We don't have to follow Muhammad and his claims to prophethood!
We don't have to follow Muhammad and his claims to prophethood!" Seeing that he would be able to do no more at that time, our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) left and went home. He had however, accomplished the first step by introducing to the Makkans, the concept of belief in One God. After that first time, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) went out everyday and spoke to the people. Few listened to him but he never got angry or gave up. In all circumstances he chose to use wisdom and gentle words.
The enemies of Islam knew that Muhammad was a man of great character. When they saw that he was not openly succeeding in gaining many followers, they wondered what steps he would take next to achieve his aim. This made them nervous and they watched his every move. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), in the meantime, was waiting for the right moment and opportunity further spread Islam.
The question that many were asking at this time was 'How was the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) going to manage to spread the heavenly call and what were his long term goals in this mission?' A Holy Verse The Qur'an says: "Therefore declare thou (O' Our Apostle Muhammad!) openly what thou art commanded and turn away from the polytheists" Sura Hijr, Verse 94 SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT… From the beginning, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) always used gentle words and kindness to spread the message of Islam.
He never spoke harshly to anyone - not even the enemies who insulted him time and again. In asking the people to listen to him from the top the mountain he first established that even before they knew his rank as a Prophet, the people already trusted him beyond any doubt. He also showed his trust in Allah (S.W.T.) and his confidence in the Truth of what he was saying.
He emphasized that people should understand the concept of Tawheed and the life in the Hereafter; that they should worship the One Supreme Lord and fully commit themselves to the Islamic dogma: "LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH" Think and Answer What policies did the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) use in spreading the message of Islam? What measures did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) take in calling the people towards the truth? Give an account of what transpired at Mount Saffa.