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In an age of tribalism, political turmoil, moral and social chaos, a baby boy was born into poverty and deprivation. He rose up to become a man who by example and hard work pioneered a new way of life that heralded into a worldwide admiration of principles that changed the course of civilization.
Over 1421 years ago was born Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam fulfilling a prophecy of the finality of prophethood on earth to guide mankind towards good.
Instantaneously Prophet Muhammad became the light and guide of a nation driven by greed and materialism. He changed their way of thinking towards the recognition of God and His commandments. He influenced people’s behavior and altered their evil inclinations. He came as a mercy unto mankind and was emulated in his character and disposition that helped transformed brutal men into sacred personalities. His life was a means in which rulers and subjects alike copied the art of leadership, nation building, family orientation, political stability, economic reforms and last but not least, spiritual elevation. Muhammad, the final prophet of God, provided civilization on earth with the direction of great success in this life and the life Hereafter.
In as much as we can write and read about the life of Prophet Muhammad and his invaluable contribution to human development, it is really not enough to summarize his bestowal or contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life for all mankind. The simple fact is that his contribution spans every age and every period of civilization on earth. However, we will attempt to encapsulate the life of Prophet Muhammad in these pages for the benefit of all as the world commemorates his birth anniversary on Thursday June 15, 2000. Spiritual Contribution
Prophet Muhammad came to mankind with a message of the unity of God. In fact, the core of his teachings is to belief in the oneness of God so much so that the key ingredient of faith lies in the belief that, “There is none worthy of worship but One God.” This pillar of the Islamic faith was carefully taught to his followers so that they would build in themselves a clear understanding and consciousness that it is God the Almighty Who preserve our living and dying and that it is God we turn to in fulfilling our needs. This simple message transformed barbaric nations into submissive citizens. It created personalities of the highest and most admirable form and has stabilized societies and communities and has elevated them from the depth of degradation to the pinnacle of perfection. Social, Moral and Political Transformation
Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger of God to mankind brought a message of total inoculation against the evil of society. People were so immune to every evil aspect of life that leads to downfall and degradation that they were in such dire need of a system to save them. Prophet Muhammad offered them solutions to their irregularities. He liberated women and provided a system to maintain stability in the home, society and the world. He taught mankind how to preserve their honor and property and infused in them the understanding of respect, compassion, love and concern for each other. In fact, with the highest form of credibility, Prophet Muhammad translated for them in his life these qualities in the most impeccable manner.
Generations of nations are preserved by his teachings. They experienced progress in their affairs to the extent that indelible footprint of the past and guidance of the future permeates the history of mankind. The establishment of progressive nations and successful people are results of adherence to the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, the final Prophet of God to mankind.
The fact that voluminous books of encyclopedia have been compiled by both Muslims and non-Muslim historians to document Prophet Muhammad’s contribution to world civilization is in itself a viable proof that he has indeed created and left a legacy for us to reflect and ponder upon. An Exemplary Life
Muhammad as a prophet of God, leader of a great nation of which reaches over one billion followers today, lived a simply yet distinguished life. He mended his own clothes, detested pomp and pride, and was most humble in his accomplishments. Prophet Muhammad advocated for the poor and needy and was a friend to the downtrodden. He solidified friendship between sworn enemies and established communities that are unified in aims, objectives and purposes. Prophet Muhammad commanded respect by his honesty, fairness and compassion for his followers and enemies alike. His opponents were very harsh yet he opened to them his generosity of kindness. Once one of his followers angered an enemy that was unbecoming of a believer. After adjudicating the enemy’s complaint, the Prophet Muhammad ruled in favor of the enemy and ordered compensation on his behalf. Such was the character of the prophet Muhammad. No person was too insignificant in his sight and no one was more honorable than another was unless s/he was stronger in faith and belief. His biographers, past and present, even from among his enemies have documented his life as the most impeccable character to ever walk the face of the earth. And this is unanimously agreed upon by both Muslims and non-Muslims luminaries.
As I joined with Muslims throughout the world to remind all of the eminence and virtues of this great but honorable leader of mankind, I echo the feelings of love, dedication and commitment to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. I further call upon others to explore the life and works of this prominent, distinguished and reputable personality that actualized and established mankind truly as God’s vicegerent on earth.
In this age of political instability, ethnic and racial violence, greed, materialism and uncertainties, the teachings of this great prophet must be explored more carefully. We will have to extract the ingredients of nation building, religious and spiritual codes and appropriate moral, social and economic disciplines to establish strong progressive nations populated with citizens who are cognizant of their duty first to God, the Creator and to fellow occupants of this earth.
We join together to express joy and goodness on this special occasion of Youman Nabi and to pray for continued personal spiritual growth from the life of Prophet Mohammad, the final Prophet of God to all mankind.