29 Dec A Messenger for all mankind
Allah (SWT) created human beings and sent Prophets from among them with clear messages. These messages came in the form of divine revelations of one Religion, and one creed, and the belief in the Oneness of Allah. There are about 25 messengers mentioned in the Holy Quran – the first being Prophet Adam (AS) and the last Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Every messenger came with the same message for their nations.
The predecessor of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was Prophet Esa (AS). Historians say there was a period of ‘about 500 years’ between the two prophets. Prophet Esa (AS) informed his nation that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was coming after him and that they should follow him. Allah (SWT) Says,
“And (remember) when Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said, “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Taurat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed”. But when he (Ahmed, i.e. Muhammad – SAW) came to them with clear proofs, they said: “This is plain magic” (Quran, 61:6).
Every Prophet had been rejected by some people
When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the revelation from Allah, many people including some of the Children of Israel believed him, while others rejected him and his message. This was also true for all the messengers that came before him. Allah (SWT) said “Likewise, no Messenger came to those before them but they said: “A sorcerer or a madman!” (Quran, 51:52). This opposition was not only confined to the lifetime Prophet (SAW), but also after his death. Even today, we see signs of enmity toward the Prophet (SAW) in different ways and means: writings, pictures, cartoons, speeches, etc. They claim their rights of “Freedom of Speech”. In fact, no one has a freedom to transgress the prophets, places of worship, and the innocent people.
Allah (SWT) protects the Messengers and their followers
Allah (SWT) made a promise of His protection of the Deen-ul- Islam, the Prophet (SAW) and the believers. However, we should be firm in practising our faith. Allah says:
“Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely We will guard it (from corruption)” (Qur’an, 15:9);
and in another verse, He (SWT) says
“Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth (i.e. Day of Resurrection) (Qur’an, 40:51).
Our role in protecting the Messenger of Allah
Muslims should endeavour to defend the dignity of their Prophet (SAW). Abu Sa’id al-khudri said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say:
‘He who observes an evil deed should change it with his hand if he can do so; if he cannot do, (he should change it) then with his tongue, if he cannot do then (he should change it) with his heart, and that is the weakest degree of the faith”. (Sunan Abi Dawud).
The Prophet (SAW) was the best of mankind, an epitome of etiquette and an embodiment of perfect mannerisms. His outstanding qualities are an example for all of mankind.
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Qur'an 33:21)
By practicing the Sunnah’s of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the world can perceive the real status of the Prophet (SAW).
Qualities of Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
1- His exemplar character. Allah (SWT) said, “And verily, you (O Muhammad-SAW) are on an exalted (standard of) character. (Quran, 68:4). He never cursed anyone, even his enemies. He used to help women, children, and the elderly. He used to complete his daily chores personally.
2- He was the most forgiving person and an epitome of mercy. “And we (Allah) have not sent you (Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107) Even at the height of abuse and mistreatment that he received from people for calling them to the right path, he forgave them by saying, “My Lord, forgive my people; they do not know what they are doing” (Bukhari)
3- He was very humble. Those who did not know him as the Prophet could not tell him apart from the crowd. He never wore anything to appear higher in rank than the rest of his people. He said, “Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble and none should boast over one another.” (Muslim)
4- He promoted equality. He never took up a privilege, nor did he ever made a distinction for himself. In his last sermon, he said, “There is no superiority for an Arab over non-Arab, nor for a black over a white man; except through piety.”
5- He was charitable. He would often give away whatever little food he had to the needy. He would not rest until the alms had been justly distributed. He said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day, let him be generous to his neighbors.” (Bukhari)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was truly the best of creation. His example was one for all of mankind.
May Allah (SWT) guide us to the right path and make us successful in this life and life hereafter.
Shaykh Mohamed Abdulle
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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.