The Quest of a Curious Muslim

The Quest of a Curious Muslim — Page 148

WHY DOES THE QURAN HAVE SUCH ‘HARSH’ LANGUAGE? 148 incident when the same question was put to the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. When the Quran was b e i n g r e v e a l e d i n t h e e a r l y d a y s a n d straightforward, truthful statements were being made about the false idols of the Quraish, they were offended and came to the Prophet’s sa uncle, Abu Talib, to pass on their demand to the Prophet sa that he change his language. Abu Talib then called the Holy Prophet sa and told him that the people are offended by his language, and may even be enraged enough to try to kill him, and advised him to tone down his language, and refrain from using words that offend others. The Holy Prophet sa responded by saying that it is not abusive language that he is using. Instead, the language is a clear expression of truth, and stating of facts at the appropriate time, and this is precisely in accordance with his mission. The fear of death will not prevent him from stating what is true. 74 In other words, the intention of the Quran is not to sound intimidating, harsh, or cruel. The Quran is filled with very beautiful passages and prayers, and reminders of how Allah blessed nations in the past.