A MATTER OF RECOGNITION

Toward the end of the Makkan period, one of the events that occurred was this: The leaders of Quraysh gathered inside the Kaaba and agreed to present a list of demands to the Prophet of Islam. They planned to say, “If he fulfills these demands, we will believe in him. If not, we will have a reason to reject his claim.”

One of their demands was: “Ask your Lord to bring back our forefathers from the dead—and among them must be Qusayy ibn Kilab, for he was an elder and a truthful man. We will then ask him whether what you say is true or false.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 296)

This raises a question: The Prophet of Islam was far greater in truth and nobility than any ancestor, including Qusayy. So why was it that the people of Makkah recognized Qusayy’s greatness but failed to recognize the Prophet’s?

The answer lies in the difference between historical and contemporary recognition. Qusayy was a figure of the past. Over time, his status had become firmly established in public memory. By contrast, the Prophet of Islam was a living, present figure. His greatness and truthfulness—though unmatched—still existed within him, not yet confirmed by history.

Those who rejected the Prophet of Islam were people who could only recognize greatness after it had been validated by history. They were unable to see the essence of truth in the present.

In contrast, the Prophet of Islam was accepted by those who saw the inner reality. They recognized his nobility and truth without needing external validation. They saw with insight—not just with their eyes.

True vision belongs to those who can recognize a person based on their inherent worth, not on external status or historical confirmation. Whoever waits for validation from time and history remains unaware of what truly matters.