Muhammadp,
the final prophet of Islam, is widely considered one of the most
influential men in history. Today, nearly one fourth of the world’s
population follows the message he delivered. Despite Muhammadp’s
lasting influence, many misconceptions continue to surround his persona
and his teachings. This brief introduction of Muhammadp summarizes his life and highlights what esteemed non-Muslim scholars have said about him. So, who was Muhammadp?
Studying Muhammadp’s life is
crucial to understanding his momentous journey from being an apparently
ordinary human to fulfilling his destiny as the final prophet chosen by
God (Allah in Arabic). It also helps one gain a deeper insight into the religion of Islam and the lives of Muslims.
Muhammadp: The Man
Muhammadp was born in 570
C.E. in Mecca. He was orphaned at a young age; his father died before
his birth, followed by his mother six years later. Muhammadp’s grandfather, and then his uncle, cared for him for the remainder of his youth. As a result, no single figure molded Muhammadp’s beliefs and outlook on life from an early age.
As a young boy, he worked as a shepherd.
This was significant, as he noted much later, “All the prophets of God
were shepherds.” Muhammadp then adopted the premier Arab
occupation of trading and was widely respected for his integrity and
sincerity. However, despite his intelligence, he could not read or
write, nor was he skilled in composing poetry, a hallmark of Arab
society. Therefore, the claim that Muhammadp authored the Quran is unfounded. To this effect, God declares in the Quran, “[Muhammad] does not speak from his own desire. The Quran is nothing less than a revelation that is sent to him” (53:3-4).
Prior to prophethood, Muhammadp was
greatly regarded for his superior character and exceptional manners,
earning him the title of the ‘Truthful One.’ Meccans entrusted him with
their possessions for safekeeping and he was often asked to mediate
disputes as an impartial judge.
At the same time, Muhammadp detested
the polytheistic Arab customs and did not participate in idolatry. He
was also deeply bothered by the many social evils in Arabia, such as the
ill treatment of women, widespread alcoholism, constant warfare and
subjugation of the poor. He often escaped the atmosphere of Mecca to a
cave outside the city, isolating himself for days at a time in
meditation.
Although Muhammadp’s
pre-prophetic life was highly reputable, it does not indicate that he
was poised to make any significant worldly impact. Yet, these life
experiences and the development of his character were God’s way of
preparing Muhammadp for the monumental task ahead. (Learn more: Muhammad — What Manner of Man was He?)
Muhammadp: The Prophet
One night, in the year 610 C.E., God sent the angel Gabriel with revelation to Muhammadp.
This was one of the most significant events in human history. It marked
the beginning of his prophethood and transformed his life entirely. As
the prophet of God receiving divine inspiration, all his endeavors
henceforth were devoted to leading humanity back to the pure worship of
God. He led an earnest life based on the most sublime values, initiating
tremendous changes in Arabia and beyond.
Whereas earlier he removed himself from
the social and spiritual corruption in Mecca, he now proactively worked
to reform it. Muhammadp called his fellow Meccans to cease
their worship of idols and to affirm the Oneness of God; he also invited
them to a life of righteousness and piety. He warned them of an
afterlife where they will be held accountable for their earthly deeds
and also gave joyful news of paradise to those who believed and lived a
God-conscious life.
Like previous prophets, Muhammadp’s
message was rejected by many of his people. They insisted on
maintaining the religious and social customs of their ancestors. The
elite mocked Muhammadp, accusing him of deceit and madness –
the same man whom they freely trusted and honored before. Only a few
people believed in him, particularly the poor and disadvantaged who were
attracted to his message due to its emphasis on equality and justice.
Prophet Muhammadp and his
small group of followers endured persecution for 13 years in Mecca.
Eventually, they were forced to leave Mecca and migrate to Medina, a
city whose people eagerly welcomed them. Here, Muhammadpestablished
the very first Islamic society which eliminated the spiritual and
social problems rampant in the Arabian Peninsula. Freedom of religion
was instituted in Medina; women were honored and respected as equals;
racial discrimination was practically eliminated; tribal warfare was
replaced with united ties of brotherhood; usury and alcohol were
completely forbidden.
The French historian, Alphonse de Lamartine, has stated: “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?”
When comparing his life before and
after becoming a messenger, it becomes clear that God enabled him to
attain this stature and renown through his prophethood. By the end of
his life in 622 C.E., the powerful teachings of Islam had overcome even
its most ardent enemies. Convinced by the truth of Muhammadp’s message and inspired by the purity of his character, the entire Arabian Peninsula embraced Islam.
Yet, some individuals have alleged that Muhammadp was
not a true messenger of God but a sham; this reflects a poor
understanding of his teachings, personality and life achievements. Many
non-Muslim intellectuals throughout history have attested to the
impossibility of this view. The British historian, Dr. Montgomery Watt,
addresses this perspective in his writing, “His readiness to undergo
persecutions 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 an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none
of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as
Muhammad.”
In Life of Mohammed, the famous American intellectual, Washington Irving, wrote: “In
his private dealings, he was just. He treated friends and strangers,
the rich and poor, the powerful and weak, with equity, and was beloved
by the common people for the affability with which he received them, and
listened to their complaints… In the time of his greatest power he
maintained the same simplicity of manners and appearance as in the days
of his adversity… He was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual
testimonials of respect were shown to him.”
In the century following Muhammadp’s
death, Islam expanded in all directions, absorbing the Persian and
Byzantine Empires to the North, reaching as far as Spain in the West and
extending its borders to include parts of India and China to the East.
This rapid spread of Islam in such a short period of time has caused
many to marvel at how a man with a simple message could produce such an
astonishing impact on the world.
Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of peace in modern times, said about his experience of studying the life of Muhammadp,“I
wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an
undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more
than ever 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 pledges,
his intense devotion to his 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.”
Similar admiration was expressed by British intellectual and women’s rights activist, Annie Besant:, “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.”
Muhammadp was the final
prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God which included, among
others, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon all of them.
Like previous prophets, Muhammadp called people towards
belief in the One God and taught them to be just and merciful. His life
and teachings have been meticulously documented by thousands of
historical sources dating back to his companions.
Michael M. Hart, a Jewish-American historian, placed Muhammadp first in his book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. According to Hart, “He
was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the
religious and secular levels… It is this unparalleled combination of
secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be
considered the most influential single figure in human history.”
Muhammadp was indeed one of
the most important men in human history; his impact on the world
continues to be felt strongly today. Reflecting on his remarkable life
and amazing accomplishments leads to an inevitable question: Was
Muhammadp simply an extraordinary person or did his greatness result from his being a genuine prophet of God?
Without a doubt, the answer to this
question carries great implications. We encourage you to delve deeper
into the study of Muhammadp’s life and explore this potentially life-changing question yourself. (Click here to read the biography of Prophet Muhammad.)
Suggested Reading:
Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings
In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan
Muhammad: Man and Prophet by Adil Salahi
Note: The subscript p next to Prophet Muhammadp represents the invocation Muslims say with his name: May God’s peace and blessings be upon him.
Post a Comment