How agonizing it is to find a society indulged in nefarious activities like murder, arson, foul language and bigotry, especially when this society is altogether Muslim! We all are well aware that Islam is not a religion of hatred, looting, injustice and destruction. In fact, it is a divine commandment of peace, reverence, and freedom – virtues that Islam spread wherever it went.
The Prophet of Allah (sa) directed people to practice harmony not only among their Muslim brethren but also towards the entire humanity, irrespective of what tribe, country or nation they belonged to.
To revive these virtues in our society, we must study and contemplate over the lives of the pious companions of the Prophet (sa), who molded themselves according to the Quran and Sunnah, as soon as the commands were given to them. When the Quranic spirit penetrated into their hearts, they got illuminated with Imaan and Noor. Their desires and love for the mundane departed to be replaced by the light of faith in their hearts.
Once a companion asked the Prophet (sa): How do you evaluate the term: ‘Enlightenment’ mentioned, in the verse: “Is one whose heart has opened to Islam so that he has received enlightenment from Allah (no better than one hard-hearted)?” (Az-Zumar 39:22) The Prophet (sa) remarked: “When the light penetrates into the heart, the heart gets opened and delighted.” The companion again questioned: “What are the signs thereof, O the Apostle of Allah?” He replied: “Inclination toward the eternal abode, displeasure with the world, and preparation for the death well in advance of its appointed time.” (Al-Hakim and Al-Bayhaqi)
Let us study how the Prophet of Allah (sa) set a model for us to emulate in our daily lives.
Kindness towards Children
Once, when the Messenger (sa) went to Makkah, the children gathered there to greet him. Seeing their passion, he mercifully lifted one of them and seated him in front of him on the camel, while to the others he offered the seat at his rear. At another occasion, when he visited his beloved daughter Fatima’s (rtaf) house, he questioned merrily: “Where is that ‘naughty’ boy?” (hinting toward his grandson Husain (rtam)). (Bukhari)
Kindness towards Spouse
One may mesmerize people because of his etiquette and ethics, but may not be able to win the heart of his life partner, the wife, because she knows his real character, temperament, lifestyle, and secrets so well. However, the Prophet’s (sa) wives remained contented with him. They had entrusted him with their inner hearts – all faithful and obedient. In true spirit, he himself acted on whatever he preached and advised to others.
Once, when the wives of the Prophet (sa) were asked if they wished to part with the Messenger (swt) for want of a wealthier life, they would be allowed to do so and provided with reasonable bounty. (Al-Ahzab 33:28) Yet, none of the pious ladies accepted this option and vowed to live with him to their last. Such was the great example of the Prophet (sa) as husband.
Kindness towards Neighbours
The Messenger of Allah (sa) directed the Muslims to treat their neighbours, irrespective of what their beliefs happened to be. He forwarded a standard before the people to measure their own standing in the community. He said: “If you find your neighbour praising your conduct, you are a nice fellow; otherwise, you are not.” (Bukhari)
Fairness and Mercy towards Enemies
Indeed, Prophet Muhammad (sa) was a person most soft-hearted not only to his companions but also to his staunch foes. The Jews, who had challenged his prophethood and had spread great mistrust against him, were awarded equal status in the Madinah state.
Likewise, many times he showered mercy to the infidels of Makkah. The treaty of Hudaybiyah is a remarkable instance of his abiding by his commitments – the Prophet (sa) kept true to his words, despite being (seemingly) humiliated at the hands of the Makkan leaders and returned to Madinah without performing the desired Umrah.
Another of the finest precedents of his mercy and kind-heartedness lies in the conquest of Makkah. At that occasion, when all his severe enemies were at his mercy, he declared categorically that no revenge or punishment would be given. Rather, they were announced to find themselves free, except those who still intended to fight.
The Quran mentions: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (sa)) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
It is noteworthy that despite studying the philosophies and moralities of such great philosophers as Socrates and Plato, people have not been able to mold their lives; however, by imitating the imprints of the Prophet of Allah (sa), billions of people across the globe have molded their lives both morally and ethically.
So when the Quran declares that in Muhammad (sa) lies the real model for us to practice, it comes as a fact that history has never denied.
Writer’s email: national.a.research@gmail.com
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