Get to know (2) : Prophet Muhammad [SWS]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Even before Muhammad’s [SWS] Prophet hood, his sublime character earned him the titles of al-Sadiq (the truthful) and al -Amin (the honest) among Makkans. The business community too valued him as a trader. As a young adult, Muhammad [SWS] was distinctly humane and kind, the best in behavior, pleasant in meeting and talking to people, amicable and generous as a neighbor, an embodiment of patience and tolerance, truthful in speech, distant from hurtful speech, unparalleled in dignity, humble to the highest degree, full of compassion and goodwill, one who kept his word, and was dead honest. It was as if Allah [SWT] had concentrated all good attributes in his personality. That was why his people called him al-Amin. When Khadijah [RA] learned about the reputation of Muhammad [SWS], she became interested in forming a partnership with him.

Allah's guidance to Prophet Muhammad [SWS]:

Muhammad [SWS] was really disturbed with the idol worshipping since his childhood. He never prostrated before idols. He always searched for the truth and hence Allah guided him, and its mentioned in the following verse. Allah says..

And He found you unaware (of the Quran, its laws and prophet hood) and He gave you Guidance. -Surah Ad-Duhaa 93-verse 7

The Beginning of Wahy:

Muhammad [SWS] had spent time in seclusion for a 3rd yr, before he was appointed as Messenger of God. The angel Jibril visited him in the cave of Hira with the first few ayat of the Quran. It was an extraordinary event in the life of Muhammad [SWS] that occurred on Monday, August 10, 610CE, the 21st night of Ramadan.

Muhammad [SWS] was busy contemplating in the cave when Jibril visited him. He said to Muhammad [SWS] : “Read!”. Muhammad [SWS] replied that he could not read. Jibril (as) embraced Muhammad [SWS] and held him tightly in his arms, then let him loose and said again, “Read!” Muhammad [SWS] replied again that he could not read. Jibril [AS] embraced Muhammad [SWS] again and held him tightly for sometime, then said for the 3rd time, “Read!” Yet again Muhammad [SWS] replied that he could not read. Jibril (as) embraced Muhammad [SWS] once again and held him tightly for sometime, then said,

“Read in the name of your Rabb, who created- (the one who) created man from a germ cell(alaq). Read- for your Rabb is the most bountiful one, who taught (man) by means of pen; He taught man what he knew not.” - Surah Alaq 96:1-5

This experience was extraordinary for Muhammad [SWS]. He was embraced by the angel thrice and held so tightly that he felt exhausted. And the incident as a whole was intimidating. Then Muhammad [SWS] headed home shivering. On the way he recited the Ayat just revealed to him. When he arrived home, he was received warmly by Khadijah [RA] and asked her to cover him with a blanket because he was still shivering.

Khadijah [RA] is known to be the first woman to embrace Islam. Being wife of Muhammad [SWS], she was deeply familiar with his character. She was the first human being with whom he shared his experienced of Wahy. She consoled and relieved his stress, and was the first to affirm his Nubuwah (prophethood). His four daughters also embraced his call to Islam. Subhanallah.

Preaching Islam:

Prophet Muhammad [SWS] invited all people, no matter what color, race, or creed, to the highest standard of behavior and virtue. Muhammad [SWS] used to go to different public places in Makkah to preach monotheism. He was regularly physically and verbally abused.

Prophet Muhammed [SWS] as role model for believers:

Not only the important events of his life, but the record of his daily life from birth to death, is written on the pages of history. His statements, actions and tactic approval, and the details of his lifestyle, such as how he walked, talked, dressed, cut his nails and combed his beard and hair, have been recorded. How he treated his wives, friends, enemies, servants, and slaves has been meticulously transmitted throughout history. Thus his life was fully known to his companions and was recorded as an open book so that the following generations from all around the globe could follow and learn lessons, get inspiration from this perfect example, and attain goodness, piety, and success in their individual, as well as social life.

Since 1400 years, Muslims around the whole world are trying to emulate Prophet Muhammad [SWS]. To eat as he ate, to wash as he washed himself, even to cut nails as he did. This has been the greatest reason to unify all the Muslims around the world. For example, a Chinese Muslim may resemble a Muslim on the coast of Atlantic in accordance to religious/spiritual believes. This uniformity is attained firstly through Quran and then by Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah and Hadiths. There is a remarkable connection between the Quran and hadiths. Alhamdulilah we all love and respect the Family and companions of Muhammad [SWS] and seek to follow in their footsteps. This makes all the Muslims around the Globe as one entity.

Allah says in Surah Ahzab 33: verse 6

The Prophet [SWS] is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their (believers’) mothers (with regards to respect).