Mauao Man

Friday, May 9, 2025

Two Faces of Islam:

Peace in the West, Power in the East

Why Islam’s Peaceful Face in the West Mirrors Its Early Days in Mecca — Until It Gains Power

Introduction: One Faith, Two Faces — And Why It Matters

In a previous post, we explored the idea of “Islam’s Many Faces” — how one faith can appear radically different depending on where you encounter it. But perhaps the most dramatic contrast within Islam is not just a matter of cultural diversity — it is the difference between Islam in the West and Islam in Muslim-majority countries.

In the West, Islam often appears as a peaceful, spiritual faith focused on prayer, charity, and personal devotion — much like Muhammad’s early years in Mecca. But in many Muslim-majority countries, Islam is a system of power and control, enforced through Sharia law — a reflection of Muhammad’s later years in Medina. Understanding this dual nature of Islam means understanding its history — and recognizing that the difference between Mecca and Medina is not just historical. It is a pattern that continues today.

The Meccan Phase: Islam’s Peaceful, Spiritual Face

When Muhammad first began preaching in Mecca, he was a religious teacher without political power. His message emphasized faith, patience, and forgiveness.

1. A Minority Faith in a Hostile Society

Persecuted but Peaceful: Muhammad’s followers were a small, persecuted minority. They were mocked, threatened, and even tortured, but they were instructed to be patient and to avoid violence.
Spiritual Emphasis: The Quranic verses revealed in Mecca focused on spiritual beliefs — monotheism (belief in one God), the importance of charity, and the promise of an afterlife.
No Compulsion in Religion: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256) — This verse, revealed in Mecca, reflects the peaceful, voluntary nature of Islam during this period.

2. Islam in the West: A Return to the Meccan Phase

A Minority Religion Emphasizing Peace: In Western countries, Muslims are a minority, and Islam is presented as a faith of peace, spirituality, and personal devotion.
Freedom of Religion: Like in Mecca, Muslims in the West rely on peaceful persuasion rather than political power.
Community Building: Just as Muhammad and his followers built a small, tight-knit community in Mecca, Western Muslims build mosques, Islamic centers, and charities.
Interfaith Dialogue: Western Muslims often engage in interfaith discussions, promoting tolerance — just as Muhammad tried to explain his beliefs to the Meccans.

The Medinan Phase: Islam as a System of Power

Everything changed when Muhammad migrated to Medina. Here, he became not just a prophet but a political leader and a military commander. Islam transformed from a message of spiritual devotion to a comprehensive system of governance.

1. Islam Becomes a State Power

A Political and Military Leader: Muhammad became the head of the new Muslim state, issuing laws, leading armies, and enforcing Islamic rules.
Sharia Law Introduced: The Quranic verses revealed in Medina focused on legal and social regulations — punishments for theft, adultery, apostasy, and blasphemy.
Jihad Becomes a Command: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah.” (Quran 9:29) — This Medinan verse is a stark contrast to the peaceful messages of Mecca.
Enemies Eliminated: Muhammad ordered the execution of enemies, including the massacre of the Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe in Medina.

2. Islam in Muslim-Majority Countries: The Medinan Phase in Action

Islam as Law and Power: In Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Islam is enforced as a legal and political system, with Sharia law governing daily life.
Harsh Punishments: Apostasy is punishable by death in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. Blasphemy can result in execution in Pakistan.
Religious Police: In Saudi Arabia, the “Mutawa” (religious police) enforce Islamic morality, just as Muhammad’s enforcers did in Medina.
Jihad and Warfare: Extremist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram claim to be following the Medinan example of armed jihad.

Why Islam Changes with Power — The Mecca-Medina Transition

The difference between Islam in the West (Meccan Phase) and Islam in Muslim-majority countries (Medinan Phase) is not just historical — it is a fundamental part of Islam’s nature.

Minority vs. Majority: When Islam is a minority religion, it emphasizes patience, tolerance, and peaceful preaching — just like in Mecca.
Power and Control: When Islam becomes dominant, it shifts to the Medinan model — a system of laws, power, and control.
The Doctrine of Abrogation: According to Islamic teachings, later verses in the Quran can override earlier ones. This means that the peaceful Meccan verses can be replaced by the militant Medinan verses.

Is the Meccan Face of Islam Only Temporary?

History Suggests It Is: Just as Muhammad’s message changed when he gained power in Medina, Islam’s peaceful face in the West could change if Muslim communities become dominant.
Islamic Organizations in the West: Some Muslim groups in the West promote peace and tolerance now, but also advocate for the eventual establishment of Sharia law.
The Doctrine of Gradualism: This is the idea that Islam should first appear peaceful, but gradually become more assertive and even authoritarian as it gains influence.

Conclusion: Two Faces of Islam — One Faith, Two Strategies

Islam is not one thing — it is two very different systems, depending on where it is and how much power it has.

In the West, Islam is in the Meccan Phase — a faith of peace, patience, and persuasion.
In Muslim-majority countries, Islam is in the Medinan Phase — a system of law, power, and control.

Understanding this dual nature of Islam is not just about understanding the past — it is about understanding the present and the future.

Will Islam in the West remain a peaceful faith of personal devotion?
Or will it eventually shift to the Medinan Phase, as it has in many other regions?

History provides the answer — but only time will tell.

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.