Prophet
Muhammed (PBUH) Biography
Birth
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 to
Hira cave 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 Hira cave, 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'an
and 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 Islam was 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 Muslims emigrants 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 Muslims from 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 Muslims from 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 Muslims had planned to leave Makkah, the Makkan
unbelievers tried to stop the immigration but the first group had
already migrated to Yathrib. The Makkans had fearthat the movement to
Yathrib would give the Muslims a new base to spread Islam.
Within two
months nearly all Muslims fMakkah, 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 of Islam increased 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, and 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 and 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 hajj if 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 your 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. Reason 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 (the Qur'an and 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 Mu, Muhammad had died , and if they worshipped
Allah (SWT), He lives forever. Then hrecited 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, Islam is 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'an which is
the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) was given authority by
Allah to 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 Muslims and 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
Muslim is 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 Muslim has 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 Kitab
Zakat No. 124
If the
receiver of zakat can 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 by Allah (SWT) and human beings.
Orderliness
One of the
teachings of Islam is about orderlin. 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'an and the Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) applied himself to working out the essential details of that
order.
One of the
great values taught by Islam in this regard is to make use of the time
left to humanity. The Qur'an and the Sunnah (Prophetic traditions)
mentioned 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'an says 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 Muslims in systematic
order. For every move and occasion made by Muslims there 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 a Muslim to 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 heit." (Bukhari Kitab Al Adab No. 28 and
Muslim Kitab Al Bir No. 146)
Goodwill
He was a
good exemplar to those who subscribe to a harmonious society. Islam
exhorts 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, Muslims have been enjoined to
avoid mutual hostility, social dissension, backbiting one another, and
hurting others with their hand or tongue.
Islam as
brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exhorts Muslims to visit the
sick, to help to the needy and assist the weak. Islam makes 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'an translation 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)
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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 (PBUT)
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