SPIRIT OF ISLAM JUNE 2O18

7 Spirit of Islam Issue 66 June 2018 as a vast school of nature for them. They never led the artificial life of the cities and their life was devoid of all formalities. This extremely simple, austere life made them realists. All this was responsible for producing in them the qualities which the Arabs called manliness, which meant to them, acknowledging the truth, speaking nothing but the truth, fulfilling promises, honouring obligations, supporting the oppressed, boldness, noble character, patience, generosity and hospitality. When this high level of humanity was guided by the message of Islam, they were able to perform great feats. This fact is mentioned in one of the sayings of the Prophet as: “Those who were good people in the days of ignorance will also be good people during Islam.” Among the ancient Arabs there were also a sizeable number who were known as Hanif . These people were truth seekers. They lived an aloof social life. They used to say: “O God, I do not know how You should be worshipped. Had I known, I would have certainly worshipped you in that manner.” These people, true in nature took no time in responding to the call of Prophet Muhammad who belonged to the tribe of Quraysh, when he began preaching in 610 AD, after being chosen as a prophet by God. They became his devoted Companions. Though in the initial stage of the Prophet’s call, many of them—due to some misunderstanding—had turned against the Prophet, later—after understanding the message— they became his followers. Thus the sending of the final prophet amongst the Arabs was not without reason. It was a well-planned decision of God which He in His own knowledge decreed. These Arabs were the people who were selected by God to lend full support to His final Prophet, so that he might fulfil the divine mission. o Dr. Farida Khanam hub@the spiritofislam.org These Arabs were the people who were selected by God to lend full support to His final Prophet, so that he might fulfil the divine mission.