This year, 16th Sept (12th day of Rabi al Awwal as per the Islamic calendar) marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), popularly known as EID MILAD UN NABI.
The occasion reminds us of the life of the Last Prophet of God, Mohammad (PBUH), which needs to be studied for the benefit of mankind.
The advent of Prophets was not a new phenomenon. God, in His utter benevolence, has not left man uninformed about how he should live life on earth. He sent the Prophets for the guidance of man, which happens to be the first fundamental necessity of mankind.
Mohammad (PBUH) is the last link in the chain of Prophets. He was sent when the world had forgotten the purpose of life and the teachings of the former Prophets were tampered with, if not entirely lost.
Born as an orphan in Mecca, the Prophet began his life in hardship and struggle. However, he always displayed a cheerful disposition in all circumstances.
He did not get any opportunity for schooling nor coaching from any scholar. He worked first as a shepherd and then as a trader. Since childhood, he presented the highest forms of morals and kept himself aloof from all vices. He married at the age of 25 years to a woman aged 40 years known as Hadrat Khatija (R.A). She was highly impressed by the modesty and honesty shown by Mohammad (PBUH) while he was employed to manage her affairs. The Arabian society at that time was characterised by tribal feuds and quarrels along with barbarism and superstition.
Prophethood was bestowed upon him at the age of 40, when the first revelation of the Quran occurred to him at Mount Hira while he was remembering his Lord. Although he was illiterate, he was helped by Allah to memorise and recite it. This revelation by the power of God continued for the rest of his life until his death at the age of approximately 63.
His multiple roles in life are a perfect model for all to emulate and a perfect example for managing the different affairs of this world.
His character and life
He was named ‘Al Sadiq’ and ‘Al Amin’, meaning ‘Truthful’ and ‘Trustworthy’. Even his enemies could not deny this fact. Once, when his ardent enemy Abu Jahl was asked about this, he replied: “By God, Muhammad always speaks the truth and he never utters anything untrue.”
He did not show a tinge of pride or boastfulness. A simple lifestyle along with freely mixing with all people was his character, which won many hearts.
He would never like anyone praising him. He said, “I am Mohammad, the slave of God and His Messenger. I do not like to be raised above the status given to me by God the Exalted.”
He bestowed merciful conduct towards all, including animals and the plant kingdom. He visited the sick and did all chores by himself.
He always listened to the problems and grievances of people attentively and suggested just and equitable solutions. He practised moderation in every aspect of life. He showed humility but not meanness. He practised generosity but not extravagance. Talking to the point, avoiding unnecessary speech, and even walking at a moderate pace was attributed to his character.
As a Teacher
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) played a significant role in the intellectual and spiritual development of humanity based on reasoning. He inspired people to acquire knowledge, ponder over the mysteries of nature, and comprehend how the universe operates and how things work in a systematic way. He introduced a system of life revealed by God, which was in complete harmony with human nature and accomplished the requirements of body and soul. He taught people to control their inclinations towards lust, anger, and other emotions. He also warned people against lying, envy, backbiting, betrayal, fornication, and disrespect for other human beings. He asked people to show compassion towards one another, their parents, the elderly, and the needy, and to help their neighbours in times of distress irrespective of their religion.
Treatment of women
The Prophet said, “The best among you are those who behave best towards their wives.” The Prophet himself was a very kind and loving husband. He joined his wives in household chores and took them in his company while on journeys.
The Prophet (PBUH) abolished the crime of infanticide. When a girl came to him and reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent, the Messenger of Allah gave her the right to choose between accepting the marriage or invalidating it. His teachings restored the dignity of women and helped them live life with all the rights given by Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not prevent women from going to mosques.”
He encouraged women to gain knowledge and education. His wife Ayesha (R.A) became one of the main sources of information on Hadith. She is described as a professor of professors.
Many fail to realise the positive side of the Prophet regarding his married life. In fact, the Prophet had only one wife until the age of fifty. All other marriages were in accordance with the situation to save destitute women or widows, except Ayesha. More importantly, he treated all his wives equally. With his marriage to many widows and divorcees, he also set an example for all times to come regarding divorcees’ and widows’ right to remarry and lead a dignified life.
As a Ruler
He developed the nation of Arabia with a high level of morals and a standard of living based on the reign of God, for God, and by the guidance of God. He did not make false promises to people, such as power, wealth, position, or a bright future. Nor did he accept anything in return for his service except the pleasure of God.
He established a democratic social system where all humans were equal and enjoyed the same status as servants of God. He declared that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor is a non-Arab superior to an Arab, a master to a slave, or a slave to a master. He eradicated slavery. He freed people from the bondage of human service to the service of God.
He recognised the rights of non-Muslims, gave privileges to those who did not wage war against Muslims, and granted protection of their lives, property, dignity, and honour.
The Prophet (PBUH) also followed certain principles to maintain global peace and avoid wars, which included the formulation of international norms to be respected by governments, mechanisms to ensure the implementation of international regulations, and political and economic justice.
