Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hf)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)
He did not speak or advocate the cause of some particular race or ethnic group,
but stood up for all humanity irrespective of race, color, class, language or
geographical barriers. The Message he preached was universal, transgressing all
obstacles whether artificial or otherwise. A Message so complete and
comprehensive that it not only revolutionized the era in which it was
proclaimed, but even today its timeless beauty has lost none of the original
charm and continues its profound appeal to the human intellect.
What was that unique Message and who was the Messenger? Is it capable of
solving the modern world’s myriad problem? Will it cater to the complicated
aspects, characteristics and needs of human beings, especially those of
contemporary man? Does it provide political or social answers? Can it stimulate
the intellect for scientific and technical discoveries?
And how about moral and spiritual aspects?
Did the Messenger set any worthy example by practicing what he preached,
or was he just one of those fanciful visionaries?
The answer to all the above questions and even many more is, yes,
it does. If the principles of this immortal message are sincerely observed, and
if we are ready to tread the footsteps of that fantastic man, not only does it
guarantee us a harmonious co-existence on this earth but also a blissful life
in the hereafter. The moment modern man is ready to cast aside his blinkered
lenses of prejudice and vain pride, he will understand that the eternal truth
called ‘ISLAM’ and the final Prophet named‘MUHAMMAD’ were
not something special or essential to the Arabia of 14 centuries ago, but are
capable of remarkably solving the complex issues of our era, the Space Age.
Islam is a derivative of the word ‘Salaam’ (peace) and
literally means submission. Submission to none except the One and only Almighty
God, Who designed this vast universe, shaped the human race as the most
excellent form of life, and moreover endowed them the power of intellect.
Wonderful indeed! Because this unique submission frees mankind from all other
forms of submission to idols, object ideas and the supposedly mysterious powers
of nature. As it is quite clear, Islam was not just some spontaneous burst or
mirage on the burning sands of
Arabia. In fact it marks the culmination and perfect ness of all
previous divine messages ever revealed. And to carry out the great task of
proclaiming His final message, the Almighty chose Muhammad (the Admirable)
as the last Prophet, who was prophesied in all earlier Scriptures and whose
life-style serves as a perfect model for us.
What can we write about a man who changed the destiny of the world and
saved the human race from sure disaster! The loss in words becomes more
apparent when we consider that he was divinely chosen for this great task and
carried out the mission entrusted, in a most impeccable and flawless manner.
He was every inch a perfect man, so complete that even his detractors
and enemies could not find the smallest fault in his glowing personality. He
was by far the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth. He
preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code,
and initiated numerous social and political reforms. He established a powerful
and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and completely
revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behaviour for all times to come.
When the Holy Qur’an (Islam’s revealed text) describes him as the “Noblest
Exemplar” for the human race including generations to come, it becomes
all the more obvious that Prophet Muhammad was something extraordinary and
endowed with all fine qualities such as patience, courage, wisdom,
generosity, intelligence, love and magnanimity -to cite a few- which show
us how to mould our own lives.
The model of goodness
Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Bin Abdullah (peace upon him and his family),
known as As-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy) from his youth
and was sent as the Mercy for this World and the Hereafter and the Last
Messenger of God Almighty and the Seal of the Prophethood. The name Muhammad
means “highly praised”.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is the finest example of a perfect
man in every sense of the term. He was a paragon of virtue and is the best exemplar
for the human race. The Almighty distinguished him from all and sundry by
instilling in his sublime personality such fine qualities as modesty,
truthfulness, kindness, patience, loyalty, honesty, courage, bravery,
generosity, magnanimity, wisdom and the like. By studying his lofty character
and the amazingly simple life he (PBUH&HF) led with his household,
companions, wives and others. We are able to learn valuable lessons from his
conduct & accordingly mould our own life-style.
Our society could never be an Islamic one unless we sincerely tread the
footsteps of Almighty God’s final Messenger to mankind, heed his sayings,
observe his glorious actions and attitudes, and most important of all follow
them, as the faithful among his sincere companions followed and believed as
shown in the following story:
One day the great Prophet of Almighty God (PBUH&HF) while entering
the city of
Madina, saw a Jewish Man, just few steps ahead of him, taking his very
good breed of Horse towards market to sell. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF)
liked the Horse. So he negotiated with the Jewish Man and bought it at an
agreed price. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) did not have money on him at the
time so he asked the Jewish Man to follow him up to his home and he would pay
him his due. The Jewish Man agreed.
As they were going, another man approached and asked the Jewish Man if
he was selling his Horse and for how much. He said that he had already sold the
Horse to the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) for such and such amount. This man
offered him better price and he agreed to sell the Horse to him. The Holy
Prophet (PBUH&HF) said to the Jewish Man that since he had already sold the
Horse to him, it was wrong to break the agreement just like that. The Jewish
Man denied making any agreement.
Whilst all this was going on, the passersby stopped and wondered as to
what was going on. The Prophet of Almighty God explained exactly what happenedttp://www.islamicoccasions.com
Companions: “O Prophet of Almighty, do you
have any witnesses to support your claim?”
Holy Prophet: No. We have no witnesses as there was no one present when
the agreement was made. Companions: Sorry, we don’t think we can help you. How
can we be sure who is telling the truth and who is lying? A very close and
sincere companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF), Huzaima Ibn Sabit (RA)
happened to pass by and saw the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) surrounded by the
people. On inquiring about it, came to know what happened. Huzaima (RA): The
Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) of Almighty is telling the truth and the Jewish Man
is lying.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF): But you were not present when the
agreement was made. So how can you judge without being there? Huzaima Ibn Sabit
(RA): O Prophet of Almighty, you said that there is God and we believed you,
even though we haven’t seen Him. You told us that Qur’an was the word of
Almighty and we believed you. You told us about Angels, Heaven and Hell and we
believed you, even though we haven’t seen all these things. How is it possible
that you would lie about such petty thing? The moral of the story is that there
were some companions who walked, sat and ate with the Prophet of Almighty God,
but did not grasp his inner personality and at the same time there were also
some other companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) who understood him
physically as well as spiritually.
Hence we should also follow our Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) with complete
belief as Huzaima Ibn Sabit (RA) shown in the above story but not as other
companions did. In short, Almighty God the most Glorious enjoins upon us to
take the Holy Prophet’s behaviour as an example, because he guides us to virtue
and righteousness: “Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an
excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers
Allah much.” Holy Qur’an (33: 21)
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) used to give lot of importance to
moral behaviour by saying:
“The best of you are those who have the best morals.” And “I have been sent to complete the best morals.”
The behaviour and personality of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) are
the best examples to follow in Life. A companion of his, who
spent full ten (10) years with him, has said: “Throughout my stay withhim I
never heard an indecent word from his lips and never found him rude to anyone.
He (PBUH&HF)spoke very politely. He (PBUH&HF) was kind to everyone.”
The Holy Prophet of Islam spoke in short, meaningful sentences and was
never seen or heard to interrupt anybody’s speech. He never spoke with a morose
face, nor did he ever apply rough, awkward words. He invariably stood by his
words and pledges. The Holy Prophet of Islam would never permit anybody to
backbite others and said, “I want to meet people with a loving heart.”
Although Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) was the Prophet of Almighty
and had been appointed by Almighty God to guide the people, yet he was not
ashamed of doing his work with his own hands. He (PBUH&HF) assisted the
members of his family in household work and performed the jobs of other persons
with great pleasure. He mended his clothes and shoes. He also took part in the
construction of Masjid al-Nabi in Medina along with his
companions.
He (PBUH&HF) was so kind and generous that he never refused a
reasonable request of any person. He (PBUH&HF) often distributed edibles
among others and went without meals himself. He (PBUH&HF) always helped the
needy and the poor and went to the houses of the sick to enquire after their
health. Whenever he met anyone he said, ‘Salamun Alaikum’ (Peace
be to you). He always spoke with a smiling face. And always advice his
companions:
“When you meet each other then initiate greeting (Salam) and embrace;
and when you separate from each other, then depart with seeking forgiveness.”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) was a model of all the virtues and
qualities of a believer described in the Holy Qur’an. None can describe him
better than Almighty who has said he possessed the noblest character.
And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality. Holy Qur’an (68:4)
Now, we shall study some aspects of his admirable character:
The Holy Prophet of Islam was fond of scent and spent more on buying
perfumes than on food. His pleasant smell filled the air of any place he
passed, so that whosoever passed there knew that the Holy Prophet of Islam had
passed that way.
He used to brush his teeth frequently and washed his blessed hands and
mouth both before and after meals. Whenever the Holy Prophet of Islam was about
to leave his house, he would look into a mirror or into water; he always left
home with a clean, pleasant appearance. His dress was always clean, though
simple. He was very mindful of cleanliness.
The Holy Prophet of Islam took lessons from
watching the sky, the moon, the sun, and every other thing in nature, and these
phenomena attracted him to their Creator more than to themselves. Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH&HF) always used to contemplate the Greatness and Majesty of
Almighty God, the Glorious and the welfare of the human race. He closely
followed the affairs of his people and
the spreading of the light of Islam. He talked only when necessary and
when he did; his speech was devoid of any rhetoric and unnecessary words. It
was precise, to the point and full of great meanings.
He (PBUH&HF) was punctual, active and energetic, and led an orderly
life in the strict sense of the word. He was so devout and pious that not even
for a
single moment was he enchanted by any luxury or pleasure of this mortal
world. In short, the Holy Prophet of Islam was a perfect model of all excellent
virtues and sublime human qualities. His day was divided into four periods:
1. A time for worship.
2. A time for his household (Ahlul-Bait) and wives, during which he behaved
like any ordinary family man giving the finest example of social behaviour.
3. A time for rest and contemplation.
4. A time for public affairs such as receiving Muslims, looking into their
needs and requirements, answering their questions, teaching them the tenets of
Islam and expounding to them the glorious verses of the Holy Qur’an.
Blessed be my people for their early rising up. Too much sleep does away
with both religion and the world. O People, you have certain (special)
characteristics, so get to (emphasize) them and you have an end, so get to (be
prepared for)
it..., a servant of Almighty God should take (make provisions) for himself
from his self: from his world (life) for his hereafter, during his youth before
his old age, and in life before death.
By the One in whose hand is Muhammad’s soul after death there will be no
blaming, and after this world there is nothing except Paradise or Hell.
All praise belongs to Almighty God, and may salutations and benedictions
be upon the Messenger of Almightyamicoccasions.com
He (PBUH&HF) was the finest embodiment of modesty, and deeply
abhorred arrogance and haughtiness. Almost all of his companions in the early
days were poor and oppressed people, as he was the champion of the downtrodden
and the defender of the deprived masses. His house was simple and modest, built
of clay bricks, palm leaves and trunks. His food was simple like that of the poor,
consisting mostly of barley bread. There were occasions when he might skip that
meagre meal too. He socialized with his companions as one of them:
talking, listening, smiling and displaying a sense of humour. Sometimes he
might join in their laughter to cheer their spirits up. He would visit them
when they fell sick or accept an invitation for a meal irrespective of whether
the person concerned was poor, a slave or any other. In case a companion
of his died, he used to participate in the funeral procession, walking
alongside the bier.
The Holy Prophet of Islam immensely loved the ritual prayers, but on
occasions when people demanded to talk to him about something, he would say his
ritual prayers briefly and instead, pay attention to the demands and needs of
the people. He would spare no efforts to fulfil the people’s needs.
The Prophet treated everyone with great respect and considered nobility
and honour to be owing to faith, piety, and good behaviour. He was not
interested in wealth or status. He had no love for luxuries or the illusions of
this mortal world, nor did he revere anybody for his riches or position. He was
never enchanted by any worldly things, and he invariably looked upon this
world’s life as a passing one.
His behaviour towards slaves was amazingly affectionate, and he would do
his best to remove the troubles and sufferings of the slaves and the poor. His
modesty was peerless. He was extremely patient, tolerant, and forgiving.
The Holy Prophet was justly angered when he observed a violation of
God’s commands and of Islam and was most pleased at the good deeds. Both his
pleasure and displeasure were for God.
“Say. Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are
(all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” Holy Qur’an (6:162)
Owing to his great modesty, he normally preferred riding a mule while
moving around, using a saddle made of date-palm fibre. Sometimes he also rode
his she-camel. If he was riding and somebody wished to accompany him on foot,
he would ask him either to mount behind, and if the man declined out of
respect, he would ask him to go ahead and await him at the fixed place, because
he did not like the sight of people following him on foot, while he himself was
mounted.
The Holy Prophet of Islam possessed the magnificent status of prophecy
and divine leadership, but his manners in dealing with the people and his way
of life were so simple and gentle that when he was among the people and a
newcomer wanted to know about him, he had to ask, “Which one of you is the Prophet”?
The Holy Prophet of Islam did not care to sit down in the seat of honour
in gatherings, and on entering any place would sit down in the first empty seat
available, so that his companions might not think that he was sporting an air
of superiority over them. He did not let anybody stand up before him and
treated others most respectfully. Of course, the virtuous people were most
revered by him.
His magnetic personality drew love and respect from all. He used to sit
on the ground, even while eating, and slept on the ground with a simple mat
serving as his bed. He greeted even small boys, as well as women. If some man
shook hands with him, he would not unclasp his hand till the other did it
first.
Once, a Christian chieftain named Adi bin Hatam al-Ta’i, came for an
audience with the Prophet of Islam, who happened to be sitting on a cushion. On
seeing the visitor he took the cushion from underneath and offered it to his
Christian guest, himself preferring to sit on the ground. This admirable
display of modesty by the great Prophet so deeply affected Adi bin Hatam
al-Ta’i, that the Christian chief immediately embraced Islam.
Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh
fruits to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF). Then he would distribute
them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit
from his small farm and gave it to the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF).
He (PBUH&HF) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it
alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Prophet
of Almighty God, you have over looked the right of those who watch while you
eat? The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) smiled and waited till the man who had
brought the fruit had gone.
Then he (PBUH&HF) said: I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe.
Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his
distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than
make him feel disappointing, my palate accepted the bitterness.
This is how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) taught us best of morals and
excellent manners. By living a simple and ordinary life and treating everybody
alike with courtesy and respect, he was able to spread the light of Islam. His
immaculate personality and lofty character, coupled with his honesty and
wisdom, attracted multitudes of people towards truth and justice.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) pays great importance to the behaviour
of human beings amongst each other in a society. Hence, always seems advising
the following:
1. Deal gently with people, and be not
harsh; cheer them and condemn not.
2. The best of friends is he who is best
in behaviour and character.
3. One who does not practice modesty and
does not refrain from shameless deeds is not a Muslim.
4. Much silence and a good disposition;
there are no two works better than these.
More than 1400 years ago in Arabia the people were living very
much in fear. They feared their neighbours. They feared other tribes. They even
feared their idols. For this was the time before Islam. The Arabs were
worshipping idols. In their ignorance they would bury their newly born
daughters alive. As Islam began to spread among Arabs such cruel practices
stopped. Islam taught love and peace. It taught kindness and respect.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) himself was a very kind and loving
person. He treated every one, young and old, with kindness and respect.
Because the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) was
spreading the word of God. And he was changing, for better, the lives of many
Arabs and because some Arabs felt that by the teaching of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH&HF) their old idols were losing power. They disliked Holy Prophet
(PBUH&HF) and planned to kill him. Every time they tried to kill him, they
failed. This angered the enemies of Islam even more.
So they began to harass him in every way they knew. One old woman made a
habit of throwing rubbish on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) whenever
he passed from her house. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) had to pass that house
daily on the way to the Mosque. Even when the old woman threw rubbish on him,
he would pass silently without showing any anger or annoyance. This was a
regular, daily event.
One day when the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) was passing by the old woman
was not there to throw the rubbish. He (PBUH&HF) stopped and asked the neighbour
about her well-being. The neighbour informed the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF)
that the old woman was sick on bed. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) politely
asked permission to visit the old woman. When allowed he (PBUH&HF) entered
the house, the old woman thought that he had come there to take his revenge
when she was unable to defend herself because of sickness. But the Holy Prophet
assured her that he had come to her, not to take any revenge, but to see her
and to look after her needs, as it was the command of Almighty God that if
anyone is sick, a Muslim should visit him and should help him if his help is
needed.
The old woman was greatly moved by this kindness and love of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH&HF). By the example of greatness
of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF), she understood that he was truly the Prophet of God and
Islam was
the true religion. She accepted Islam at once.
Abu Talib and Khadija were the main supporters of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH&HF). It was so destined that they passed away within a few
days of each other, leaving the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) to lament
the bereavement. He had lost a caring uncle and a loving wife.
The enemies were now relieved, because Abu Talib was no more to protect.
A few days after Abu Talib’s death, when the Prophet was once passing through a
lane, a woman emptied her garbage from a window upon his head. He returned home
with his head soiled. His young daughter Fatima (a.s) sat
beside him, consoling and washing off the dirt. As things became
intolerable in Makkah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) decided to move
to Taif where he thought he would convey the message of Almighty God to the
tribe of Thaqeef. Taif was known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) knew very well that people at
Taif were no different from Makkans. They also worshipped idols and were in
constant contact with the people in Makkah. But he (PBUH&HF) did not
despair, who dedicated his life for Islam by putting himself in danger like no
other. As he entered Taif, and proclaimed his prophet hood, people jeered at
him. One said: “God did not find anyone else for His message except you?”
Another said: “I must be naive or a thief if I believed you to be a prophet.”
And so it went on.
Then in order to prevent him from preaching Islam, people of Taif set a
group of children and vagabonds behind him. They pestered him and threw stones
at him. Tired, forsaken and wounded, he sought refuge in a nearby garden. It
belonged to Atabah and Shaibah, two wealthy chiefs of Quraish. They were both
there when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) entered and sat under a
distant tree.
He was alone.
Then he raised his face towards heaven and prayed:
“O Almighty! I raise unto you my complaint for my weakness, my
helplessness, and for the ridicule to which I have been subjected. O Merciful
of all the Mercifuls! You are the Master of all oppressed people, You are my
God! So to whom would You consign me? To the strangers who would ill-treat me,
or to the enemies who have an upper hand over me? If whatever has befallen me
is not because of Your wrath, then I fear not. No doubt, the field of Your security and care is wide enough
for me. I seek refuge in Your light which illuminates darkness and
straightens the affairs of this world and hereafter, that Your displeasure and
wrath may not descend upon me. For the sake of Your pleasure, I remain pleased
and resigned to my fate. No change in this world occurs without
Your Will.”
Atabah and Shaibah were watching. They sent for their servant named
Adaas and gave him a plate full of grapes. “Take this to that man under the
tree,” they ordered. Adaas was a Christian. He brought the grapes to the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) and bid him eat. As the Prophet (PBUH&HF)
picked a bunch he said:
“Bismillahir Rahmaanir Rahim” (In the Name of Allah, the Most
Merciful, the Most Compassionate).
Adaas had never heard this before. He was impressed by it, because the
man was invoking mercy and compassion of Almighty in spite of his desolate
state.
“Who are you?” Adaas asked. “I am the Prophet of
God. Where do you come from?”
The servant said: “I am Adaas, a Christian. I come from Nainava.”
“Nainava? You come from a place where my brother Yunus bin Mati (Jonah son of
Mati) lived,” the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) said. Adaas was surprised to hear
the name.
“What do you know of Yunus? Here no one seems to know him. Even in
Nainava there were hardly ten people who knew his father’s name.”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “Yes, I know him because just like
me, he was a Prophet of Almighty God.” Adaas fell on his knees before the Holy
Prophet (PBUH&HF), kissed his hand and embraced Islam.
The Messenger’s social ties with his companions portray the most
wonderful picture of Islamic brotherhood ever heard of. The following
narratives give us a glimpse of his firm ties, with the society in which he
lived:
Anas bin Malik, who used to frequent the Prophet’s assembly, says that
whenever the Prophet missed any one of his companions for a period of three (3)
days, he used to inquire about that person, would pray for him and if he
happened to be ill, would pay him a visit. Another companion Jarir bin
Abdullah, says that once the Prophet entered a house, and soon it was full of
people. When Jarir went in, he found no vacant spot and therefore sat outside.
The Prophet observing Jarir took a piece of his clothing rolled it up and threw
it, indicating him to spread it underneath him. Jarir says he caught hold of
the clothing, put it on his face and kissed it.
On group journeys, the Holy Prophet would work like the others and would
never let anybody work instead of him. Once just as the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF), and his noble companions landed from their rides, and laid the
loads down, it was decided that they would sacrifice a lamb for dinner.
One of the companions volunteered: “I will sacrifice the lamb.”
Another companion said: “I will skin it.”
Third companion said: “I will cook it.”
Fourth companion said: “I will....”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “I will gather the wood from the
desert.”
The group: “O Messenger of Almighty God, don’t make discomfort yourself
as such, you rest. We will be honoured to do all this on our own.”
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF): “I know that you are eager to
do it all, but Almighty God is not pleased with the slave who distinguishes
between himself and his companions, and considers himself better than others.”
Then he (PBUH&HF) went to the desert, and gathered some firewood,
and brought it to the group.
The caravan had been travelling for few hours now. Signs of fatigue were
Obvious on their faces. They arrived at a point and stopped. The Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) who was also in the caravan, stopped the camel,
and landed. Prior to anything, they were in search of water to prepare for
prayer.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) also started searching for
water. But soon, returned to his Camel, without saying anything to anyone. The
companions were surprised that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) had
ordered stopping here, and now perhaps he would like to move again? Eyes and
ears were awaiting his order. But the surprise of the group increased as they
saw him approach his
Camel, and tied its knees, and returned back in search of water. Noises
were raised from every corner: “O Prophet of Almighty God! Why didn’t you order
us to do this for you, and instead you put yourself in discomfort? We would
have proudly done that service for you.”
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) responded: “Never seek others’
help in your affairs, don’t lean on others, even if it is a small piece of
Miswak (the wood used for brushing teeth).”
Anas bin Malik (RA) was one of the companions who had served the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) for many years. He therefore knew the Prophet’s
habits very well. When Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) observed a fast, he
usually broke it with milk and dates, and in the small hours of the night, he
would take simple food for his Sahar.
One day, Anas knew that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) was
fasting; so he arranged for his Iftar. He kept the milk and dates ready. At the
time of Iftar the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) did not appear, for the
breaking of the fast. Anas thought that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)
might have accepted an invitation and broken his fast elsewhere. So Anas ate
the food himself and retired.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) entered the house with another
companion, Anas inquired from the companion whether the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF) had already eaten. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) had been
dealing with some urgent work and was delayed, and he had not eaten. Anas felt
so ashamed. There was nothing left he could offer to the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF), if he asked for food. Still he waited expectantly, ready to
explain the situation to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF). Holy Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH&HF) immediately sensed that Anas was hesitant, so he
remained silent and retired to bed hungry with a cheerful face. The next day he
also fasted.
Anas used to say: “The Messenger of God never
mentioned this incident during his lifetime to anyone.”
The above actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) provide us
the finest example of a leader unaffected by power and position whereas when we
look at the lives of despots and other petty potentates, we see them sporting
arrogant airs, trying to humiliate people, and always keeping a distance from the oppressed and the poor. It will not be
out of context here to cite another example from the Prophet’s life. Once a man
came to the Messenger of Almighty God but on
entering his presence, started trembling with fear. Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF) seeing the visitor terribly shaken and nervous, smiled and
comforted him with utmost tenderness, saying: “Relax man take it easy,
I am no king but the son of a Quraishite woman who used to eat
dried meat.”
How wonderfully he comforts a frightened Arab nomad, who accustomed to
the days of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) was scared to death on entering the
Prophet’s presence. This is one of the many instances, which prove that he is
the Mercy for the human race and not one of those power-drunk despots who kill
and terrorize Almighty God’s creatures.ww.islamicoccasions.com
Such supreme examples of kindness and generosity helped build a strong
and coherent society and spread love and affection among the believers.
Therefore it is obligatory for Muslims to learn a lesson from these admirable
manners and tread the brilliant path blazed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF).
All Muslims should endeavour to acquire these lofty morals, especially those
invested with power and authority, so that peace, love and harmony may prevail
all around. If it is a real Islamic society, it will naturally be just and
free, where everyone can defend their right and even advise those in authority
if they happen to err.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) was second to none in Almighty God’s
creation, beginning from Prophet Adam (PBUH&HF) till eternity. He was an
excellent exemplar of the
noblest manners and merits including courage and bravery.
His valour was a byword among his contemporaries, for he stood up
gallantly against the heaviest odds, endured pain and injuries a victoriously
fought, overcame and showed mercy to the stonehearted infidels of ignorant
Arabia. Magnanimity is the finest form of valour and the Prophet
excelled in this particular field, forgiving enemies and freeing multitudes
from injustice, oppression, servitude and ignorance.
Some of the glimpses of his many gallant deeds:
He endured pain and sufferings for thirteen long years in Makkah,
inviting people to Islam, without once being over-awed by the sheer force and
numbers of arrogant Jahiliyya. And these entire single handed without any group
or supporters except his few weak but devoted followers.
After migrating to Medina he
organized an army to defend against the idolaters and he himself led the
faithful in many a battle against overwhelming odds, always coming out
victorious. The Battles of Badr, Uhud, Khaibar, Khandaq, Hunayn and the
conquest of Makkah were some of the epoch-making events.
His faithful and equally brave cousin Imam Ali (PBUH&HF), who was
the standard bearer in several decisive battles and who while defending Islam
and the Prophet, sent many obstinate bullies of ignorant
Arabia to the eternal fire, describes the Messenger’s bravery as
follows:
“You have beheld me on the day of Badr, all of us took refuge with the
Prophet (PBUH&HF), and he was the nearest one to the enemy ranks. He was on
that day, the bravest of us all.”
Anas bin Malik (RA) , a companion, describes the Prophet as the bravest
and the most generous of all men. Anas citing an example say that one night
Muslims heard loud noises coming from outside the town. Thinking it to be enemy
forces they rushed out to the place from where the noises were coming but to
their surprise found the Prophet of Islam at the spot well ahead of them. The
incident indicates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HF) valor and courage; how he
sallied forth in the dark night alone to trace the source of those strange
sounds, without once being scared of the enemy or whatever that lurked around.
The Holy Qur’an and the Traditions of the Prophet (Hadith or Sunnah) are
the sources from which every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties.
Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the
women’s liberation movement began in the 20th century. Actually, the women’s
liberation movement was not begun by women, but was revealed by Almighty God in
the 7th century to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF).
Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to God in
glorifying and worshipping Him - setting no limits on her moral progress. Also,
Islam established a woman’s equality in her humanity with men. Since men and
women both came from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity.
Neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction of equality.
The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that
most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are from God and are
designed to keep balance in society. What may seem unjust or missing in one
place is compensated for or explained in another place. Islam is a
complete way of life.
A man once came to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) carrying with him his belongings and a box. He
said, “O Prophet! While I was passing through a jungle, I heard the voice of
some bird’s babies. I took them and put them in this box. The moment I did
that, their mother came fluttering round my head.”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) said, “Put them down.” When the man put
the box on the ground, the mother of the young birds joined them. Seeing this,
the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) asked the man who now had a look of surprise on
his face, “Are you surprised by the affection of the mother towards her young?
I swear by Him (Almighty God) who has sent me, surely, God is more loving to
his servants than the mother to these young birds. Return these baby birds to
the place from where you took them, and let their mother be with them.”
“Fear God with regard to animals”, said the Prophet of Islam
(PBUH&HF), “ride them when they are fit to be ridden, and get off their
backs when they are tired; surely, there are rewards for being kind and gentle
to animals, and for giving them water to drink.”
Islam has taught that in the eyes of Almighty God, animals also have
rights in the same way as man has. They should not be treated badly, tortured
or left to starve without food or water. The Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HF) was
once performing ablution (Wudhu) for prayers from a pot of water.
A Cat passed there and turned its eyes at the pot of water with a
thirsty look. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) realized at once that the Cat was
very thirsty, so he stopped the ablution (Wudhu) and placed the pot before the
Cat.
Only after the Cat had fully quenched its thirst, did the Holy Prophet
(PBUH&HF) resume the ablution (Wudhu). By this action, the Holy Prophet
(PBUH&HF) has shown that quenching the thirst of even a small dumb animal
is a noble act full of virtue and should be given first attention before one
prepares for offering prayers to Almighty God.
Once a man came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) and said, “Oh
prophet of Almighty God, I have many bad habits. Which one of them should I
give up first?” The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) said, “Give up telling
lies first and always speak the truth.” The man promised to do so and went
home.
At night the man was about to go out to steal. Before setting out, he
thought for a moment about the promise he made with the prophet. “If tomorrow
the prophet asks me where have I been, what shall I say? Shall I say that I
went out stealing?
No, I cannot say that. But nor can I lie. If I tell the truth, everyone
will start hating me and call me a thief. I would be punished for stealing.” So
the man decided not to steal that night, and gave up this bad habit. Next day,
he felt like drinking wine, when he was about to do so, he said to himself,
“What shall I say
to the prophet if he asks me what did I do during
the day? I cannot tell a lie, and if I speak the truth people will hate me,
because a Muslim is not allowed to drink wine.” And so he gave up the idea of
drinking wine.
In this way, whenever the man thought of doing something bad, he
remembered his promise to tell the truth at all times. One by one, he gave up
all his bad habits and became a good Muslim and a very good person.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) said: “No Man can attain a
firm faith, unless he develops strength of character and that cannot be
achieved unless one acquires the habit of speaking truth.”
One of the distinctive features of Islam is its emphasis on knowledge.
The Holy Qur’an and the Islamic Tradition (Sunnah) invite Muslims to seek and
acquire knowledge and wisdom and to hold men of knowledge in high esteem. The
first few verses of Holy Qur’an that were revealed to our Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF) mention the importance of reading, pen, and teaching for human
beings.
Hence, it is a beautiful prayer for every Muslim to ask always:
“O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)
The only limit set to the acquisition of knowledge in Islam is that
Muslims should seek useful knowledge. Our great Prophet (PBUH&HF) is
reported as having said: “My Lord, save me from the useless knowledge.”
Any knowledge helping man in performing his God assigned role in this
world is useful, other than that is considered useless knowledge.
Example of useless knowledge: Abul Hikam
(Father of Wisdom) was the title of Amr Ibn Hesam, one of the bitterest enemies
of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF). Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)
nicknamed him Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance) because of his uncompromising
attitude towards Islam.
From the above example we can see, how much our Holy Prophet
(PBUH&HF) disliked ignorant and at the same time we can learn from the
following example, how much our Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) liked to learn.
The mosque of Medina was not only a place of worship. The
believers assembled here to learn. When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)
was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of
the Holy Qur’an and benefited from his counsel. And when he was not present,
other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of
Almighty God.
Once our Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) entered the Mosque before the prayer
time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of
worship; some were reading the Holy Qur’an while the others were supplicating.
The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and
write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily
lives. Looking at both, the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “They are
both engaged in useful pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group
assembled to learn.” So he (PBUH&HF) sat with the group of
students.
KNOWLEDGE”::
01. It is an obligation for every Muslim to
seek knowledge.
02. To acquire knowledge is binding upon
all Muslims, whether male or female.
03. Seek knowledge even if it be
in China.
04. Seek knowledge from cradle to grave.
05. Scholars are the heirs of the prophets.
06. The ink of the learned will be weighed
with the blood of the martyrs on the Resurrection Day; and then, the ink of the
learned would be preferred to the blood of the martyrs.
07. Anyone who pursues a course in search
of knowledge, God will ease his way to paradise.
08. Acquire knowledge, it enables its
possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lights the way to heaven.
09. The most learned of men is the one who
gathers knowledge from others on his own; the most worthy of men is the most
knowing and the meanest is the most ignorant.
10. The loss of running after an affair
without learning about it is more than its benefit.
11. The superiority of a learned man over a
worshipper is like that of the full moon over other stars.
12. Once addressing Imam Ali (PBUH&HF),
our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) said: The sleep of a learned man is
better than a thousand Rakats (Units) Namaz (prayer) of a worshipper. O Ali! No
poverty is harder than ignorance and no worship can equal contemplation.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is the supreme example of a family
man. He was a loving husband, an affectionate father and a doting grandfather.
As long as the faithful Khadija (PBUH&HF) was alive, he never took another
wife. Even later on in life, when he had married several women, he used to
cherish the loving memory of the faithful Khadija (PBUH&HF). His marriages
were not for pleasure, but were a humanitarian means to further the cause of
Islam, as is evident from the women he married. In the case of Sawda, Umm
Salama and Zainab bint Khuzaima, it was to take care of poor and helpless
widows well in their middle ages, while the marriage to Juwairiyah was to grant
her freedom from captivity. Still others such as those to Umm Habiba, Safiya,
Ayesha, Hafsa and Maimoona were meant for uniting some prominent Arab tribes,
who were often at loggerheads with each other, and also to safeguard the internal
political status of the newfound Islamic State. And the marriage to Zainab bint
Jahsh was for the sake of enacting a new law, because she was the divorcee of
his adopted son Zaid bin Hareth. As the Holy Qur’an testifies, the Prophet
married her in order to put an end to the prevalent belief that adopted sons
were like real sons and that wives or widows of adopted sons were like
daughter-in-laws. In short, the philosophy behind his marriages was entirely
revolutionary and ushered in positive changes in ignorant Arabia.
He was an affectionate father and his only surviving child, daughter
Fatima (PBUH&HF), was dearer to him than life. His famous saying (Hadith):
“Fatima is a part of me, and whoever annoys her (in fact) annoys
me,” stands as a firm testimony to this
fact. History is a witness that he used to stand up to greet his daughter. Many
prominent and wealthy Arabs had approached him for
Fatima’s hand, but he politely refused them, and according to divine
commandment married her to his faithful cousin Imam Ali (PBUH&HF).
Hence Fatima and Ali were the parents of his two grandsons Hasan and
Hussain; through whom the continuity of the Prophet’s noble progeny has been
ensured. Hasan and Hussain were the apple of his eyes and he affectionately
doted on them. They used to play with him and accompany him to the mosque. Once
when the two grandsons were seated on his shoulders, a companion remarked:
“What and excellent mount”, to which the Prophet retorted “What
excellent riders too”.
Thus, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HF) behaviour with his illustrious
household (Ahlul-Bait) is a lesson for us. It was not blind love of a doting
father or grandfather as some may misinterpret but was something divinely
ordained as is clear from several verses of the Holy Qur’an. Therefore, it is
obligatory for all Muslims to love and respect his chosen family, and adhere to
their radiant path, which is the only way to save the Ummah from pitfalls.
Praise be to Almighty God, Lord of the Worlds.
e,
who gets up in the morning and is not concerned
The Holy Prophet of Islam never attempted to retaliate against the
insults and disrespect of anybody, and forgave people’s mistakes or their
misconduct. His reaction to the torment and disregard of the ignorant people
was forgiveness and tolerance. In spite of all the tortures and torments that
the Quraysh had inflicted upon the Holy Prophet, on conquering Makkah, he
forgave them & set them free.
In the war of Uhud, a man named Wahshi killed Hamzah, the beloved uncle
of the Holy Prophet of Islam. However, he forgave his sin. Also, he forgave the
many torments and troubles that Abu Sufyan and his wife, Hind, had caused for
him and he did not take revenge. However, for all his tolerance and
mercifulness, he did not take pity on those who violated God’s threshold and
sacred precepts and would punish the violator in accordance with divine rules.
In affecting God’s orders, he would take no notice of anybody’s intercession.
When the Prophet was informed that Fatima Mukhzumiyah had committed
theft, he punished her according to the laws of Islam concerning theft and did
not regard the intercession of Asamata bin Zayd in this respect, saying,
“The ruin and downfall of the preceding peoples was due to the fact that they did not enforce the laws of punishment in
the case of the aristocrats and the people of status. I swear by the One in whose
hands is my life that even if Fatima (his daughter) had committed such a sin, I
would cut off her hand”.
The Holy Prophet of Islam had great love for ritual prayers so that
during the night he would get up several times, brush his teeth, and then offer
the most devoted prayers. He would stand worshipping God and talking sincerely
to the Almighty Creator for so long that as a result of so much standing in
prayer, his
legs were swollen. In such a small book it is not possible to describe
all his praise-worthy manners and morals. In fact, we have just presented a
pale reflection of his celestial, resplendent portrait so that all over the
world Muslims who regard themselves as the followers of Islam can make his
morals and conduct their own
model of behaviour and learn divine morality and correct programs for
life from him.
All praise belongs to Almighty God, and may God’s greetings be upon him,
who was the selected superior and the best of pious human beings. And the
greetings of the angels upon the faithful. We too greet him most cordially and
sincerely. May he accept our respectful greetings as well as the greetings of
you, our sisters and brothers in Islam. May Almighty God help all of us to
follow exactly the blessed footsteps of the Holy Prophet, whose path is sure to
lead us into eternal salvation and paradise.
Note: Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HF)’s life
was a practical demonstration of the Holy Qur’an. His life and his character
are exemplary for the Muslims. Even Non-Muslims have acknowledged the strength
of his beautiful character as we can see in the following chapter. Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH&HF) spread the light of Islam to far flung areas in a
short span of 23 years. But do not forget, it was based on a strong foundation
of character, which he had built over 40 years prior to spreading the message
of Islam.
Today, we Muslims will have to think whether we have built our
characters on the same pattern as was the character of our Prophet
(PBUH&HF). Unfortunately, our characters are not reflective of Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH&HF). As a result, Islam is disgraced and subdued in the
entire world. This is all because we Muslims failed to follow our dear Prophet
(PBUH&HF) and failed to build our characters. May Almighty God help us all
to strengthen our characters and become the beacons of Islam.
The greatness of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) can be
understood still today, with the help of the following story:
It was a wintry morning with much snow falling, coupled with the blowing
of a strong cold wind. It was not easy to come out in the open air. Yet one
could see people rushing to their work and students with books in their hands
hastening to their schools.
In one of the Mosques in Hamadan - Iran, religious students were assembling in order to
attend a morning class. It was an important school of Islamic
Theology and the tutor was also a very great learned one. His discourses
were indeed very thought-provoking and so were his students quite intelligent.
The tutor was none else but the world famous and a great Persian thinker and
philosopher ‘Ibn Sina’, popularly known in Europe as Avicenna. His
lectures and writings on various science subjects had become the standard text
books for hundreds of years in the universities of Europe. Students
admired his deep philosophical thinking. They felt honoured to sit in his class
and hear his inspiring lectures.
That cold morning, students had already assembled in the Mosque and were
still anxiously awaiting the arrival of their learned tutor. They were
wondering if the intense cold weather that day had delayed his coming. A few
minutes had passed when suddenly the students witnessed the graceful arrival of
‘Ibn Sina’, their great learned tutor. They felt very happy and stood up as a
mark of reverence and respect for him. He sat down at his usual place and
exchanged greetings with his students. He commenced his discourse in his usual
lucid manner that held his students spellbound. He also gave satisfactory
answers to their questions.
Among the students was one very young and enthusiastic by name ‘Bahman
Yar’. He was much closer and attached to ‘Ibn Sina’ the learned tutor. He was
also the foremost among the clever and advanced students of the class. Every
time he listened to the lectures of his tutor, he became more and more
fascinated with his deep philosophy and knowledge on every subject.
He would say to his class-mates: “I wonder why our
tutor ‘Ibn Sina’ does not claim to be a prophet despite his supreme
intelligence and magic personality”.
It is said that one day by chance ‘Ibn Sina’ was standing at a baker and
loaf-seller shop. His attention was drawn to a very smart young boy who was
displaying signs of much intelligence. The boy was saying to the baker: “My
mother is requesting for a little fire.” The baker responded: “Have you brought
any pot to carry the fire?” “No! But I know how to carry it”, replied the boy
instantly. So saying he applied some ash over his palm and stretched his hand
to the baker who placed a piece of burning firewood over his palm. Without any
hesitation, the boy took it and went home.
‘Ibn Sina’ was rather amazed to see the intelligence and courage of this
boy. He thought of having him for special training and education under his
personal care.
The proposal was communicated to the parents who agreed and entrusted
the boy to his full care. Thus ‘Bahman Yar’ since then was staying at no other
place except at the house of his tutor and care-taker, ‘Ibn Sina’. They were
all the time to be seen together.
The boy being highly intelligent derived the best of the knowledge that his
tutor could impart.
Years passed and ‘Bahman Yar’ grew up not only in age but also in
knowledge and understanding under the patronage of his tutor. The learned tutor
was also very proud of this most capable student.
It was one of the coldest nights of the wintry season. Midnight had
passed and the snow-falling was very heavy. Both ‘Ibn Sina’ and ‘Bahman Yar’
were sleeping in one room under warm thick blankets. The light in the room was
already extinguished but the student was still asking intricate questions on
some deep subjects. The tutor was replying in his usual impressive manner.
Fascinated by the supreme knowledge and deep philosophy of his tutor, he again
made the suggestion which he had made before:
“Oh my learned tutor!” he pleaded, “with all this high status of
knowledge that you enjoy and being master of all the sciences, why not declare
yourself a prophet? Sir! Don’t you think that you even excel some of the
previous prophets in knowledge and your status today is unparalleled in the
world! Should you decide to claim prophet hood, no one would dare challenge
you. Let me assure you that I shall be the first to offer my allegiance and
would serve you with full faith.”
Since ‘Bahman Yar’ was still young and immature, his above proposal to
his tutor was rather emotional than logical. ‘Ibn Sina’ smiled but did not give
any reply.
That night the cold weather had become extreme and there was heavy
snow-falling. Both were already fast asleep. It was past midnight and suddenly
‘Ibn Sina’ woke up and raised his head out of the warm blanket. Incidentally he
was very thirsty and the water-mug in the room was empty. So he decided to wake up his student to go out and bring him some
water.
“Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! My son ‘Bahman Yar’! Please wake up and bring me some
drinking water from outside”, he said repeatedly.
“Is there no water in the water-mug near your goodself, Sir?” asked
‘Bahman Yar’. “No!” replied ‘Ibn Sina’. ‘Bahman Yar’ raised his head and saw
heavy snowfall outside. The thrilling sound of the strong cold wind also made
him nervous to go out. Again ‘Ibn Sina’ grumbled: “Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! Why the
delay?
Bring me
some water, I am too thirsty.”
‘Bahman Yar’ dared not come out of the warm blankets to face the cold
weather outside the room. He was, therefore, putting forward lame excuses to
his tutor.
“Oh my respected tutor! It is harmful for you to drink water now that
you have just come out of the warmth of thick blankets. It is better you go to
sleep again till the early morning which is not far off”, said ‘Bahman Yar’.
“My son! Bring me water, I am too thirsty. I myself am a medical expert
and know better what is harmful than you do. I am unable to sleep, please bring
me some water from outside”, again appealed ‘Ibn Sina’.
In response ‘Bahman Yar’ again put forward excuses and argued that he
would catch cold and fall sick if he were to go out in that extreme cold
weather. So saying he went back to sleep.
There was dead silence everywhere and no sound of anything was to be
heard. Outside it was still pitch dark except the first light of Subhe Sadiq
(true dawn)
in the eastern horizon had commenced to appear.
Suddenly the silence broke with a melodious voice of a Muezzin - caller to
prayer from the top of a Minaret
at the nearby Mosque. After reciting some verses of the, Holy Qur'an,
the Muezzin in a loud voice said, “Allaho Akber” - Allah is the Greatest.
“Ash-Hado An La Ilaha Illallah” - I bear witness that there is no god except Allah.
Both the tutor and his student quietly listened to the melodious voice
of the Muezzin. The call to prayers then followed to the words “Ash-Hado Anna
Muhammadan Rasoolullah” - I bear witness that
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. On hearing this, ‘Ibn Sina’ thought of
taking the opportunity of
responding to the repeated proposal made to him by ‘Bahman Yar’. He
said:
“Listen to me, oh my son ‘Bahman Yar’. Now I wish to reply to your repeated
suggestion”. The student sat up to hear attentively of what his learned tutor abruptly wanted to say. ‘Ibn
Sina’ then proceeded:
“You have been suggesting to me several times to claim prophethood, that
people would put full faith in me and that you would be the first one to do so.
Now look, you have been my close student for several years and benefited from
me a great deal, yet you did not think it prudent to obey me by coming out of
your warm bed for a moment and bring me water that I badly needed to quench my
thirst. Instead you chose to put forward lame excuses.”
But think of this man who is now calling to prayers at the top of the
Minaret after coming out in the coldest weather and making ablution with cold
water in the early hour of this morning. It is for no other purpose but in
obedience to and respect for the command of Almighty as conveyed by His apostle
Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH&HF) some four hundred years ago.
“What a great difference there is between me and that Prophet sent by
Almighty God!”
Muhammad, the Prophet of Arabia (PBUH&HF), has fulfilled for his
people a role that combines the functions - of a distinguished prophet,
statesman, author, and reformer. He (PBUH&HF) has earned for himself as a
consequence the respect and reverence of countless people. To every Muslim on
this planet, irrespective of cultural, geographical and political differences,
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is Almighty God’s greatest creation and was sent
as a mercy for all mankind. Nearly 1.6 billion Muslims however, do not require
any surveys, lists or research to arrive at this conclusion. It is a
non-negotiable article of faith that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is the
greatest.
But, what about the non-Muslims?
Surprisingly, over the centuries many an eminent non-Muslim has rated
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) most highly and
given due recognition to his
greatness.
Historian, John William Draper in his well known work, “A
History of the Intellectual Development of Europe”, observes:
“Four years after the death of Justinian, 569 A.D., was born at Makkah,
in
Arabia, the man who, of all men, has exercised the greatest influence
upon the human race.”
The well known British historian, Sir William Muir, in his “Life of
Mohammed” adds:
“Our authorities, all agree in ascribing to the youth of Mohammad a
modesty of deportment and purity of manners rare among the people of Makkah.
The fair character and honourable bearing of the unobtrusive youth won the
approbation of his fellow-citizens; and he received the title, by common
consent, of Al-Ameen, the Trustworthy.”
James Michener in his well known work, “Islam, The Misunderstood
Religion” writes:
“Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor
and the needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At
twenty he was already a successful business man, and soon became director of
camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five his employer,
Recognizing his merit, proposed marriage. Even
though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived
remained a devoted husband.”
The celebrated British writer, Thomas Carlyle, in his book “On
Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History”, observes:
“Ah on: this deep-hearted son of the wilderness with his beaming black
eyes and open social deep soul, had other thoughts than ambition. A silent
great man; he was one of those who cannot but be in earnest; whom Nature
herself has appointed to be sincere. While others walk in formulas and
hearsays, contented enough to dwell there, this man could not screen himself in
formulas; he was
alone with his own soul and the reality of things. The great mystery of
Existence, as I said, glared in upon him, with its terrors, with its splendors;
no hearsays could hide that unspeakable fact. ‘Here am I’; such Sincerity as we
name it, has in very truth something of divine. The work of such a man is a
voice direct from Nature’s own Heart. Men do and must listen to that as to
nothing else; all else is wind in comparison.”
Dr. Marcus Dods, in his work, “Mohammad, Buddah and
Christ” writes: “Certainly he had two of the most important
characteristics of the prophetic order. He saw truth about God which his
fellowmen did not see, and he had an irresistible inward impulse to publicize
this truth.”
John Davenport in his well known work, “An Apology for Mohammad
and the Koran”, admits the honesty and sincerity behind Mohammad’s claim of
being an apostle of God, when he says:
“It is strongly corroborative of Mohammad’s sincerity that the earliest
converts of Islam were his bosom friends and the people of his household, who
all intimately acquainted with his private life, could not fail to have
detected those discrepancies which more or less invariably exist between the
pretensions of the hypocritical deceiver and his
actions at home.”
Again John Davenport, in states:
“With all that simplicity which is so natural to a great mind, he
performed the humblest offices whose homeliness it would be idle to conceal
with pompous diction; even while Lord of Arabia, he mended his own shoes and
coarse woolen garments, milked the ewes, swept the hearth, and kindled the
fire.
Dates and water were his usual fare and milk and honey his luxuries.
When he traveled he divided his morsel with the servant. The sincerity of his
exhortations to benevolence was justified at his death by the exhausted state
of his coffers.”
W. Montgomery Watt writes in his “Mohammad at Makkah”:
“His readiness to undergo persecution for his beliefs, the high moral character
of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the
greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To
suppose Muhammad as imposter raises more problems than it solves. Moreover,
none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as
Muhammad.
Thus, not merely must we credit Muhammad with essential honesty and
integrity of purpose, if we are to understand him at all: if we are to correct
the errors we have inherited from the past.”
A well known writer, Bosworth Smith, in his well known book “Mohammad
and Mohammadanism”, adds:
“Head of the State as well as of the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in
one; but he was Pope without Pope’s pretensions, Caesar without the legion of
Caesar. Without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without
a fixed revenue, if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the
right divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its
instructions and without its supports.”
James A. Michener, in his invaluable work, “Islam: The
Misunderstood Religion”, observes:
“...Forced now to fight in defense of the freedom of conscience which he
preached, he became an accomplished military leader, Although he repeatedly
went into battle outnumbered and out speared as much as five to one, he won
some spectacular victories.”
p://www.islamicoccasions.com
Stanley Lane-Poole, in his work, “The Speeches and Table Talk of
the Prophet Mohammad” adds:
“The day of Mohammad’s greatest triumph over his enemies was also the
day of his grandest victory over himself. He freely forgave the Koraysh all the
years of sorrow and cruel scorn in which they had afflicted him and gave an
amnesty to the whole population of Makkah. Four criminals whom justice
condemned made up Mohammad’s proscription list, when he entered as a conqueror
to the city of his bitterest enemies. The army followed his example, and
entered quietly and peacefully; no house was robbed, no women insulted. One
thing alone suffered destruction. Going to the Kaaba, Mohammad stood before
each of the three hundred and sixty idols, and pointed to it with his staff,
saying, ‘Truth has come and falsehood has fled away!’ and at these words his
attendants hewed them down, and all the idols and household gods of Makkah and
round about were destroyed. It was thus Mohammad entered again his native city,
through all the annals of conquest there is no triumphant entry comparable to
this one.”
Alphonse of Lamartine, in his well known work, “Histoire de la
Turquie”, observes:
“If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are
the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in
modern history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and
empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers
which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies,
legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties, but
millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that,
he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the
souls.
On the basis of a Book, every letter of which has become law, he created
a spiritual nationality which blended together peoples of every tongue and of
every race. Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of
ideas, restorer of rational beliefs, a founder of twenty terrestrial empires
and one spiritual empire. Of all standards by which human greatness can be
measured, we may well ask ... is there any man greater than Mohammed?”
George Bernard Shaw said about him:
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because
of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion, which appears to me to
possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence, which
can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and
in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of
Humanity.”
“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the
modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring
it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of
Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the
Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to
the Europe of today.”
(Sir George Bernard Shaw in ‘The Genuine Islam,’ Singapore,
Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936.)
Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer,
mathematician, lawyer, chess master and scientist, after extensive research,
published an incisive biography of the 100 most influential persons in history.
The biographical rankings with explanations describe the careers of religious
and political
leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, scientist and artists.
From this research, which included illustrious personalities such as
Jesus Christ, Moses, Caesar, etc. Michael H. Hart rated Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HF) as number one. He concluded the biography with the words “My
choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may
surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man
in history who was supremely
successful on both the religious and secular levels.”
(“The 100: A ranking of the most influential persons in history”
New York, 1978, p. 33)
Dr. Annie Besant in her book “The Life and Teachings of
Muhammad”
Madras, 1932, p. 4. says: “It is impossible for anyone who studies the
life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and
how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of
the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall
say many things which
may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a
new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian
teacher.”
Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the character of Muhammad said:
“I wanted to know the best of one who holds today’s undisputed sway over
the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more than convinced that it was not
the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It
was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the
scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to this friends and
followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in
his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and
surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet’s
biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life.” [Young
India, 1924]
The famous poetess of India, Sarojini Naidu says:
“It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for,
in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered
together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant
and king kneel side by side and proclaim: ‘God Alone is Great’. I have been
struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man
instinctively a brother.”
(S. Naidu, Ideals of Islam, vide Speeches & Writings, Madras, 1918,
p. 169)
K. S. Ramakrishna Rao in his book ‘Mohammed:
The Prophet of Islam’ writes:
“The personality of Muhammad is most difficult to get the whole truth of
it. Only a glimpse of him I can catch. What dramatic succession of picturesque
scenes? There is Muhammad the Prophet; there is Muhammad the General; Muhammad
the King; Muhammad the Warrior; Muhammad the Businessman; Muhammad the
Preacher; Muhammad the Philosopher; Muhammad the Statesman;
Muhammad the Orator; Muhammad the Reformer;
Muhammad the Refuge of Orphans; Muhammad the Protector of Slaves; Muhammad the
Emancipator of Women; Muhammad the Judge; Muhammad the Saint... In all these
magnificent roles and in all these departments of human activities he is
equally a hero.”
It is unfortunate that the West instead of sincerely trying to
understand the phenomenal success of Islam has considered it a rival religion.
During the centuries of the crusades, all sorts of slanders were invented
against Islam, this trend gained much force and impetus and a huge amount of
literature was produced to tarnish the image of Islam and its preacher Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH&HF).
Truth needs no advocates to plead on its behalf. But the prolonged
malicious propaganda against Islam has created great confusion even in the
minds of some free and objective thinkers. What we have witnessed early in
2006, starting with the offensive Cartoons published in several European
newspapers in the name of freedom and the violent reaction by some Muslims
across the world makes it a duty on every Muslim to help introduce the true
picture of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the world around
us, introduce it the way Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) taught us to. In
the Holy Qur’an, Almighty God states:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy
Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who
receive guidance.” (16:125)
We end it by saying an Urdu language couplet:
Batlado Gustakh-E-Nabi Ku Ghairat-E-Muslim Zinda Hai Unper Mar Mitne Ka
Jazba Kal Bhi Tha Aur Aaj Bhi Hai
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
From Muhammad, God’s Messenger, to Khusrow, the King of Persia.
Greetings to the followers of the right path, to those obedient to God and His
Prophet, to those who bear witness to God’s Oneness, who worship the One God,
and who bear witness to the prophecy of God’s servant, Muhammad.
Truly I call upon you to obey God’s command and convert to Islam. I am
God’s Messenger to all the people so that living hearts will be awakened and
illuminated and so that infidels will have no excuses. Submit to Islam so you
will be safe and immune, and if you disobey me and turn down my invitation, you will be blamed for the sins of the magi.
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
...I call upon you to submit to Islam. If you become a Muslim, you will share the Muslims gains and their losses,
and if you do not want to become a Muslim yourself, then let your people freely
convert to Islam or pay the poll tax, paid in lieu of conversion to Islam, and
do not restrict them in choosing their faith.
The letters of the Holy Prophet of Islam were not exclusively written to
Kings. Rather, he sent letters to various nations and to the followers of other
faiths so all would be informed of the rising of the Sun of Islam.