The Status of Muslim Minorities and the Social and Practical Leadership of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ During the Meccan Period: Practical and Social Lessons from the Prophetic Biography

مکی دور میں مسلم اقلیت کی حیثیت اور نبی اکرم ﷺ کا سماجی و عملی رہنمائی طرزِ عمل: سیرتِ نبوی ﷺ کی روشنی میں عملی اور سماجی اسباق

Abstract

This study examines the socio-political and practical guidance provided by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Muslim minorities during the Meccan period, with a focus on its relevance for contemporary Muslim communities in Western societies. By analyzing historical sources from classical Islamic scholars, including Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham, as well as modern academic interpretations, the research highlights the Prophet’s strategic, ethical, and social practices that ensured the survival, cohesion, and dignity of early Muslims under challenging circumstances. Key aspects include the cultivation of patience, resilience, and ethical conduct, the establishment of interpersonal and communal harmony, and the promotion of justice and respect in interfaith relations. Furthermore, the study draws parallels between the Prophet’s leadership model and modern applications, demonstrating how education, social participation, and advocacy for human rights can empower Muslim minorities today. This research contributes to the understanding of Islamic principles of minority protection and interfaith coexistence, offering practical insights for ethical, social, and civic engagement in pluralistic societies.