Life of Prophet Muhammad - Essay Example

Life of Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H Introduction Islam is a vast religion and it is considered to be one of the most followed religions of the world. In earlier days of Islam, the ancient Arabians were misguided and misled. They used to disobey Allah and worship idols. The society was full of bad and corrupts. People had insane behavior toward each other and they never respected the other person. It was the time when everything was in darkness and there was no hope for betterment in the society. It was the time when society needed someone who could guide them toward right path. At that time, Allah did a favor to mankind and sent his best creation for his followers. He sent Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to the earth; the one who is Master of mankind and jinns; the one with greatest personality on earth; the one who is beloved of Allah; the one who is truthful. Early Age Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was born in the month of Rabi-ul-Awal, in the year 571 C.E. He was son of Hazrat Abdullah who died few weeks earlier of his death and his mother was Aminabibi who died during the return journey from Medina, at the place called Abwa. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was a descendant of Prophet Ismail (A.S). As his father passed away before his birth, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was raised by his grand-father, Abdul Mutalib. When Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was eight years old, his grand-father passed away. After that his uncle, Abu Talib took his responsibility and treated him very kindly. He raised him in a truly gentle way and made him learn how to differentiate between right and wrong. He was raised in a truly noble way with the best moral learning. Young Trader and Honesty When he grew up to a young man, he started earning as a trader, under guidance of his uncle. He joined a merchant caravan at the age of twelve. In trade business, he was known as “Al-Ameen (the trustworthy)” and “Al-Sadiq (the truthful).” He was famous for his good deeds and nature. After hearing about the good nature of this young man, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), the rich merchant, SayyidatnaKhadijah (R.A) offered him some money to take her goods to Syria. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) set his journey to Syria with one of servants of SayyidatnaKhadijah, Maisarah. After the trip was ended and Maisarah came back, he praised about the honesty and truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as he was very impressed with his honesty. Marriage and Children SayyidatnaKhadijah was impressed and fascinated that everyone is praising him. She offered him to marry her even though; there was a huge age difference between both of them. She was around 40 years old and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was 24 years old young man. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) accepted her marriage proposal and they got married. Allah blessed them with four daughters and two sons. Unfortunately, both of the sons died early as Qasim died when he was two years old and Abdullah died when he was in his infancy period. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) became the best example of a father who loved all of his daughters equally named Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima. Acceptance of Islam When Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was fourty years old, he used to go in a cave in Mount Hira. Sometimes, he used to stay there for days. One day, Jibril (A.S), who is an angel, appeared to him and revealed first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq. SayyidatinaKhadijah was the first wman who accepted Islam after the verses were revealed. Then till a period of twenty three years, Jibril (A.S) used to visit him and reveal the verses into chapters. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) used to memorize those verses and one day they completed and compiled the verses in to a book, Quran. First few people who accepted Islam on his behalf were his cousin Ali, his free slave ZaydibneHaris, a fellow Abubakr Bin Siddiq (R.A) and his daughters. The accepted the Islam as the best religion, testifying that “There is no deity except Allah. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu AlaihiwaSallam) is Allahs Messenger.” Struggle period for Islam In early days when he accepted Islam, he began to preach Islam in public and forty people accepted Islam in first three years. Leaders of Quraish did not want this new religion to be spread so they started bribing him with money, power and in fact, they offered him to become King. But Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) refused to all the offers. When this did not work, they planned to kill him and they asked his uncle to be with them and help them in killing him. His uncle tried to stop and informed him about the plan of their enemies. He replied, “O uncle, if they were to put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to stop me from preaching Islam, I would never stop. I will keep on preaching until Allah makes Islam prevail or I die.”Quraish made his life miserable so he moved to Mekkah with his family. His beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle died in same year and gave this year name of “year of grief.” After the death of Khadijah (R.A), Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) married to SayyidatinaSawdah and Sayyidatina Aisha. Later, he moved to Taif to preach Islam and again he faced brutal behavior of people of Taif. They laughed at him; they threw stones at him and injured him. He was bleeding from head to toe. Jibrael A.S appeared to him and said that if you say yes the angels are ready to destroy the whole town. But Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) refused and prayed for them that “O Allah, Show them the right path” Accomplishment of Mission He finished his mission when he was sixty three years old and spread Islam in whole Arab. He performed his first and last pilgrimage during the tenth year after Hijra. 120,000 Muslim men and women performed pilgrimage with him. After the pilgrimage, he fell ill and died after the accomplishment of his mission on 12th of Rabi-ulAwal. He was the last prophet sent by Allah and HE declared that no other prophet will come after me as I have completed the teachings of Islam. In his last addressing, he stated that “I have completed the teaching of Islam and no other prophet will come after me. I have made you learn what is right and what is wrong, now it depends on you that how do you differentiate. Let me tell you that no one of you is greater than the other person. Neither a black is greater than a white; nor is a white greater than black. The one who has noble deeds and kind intentions is the most greatest of all.” It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is a connection between a Muslim and Allah. You can get closer to Allah only if your heart is filled with love of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and you follow his Sunnah with all your believe. He could have lived a life of King since he had many followers, still he and his family used to go without food. They used to survive eating dates and dry bread. He used to spend half of night in prayers when the rest of the world was sleeping. Example of his Kindness Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) led a simple life and he had a beautiful appearance. His sweat was more fragrant than musk. He used to speak slowly so that the listener could understand him easily. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that the listener could count the number of spoken words. He never harmed anyone with his hand but he always stood to fight against Islam. It was famous about him that he used to free the slaves and prisoners of war. One of the most influential stories of his life is that he never abused or slapped or harmed any prisoner with hands. After the war of Badar, he ordered to all his fellows to make the prisoners learn how to read and write. This is one of the greatest examples of kindness in the whole world. Who can be this kind to his enemies? Leadership Skills This paper aims to discuss the leadership skills of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to discover the forms of conflict resolution that people in the contemporary world can apply in case they encounter challenges. Additionally, the essay will contribute to world peace and interfaith communication in the illustration consummate character of the persona. The paper pays close attention to the specific attributes of a successful leader through examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The author of the study evidences that he demonstrates great respect for other faiths, ideas, and other faiths since he is a tolerant and caring person. The study concludes that one of his greatest legacies entailed his respect for other religions, ethnicities and all people in the society. The present world has unique conflicts courtesy of globalization and connectivity from internet. The contemporary world can benefit from a true leader with an ability of fulfilling the hope and aspirations of followers and communities while respecting diversity and ethnic backgrounds of people. Oppressive leadership since history ensures more problems in future. From the prophets May Peace and Blessings Be upon Him exemplifies a universal form of good leadership as he participated with others to inspire them overcome their hardships. Islam identifies peace as the basis in the world. In retro respect, it is difficult for humans to perform acts of service for humanity. The author of the study endeavors to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well as offer alternatives to global challenges in this decade. A spiritual leader sets good examples for the followers. A good leader attempts to address all aspects of humanity, emotion, mind, and humanity while raising the capacity of the followers to the highest level. According to Dogan (10), a leader has strong willpower and unfailing determination as an inherent trait for a true leader. Additionally, a true leader is pragmatic and practical since his words align with reality. Since his origin in his Quraysh tribe in Arabia that region was one of the backward regions in the world. The Arabs of the region engaged in intense evil practices and no effective conflict resolution mechanism in place. Prophet Muhammad managed to eradicate barbarism and savagery in the Arabian Pennisula to embed praise from both domestic and foreigners in the region (Dogan 11). Respect for Other Faiths A good leader respects other people opinions as much they are not the same to theirs. A good leader tolerates listening to diverse opinions while being mindful to avoid any offense. Allah commanded (pbuh) to permit debates from different faiths that would promote dialogue and mutual respect. During the life of (pbuh) he mingled with people of other religions such as Jews and Christians. During those conversations, he could explain the tenets of Islam to convince other faithful of their veracity other than coercion. Prophet (pbuh) also paid a visit to the Jewish synagogues as well as Christian churches to put to an end to inter religious enmity and hatred. Consultation Prophet (pbuh) was a true leader that taught his followers universal values compatible with human nature, seeking happiness for all members other than followers only. Universal values can address all the needs of humanity to provide them with real happiness and unite them in a peaceful environment. The Muslim believers in Medina encountered different challenges such as conflicts among the religious sects. The Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated true leadership in solving such issues. For instance, he signed Medina first constitution to ensure the rights of the minority groups. The signing of the pact depicts his role as a conciliator to bring people together other than marginalizing them in different backgrounds. In the public affairs in issues of Islam, consultation is of vital importance. The Prophet (pbuh) established the principle of consultation even concerning personal affairs. The Prophet (pbuh) does not hesitate to consult with others prior to implementing a strategy. Demeanor towards followers This attribute enabled the Prophet (pbuh) to select the best people for different positions. For that reason, his judgment on people’s skills and abilities enabled him to maintain people in specific positions without making frequent changes. For instance, the choice of Abu Dharr was a poor and upright Bedouin that never hesitated to declare his faith openly. Once he heard of Muhammad (pbuh) declaration of priesthood, he embarked on a journey to Mecca and he converted to Islam. Abu Dharr did not have ability in public administration, the Prophet (pbuh) advised him not to apply for such jobs. The problems that the Prophet (pbuh) encountered, he looked for solutions using compassion and passion. At the onset, the Prophet (pbuh) realized that people had many faculties with inherent capacities. In the presence of inherent limitation, the Prophet (pbuh) satisfied the loyalty and acceptance of him as a leader through loyalty from his subjects and full acceptance that he could solve their problems. The Prophet (pbuh) recognized a need for a mosque and set out to build one. A mosque would permit the worshippers to gather 5 times a day to increase solidarity and unity. Abolishment of Racism After 1000 years after Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his speech concerning equality of all races; it remains a poignant issue. The issue of slave trade depicted by the Europeans serves as a good example that endures many years since its establishment. Bonded slavery is still prevalent in many countries. At the time of the birth of the Prophet, (pbuh) racism was widespread in Mecca as the Quraysh considered themselves superior to all other tribes. In his entire life, the Prophet (pbuh) argued for a cause of equality. He observed that Arab was not superior to a non-Arab and vice versa. All humanity from Adam and Eve remain equal in face of diversity of cultures. Through his words and actions, he was able to eliminate racism ideology in the society. For instance, Bilal was a Black master given that title by Umar. Zayd ibn Haritha was a black slave emancipated by the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) embossed in the hearts of the followers that superiority was not one of color, birth, or blood but one of morality and piety. Respect for Women The West criticizes Islam for its oppression and harassment to women. The women appear valueless as their daughters were buried alive. The author thinks it is wrong to use Islam as a yardstick in the treatment of women in the contemporary world. One has to look at Prophet’s (pbuh) treatment on women to understand the expected behavior towards women. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) treats women with respect while he protects their rights. He urges his followers to follow the same precedent and treat women with respect as well as protecting their rights. During his life, women experienced true love, respect, and honor in the Islamic teachings. Women received their rights previously denied as depicted by Prophet (pbuh) himself. The Prophet (pbuh) commented that the perfect believers were best in character, and observed respect and honor towards their wives. Every man receives a wife from Allah through trust and permission. Every man has a charge to treat women with kindness for they serve as committed helpers. Additionally the Prophet (pbuh) consulted with women to receive their views to illustrate love and respect by providing that platform. Building Real Friendship The author observes that Prophet Muhammad pbuh) has multipurpose role since he is a teacher, judge, spiritual leader, military leader, and leader of the society. He possesses a great sense of humor and warmness to influence his followers and boost their morale. The Prophet (pbuh) bases his humor on truth. The author provides numerous accountants on how Muhammad uses humor to excite others. For instance, when he summoned one of his followers called Anas, he cites, “come here you, man with two ears!” Anas have delight at the Prophet (pbuh) lightheartedness and for the ten years that he dedicates as a volunteer he never heard a harsh word spoken by him. Once an old woman approached Prophet (pbuh) and requested for paradise. The prophet (pbuh) cited that old women could not access paradise. That made the old woman to start weeping. As she made her way to leave the room, Prophet (pbuh) told her that old women could become young prior to enter heaven. He smiled at everyone he met. Conclusion The article focuses on the achievement of Prophet Muhammad as a charismatic leader. During his life, the author depicts that he served as a true leader to enable him earn the love and the devotion of all people. He made intense consultations before resulting to a particular decision. As a leader he accommodated different characters, he did not abuse power for personal gain, he led with humility while focusing on the greater good. Preceding Caliphs embody and emulate all ideals of leadership they witness from Muhammad to ensure continual success of his legacy. Muslims all over the world declare Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a living example as his legacy continues to influence the present generation. Works Cited Dogan, Recep. "Conflict Resolution Forms In The Life Of Prophet Muhammad." International Journal Of Religion & Spirituality In Society 4.2 (2014): 9-19. Read More