Mohammad (PBUH) Greatness & Nobility

In the name of Allah the most gracious & merciful: "Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah." (Quran, 33:21) "And We have sent you (O Muhammad PBUH) not but as a mercy for all that exists ('Alamin)." (Quran, 21:107)

Let me recall the comments recorded by some great scholars about the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammad (PBUH)? The most famous men created arms, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls. The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Muhammad (PBUH). As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he? My Prophet (PBUH) is humble and generous, kind and forgiving, pragmatic and forwardlooking; he is an optimist not a pessimist, a compassionate and loving personality. Muhammad (PBUH) represents the kind of role model one can only wish for at a time when the world seems filled with so many false and deceptive role-models who compete for our respect and admiration. Muhammad (PBUH) is the real thing a genuine Prophet of Peace! His life was a total jihad of peace and jihad for peace. He worked literally by the sweat of his brow to bring peace and justice to the war-torn Arabia of his time. To this noble purpose his life was focused on a tireless campaign against ignorance, greed, injustice and arrogance. His message was powerful and enduring! It emerged in a troubled time as being clear and substantial, immediate, yet eternal. His message was a call for massive moral revolution like giving a moral vaccination to an entire society that was suffering from the infection of evil and despair.

The Prophets guidance revealed a divine constitution that cares about all of creation. Its great implications redefine body, mind, law, and government the very essence of reality for all humanity... His message was holy and wholistic, embracing everything in our personal and collective realms of being. When we study what the Prophet's companions (RA) experienced of his character we realize that they saw a unique sort of nobility of character. Some people may be noble, and they treat others with kindness and compassion. Still, they will have their own turf, which they would not allow others to encroach. Moreover, they will have their own circle of relatives and friends whom they treat differently from other people. Prophet Muhammad's nobility of character was of an immeasurably higher level. It was part of his nature, issuing forth instinctively. When faced with a situation, He (PBUH) did not reflect on what would be the kinder, nobler or more compassionate behavior; it came to him naturally. In all his relations with people, particularly the weaker and more vulnerable elements in society, he was the epitome of kindness. He keenly felt for them, tried to console them when they encountered an adversity, and did his best to comfort them. He never intentionally hurt anyone. He inquired after all his companions, young and old. When He talked to anyone, regardless of that person's position in society, his interlocutor felt a warm relation with the Prophe t(PBUH). When the Prophet's companions(RA) talked to him, even the most humble of them used to feel that the Prophet placed him above all others. He let everyone talk to him as they wished, never interrupting them even if they took a long time. Even before he was called to invite people to the Truth and was given the revelation of Divine guidance in the words of the Holy Quran, he was well known in his society as someone of high ethical qualities He was Al Ameen, or trustworthy. He functioned as a trusted holder of securities, or a kind of personal banker; people willingly trusted him to safeguard with the most valuable items they possessed When He learned that a companion of his was ill, the Prophet (PBUH) used to visit him at home and prayed for his recovery. He would pay social visits to his companions. He would join them, sitting in the last vacant place. If anyone came to see him at home or in the mosque, he would sit with his visitor until he left, never giving a sign or an expression of his being busy or having some important business. When anyone shook hands with him or held his hand, he would not let go until that person did so. He would answer an invitation, even by the poorest of his companions. Whatever food was served, even the most modest, he would eat and express thanks to Allah and to his host. Thus, no one felt distant from him at any time. He was the epitome of warm friendship with all his companions. That love was unparalleled, unknown in human history. Moreover, millions and millions of people across the 14 centuries of the history of Islam have felt (& are feeling) that Prophet Muhammad was always dearer to them than their own parents and children. They even loved (& love) him more than they loved (& love) themselves. This is the mark of true faith. There is, however, a great difference between love that is generated by faith and strengthened by a study of the character of God's messenger, and love born by personal experience of his character, and living through the great events that marked the history of the early years of Islam and witnessing the Prophet's reactions to these events. Everything about the Prophet (PBUH), was moderate. When he was observed from a distance he always looked grief stricken due to his immense presence with his Lord. However in the company of others he would smile and make them feel joyful. He told the truth even in his jokes. His laughter was a wide smile.

The Prophet (PBUH) pointed not with a finger but with his whole hand. When he addressed someone, he turned his entire body. The character of the Prophet was exemplary and his manners were beautiful. He didnt take rest like other people; he was constantly concerned for his ummah (community). He spoke with measured and comprehensive words and was often silent for long periods. He was loved for his soft and gentle character. The Quran says: And if you were harsh hearted they would have fled from around you. The Prophet never found fault in anything and he was never in state of agitation or perturbation. He never generalized. He saw every single person as a potentially good Muslim and human being. He advised us to maintain relations with those who cut us off, to do good to people even if they harm us, and to speak the truth even if it is against ourselves. When Abdullah-ibn-Salam(RA) saw the Prophet for the first time him, he said he knew from the blessed face of the Prophet that this was not the face of a liar. On simply seeing the Prophet, Abdullah-ibn-Salam(RA) declared the Oneness of Allah and accepted Islam right there and then because he witnessed the inner and outer beauty of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Once a group of hostile unbelievers in Mecca, began to torture a companion of the Prophet named Khubaib(RA). The leader of the group, Abu Sufyan asked Khubaib Dont you wish that Muhammad were in your place so that you could be with your family? Khubaib replied that he would rather be cut into pieces than see even a thorn prick the blessed foot of the Prophet. As he was being killed, Khubaib then supplicated to Allah asking him to convey his greetings to the Prophet. Usamah bin Zaid(RA) said he was seated with the Messenger of Allah in Medina at that moment and he saw the Prophets eyes become teary as he returned the greetings. The Prophet said, Allah has conveyed Khubaibs greetings to me. On this occasion, Abu Sufyan exclaimed that the followers of Roman and Persian emperors never loved them as much as Muhammads(PBUH) followers loved him. It is narrated that each and every one of the companions felt like they were the most beloved to the Prophet(PBUH), peace be upon him. He was sensitive to the needs and feelings of each one of them. The Prophet(PBUH) used to address his wives with beautiful names, race with them and play with them. His wife Ayesha said he always used to joke in the house. He fed his wives with his own hands out of love and affection. He would never complain of the food placed before him. No man was busier than the Prophet(PBUH) but when he shook hands of another person, he would never release his grip until the other person did. After his passing, the reaction of his companions was tremendous. They couldnt even tolerate separation from him let alone his death; they loved him more than themselves, their family and their children. As both prophet and human, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), lived and taught Islam as a life of ease! He won his followers' hearts with flexibility and empathy. He knew, as an experienced and compassionate professional, that rigidity is counter-intuitive: you cannot force somebody to believe, for when people are externally forced or compelled, how can you even call the resulting compliance belief? Belief is a conscious choice; it comes from deep within, from ones heart, and nowhere else. So Muhammad (PBUH) refused to make Islam a hard and complex path. In the same vein he was meticulously devoted to Allah, but never the obsessive fanatic: "Woe to those who exaggerate, who are excessive, who make things hard, who are rigid and too strict," he warned, cautioning those who tended toward extremes in any aspect of belief or tradition.

He was also a man of moderation, telling his followers at one point: "Moderation! Enlightened Moderation! The best of all dealings are those done in moderation! Its the intent Allah for the community. (the Ummatan Wasata His Sunnah). Muhammad (PBUH), also knew that maintaining balance (or Mizan) is the greatest spiritual challenge we humans have: we strive to achieve it in personal life; in family, work, feelings, friendship, love, etc. He was the man who cared deeply about his family and ordered us to be as kind to our own. It is often quoted from his teachings that the best among the believers are those who are the best in practicing ethics; in turn, they are also the best at caring for their families. Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was also somewhat ahead of his time in urging parents and adults to be caring and responsible towards children. In an age when infant mortality was high and emotional investment was therefore frequently painful, and when surviving children were often regarded simply as miniature adults or half-sized working units, Muhammad (PBUH) taught a radical reversal of attitude. He counseled believers to be gentle to children, to guide their ethics, to treat them as gifts from God, to bless them with the rightful joys and pleasures of childhood. Being responsible towards ones children also meant then and now -not blaming schools, society, or even the neighbors offspring for problems in your own family. Parents must be proactive. Muhammad(PBUH), also taught respect towards parents -- especially mothers. And He asked us to love and care for one another as we would like them to love and care for ourselves. Muhammad (PBUH), was respectful of others beyond his own family & friends and regarded all of humanity as brothers and sisters, again expressing a radical and countercultural generosity of spirit during a period of intense tribal affiliations. He taught us to be kind and caring toward our neighbors, for they are often there to help and support us more than even our own family members He was also a leader who strove to achieve peace and justice for ALL humans. He practiced a true Culture of Peace. Muhammad ( PBUH), encouraged and welcomed the expression of local cultural practices within the rituals and celebrations of Islam, even the tradition of restricted dub at weddings. The Prophet (PBUH), regarded cultural expressions as "enrichment. And that is why Islam has been able to establish itself in so many diverse communities and societies around the world. Muhammad (PBUH), upheld justice as being among the greatest social values good leaders could give to their subjects. It perhaps goes without saying that Muhammad (PBUH), was a committed citizen who faithfully contributed to the society he lived in, and urged all members of any community to do likewise. He considered such participation for the collective good a form of social contract; in his eyes, betrayal of that contract was a treacherous act of hypocrisy. In fact, he deeply loved his place of residence and considered all citizens of his adopted city of Madinah as one Ummah (or community of people). He remained steadfastly loyal to his city and considered such loyalty not just ones social obligation, but a religious one as well. Hes the man who served humanity diligently so much so that when he was once urged to curse his opponents, said: I was not sent to curse others. I was sent as a mercy to ALL. His life is the noblest record of a work nobly and faithfully performed. He infused vitality into a dormant people; he consolidated a congeries of warring tribes into a nation, inspired into action

with the hope of everlasting life; he concentrated into a focus all the fragmentary and broken lights which had fallen on the heart of man. His democratic thunder was the signal for the upraise of the human intellect against tyranny of priests and rulers. In that world of wrangling creeds and oppressive institutions when the human soul was crushed under the weight of unintelligible dogmas, and the human body trampled under the tyranny of vested interests, He broke down the barriers of caste and exclusive privileges. He swept away with his breath the cobwebs which self-interest had woven in the path of man to God. He abolished all exclusiveness in mans relations to his Creator. The entire town of Medina where he lived grew in wealth in the later days of his life. Everywhere there was gold and silver in plenty and yet in those days of prosperity many weeks would elapse without a fire being kindled in the hearth of the king of Arabia; his food being dates and water. His family would go hungry many nights successively because they could not get anything to eat in the evening. He slept on no soft bed but on a palm mat, after a long busy day to spend most of his night in prayer, often bursting into tears before his Creator to grant him strength to discharge his duties. As the reports go, his voice would get choked with weeping and it would appear as if a cooking pot was on fire and boiling had commenced. On the very day of his death his only assets were few coins a part of which went to satisfy a debt and rest was given to a needy person who came to his house for charity. The clothes in which he breathed his last breath had many patches. The house from where light had spread to the world was in darkness because there was no oil in the lamp. Circumstance changed, but the Prophet of God did not. In victory or in defeat, in power or in adversity, in affluence or in indigence, he is the same man, disclosed the same character. Like all the ways and laws of Allah, Prophets of Allah are unchangeable. The tears that shed from his eyes as he called to Allah in the middle of the night, crying My ummah! My ummah! until Allah had to send Gabriel down to console him? Until Allah assured him that He would not disappoint him in regards to his ummah. On the day of the Prophets passing away, Usman ibn Affan (RA) was struck motionless; he could not comprehend what had happened. Ali bin Abi Talib (RA) fell unconscious. Umar Faroooq (RA), the one from whom Satan himself used to run away from, was swinging a sword threatening to cut off the head of anyone who said the Prophet had passed away. The companions in general exclaimed that they wished they had died before they saw this day. Such was the impact the companions of the Prophet felt when he passed away. . Let me conclude with the following lines from the book "Islam and Modern Age" authored by a Hindu professor: "The personality of Muhammad (PBUH) ! It is most difficult to get into the truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Muhammad(PBUH) the Prophet, there is Muhammad(PBUH) the General; Mohammad (PBUH) the King; Muhammad (PBUH) the Warrior; Muhammad (PBUH) the Businessman; Mohammad (PBUH) the Preacher; Mohammad (PBUH) the Philosopher; Mohammad (PBUH) the Statesman; Mohammad (PBUH) the Spokesperson; Mohammad (PBUH) the reformer; Muhammad (PBUH) the Refuge for orphans; Muhammad(PBUH) the Protector of slaves; Mohammad (PBUH) the Emancipator of woman; Muhammad(PBUH) the husband; Muhammad (PBUH) the father; Muhammad(PBUH) the educator; Muhammad(PBUH) the Law-giver; Muhammad(PBUH) the Judge; Muhammad (PBUH) the Saint and etc. In all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, He is like a hero! Orphan hood is an extreme form of helplessness and his life upon this earth began

with it; Kingship is the height of material power and it ended with it! From an orphan boy to a persecuted refugee and then to an overlord, spiritual as well as temporal, of a whole nation and arbiter of its destinies, with all its trials and temptations, with all its vicissitudes and changes, its lights and shades, its ups and downs, its terror and splendor, he has withstood the fire of the world and came out unscathed to serve as a model in every face of life. His achievements are not limited to one aspect of life, but cover the whole field of human conditions. He was the man of true ethical correctness. He was a model of service a genuine servant (Khaadim) in the disguise of a selfless leader (Syed/Ameer). He comprises the everlasting inspiration to humanity, the greatest & noblest character and the superbly human &, social Prophet (PBUH).