Blind Believers vs. Ungrateful Rulers

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Abdullah ibn Umm Maktūm (radiy Allahu ‘anhu) once came to the Prophet ﷺ, urgently seeking his attention on a matter. At that time, the Prophet ﷺ was calling the Qurayshi leaders to Islam.

If these leaders were to become Muslim, Makkah would become a place where Islam could rapidly spread, as did happen after the Prophet ﷺ entered. Additionally, this would stop the torture and killing of the persecuted Muslims in the region.

“He frowned and turned away”

When Ibn Umm Maktūm approached him, the Prophet ﷺ — who had high hopes for this particularly precarious session of da’wah — was initially displeased at the disruption.

As Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“He frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man. But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified, or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him?” [1]

No doubt, this response of turning away would be a natural reaction of anyone who calls the rulers of the world to Islam, especially with so much at stake.

A desire to save persecuted Muslims and establish the religion in the area was paramount to the Prophet ﷺ.

However, Allah reminds the Prophet ﷺ that Ibn Umm Maktūm is his priority, as he is seeking the Prophet’s guidance (ﷺ) while others are turning away.

Allah says,

“As for he who thinks himself without need, to him you give [undivided] attention. And not upon you [is any blame] if he will not be purified.

“But as for he who came to you striving [for knowledge] while he fears [Allah], from him you are distracted.” [2]

It is vital to assist Muslims with a desire to learn as well as non-Muslims

The believer that will more likely take heed of your admonition and guidance is perhaps much more worthy of your time than those that turn away arrogantly from the true message of Islam.

Yes, both believers and arrogant non-Muslims should be given da’wah, but the one who is arguably more deserving of your effort is the believer that already holds the right mindset.

This served as a reminder to the Prophet ﷺ:

“No! Indeed, they [i.e. these verses] are a reminder; so let whoever wills be mindful of it.” [3]

Action points

• Remember to fulfil the rights of your brothers, as the believers have rights over you, and you will be called to account for any shortcomings.
• Know that Allah values you and you should value every believer. Their life is more valuable than the Ka'ba.
• When you give reminders, use the best tone and words for the circumstance, and ensure the message is clear.

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Source: Islam21c

Notes

[1] al-Qur’ān, 80:1-4

[2] al-Qur’ān, 80:5-10

[3] al-Qur’ān, 80:11-12