were achievements of the Madinite period. The constant reminder of the importance of treating one’s relative well, helping the poor, looking after the orphans, the needy and the helpless was also prescribed in Madinah, The obligati on regarding the offering of the Friday afternoon prayer, the establishment of the rights of women, and dozens of other similar matters, which relate purely to the duties of a prophet, were achieved in the best possible manner, during the Madinite period. Who is unaware of the historical facts, that the timings of five deity prayers, and the number of raka’ats (various postures during the prayer) offered in each prayer, were also prescribed in Madinah? The various schemes for calling unto Allah, and the discharge of the prophetic obligation to preach and instruct the people were completed w a degree of excellence in the Madinite period, If the Holy Prophet’s achievements in this regard are compared to th ose of all other prophets that have gone before, it would become clear, how elevated a position, is occupied by the Holy Prophet. Who is unaware of the tremendous victory wrought by the Holy Prophet by accepting apparently humiliating terms at Hudaibiyya ( a place near Madinah) with Makkans? It was an act of great wisdom and source of success in spreading the message of Islam. It was indeed during the Madinite period that the letters were sent to the heads of state inviting them to Islam. The Holy Prophet oc cupied himself in the discharge of all his prophetic mission related responsibilities and obligations, in particular, the duties related to the propagation and establishment of the commandments of