Humanity has been blessed by a divine envoy to enlighten the world, i.e. the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). His birth took place in Makkah on a Monday in the house known as Dar Al-Mawloud, in the year of the Elephant, which corresponds to 571 C.E. and this has made Rabi-ul-Awwal one among the important month in the Islamic history, because before the birth of the Holy Prophet, not only the Arabian Peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet came with the eternal truth of the Oneness of Allah, the only faith, which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith, which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.
The life of the Holy Prophet is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for not only the Muslims but for all humans all over the world. Everyone is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life.
If we want to be a true faithful follower of the Holy Prophet we need:
- to follow his teachings,
- to make his pious life history available to every Muslim,
- to preserve his life history and teachings in the hearts from early childhood,
- to educate the family members to run their lives according to his teachings &
- to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed.
All these with utmost love and reverence, not merely by some formal activities, but through actual behaviour and actions in our daily lives. This cannot be done by merely holding gatherings, processions and illuminating the mosques and houses for certain days of this month. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.
“Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion”, verse which has been revealed on the Day of Arafat during the Prophet Muhammad’s final pilgrimage. It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. No one is allowed after it to add anything to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, can never become part of it now. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, as innovation.
Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow.” It is important that as Muslims face the many challenges in today’s world, we need to search and seek guidance only from the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet. The world is passing through a very dangerous period. Wars, famine, hunger and social ills are ravaging parts of the globe. Even in the so-called advanced societies, life is far from trouble-free. We find violence in schools and on the streets, drug addiction destroying the foundation of the society, depression, poverty, dysfunctional families and a host of other problems that appear to be increasing instead of dissipating, no matter what measures are used to try to stem the tide of those miseries. In the Muslim world, there is also a crisis of identity. There is a growing indifference to other challenges that confront us. Intolerance is a rising menace. There is a breeding of extremism, obscurantism and a growing habit of blaming others for our ills. We have failed to question why are we in this position. What have we done to alleviate our own suffering?
Allama Iqbal, the renowned Muslim poet and philosopher said: “If you are loyal to Muhammad, then you are ours. This world is nothing, the Tablet and the Pen (destiny) are yours“.
This couplet emphasizes the importance of loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad and suggests that true devotion to him brings divine favour and you will get control over worldly matters. The life of Prophet Muhammad is itself a beacon of light – a light of guidance that, if only we avail of it, will lead us to progress and safety. If we love the Prophet and believe in his message, then we have to follow him in everything we do. We must abandon anything that is abominable – all that is indecent, whether in speech or in action. If an injustice is done to you, respond with a kind act by forgiving the one who wronged you. Do not take revenge. Free yourself by forgiving others and working to strengthen relationships. Work hard and participate with other workers, even if it be digging in the ground or removing rubble, and be happy in carrying out the tasks you are performing to show your humility.
Do not use abusive or rude language, even in jest. Do not direct evil deeds at any of your brothers or sisters. Let politeness and propriety in speech be your way of life. Be merciful to people and to animals, so that Allah may have mercy upon you. Be unafraid to speak the truth, even if it is against you. We must have role models. Let us seek them from the one who God has sent as a Messenger. Of all the prophets, there is none whose life has been as open to scrutiny as that of Prophet Muhammad. Therefore, we owe it to ourselves to research on his life and study his character, his dealings with people, his manners and his code of life. That itself would be an ennobling experience – something that would enrich us and make our lives rewarding.
Feminism has become something of a craze in the world today with women agitating for equality of sexes. In the 7th Arabia patriarchal, tribal society where women often had limited rights, female infanticide were common, women rarely inherited property, and marriage customs were unequal. Against this backdrop, the reforms introduced by Prophet Muhammad were radical and empowering for women. But it should be remembered that it was the Prophet who bestowed the best status on women with his very first injunction touching the respect due to women especially mothers, and that Muhammad (s.a.w) was the first feminist.
To sum up, for your appreciation, I quote Bernard Shaw: “I have studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, he may be called the saviour of humanity. I believe that if a man like Muhammad (s.a.w) would undertake leadership of the new world, he would succeed in solving its problems and secure that peace and prosperity which all men want.”
Bashir Nuckchady
