To change a people requires an intellectual elevation; people act based upon the beliefs they carry. To change a society requires a change in their beliefs, relations and the system governing them. The Prophet (saw) and his companions targeted this specifically, but to achieve the victory would require a supreme effort against great difficulty. The loss of many early Muslims through torture and oppression bears testimony to the difficulties they faced.

To prepare them for the struggle, the Prophet (saw) cultured his companions deeply; this formed what was known as the cultural or first stage. They used to study late into the night not only the belief but also a unique way of learning and thinking. To refer solely to Islam for all matters and to develop a deeply creative political mentality. That the Prophet (saw) could develop so many great companions with such strong statesmanlike qualities was a great tribute to their commitment and approach to Islam.

Mus‘ab ibn ‘Umayr was just one example of those that were so developed and had such a startling affect in Madinah in only one short year, prior to the establishing of the State there. After a period in which the culture was well ingrained within the Muslims of the group and the personality was totally Islamic, the command came that they should approach the da‘wah in a most public and challenging manner. This was critical in order to confront the corrupt systems and thoughts dominating the society of the time, the same kufr thoughts dominating the world today. Allah (swt) says,

 “Therefore, proclaim that which you are commanded, and turn away from the polytheists. Verily, We are sufficient unto you against those that scoff.” [TMQ 15:94-95]