In some cases...

In some cases, the prophets’ teachings and instructions were introduced as the innovations of the leaders of the unbelievers. Many of today’s law systems in the world have taken the rules and regulations from Divine religions; however, without referring to their sources they introduce such regulations as original.

Reasons and motivations behind the opposition of the prophets (a) In addition to the desire for corruption and worldly pleasure (refer to al-Māi’dah:70), there were other reasons and motivations behind the opposition against the prophets (a). More generally traits such as selfishness, pride and self-praise appeared amongst the rich, noble and more knowledgeable of societies (refer to Ghāfir:56, al-A’rāf:76).

Another reason was the bias that such people held concerning the wrong customs and beliefs of their ancestors, which were erroneously respected by various societies (refer to al-Baqarah:170, al-Māi’dah:104, al-A’rāf:28, Yūnus:78, al-Anbiyā’:53, al- Shu’arā’:74, Luqmān:21, al-Zukhruf:22-23).

The protection of economical benefits and social positions were strong motivations for the rich people, the rulers, and the scientists (refer to Hūd:84-86, al-Qasas:76-79, al-Tawbah:34); and the ignorance and lack of knowledge among the public were the main reasons behind their deception from the unbelieving leaders and their obedience towards the societal authorities.

It was in turn, the cause for their feeling of satisfaction with their false beliefs and their refusal of the religion, which had already been accepted by a few people who mainly held no important social positions and had been rejected by the authorities and the majority of the societies. However, the pressure imposed by the rulers and the oppressors on the deprived should not be ignored (refer to Ibrāhīm:21, Fātir:47, Hūd:27, al-Shu’arā’:111).

Behaviour towards the prophets (a) The opponents of the prophets (a) employed various methods to prevent the progress of their invitation: Contempt A group of people would try to suppress the status of the prophets by despising, mocking, and insulting them (refer to al-Hijr:11, Yāsīn:30, al-Zukhruf:7, al- Mutaffifīn:29-32) so that the public would pay no attention to them.

Slander and unjust accusations Then they would spread slander and lies, and attribute unjust accusations to the prophets, such as claiming they were mad etc (refer to al-A’rāf:66, al-Baqarah:13, al-Mu’minūn:25).