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We have before us histories of numerous movements of reform, uplift, and revolution, but each one of them accepted man as he was and concentrated only on external change. Such changes were superficial and totally failed in solving the problems of life. the most striking achievement of Rasulullahﷺ was that man was changed from within and completely transformed. The self-seeking animal which existed in the shape of a man was totally effaced by the power of truth and in his place emerged a God-fearing and principled man.
If you look at the mesmeric spell of this man you will be wonder-struck. A young drunkard of Makkah like Saiyidina Umar Ibn Al Khattab رضي الله عنه was transformed and to what great heights he rose! Fuzala رضي الله عنه was elevated and to what greatness! Look to Zul Bajadain رضي الله عنه, how he spurned wealth and comforts and took to a life of simplicity! Look at Saiyidina Abu Zarr رضي الله عنه and his revolutionary spirit that challenged the unbelievers at the Kaabah and suffered much beating at their hands.
Look at the character of Ka'ab bin Malikرضي الله عنه and the condition of Abu Khaisma رضي الله عنه and the revolutionary courage and determination of the maidservants like Lubaina رضي الله عنه and Summaiyya رضي الله عنه and also see Ma'iz bin Malik Aslami رضي الله عنه and Ghamidiya رضي الله عنه. Take a lesson from the boldness of Saiyidina Jafar Ibn Abu Talib رضي الله عنه at the court of King Negus and the independent spirit of Rabie bin Amir رضي الله عنه at the court of the Iranian commander-in-chief and who among the galaxy of heroes does not display the courage of his conviction!
These personalities formed the society and such leaders and workers were produced to run the organization of truth, that when the prohibition of wine was proclaimed the cups raised to the lips were promptly thrown away and the casks of the best of wines were emptied on the streets. When women were ordered to cover their heads and bosoms, immediately scarf's were prepared. When the call of Jihad was made, children stood on their tiptoes to increase their heights so that they might not be disqualified.
When subscriptions were called forth, rich merchants like Saiyidina Usman Ibn Affan رضي الله عنه presented a long line of camels laden with wealth, and the devoted companion like Saiyidina Abu Bakr As Sidique رضي الله عنه placed all his belongings at the feet of Rasulullahﷺ Similarly, even the laborer surrendered the dates earned as the day's wages and kept nothing for himself. When the Ansar were called to rehabilitate the Muhajirin they equally divided their property, their houses, corn fields, and orchards and gave evidence of exemplary brotherliness.
When officers were called for civil service, the world found for the first time governors working on the token salary of just one dirham per month. When the spoils of war were ordered to be deposited with the army commander, even needles were brought before the commander and it will be recorded in history on its brightest page that a soldier named Amir رضي الله عنه came with a large treasure of Madain and before anybody could discover it, he carried it in the darkness of the night and quietly deposited it with the commander.
These were the people who introduced an era of righteousness, where crimes became rare and during the ten years of Rasulullahﷺ's life at Madinah only a few cases came to the court. The conditions were so ideal that there was no need for a criminal investigation body. The conscience of the people was sufficient as their guard and guide.
This was the revolution that while changing the external order also changed the mind and heart of man and produced a new character. It succeeded in solving the basic problems of life and thus the salvation of the prevailing crisis.
