CESSATION OF REVELATION



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enemies. In the absence of this ability the flame of his invitation extinguishes in the very beginning.

The force of speech of the Holy Prophet was extraordinarily perfect and there is no denying the fact that he was a forceful speaker who could explain his religion with great eloquence. However during the early days of his call he was devoid of the second force because during these three years he had been able to convert only about forty persons to his faith and it is evident that such a small group could not undertake his defence.

Hence in order to acquire a defence line and to organize a central nucleus the Prophet of Islam invited his own kinsmen to his faith before making a general call.

In this way he removed the deficiency of the second force and was able to construct an important an important fortification against the possible dangers. This invitation was at least useful in the sense that even if his relatives were not inclined to his faith they stood up to defend him on account of their fraternal and tribal sentiments till the time arrived when his invitation impressed some of the chiefs of the nation and made another group inclined to him.

He also believed that the foundation of reforms rests on internal reform. Until a man attempts to restrain his own children and relatives from evil deeds invitation extended by him to others can never be effective because in that event the opponents will indulge in criticism and point out to him the conduct of his own relatives.

In view of these considerations Allah addressed the Prophet about inviting his relatives with the words:
"Admonish your nearest kinsfolk" (Surah al-Shu'ara 26:214) whereas with regard to the general call He said: "Manifest that for which you have been made responsible and remain away from the polytheists for we will protect you from the enemies. (Surah al-Hijr 15:94)

THE MANNER OF INVITING THE KINSFOLK

The manner of the Prophet's invitation to his kinsfolk was
very attractive and the secrets of this manner of invitation
become more clear later when the reality became manifest. While
commenting on the verse "Admonish your nearest

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