Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 59
59 and constantly to foster their communion with God, so as to make it a rich and living experience. All due precautions were taken. For, though God’s promise of succor for, and ultimate triumph of, Islam was wholly true and completely 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 achieve the goal (53:39 ⎯ 40). All success in every beneficent endeavour comes from God, but it follows upon sincere and steadfast effort combined with perfect trust and humble supplication to God (2:46 ⎯ 47, 145). It was necessary to know what plans and preparations were afoot in Mecca. The Prophet, therefore, sent out small parties from time to time to reconnoitre along the routes to and from Mecca and the surrounding area. He learned that the Meccans were seeking to incite other tribes against the Muslims and to strengthen their own position with alliances. The Prophet made efforts to establish friendly relations with outside tribes whenever the opportunity offered itself, the purpose being to organise resistance to aggression and to secure freedom of conscience and