1- The very first time that Muhammad proclaimed his message to the people
, he declared the following:
"I
am the messenger of God to all mankind and to you in particular".
This
means that the Divine Message was sent to all mankind right from the very
beginning and that the Prophet never claimed that it was meant to be a religion
for the Arabs alone. This is confirmed by another of the Prophet's sayings:
2- Anyone who reads the Quran can understand that the Quran addresses all
people and calls upon all mankind to believe in the religion of God. This
appeal to all mankind in the verses that were revealed in Mecca, before his emigration to AL Madina is
as clear as daylight. For example in the verse 107 of Sura (chapter) 21 we
read:
"
We sent you not but as a Mercy for all creatures".
Similarly
the opening Sura of the Quran states:
"Praise
be to God the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds".
This
was revealed to the Prophet before his emigration to Al Madina where he
established the Muslim state.
3- From the aforementioned facts we can decisively refute the allegation that
the Prophet changed his plans according to circumstances. There was a gradual
development of legislation, which is a normal and logical procedure. It is
impossible for any person to change his customary manner of behaviour, conduct,
mental attitude, habits or character over night, since inherent deeply rooted
customs are very difficult to eliminate. Islam began by establishing the belief
in God into the hearts and minds of the people and this was the solid
foundation upon which legislation could then be established, in order to be the
basis of a gradual change in the peoples' way of life. This was the policy that
was followed regarding many religious rulings and laws, such as the gradual
prohibition of intoxicants, usury and the abolition of slavery, etc. In fact
the Meccan period was a period during which the faith was established and
confirmed. Accordingly further religious laws and rulings introduced in the
Madinite period.