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The Prophet
of Islam, in fact, revolutionized human thought by his preaching. He not only
preached, but also acted upon every word he spoke for the guidance of humanity.
Thus his life became a source of true inspiration to his followers. Even minute
acts and deeds of him have been recorded by his Companions and contemporaries
for the benefit of mankind. His life was practical demonstration of how high
precept and noble example can be blended harmoniously in the life of man.
The torch
lit by the Prophet of
Islam about 1427 years ago should always be peoples'
guiding light to keep their steps away from the path of sin and error. The many
phases of Muhammad's unique personality must be studied carefully in order to
draw up a system of conduct for ourselves. Islam itself is a perfect code of
life and hence, in every age and clime, it can easily fulfil the moral and
spiritual as well as material needs and requirements of humanity.
Humanity
needs a standard by which it may judge itself in all problems in every walk of
life, social, economic, political, religious, commercial and cultural. Such a
model is found in the life of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him). He was born amongst a people who had touched the lowest ebb of
degeneration and degradation. His clarion call not only aroused them from the
slumber of ages and pulled them out from the shadows of darkness and oblivion,
but also converted a backward and primitive tribal community into harbingers of
one of the greatest civilisations on earth. From a life of ignorance, misery,
evil social customs, and blood feuds, they were transformed into champions of
knowledge, science, literature, medicine, astronomy and philosophy. They
literally fixed a pattern of high moral standards, socio-economic justice, and
equality for all mankind. Never has the world witnessed such a great
transformation in such a short span of life.
Muhammad,
Prophet of Islam, is the last of Prophets ; one who brought the Divine Message
in its final and complete form. Muslims are asked to look upon all other
Prophets with equal reverence.
Islam seeks
to bring about mutual understanding and reconciliation between the followers of
different faiths and to enjoin upon them to respect and honour one another. The
Quran says
"Surely
those who believe and those who are Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians
whoever believes in Allah and the last Day and does good - they shall have no
fear nor shall they grieve 1 " and " O, People of the Book, come to an equitable
word between us and you, that we shall serve non but Allah and that we shall not
associate aught with Him, and that some of us shall not take others for lords
besides Allah." 2
The life of
Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) is unique among the
founders of faiths. He was a ruler, an administrative, a soldier and a states
man. As a husband and a father he sets an example which if carefully followed
would eradicate many evils and prevent destruction of family life. Gentleness
and humility, courtesy and hospitality, patience and tolerance, courage and
fortitude, the warmity of his affection for friends and his large-hearted
magnanimity to his enemies were some of his qualities. Above all, he was the man
chosen by Allah to convey the Message of all good and happiness to humanity.
Prophet
Muhammad's life (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) can be described as a
struggle between truth and falsehood, justice and inquity, good and evil and
happiness and misery.
Before
Muhammad's mission (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the world, as
described by Allah in the Quran, was as follows
"Indeed,
there has come to you from Allah a Light and a clear Book whereby Allah guides
such as follow His pleasure into the ways of peace, and brings them out of
darkness into light by His will, and guides them to the right path". |