The Qur’an, in countless Ayahs, criticizes the Quraish, who are the people Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was living with in Makkah and he too was one of them. Many times throughout the Qur’an, Allah criticizes them for worshipping idols instead of Him alone. In Surah Al-‘Alaq, Allah threatens Abu Jahl, the leader of the Quraish. In Surah Al-Masad, He threatens Abu Lahab, another prominent leader and the uncle of Prophet Muhammad. In Surah Al-Ma’un, He critiques those amongst the Quraish who treat orphans poorly and those who do not encourage the feeding of the poor.

What’s so noteworthy about this? Well, imagine you were in Prophet Muhammad’s shoes. Your audience in the first decade of preaching was the people you grew up with. Would it make sense to criticize them? Would people listen if you did? After all, you want them on your side. In fact, wouldn’t you be worried if you kept on doing that, that they would kill you? If you’re an imposter, you’d eventually tell yourself, “Okay, I tried the mean way. I need to change my strategy.” But nope, the Qur’an doesn’t compromise. It doesn’t mean that the Qur’an didn’t try other methods. Of course it did! It spoke with emotion and with logic, but when needs be, it did speak harshly. 

The Quraish tried to compromise multiple times because they got tired. It was said that the leaders told him that if he sets aside days to worship their idols, they would set aside days to worship the one God, Allah. Prophet Muhammad didn’t compromise to even that. However, wouldn’t an imposter do that? After all, that’s the nice option. Beyond that, one should expect persecution (which happened). But, if you do believe you’re a Messenger of God, your mindset is that you have to do what God says – no matter what!

As Surah Al-Kaafiroon says:

1. Say (O Muhammad): “O Al-Kaafiroon (disbelievers in Allah and His Oneness)!
2. I worship not that which you worship,
3. Nor will you worship that which I worship.
4. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping.
5. Nor will you worship that which I worship.
6. To you be your religion, and to me my religion.”

[Qur’an 109:1-6]