even though the unbelievers abhor it. He it is
who hath sent his messenger with the guidance and the
true religion, that he may make it victorious over all
(other) religion, though the Polytheists abhor it"
(ix. vv. 32 f.).
The monks, upon whom Muhammad had at one time looked
with considerable favour, are now denounced — some of
them at least — as worldly oppressors, he having no
doubt come up against them as heads or bishops of Christian
communities. "O ye who believe, many of the
ahbar and the monks consume the property of the people
in vanity, and turn them from the way of God. Those
who treasure up gold and silver and do not expend it
in the way of God give them good tidings of terrible
punishment" (ix. v. 34).
We know that before the end of his life Muhammad was
in conflict with Christian populations in the north
of Arabia, and even within the confines of the Roman
Empire. What would have happened if he had lived we
do not know. But probably the policy which Abu Bakr
carried on was the policy of Muhammad himself. There
could have been no real compromise. He regarded himself
as the vicegerent of God upon earth. The true religion
could only be Islam as he laid it down, and acceptance
of it meant acceptance of his divinely inspired authority.
The example of Moses had implanted in his mind the idea
of a conquering religious people. The Hijra and the
execution of the Divine vengeance upon the unbelievers
of Mecca had given the immediate occasion for the organisation
of such a warlike community. The victory of Badr had
confirmed |
