The noble message in the life of Prophet Muhammed
View(s):Prophet Muhammed’s birthday will be celebrated tomorrow
By A.H.M. Azwer
‘Read!’
A strange and mysterious voice was heard by a man who was meditating alone in a dark cave in remote Arabia almost 1450 years ago. The man who heard the voice was Prophet Muhammed (S), the strange voice was that of Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It was a message to Muhammed (S) by God Almighty, under whose command the Angel Gabriel had appeared with the final revelation. It was an incident that lasted a few minutes which included further instructions on how to ‘Read.’ It was the beginning of the revelation of Quran which was done over a period of 23 years.
Prophet Muhammed’s mosque in Medina
Muhammed (S) who was so shaken by this initial incident, was later comforted by his beloved wife Khadija. She had no hesitation in believing what he told her because she knew well that her husband was trustworthy (or al-Ameen, as he was fondly called by his people). It was due to this honesty that she married him in the first place. She devoted her married life to him being a pillar of strength even during the most difficult of times.
This encounter in the cave by the way was no ordinary incident. It changed the course of the world in the 6th Century. Eminent historians such as Arnold Toynbee and Thomas Carlyle have cited that this new message changed the lives of ordinary and noble people, giving birth to the new Islamic civilisation. Mighty empires such as Rome and Persia crumbled at its wake. The world has not been the same since. Such was the impact of that encounter.
Mohammed (S) neither had a great army nor possessed immense wealth. He did not wield tremendous political power. So how did he inspire men and women of his society to achieve such great heights? It was through a simple and exemplary lifestyle that he commanded respect, instilled moral and spiritual values among the hearts and minds of people. “The strong person is not the good wrestler. Rather, the strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry,” he said. (Bukhari: 73: 135)
In the words of Alponse de Lamartine, “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of a human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammed?” (in History of Turkey). His purpose, however, was not to establish something entirely new, rather the mission was to re-establish the message delivered by previous Prophets, that is to serve one God (Thouheed) and be just which was achieved successfully in his lifetime.
Prophet Muhammed (S) left behind something priceless– the Quran and the Sunnah (his lifestyle). He reminded us about them in his last sermon wherein he also emphasised that ‘an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab.Also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.’
This is a noble message that the Quran delivers. The need of our times is for everyone to heed and ponder upon its central theme, rather than blindly following the deviants who try their best to distort its message. All races are equal, the differences that exist among races are but an encouragement to know and understand each other (Quran 49:13). The vast number of languages that we speak and the differences that exist in our skin colours are signs of God (Quran 30:22). Yet, the belief system is for people to choose, it is not something that should be imposed on others (Quran 2:256). Be patient with people who mock you in a derogatory manner. Do not confront them, but avoid them with a beautiful avoidance (Quran 73:10).
This is the essence of the beautiful message that Prophet Mohamed (S) conveyed. While celebrating his birth it is imperative for us also to‘read’ and ponder over the teachings of the Quran. Muslims who celebrate his birth should make a sincere effort to learn more from his life that are embedded in his traditions, the Sunnah. Accordingly, this is a time to evaluate ourselves and follow his example in every aspect of our lives: Our prayers, our charitable deeds, responsibilities towards our family and society, honesty in our businesses and work, seeking God’s forgiveness for our mistakes and so on. This alone brings success in this world and in the hereafter.
Remembering the responsibilities towards our society, Muslims of Sri Lanka have a duty to be good citizens of the country as they have been over the centuries, protecting the dignity and honour of our motherland. We should not allow it to be compromised in any way whatsoever.So read, and practise what you read, for reading alone is insufficient if it is not practised. Incidentally, Quran means The Reading.
Meelad un-Nabi this year occurs just before the Christmas season. Jesus Christ (upon whom be Peace) is also revered by the Muslims as one of the greatest Prophets of Islam. Let us celebrate this occasion with peace and joy and pray for the prosperity of our Motherland.I also take this opportunity to send greetings to our beloved Prophet Mohamed (S) as ordered by God in the Quran (33:56): Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe, send blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.
Sallallahu Ala Muhammed, Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.
(The writer is former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Muslim Cultural & Religious Affairs)