Bargaining and Renunciation (1)

If Muhammad could not be tempted to renounce his religion, the Makkans thought, perhaps he would compromise. They sent a group of men to Muhammad with a suggestion as to how each side in the dispute could be made happy. “We wish to place before you something which will set the matter right for you,” they proudly announced to the Prophet . “What’s that?” The Prophet asked.

“You worship our gods for one year,” they explained, “and we worship your God for one year. That way, if our religion is true, you will have a share of the reward, and if your religion is true, we will have a share.”

In reply to this suggestion from the Quraysh, Surah Al- Kafiroon (The Unbelievers) was revealed: “Say: O you who reject faith. I do not worship that which you worship. And you do not worship that which I worship. And I will never worship that which you worship. Nor will you ever worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me be mine.” (109: 1-6).

Allah also revealed two additional verses stressing the monotheistic purity of Islam: “Say: Is it someone other than Allah that you order me to worship, O ignorant ones?” (39: 64) The next verse was also revealed in connection with the Quraysh’s suggestion, and further drives home the point: “Say: I have forbidden to worship those whom you pray to.” (6: 56).

The Makkans, however, still believed that they could bargain with the Prophet . “Bring another Qur’an in place of this one,” they haggled. “Or make some changes in the present one.” In response to this request, Allah told the Prophet : “And when my clear evidences are recited to them, those who do not look forward to meeting Me, say, ‘Bring another Qur’an or change this one.’ Say to them: It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. And I fear that if I disobey my Lord, I will meet with a terrible punishment on the Day of Judgment.” (10: 15).

Other verses were also revealed which made it clear that the Prophet’s role was not to bargain with the pagans, but to convey the message just as it was revealed to him: They were about to tempt you away from that which I revealed to you, hoping to fabricate something in My name. They would certainly have made you their friend. And if I had not strengthened you, you would have inclined to them a little. And if you had done so, I would have made you taste a double portion of punishment in this life and a double portion after death, and you would not have found anyone to help you against Me.” (17: 73-75).