A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 4
4 The essence of Toynbee’s criticism, comments, and impressions is that during the stay at Makkah (the historic city of Arabia where the Holy Prophet was born) the Holy Prophet continued discharging the great duties and obligations of a Prophet. When he arrived in Madinah, he becam e a Caesar and a King. He abandoned the high status of a Prophet and freed himself from the conduct of a Prophet. He adopted the ways and means of a King and appeared to the world as a political personality. On the strength of his power, he forced Islam on the people of Makkah. In refuting these criticisms, it seems appropriate to reproduce here the comments of eminent scholars and authorities on this subject, in particular, and about the character of the prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), in general. These scholars, after diligent and fair - minded research, have forcefully rejected and refuted the hostile criticism and fault fording of Toynbee. They have disproved Toynbee on the basis of irrefutable proofs and arguments and presented facts and realities in support of their stance. They have written that the statement that the Holy Prophet became a political figure and a worldly king upon arriving in Madinah, and gave up the role of a Prophet, is completely contrary to the fa cts. It will become clear from the following opinions of these eminent authorities, how superficial and totally inaccurate Toynbee’s views are about the Holy Prophet.