Intelligence in the First Muslim State: 610-632 AD

摘要

Intelligence skills and security awareness were consistent with the rise and spread of Islam as a new religion.1 In its first three years of inception, Islam was an underground movement. The prophet Muhammad (570-632 AD) realized that, due to the hostility of the dominant majority in Mecca, he had to be cautious of his moves and intentions and those of his followers. What was becoming a new religion was revealed to only his most carefully selected and loyal associates. The Prophet knew that, in the preliminary stage, any information spillage could lead to harsh responses from the local civil and spiritual leaders, including measures to suppress this new religious movement. Thus, he adopted secrecy, regarding not only the identity of his selected recruits/believers but also the location of their meeting place-the house of Islam-a secret safe house where he met and preached to those he invited to join the new religion.