By Khalid Al Maeena The Holy Prophet of Islam and Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was born on Rabi-ul-Awwal 12. His birth took place in Makkah on a Monday in the house known as Dar Al-Mawlid, in the year of the Elephant, which corresponds to 571 C.E. Both his father, Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib, and mother, Amina Bint Wahab, were well-known individuals. The Holy Prophet never knew his father, who had died in the months before his birth. It was left to his grandfather to name him Muhammad.
It is incumbent upon Muslims to know the importance of this noble Prophet (pbuh) and to abide by the Quran, which was revealed to him. They should also emulate his behaviour and attach importance to the call of tawhid with which he began his message, as shown in Allah’s direction in the Quran: “Say (Muhammad), I pray unto Allah only, and I ascribe to Him no partner.” (Surat Al-Jinn 72:20).
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the role model for every Muslim. We should follow his guidance in all things large and small. Almighty Allah has blessed this Ummah by preserving the Sunnah and Sirah of His Messenger (pbuh). In spite of the passage of time, both remain as though you were seeing and hearing them today. They provide a living example of the life of the Prophet (pbuh). They also instill love and respect for him in the hearts of Muslims.
Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow.” (Surat Al-Ahzab: 33:21).
It is important that as Muslims face the many challenges in today’s world, that we search and seek guidance from the Holy Quran and follow the teachings of the Prophet. The world is passing through a very dangerous period. Wars, famine, hunger and disease are ravaging parts of the globe. Even in the so-called advanced societies, life is far from trouble-free. We find violence in schools and on the streets, depression, poverty, dysfunctional families and a host of other problems that appear to be increasing instead of dissipating, no matter what measures are used to try to stem the tide of misery.
In the Muslim world there is also a crisis of identity. While social problems are few thanks to our strong family values, there is a growing indifference to other challenges that confront us. Intolerance is a rising menace. There is a breeding of extremism, obscurantism and a growing habit of blaming others for our ills. As a people we are not given to soul-searching or introspection. We have failed to question why are we in this position.
What have we done to alleviate our own suffering? We grovel in mortification and we wallow in self-pity, yet we cannot muster the courage to call a spade a spade and find solutions to our own problems. We don’t have to copy others. The life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is itself a beacon of light - a light of guidance that, if only we avail of it, will lead us to safety. Those of us who are in a lofty position in society should lead by example, for it will be disastrous if we ourselves lack true awareness and piety. If we love the Prophet (pbuh) and believe in his message, then we have to follow him in everything we do. We must leave anything that is abominable - all that is indecent, whether in speech or in action. If an injustice is done to you, respond with a kind act by forgiving the one who wronged you.
Do not take revenge. Free yourself by forgiving others and working to strengthen relationships. Avoid blaming or being harsh to your servants, colleagues, children, students and spouse(s) when they do not perform their duties to the required standard. Do not hesitate to help the weak, the needy and women; and walk in their midst without arrogance or superiority. Work hard and participate with other workers, even if it be digging in the ground or removing rubble; and be happy in carrying out the tasks you are performing to show your humility. Do not use abusive or rude language, even in jest. Do not direct evil deeds at any of your brothers or sisters. Let politeness and propriety in speech be your way of life.
Be merciful to people and to animals, so that Allah may have mercy upon you. Be unafraid to speak the truth, even if it is against you. We must have role models. Let us seek them from people around us but never forget the one who God has sent as a Messenger (pbuh). Of all the prophets, there is none whose life has been as open to scrutiny as that of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Therefore we owe it to ourselves to research his life and study his character, his dealings with people, his manners and his code of life. That itself would be an ennobling experience - something that would enrich us and make our lives rewarding.
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