Invited, Not Compelled | My Experience with the Qu'ran's Meccan Suras

I finally finished reading the first of two main sections of the Qu'ran, the main scripture in Islam. Let me state very clearly that I am not an expert in Islam and the Qu'ran. However, the topic of Islam if often a heated one in the West, with polarized views on all sides of the political and religious spectrum. One thing many people miss in the discussion of Islam is the stark difference between the Meccan and Median suras. While the Meccan suras are an invitation and warning during Mohammad's time of seeking converts in the city, the Median suras occur after his move from Mecca to Media, which follow his transition into seeking political power (watch my video HERE addressing this topic). Yet, having finished reading most of the Meccan suras, I find myself moved and in deep resonance with the invitation it offers.

Warning About Judgement Day

The Meccan suras, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his initial ministry in the city of Mecca, came at a time of Mohammad's struggle to convert the city's populace to monotheism. It is in this environment that Allah reveals to Mohammad the proper way to approach the disbelievers: through invitation and warning, nothing more.

No doubt, the Qu'ran gives harsh words to those who refuse to worship Allah and accept the Qu'ran. The Meccan suras continually reference Judgement Day, when Allah will put the believes in the Garden of Paradise, and the disbelievers in the fire in Hell: "They [disbelievers] ask, “When is the Day of Judgment?” The Day they are presented to the Fire. “Taste your ordeal. This is what you used to challenge.” But the pious are amidst gardens and springs" (51:12-15). This day is coming at Allah's appointed time-there is no preventing it. Disbelievers have been destroyed by God before, with the example of the Egyptians and the people in Noah's time repeatedly referenced (51: 38-46).  

The Qu'ran: An Invitation From Allah

The path to preventing a negative judgement lies in the hands of the people themselves. When given guidance on how to share the Qu'ran with the Meccans, God states:

"Say, “I am not different from the other messengers; and I do not know what will be done with me, or with you. I only follow what is inspired in me, and I am only a clear warner.” Say, “Have you considered? What if it is from God and you disbelieve in it? A witness from the Children of Israel testified to its like, and has believed, while you turned arrogant. God does not guide the unjust people.” Those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “If it were anything good, they would not have preceded us to it.” And since they were not guided by it, they will say, “This is an ancient lie.” And before it was the Book of Moses, a model and a mercy. And this is a confirming Book, in the Arabic language, to warn those who do wrong—and good news for the doers of good" (46:9-12).

Several themes stand out in God's instruction to Prophet Mohammad. First, Prophet Mohammad stands in a position similar to the prophets of the past, specifically of the Old Testament era in the time of the Israelites and the Jews. He comes to confirm the scriptures of the past, rather than add to it. The Qu'ran is this confirmation, given in Arabic for the first time. Like the prophets of old, Prophet Mohammad's mission was to give the same Word of God to the Arab peoples. 

The Qu'ran's function is to warn the Arab peoples and the people of Mecca about Judgement Day, imploring them to turn to God and cease the worship of other gods. Mecca, and the surrounding region of Arabia, was primarily made up of polytheists. In 610 A.D, after having worshipped some of these gods in his time raised in the Quraysh clan, Mohammad himself converted to monotheism, and was given the mission to convert the rest of his clan and city. He did so through an invitation to join in his worship, and eventually join the believers in paradise. If they do not listen, the Qu'ran is clear:

"We are fully aware of what they[disbelievers] say, and you are not a dictator over them. So remind by the Quran whoever fears My warning" (50:45).

Mohammad: A Prophet, Not a Dictator 

In the Meccan suras, Prophet Mohammad is not supposed to be a dictator. He is to offer an invitation to the Meccans. If they do not accept, God instructs Mohammad to leave their fate in the hands of Allah, "who has the power to decide."

Unfortunately for Prophet Mohammad, most of the Meccans decline his invitation to follow him and the revelation he had received. As a result, he feels called to leave Mecca for a time with his followers to Media, where he eventually establishes a political and religious base for power.

But that's for next time. Now, back to the invitation of the Qu'ran.

Called Towards the 5 Pillars

Reading the Qu'ran, I felt called towards its five pillars of prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, almsgiving, and faith. These five pillars, even by themselves, are easily practiced in many of the world's faiths, including my own. The Meccan suras serve as a reminder to follow God always, to believe in his Word absolutely, and to always be mindful of God. This is the invitation given to the Meccans. And, this part of the invitation at least, is one I wish to accept and embody in my life.