The Role of Social Trust in the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Call to Islam during the Makki Era with an emphasis on Giddens’ theory

Detailed Abstract:



Social trust is one of the key concepts in social sciences. As an essential factor in social action, interpersonal relationships, and human interactions, it paves the way for participation and cooperation among members of society and assists individuals in achieving their social goals. Since social trust leads to successful collective action and the expansion of social capital, it has always been of interest to sociologists and political thinkers. Social trust is the result of the community’s belief in an individual or individuals distinguished from others by their moral traits and personal characteristics, who have succeeded in gaining the attention and trust of society through their conduct.



The personality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his moral attributes, and behavioral characteristics played a significant role in gaining people's trust in the Islamic call and were a determining factor in the rapid advancement of the Arabs and the spread of Islam in the traditional and tribal society of Arabia. Anthony Giddens is among the sociologists who focused on social trust in traditional societies. He identified four key areas that contribute to building social trust in pre-modern communities: kinship, local systems, religion, and rituals.



This study aims to answer the question: What role did social trust play in the Prophet's (PBUH) mission during the Meccan period? The findings of this research—based on library sources and conducted using a historical and descriptive-analytical method—show that the four areas of social trust emphasized by Giddens were present in Mecca. The society’s trust in the Prophet was of a fundamental and interpersonal nature. In the early stage of the prophetic mission, this trust was on a micro level but laid the foundation for intertribal trust. This development helped elevate trust from the micro to the macro level, expanded the scope of social interactions, and broadened communication networks.



Giddens' theory that basic trust or ontological security serves as the foundation for other types of trust—and implies a willingness to accept possible outcomes—can be seen in the early actions of the Prophet’s companions, such as accompanying him in the hardships of the Shi'b Abi Talib, and in the migrations to Abyssinia and Medina.



The local systems of the Arabian Peninsula were based on kinship and tribal structures. Traditions formed in the region (like ḥimā, jiwār, alliances, and treaties), which emerged from geographical and climatic conditions and tribal life, also played a significant role in fostering social trust. Elements such as kinship relations, tribal structure, tribal support, laws, customs, and traditions in Meccan society were crucial in advancing the Prophet’s goals and gaining trust during the early years of his mission.



Religious beliefs and rituals are other factors Giddens considers important in establishing trust in traditional societies. Hajj and its associated ceremonies, along with the sacred months, were respected and trusted by Arabs before and after Islam. The Prophet relied on these occasions to make his call public during Hajj and later planned his journey to Mecca during the Hajj season after migrating to Medina.



Keywords: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Meccan Period, Social Trust, Anthony Giddens, Islam