BY HAROON RASHID BHAT
“History bears witness that whosoever criticized our beloved prophet, the same person later became his adherent and admired his personality when he/she made the in-depth study of his pious life”. Let good sense prevail
Islam is the religion of peace, and the Quran declared Muhammad as Rahmatan- Lil Alameen —meaning ‘Mercy for all worlds” When we elaborate on this title further, the word mercy has vast meaning here it includes sympathy, kindness, generosity, humbleness, gentleness, and much more. It is all these qualities that define our beloved Prophet Mohammad and here the word “All” means entire living non-living entities existing on this planet. Among his various outstanding characteristics, he is an outstanding judge and a great spiritual leader. He infused justice, love, equality, humanity, and dignity in all those around him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was kind to every living creature and his kindness had no limits. The Prophet not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also all living souls. He stated: “Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animal.” He was very kind to animals as well. Before Islam, Arabs were very ignorant and illiterate people. They were also very unkind and cruel to their animals. It was very common in Arabia to put a collar around the neck of a camel, but this practice was stopped on the Prophet’s orders. People also used to cut pieces of flesh from living animals and cook and eat them. This common practice became completely forbidden by Prophet (PBUH). Prophet ((PBUH) also forbade the branding of animals at any soft spot. If he saw any animal over-loaded, badly treated, or poorly fed prophet (PBUH) would scold the owner and say: “Fear Allah in your treatment of animals”.
Allah set the basis of Islamic society by saying There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion (Chapter 2, verse 256). Our beloved prophet practiced this order in true spirit. During his time, In the Muslim society of Madinah non-Muslim had complete independence. There was no discrimination against Jews of Medina. They were living as the neighbor of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Prophet (PBUH) always fulfilled their rights and was always kind to them. Prophet (PBUH) used to visit their sick children. Once he went to the house of a Jew to visit his sick son. He invited the boy to Islam but the boy looked towards his father for his permission. His father permitted him and the boy to embrace Islam. Once when the funeral of a Jew was passing, the Prophet (PBUH) stood up as a mark of respect for the dead. Sahaba also did so. Later, sahaba said: “O Messenger of Allah! It was the Janazah of a Jew! He responded: “Is he not also a human?” One day Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was going somewhere in the middle of the day and it was very hot weather in the desert when He (PBUH) saw an old woman carrying her luggage on her head. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helped her and took the luggage from the woman and carried it for her. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the woman where she was going and why? She said that I am leaving this town because I have heard that a magician named Muhammad (PBUH) is in town and this magician invented a new religion. Prophet (PBUH) didn’t say a word and kept listening. When they reached the destination, Muhammad (PBUH) put down her luggage and was about to leave when the old woman said, “O, kind person! At least tell me your name”. Prophet (PBUH) replied, “I am the person because of whom you left the town”. The old lady was amazed to listen to that and 15 said that such a kind, helping, and the true person can never be wrong and therefore she also accepted Islam. Most of us know about the story of the old woman who was a neighbor of the Prophet (PBUH). She tried her best to irritate him by throwing garbage in his way every day. One day, when Prophet (PBUH) walked out of his home no body threw garbage on him. Prophet (PBUH) inquired about the old woman and he came to know that she was sick. The Prophet went to visit her and offered any assistance or help she might need. The old woman was extremely ashamed of her actions and by seeing the example of compassion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she became convinced that Islam must be a true religion. One day, the companions, as a result of pressures put on them by non-Muslims, asked the Prophet (PBUH) to make a dua and condemn the enemies of Islam. In response, the Prophet said: “I did not come for condemnation; I came as a mercy”.
The noble life of Prophet Muhammad amid hatred and animosity from the people of Mecca where people ridiculed Islam and tried to incapacitate him and his followers is evident as the shining sun in the sky. Upon his return to Mecca as a valiant conqueror, after almost a decade of expulsion, when Muhammad had a perfect opportunity to avenge all the atrocious injustices done by his vicious enemies, what did he do? He forgave and pardoned every single person. This is just a single, but incredible incident demonstrating Muhammad’s humble and honorable character. There are numerous such episodes associated with his life that reflect a comprehensive form of humanity, love, and tolerance. In the pre-Islamic period, women were of very lowly status in Arabia. An Arab man would look at a woman as a source of shame and humiliation. If a father was given the news of the birth of a girl, he would be extremely distressed, wondering whether he should have the humble option of keeping her or of burying her alive. Prophet Mohammad PBUH gave them dignity and honor at par with men. He said: “When a boy is born, then he brings one light and when a girl is born, she brings two lights.” His life and his teaching are of paramount significance, and they can’t be summed up merely in a page or two. It needs a thorough study and great time and space to throw light on the various facets of his life. Hundreds of books have been written about him not only by Muslims but the persons from other faith. “History bears witness that whosoever criticized our beloved prophet, the same person later admired his personality when he/she made the in-depth study of his pious life”. Let good sense prevail.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist and can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
