Sunday Times 2
Prophet Muhammad: the best role model for modern times
View(s):By Mirza Yawar Baig
Today, as we look at global society, which is war-torn and full of hatred, racism, extremism, and misery, we search for ways out of these traumatic times so that we can leave behind a legacy of peace and harmony for our children. The best example of that is in the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad (may he be blessed). There are many lessons for us to learn, but I want to talk about three. He transformed his society, which was very similar to ours, by establishing three fundamental principles: Justice for all, character, relationships with forgiveness to everyone.
Justice is the most fundamental principle of Islam. Justice is the cause. Peace is the result. Without justice, any illusion of peace is only a recess between wars. Justice in Islam is for all. It is not selective. It is not based on the individual. Allah commanded, “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate from justice. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then know that Allah is certainly aware of what you do.” (Nisa 4: 135)
Children take part in a rally to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan last year. AFP
Islam does not just leave justice and honesty as values to be quietly espoused. It demands that we stand up for it. Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree said, “I heard Prophet Muhammad (may he be blessed) say, “Whoever sees any evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue (raise his voice); and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.” [Sahih Muslim]
The Prophet is reported to have said, “Verily, from the greatest of Jihad is a word of truth in the presence of a tyrannical ruler.”
It is these teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith that gave rise to several great scholars who revolted against tyrants despite torture, imprisonment, and death in the most gruesome of ways. Justice and honesty are possible even today. What Islam propagates is not some impossible utopian dream but a practical approach to life, rooted in living consciously.
Character: Makkah in the 7th century, the birthplace of the Prophet and where he lived until the age of 53, was a tribal, capitalist, materialistic society, ruled by rich businessmen. Net worth was measured just as it is today, in terms of one’s monetary assets. Prophet Muhammad changed that criterion to character. The most valuable person was not the one who had the most money, property, or power but the one who was the most beneficial to others. The Qur’an stated clearly about the duty of Muslims: “You are the best of people, and you have been selected (extracted) for the (benefit of) people. You promote good and forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” (Aala Imraan 3:11)
The Prophet said, “The best of you is the one who is most beneficial to the people.” And “Your faith is not complete until you want for your brother (and neighbour) what you want for yourself.” And “He is not a Muslim (three times)!” His companions asked, “Who is not a Muslim?” He replied, “The one whose neighbour is not safe from his hand and his tongue.” Islam does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims when it comes to justice and social responsibility. All are equal in the sight of Allah.
Relationships: Finally, and most importantly, Prophet Muhammad promoted forgiveness and mercy among people, because mercy is a quality of Allah and one of His blessed names is the Most Merciful. Forgiveness is critical in any relationship for it to last over time. We are humans, and humans make mistakes. If we don’t forgive each other and instead carry grudges, then relationships get destroyed.
Allah said, “Say, O Prophet, that Allah says, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Zumar 39: 53)
Committing sins and evil damages us, not Allah. That is why Allah says, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves!” He draws those who have disobeyed Him close to Himself instead of distancing or discarding them and says, “Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The Prophet demonstrated his forgiveness and set an example for all time. From the time he started preaching Islam in Makkah, he was mercilessly persecuted, attacked, and maligned. His followers were tortured, killed, and dispossessed. He was eventually forced to leave his motherland and move to Madina, leaving everything behind.
These were times when conquerors slaughtered, enslaved, and looted cities they conquered. But when Prophet Muhammad, eight years after he was forced to leave Makkah, entered Makkah as a conqueror at the head of an army of ten thousand soldiers, his head was bowed low over the pommel of his saddle, and he was reciting the praise of his Lord, Allah. He forgave everyone, neither killed nor enslaved anyone, and did not even demand compensation for the wealth and property that Makkans had taken from him and his followers. That shut the doors of all future opposition to him and his work and was the single most powerful gesture of his leadership. He conquered his enemies not by killing them but by killing enmity.
That is the biggest lesson for all humanity today, which is mired in misery and suffering thanks to mutual hatred. Forgive and start afresh, a society based on mutual respect and acceptance. That is the message of Prophet Muhammad (may he be blessed). A message as valid today as it was then.
(Mirza Yawar Baig is the Imam of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts, USA. He is an international speaker, trainer, life coach, and leadership expert specialising in family business consulting. He is the author of 40 books on multiple subjects and has a global following.)