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While introducing Muhammad (peace be upon him), a
writer once exclaimed: "you may be an atheist or an agnostic or
you may belong to any of the religious denominations that exist in the
world today, you still must know this man." Such an exhortation
would sound like an exaggeration. However, after knowing the splendid
personality of Muhammad and his message, people not only agree with
the above statement, they become more enthusiastic to present Muhammad
even in a stronger voice and language. More importantly, the
appreciation and veneration of Prophet Muhammad are not limited to the
Muslims, many non-Muslims, too, have recorded their tributes to the
prophet in the same way.
However, today, not many people seem to be properly
informed about the life and message of Muhammad Although historians
have described him as the greatest figure in the history, and 1.3
billion people of today's world follow him as the last prophet of God,
people at large in the west are either unaware of him or having many
incorrect views about him. Recently (and more particularly, after
9/11), people's interest in and awareness of Islam have undoubtedly
increased, yet there is no sign of improvement in people's knowledge
and understanding about the Prophet. Instead, what is noticeable is
that prejudice and intolerance have taken new roots in America, thanks
to the media sensationalism and the negative campaign of the Islam
bashers. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that even
some prominent evangelists didn't hesitate to join the anti-Muslim and
anti-prophet chorus. They have exposed their ignorance and prejudice
by stating that Islam is an "evil religion" and Prophet
Muhammad was a "child abuser".
Muhammad has been misunderstood for another reason.
The Muslims who were supposed to be following the footsteps of the
prophet, overwhelming majority of them are somewhat indifferent (and
in most cases, ignorant) about the sublime teachings of the prophet.
Their collective life styles (in fifty plus Muslim majority countries)
are far from being reflective of the society modeled by the prophet
wherein god- fearing, justice, accountability, pluralism, human
dignity, fairness, mutual consultation and egalitarianism were the
hallmarks. With few exceptions, the personal life styles of the
average Muslims are not distinctive or appealing either. They claim
their faith in and love for the prophet and demonstrate those in some
occasions, but they are not attentive to enlighten their intellect and
purify their heart in the light of the prophet's teachings. By their
deviant life styles, those 'Muslims' are contributing only to
reinforcing the confusions of others toward Islam and the prophet.
The above scenario, however, should not be taken out
of context or proportion and shouldn't cause anyone to stay away from
appreciating the personality of Muhammad and his message. Prophet's
life examples are worth exploring and provide the best guidance for
the entire mankind. He was honest, truthful and trustworthy. Even his
greatest enemies couldn't but testify to his integrity and virtues. He
didn't claim divinity in any way, rather, he plainly stated (what God
asked him to do):
"Say! I am only a man like you, to whom has
been revealed that your God is only one God. And whoever hopes for
meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work and make none to
share in the worship due to his Lord." (Qur'an, 18:110)
Muhammad recognized and revered all the messengers
who came before him and asked his followers to do the same. He stated
that all the messengers were teaching the same straight path of
"Islam" which is complete submission of man before the
Commandments of God and he (Muhammad) is the last in the chain of
prophets. He also made people aware of the transitory nature of this
life and of the consequences of their actions in the hereafter-where
life will be eternal. The Prophet's life demonstrated the perfect
example of submission and servitude to Almighty God and the attainment
of highest human virtues. In other words, in different stages and
situations of his life, Muhammad
demonstrated the conducts of life that are beneficial to all
human beings and are approved and pleasing to Allah. By setting the
example of human perfection on the earth, Muhammad impacted most in
the history. Unlike other previous prophets and legendary figures, his
biography, his way of living, his morals, conducts, habits and
virtues, in short, all the details of his life are preserved. His
teachings are comprehensive, balanced and pragmatic. Therefore, he is
the only one of whole line of Prophets who is a living personality. He
is thus the chosen leader and role model for the entire mankind.
"Surely, in the messenger of Allah, you have the best example to
follow." (Qur'an, 33:21)
Today, what we need is to rediscover him and emulate
him in our personal and collective lives. Indeed, that's the
guaranteed path of peace, justice and salvation for the whole
humanity.
Mahbubur Rahman
Editor-in-Chief
Aug/Sept
2002
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