Islam and Human Rights — Page 88
Isl am and Hum an R ights 88 without profit to examine somewhat more closely the changes and regulations instituted by Islam. It may be broadly stated that in Islam such control had its origin in war. During the Meccan period (610-622), the Prophet and his small band of devoted followers had borne the con tempt and scorn of the Quraish, and later, cruel and sus tained persecution at the hands of the latter, with dignified and steadfast fortitude. Under every kind of provocation they maintained their role and attitude of peaceful and law abiding citizens, under the rule of a sort of oligarchy com posed of the heads of the principal families of the Quraish. When the Prophet was forced to leave Mecca and moved to Medina (the majority of his male followers hav ing already arrived there) his advent (622) was acclaimed not only by the Muslims (both those who had arrived from Mecca and those who were residents of Medina) but also by the non-Muslim Arabs and the Jews. They soon agreed to accept him as Chief of Medina, and a charter was drawn up which made provision for the regulation of the affairs of the city. But peace was denied to the Prophet and the Muslims even in Medina. The Meccans first demanded that he should be returned to them, and when this demand was turned down they started preparations for leading a