17. The Apostle and Polytheists

God says:

But wouldst thou [O Muhammad], perhaps, torment thyself to death with grief over them if they are not willing to believe in this message (Qur’an). -- Q.18: 6

Remember how the unbelievers plotted against thee, in order to restrain you [from preaching], or to slay thee, or to drive thee away; -- Q8: 30

And if any of those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God seeks thy protection, grant him protection, so that he might [be able to] hear the word of God [from thee]; and thereupon convey him to a place where he can feel secure: this because they [may be] people who [sin only because they] do not know [the truth]. -- Q.9: 6
(A further reaffirmation of the Quranic injunction in 2:256 that ”there shall be no coercion in matters of faith”.)

Say: Is it, then, something other than God that you bid me to worship, O you who are unaware [of right and wrong]” ? -Q.39: 64



Prophet said:

1. They asked the Apostle to invoke against the polytheists. He replied, ”Indeed I have not been sent as a great curser. I have been sent as mercy” -- H: Muslim. N: Abu Hurairah.

2. “For every prophet there was an acceptable invocation, and every prophet hastened to make it. I have kept mine reserved for the Resurrection Day to be used as an intercession for my people. If God wills, it will be accepted for every follower who died without setting up anything with God.” – H: Muslim. N: Abu Hurairah.