International Islamic Publishing House
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Muhammad (PBUH) (Blessings and Peace be
upon him) was born in Makkah, Arabia, on Monday, 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal (2
August C.E). His mother, Aminah was the daughter of Wahb bin Abd
Al-Manaf of the Zahrah family. His father, Abdullah, was the son of Abd
Al-Muttalib. His genealogy has been traced to the noble house of
Isma’il, the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (May Peace be upon him) in
about the fortieth descent. Muhammad’s father had died before his birth
and his mother died when he was about six years old making him an
orphan. In accordance with the tradition of noble families of Makkah, he
was taken by a foster mother, Halimah, to her village where he lived
for a few years. During these years he was taken to Makkah several times
to visit his mother. After the death of his mother, he was placed under
the custody of his grandfather, Abd Al-Muttalib. When the grandfather
died, he was under the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. By this time he
used to look after sheep around Makkah and used to accompany his uncle
on trade journeys to Syria.
Youth
In his youth he believed firmly in the
Oneness of Allah (God)(SWT). He lived a very simple life and hated
vanity and pride. He was compassionate to the poor, widows and orphans
and shared their sufferings by helping them. He avoided all vices, which
were commonly practiced among young people such as gambling, drinking
wine, vulgarity and others. He was well-known as As-Sadiq(the truthful) and Al-Amin (the trustworthy). He was always trusted as a mediator between two conflicting parties in his homeland, Makkah.
Marriage
When he was about 25 years old, his uncle
urged him to work with the caravan which belonged to a wealthy widow
named Khadijah. He accepted and undertook the journey to Syria. He
conducted business with such prudence and sense of duty that he returned
with larger profit than usual. Khadijah was so impressed by the honest
and attractive personality of Muhammad (PBUH) that she offered to marry
him which Muhammad (PBUH) accepted. This marriage was a happy one. They
had children. Khadijah was so far his only wife until she died at the
age of 51.
Prophethood
Muhammad (PBUH) was born amidst a
polytheistic (unbeliever) society. He was saddened and sick of the
corrupt society around him. He often went toHiracave in the mountain near Makkah, later known as Jabal An-nur(the
mountain of Light) where he meditated and pondered over the prevailing
darkness brought about by ignorance. There he often remained deep in
thought in communion with the unseen yet All-Pervading God of the
Universe. One night, while he was meditating in the Hiracave,
the Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to him. The Angel aroused
him and his mighty voice reverberated in his ears. He was perplexed and
did not know what to do. He was asked to read. He replied: “I cannot
read!” The Angel repeated three times asking Muhammad (PBUH) to read,
but he replied the same answer. Finally the Angel asked:
[Read in the name of your Lord , who created man from a clot. Read in the name of your God, the Most Bountiful, who taught by means of the pen, and taught man what he did not know.] (Qur’an 96: 1-5)
This was the first revelation received by
Muhammad (PBUH). He was 40 years old at that time. The revelation
continued to come to him from time to time in a period of 23 years.
These series of revelation were arranged according to the divine
guidance given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and later collected in the
form of a Mushaf (book) the Qur’an (Reading). Most of its
verses have clear meaning. Some verses are interpreted in conjunction
with other verses and some others were interpreted by the Prophet (PBUH)
himself through his words, actions and agreements which are known as
his Sunnah (Traditions). The Qur’anand the Sunnah
together constitute the guidance and way of life for those who submit
their life to Allah (God) (SWT). People who follow this guidance and way
of life are guaranteed by Allah(SWT) to be saved in this world and the Hereafter.
Challenges
When the Prophet (PBUH) called the people to the way of Allah,not
many people listened to his call. Most of them were members of his
family and from the low class society. Among them were Khadijah, Ali,
Zayd and Bilal. When he intensified his mission (da’wah: Call
to Islam) by publicly announcing the religion he preached, he won more
followers but at the same time had to face many challenges from the
nobles and leaders who found their position being threatened and
jeopardized. They stood together, under the pretext of defending the
religion of their ancestors, to fight the new religion. The morale of
the few people who embraced Islamwas heightened when a
small group of the respected people of Makkah joined the religion.
Notable among them were `Uthman bin `Affan, Zubair bin Al-`Awwam, `Abd
Ar-Rehman bin `Awf, Talhah bin `Ubaydullah, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, Arqam
bin Abi Arqam, `Ubaydullah bin Harith, Sa’id bin Zayd, `Amr bin Nufail,
Fatimah (the wife of Nufail), Asma binti Abu Bakr, `Abdullah bin Mas’ud,
Ja’far bin Abi Thalib (May Allah be pleased with them) and many others.
Before this group, Abu Bakr was the first among the earlier followers
that impressed the Prophet (PBUH) very much. The Prophet (PBUH) said
about him: “I never invited anyone to the faith who did not display any
hesitation in embracing it except Abu Bakr. When I had offered Islam,he
showed no hesitation at all in accepting it.” As the result of these
challenges from the Makkan unbelievers, some Muslims were subjected to
torture, persecutions, isolations and boycotts. The Prophet (PBUH) had
to be patient and had to look for the protection of Muslims. He asked
Negus, King of Ethiopia to allow Muslims to migrate to his country.
Negus welcomed the Muslimsemigrants in his territory and refused to hand them over to the Makkan unbeliever rulers.
Migration (Hijrah)
By the end of the Makkan period, the
Prophet (PBUH) lost two people who were dear to him. They were his most
affectionate uncle, Abu Talib, and his faithful and loving wife,
Khadijah. After their deaths, the Makkans felt free to do what they
wanted to impose to the Prophet and his followers. In many Makkah was
the Ka’bah(the Holy Mosque), which was built by
Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) centuries before as a holy place to worship Allah
(SWT), the One. But in the course of time, the place had been converted
by unbelievers to the worship of objects other than Allah (SWT). People
added to it many tradition of their own. They used to visit this place
for a few months in a year for pilgrimage. They came from all parts of
Arabia, representing various famous tribes. The pilgrimage, inspite of
its religious bearing, constituted for the Arabs a yearly festival where
people met and indulge in their cultural activities. The Prophet (PBUH)
took this opportunity to spread Islam. Among those who were interested
in his call, were a group of people from Yathrib (Madina) in the North
of Arabia. They met secretly with the Prophet (PBUH) and a few Muslimsfrom Makkah in a village called `Aqabah.After
becoming Muslims, they took an oath of allegiance to protect Islam, the
Prophet and the Makkan Muslims. The following year, the group of
Muslims from Yathrib came again to Makkah. They met the Prophet (PBUH)
at the same place where they previously met. This time, `Abbas bin Abd
Al-Muttalib, the Prophet’s uncle who was himself not a Muslim yet, was
present at the meeting. They invited the Prophet (PBUH) and the Muslimsfrom
Makkah to emigrate to Yathrib. They promised to treat them as true
brothers and sisters. A long dialogue was held between the Muslims of
Yathrib with the Prophet’s uncle to make sure that they really wanted to
welcome the Makkan Muslims in their town. The Prophet (PBUH) agreed at
the end to emigrate to the new land. Upon knowing that, the Muslimshad
planned to leave Makkah, the Makkan unbelievers tried to stop the
immigration but the first group had already migrated to Yathrib. The
Makkans had fear that the movement to Yathrib would give the Muslims a
new base to spread Islam. Within two months nearly all Muslims of
Makkah, except the Prophet, Abu Bakr, Ali and a few helpless people had
migrated. The Makkans then decided to kill the Prophet (PBUH). They made
a plan for this purpose, but Allah (SWT)had made another plan over them, to quote the Qur’an.With various tactics and a good planning, the Prophet finally arrived peacefully in Yathrib, which was later known as Madinat Ar-Rasul(The city of the Prophet).
New Era
In Madinah the Prophet (PBUH) was able to work freely in spreading Islam. The followers ofIslamincreased
day after day. But the threat by the Makkans did not stop. A few
physical confrontations with the Makkans were ensued. Sometimes the
battles were won by the Muslims,and sometimes by the
Makkans. The Prophet (PBUH) also engaged in battles with the Byzantine
and Persian powers that were jeopardizing the existence of Islam from
the north and the east. But confrontation with the Makkans stopped for a
while after the treaty of Hudaibiyah had been signed between the
Muslims and the unbeliever Makkans. During the Madinah period, the
Muslims also established treaties with the Jews of Madinah and the
tribes around the city. The Jews broke the treaty, which led to their
expulsion out of the Arabian peninsula. In Madinah, the Prophet (PBUH)
succeeded in establishing Islam as a way of life in its true meaning. He
was not only giving guidance on purely religious matters such as salat (prayers), zakat(almsgiving), Saum(fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage)
and examples in these matters, but also provided Muslims with rules and
laws covering social, economic, political fields.
Emissaries Entertained in Madinah
It was in Madinah that the Prophet (PBUH)
received envoys and emissaries from various tribes and nationals,
asking matters of various sorts, demanding dialogues, negotiations etc.
Among the emissaries were an envoy representing the Christian community
in Najran (South Arabia). The Prophet (PBUH) welcomed them, entertained
them as honoured guests and even allowed them to conduct their religious
service in his city. It was a good occasion to share each other’s views
on matters of religion. Some members of the envoy were deeply impressed
by the treatment they received from the Muslims, thus leading them to
embrace Islam.
Liberation of Makkah
The treaty of Hudaibiyah gave the Muslims
a big opportunity to exemplify the true Islam in personal conduct and
in relations with peoples and communities. But the peace did not stay
long due to the attitude of the Makkan tribal chiefs who broke the
treaty. Soon the Prophet (PBUH) marched very quietly to Makkah in the 8th year of the Hijrah (emigration) to Madinah.The
Makkans gave no resistance and by the whole city surrendered to the
Prophet (PBUH). He announced a general amnesty for all his enemies and
treated all citizens of the city with generosity. A verse of the Qur’an
was revealed on the occasion:
[ When the help of Allah and
victory comes, and you see the people enter the religion of Allah in
crowds. So glorify the Name of your Lord and beg His forgiveness. He,
verily accept repentance.] (Qur’an 110: 1-3)
After the liberation of Makkah all the
remaining hostile tribes in Arabia began to realize the reality of
Islamic faith. People had seen the noble teachings of Islam. Good
examples of forgiveness, tolerance, justice, fairness, steadfastness and
other qualities as exemplified by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions
had left an impression in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people
who became Muslims.
Farewell Pilgrimage
In time the whole Arabia had become the
land of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) intended to perform the Hajj
(pilgrimage). He announced his intention to the Muslims in Madinah and
the surrounding areas and asked them to join him. This was in fact the
only Hajj performed by him during his life time. On this occasion he
taught those who were present with him and to the whole world about the
Hajj and the divine message that Allah had entrusted him to all mankind.
At the last gathering with the Ummah (nation) during the Hajj season, the Hajj of Wada’ (Farewell) a sermon was delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the valley of Arafat about 81 or 82 days before his death. It contained the very fundamentals of Islam.
Seated on his camel, he spoke with a clear tone and asked who heard his
speech to convey it to those who were not present there. Among others
he said: “O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether,
after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to
what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who
could not be present here today. O people, just as you regard this
month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of
every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to
their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember
that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon
your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all
interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan, for the
safety of your religion. He has lost all hopes that he will be able to
lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small
things. O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to
your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your
right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in mildness.
Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners
and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make
friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to
commit adultery. O people, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah (SWT),
say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and
give your wealth in zakat. Perform hajjif
you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another
Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over the other except
by piety and good deeds. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah(SWT)and
answer for your deeds. So beware, do not go astray from the path of
righteousness after my death. O people, no Prophet or Messenger will
come after me and no new faith will be born. Listen well, therefore, O
people, and understand my words, which I convey to you. I leave behind
me two things, the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow
these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on
my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones
understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my
witness O’ Allah, (SWT) that I have conveyed Your message to Your
slaves.”The importance of this sermon can be seen from the Prophet’s
perception that this occasion may be the last one during his lifetime.
He felt that this was the right time to summarize the principles of
Islam to his fellow brothers and sisters. By the perfection of this
religion, it means that there’s no need for humanity, and for the
Muslims in particular, to look for another alternative way of life. As
long as one holds fast to the two things left behind by the Prophet (theQur’anand the Sunnah), one will never go astray.
Death
About two months after returning from
Makkah for Pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) became ill but he was still
able to perform his prayers in the mosque and give directives to the
companions. His health was deteriorating day by day. At the last moment
he asked Abu Bakr to lead the prayers in the mosque, Every member of his
family and every companion was worried about his health. It was on
Monday, 12th Rabi’Al-Awwal, the year 11A.H.,when
he passed away at the age of sixty three years. Many people did not
believe that he had passed away. They thought that the Messenger of
Allah would live forever. It was Abu Bakr, who had the feeling, since
the Farewell Pilgrimage that the death of the Prophet (PBUH) was coming
near, He convinced the congregation that the Prophet (PBUH) had actually
passed away. Abu Bakr said to the congregation that if they worshipped
Muhammad, Muhammad had died , and if they worshipped Allah (SWT),He lives forever. Then he recited from the Qur’an: “Muhammad
(PBUH) is nought but a Messenger like the Messengers who had surely
passed away before him: will you, then, if he dies or be slain, turn
round on your heels?”
A Guidance to follow
Muhammad as a man had already died, but
as a Prophet (PBUH) he left behind him a legacy in the form of the
Qur’an and the Sunnah. He stressed the urgent need to hold firmly to
these two sources during his farewell speech in the valley of Arafat. If
people hold fast to them, they will never go astray. The teachings he
left for us if put into practice in their true spirit and proper way
will bring a happy life in this world and besides the indubitable
rewards that will be received by those who believed in them in the life
after death. In this sense, Islamis a worldly religion
which cares first for the worldly affairs of humanity. The Hereafter is
merely a continuation of the worldly life. It is difficult to portend
that man can be saved in the Hereafter without being saved in this
world. The safe way is to follow the way shown to us by the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). When his wife, `Aishah, was asked by a companion about
the Prophet’s (PBUH) daily conduct, `Aishah replied that the conduct of
the Prophet (PBUH) was the Qur’anwhich is the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) was given authority by Allahto
interpret it. That is why his conduct was the exemplary of human
conduct. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is very much
misunderstood, as a religion perceived to contain souls and rituals like
prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Thanks to the new
developments in the world, Islam is now looked upon in a wider
perspective than the narrow-minded view in the past. The increased
interest in Islamic studies by Muslimsand non-Muslims
supported by the advanced printing technology has begun to open the eyes
of the world about the true teachings and intrinsic values of Islam.
Economy (Expertise and Outlook)
In the field of economic development, the
goal is not material gain, but human welfare in general. Islam exhorts
that the balance between the material and physical aspects, between the
individual and societal needs, be maintained in order to narrow the gap
between two opposite sides of human world. It is stated in the Qur’an:
“Say, who is there to forbid the beauty which Allah has brought forth
for His creatures, and the good things from among the means of
sustenance. Say, they are for those who believe [in Allah (SWT)] in this
worldly life, to be theirs alone in the Hereafter on the Day of
Resurrection … Say, the only things my Lord forbids are the shameful
deeds, be they open or secret, the sin, unjustified envy, the ascribing
of divinity to aught beside Allah (SWT), and the attributing unto Allah
(SWT) of aught of which you have no knowledge.” So everyone is free to
conduct any business he likes outside the harmful and shameful circle he
has been warned to refrain from. If he does not listen to this warning,
he will be in trouble. Every good quality set as a precondition to a
successful business is encouraged by Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) himself
was a businessman before he was appointed as a Prophet. His ability to
run business prudently, by his fairness and truthful conduct in dealing
with people had won him the heart of his employer, Khadijah who later
offered him marriage. He advocated Muslims to follow the spirit of
Prophet Daud’s (PBUH) (David) industriousness who earned his living from
his own labour. He also said that faith of a Muslimis
not complete if he is not good in his profession. He said: “If you
leave matter to those who are not professional, you are waiting for a
disaster”. If he works in the production line, his products must be
compatible with product of other companies or factories. In order to be
marketable, it must suit the taste of buyers and their standards of
living. In this regard, Islam teaches not to cheat in offering the
product to the market. It must be shown as it is without any publicity
it does not deserve. In the lifetime of the Prophet (PBUH), he found
many cases in market places where the merchants tried to cheat the
customers. The Prophet (PBUH) said to them: “Whoever cheats is not one
of us (Muslim Book of Iman 164 and Ahmed V.3 PP 498)”.Islam
laid many regulations the field of economy such as trade, leasing,
business transaction, contract and others to prevent unfair dealing
within the community and in the world of business at large. What is also
prevented by Islam is a monopoly and exploitation by one man or one
group at the expense of the others.
Cleanliness
The first thing in the religion brought
by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the concern for cleanliness. The
concept of cleanliness in Islam covers physical and spiritual, mundane
and religious domains. Before performing any rituals prescribed by
Islam, one should cleanse his body, and his dress, his place of worship
and his environment should also be clean. Prior to carrying out his
prayers or starting for pilgrimage, one has to make his Wudu
(ablution). If he or she is in a state of impurity after having had a
lawful intimate intercourse or post-natal period or other reasons, he or
she has to take a complete bath by pouring clean water over the whole
body. In the case of daily prayer, every Muslimhas to
clean his/her private parts, face, hands, feet, mouth, nose, and ears at
least five times every day for the five daily prayers. This also
reminds him/her to keep his/her soul clean from unlawful deeds.
Cleanliness is not in the physical sense only. The body should be
purified as well from evil doings that might harm his relationship with
others and with Allah (SWT). He has to clean his mind from bad
intentions or committing unlawful acts. He has to clean his heart from
jealously, hypocrisy and other evil desires. He has to embody hope,
truthfulness, forgiveness, compassion, holiness, the sense of
brotherliness, neighborliness and other noble qualities. He has to pay
special attention to his diet against all unhealthy food medically and
religiously. He has to keep his eyes, ears, tongue from evil. These are
among the noble characteristics as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). To clean the wealth, Islam instituted the zakat system (way of purifying wealth). A person whose wealth has reached a certain point is obligated to pay zakat
(alms) which is a duty enjoined by God and undertaken Muslims in the
interest of society as a whole. For those capable persons whose wealth
does not reach the minimum chargeable rate, he can also give voluntary
contribution to the needy. This does not mean that the needy should
always be receiving help from the affluent ones. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
said: “The upper hand (giver) is better than the lower one (receiver)”.
(Muslim KitabZakat No. 124)
If the receiver of zakatcan
grasp the spirit of the Prophet’s (PBUH) saying, he will try his best
to be the giver instead of the receiver by endeavoring to better his
life as encouraged by the teachings of Islam. In Islam the possession of
more wealth does not raise a man’s dignity, nor does poverty degrade
him. It is true that wealth is necessary for man to live on this earth
but it is only a means, not the end. The end is happiness in life by
attaining the higher values and not losing sight of in the pursuit of
wealth. Among the great virtues of Islam is the command to do good and
the prohibition to do evil. The good should be preserved and the evil
should be discarded. In short, Islam is actually composed of a series of
commands and prohibitions. Allah the most Knowing, the Most Merciful,
did not decree any law and regulations but for the good and benefit of
his creatures. The prohibition was decree because of its evil
implications to humanity. The evils were created to test the human
conscience and challenge their freewill in choosing between right and
wrong. All the commands and prohibitions from Allah as transmitted
through His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was intended to purify the human
soul in order to live a pure and clean life adored byAllah (SWT)and human beings.
Orderliness
One of the teachings of Islam is about
orderliness. Discipline, regulation, management, planning and all other
terms relating to organization are mostly considered as alien to Islam.
On the contrary, Islam exhorts people to live in orderliness and to put
the right thing in the right place. The foundation of Islamic order
rests on two main principles, the crucial faith in one Allah (God) and
the oneness of humanity. All the frame works were laid down in the
Qur’anand the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) applied himself
to working out the essential details of that order. One of the great
values taught by Islamin this regard is to make use of the time left to humanity. The Qur’anand
the Sunnah (Prophetic traditions) mention about time, day, week, month,
year and century. People are lost if they did not spend the time
available to them during this life for good things. It is a great loss
if people have to waste the valuable time they have at their disposal
for useless activities. It is true that life should be enjoyable but not
at the expense of human resources and values which are essential for
the continuation of their well-being. Allah the Most Knowing had created
time and space suitable for human activities for they can attain
achievements in life. There are times for work, study, recreation,
resting and even celebration. All are parts of activities in worshipping
Allah (SWT) and serving His cause. The Qur’ansays that Allah (SWT)had
created the day for earning and night for resting and enjoyment. He
created the sun, the moon and all outer-space objects so that man on the
earth can fix the time and arrange the calendar. By having standard
time and standard calendar and the movements of astronomical objects,
people are able to regulate their timetable in choosing the right moment
for them in doing business and carrying out their activities. Islam
prescribes certain times for the daily prayers, certain month for the
obligatory fasting and certain time in one’s life time for performing
the Hajj or pilgrimage which indicates that the religion brought by
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) places the life of Muslimsin systematic order. For every move and occasion made by Muslimsthere
is a rule governing it, be it in the form of advice, spiritual guidance
or practical directive. If all these directives are followed and
understood properly, people will have high discipline and a well-managed
life. Islam encourages people to think correctly before taking any
decision. This means planning. There are many verses in the Qur’an
admonishing against doing things unthinkingly and jumping to
conclusions. The Prophet (PBUH) also showed a good example in fulfilling
promise and staying true to treaty, agreement or contract made between
parties. As a man of honour he always remained true to the principles
agreed in the treaty, depicting his high discipline and inclination of
doing everything in proper order.
Friendliness
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a warmhearted
and faithful friend. He loved his companions. He extended greeting to
those he knew and to those he did not know. He treated all people around
him with kindness and affection. He was very courteous to all those who
met him. He never contradicted anybody who is not opposed to the
teachings of Islam.He treated equally the humble and
the lofty. He claimed no distinction and lived amongst his companions as
if he was not their leader.
Neighborliness
He regarded the neighbors as brother and
sisters because of their closeness and living in the same vicinity. He
once smelt the aroma of the soup cooked by his wife. He told her to give
some of it to the neighbours who also smelt it. He said it was not
right for a Muslimto sleep with a full stomach after
having had a good meal but let his neighbour starve. He laid down the
foundation for a friendly relation and co-operation among neighbours
exemplifying that living as a neighbour, one has one’s right and
responsibility. In regard to the rights of a neighbour, the Prophet
(PBUH) said: “Gibreel (PBUH) used to advise me to take good care of the
neighbour until I thought he would make him my heir.” (Bukhari KitabAlAdab No. 28 and Muslim KitabAlBir No. 146)
Goodwill
He was a good exemplar to those who subscribe to a harmonious society. Islamexhorts
people not to violate the rights of others and injure their interest,
but should positively cooperate with each other and establish a mutual
relationship and social cohesion. To safeguard the unity and solidarity
of the nation and to achieve the welfare and well-being of the
community, Muslimshave been enjoined to avoid mutual
hostility, social dissension, backbiting one another, and hurting others
with their hand or tongue. Islamas brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exhorts Muslims to visit the sick, to help to the needy and assist the weak. Islammakes no discrimination on the basis of race, colour or language. Its appeal is to the entire humanity.
Respect for Women
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought
changes for the betterment of womens conditions. Woman is recognized by
Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of
humankind. He is the father, she is the mother, and both are essential
for life. Her role is no less vital than his. By this partnership she
has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights; she
undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are many qualities
and so much humanity as there are in her partner. She is equal to man in
bearing personal and common responsibilities and in receiving rewards
for her deeds. She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and
knowledge. Islam enjoined the seeking of knowledge upon Muslim, it makes
no distinction between man and woman, who is entitled to freedom of
expression as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into
consideration and cannot be disregarded just because she is a female.
Islam grants woman equal rights to contract, to enterprise, to earn and
possess independently. Her life, her property, her honor are as sacred
as those of man. Islam has also given woman a share of inheritance.
Before Islam, she was not only deprived of that share, but was herself
considered as property to be inherited by man.
Statesmanship
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived at
Madinah, he initiated the formation of an Islamic state. After
establishing politics, brotherhood and the authority of the state of
Madinah, he began negotiations with various tribes around the city and
made treaties with them. When the Makkan unbelievers launched a series
of attacks on Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was able to confront
them, and when the Makkans were finally defeated in the battle of
Al-Khandaq (Trenches), he was able to make truce with them at Hudaibiyah
for ten years. This treaty was a masterpiece of practical statesmanship
on the part of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His diplomacy in sending and
receiving envoys to and from the various chiefs of tribes and foreign
rulers, his fairness in conducting judiciary, and his general pardon at
the liberation of Makkah, was another proof of his lofty statesmanship.
The State he established in Madinah was not a matter of chance. It was
the very nature of his mission that he would establish a state to
enforce the way of Allah.People might accept a new
faith but it would take time to change their habits, custom and ways of
life. And even if a small group of people succeeded in changing their
ways of life there would be many others who would not let these people
practice their belief and try to stop them by force. So the Islamic
State became an urgent necessity to protect the Islamic way of life. The
State founded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was built physical force, as
every state must necessarily be, to fulfill its function of stopping
aggression and oppression. A democratic system in Islam is expressed
through the term shura (council). The Qur’antranslation reads:
[And those who
respond to their Lord and keep up prayer and their affairs [of
government] by counseling among themselves and who spend out of what We
have given them.] (Qur’an 42: 38)
References:
Abdul Hamid Siddique, The life of Muhammad. Beirut: Dar El Fath.
Afzalur Rehman, Muhamma, Blessing for Mankind.
London: The Muslim Schools Trust London.
Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan, Universality of the Prophet’s Message.
Mohammed Hussein Hikal, Hayat Mohammed. Cairo: Dar Al Ma’arif.
Messengers of Allah (Peace Be Upon Them)
Below are the names of the 25 Rasul(Messengers of Allah)
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