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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". |