The Social Aspect of the Apostasy of Musaylimah, the Liar (A Review of the Orientalists' Perspective)

(مستشرقین کے نکتہء نظر کا جائزہ (مسیلمہ کذاب کے ارتداد کا سماجی پہلو

Abstract

There is abundant evidence of the dissuasiveness of self-indulgence in one’s personal, social, territorial or cultural traditions throughout human history. These temptations have the potential to lead the man astray. During the Pre-Islamic era, it was nearly impossible for a single person to live an independent life amid the diverse clans and families that made up the Arabic Civilization. The Arabian tribes had their hierarchy in the form of Lords, Chiefs and Commoners. The leaders had to strive for honor and dignity of their tribes. Early conflict in the Makkan society was largely based on tribal rivalries, for example, the rivalry between Banū Umayyah and Banū Ḥāshim and other tribes. But the charismatic personality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) put an end to these rivalries and made a stand for justice and virtue alone. Following his demise, the tribal hostilities erupted again which may be considered as one of the causes of apostasy among the various tribes of Arabian Peninsula. This was also the case with Musaylimah, the Liar, with the assertion that he proclaimed prophethood to preserve the cultural and ethnic customs of his tribe. Other tribes joined him for the same reason as they were not ready to surrender before the supremacy of Quraysh. Sufficient evidence can be traced from the books of history on the issue. Some orientalists have also highlighted this aspect of his apostasy. This research paper is meant to explore the social reasons behind the apostasy claimed by Musaylimah. This paper will also analyze the view of orientalists in this regard.