AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS AND PERSONALITY TRAITS OF PEOPLE IN THE PROPHETIC ERA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE FORMATION OF SOCIAL AND THEOLOGICAL MOVEMENTS

Abstract

The widespread acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) message reflects a deep existential alignment between his teachings and the psychological and spiritual needs of his community. While traditional theological interpretations attribute the success of Islam solely to Divine will excluding socio-historical analysis this study adopts a realist perspective, arguing that the prophetic message resonated because it responded meaningfully to the lived experiences and core concerns of the people. Had the message failed to reflect these conditions, it likely would not have gained traction or led to widespread transformation. Using a critical-analytical method and library-based research tools, this study explores the cognitive, spiritual, ethical, and justice-related dimensions of human existence during the era of revelation. The findings reveal that the most pressing external concern was social injustice, while the most powerful internal driver was the spiritual search for meaning. Ethics and knowledge, although valued, were secondary to these dominant pressures. The Prophet’s ability to address both the external demand for justice and the internal longing for spiritual fulfillment positioned his message as both relevant and transformative. This alignment between prophetic mission and human need catalyzed a sociotheological revolution, demonstrating that successful religious movements must respond not only to divine command but also to human condition.