The life and legacy of the greatest reformer in history

Born on an utterly distinguished day in the lunar month of Rabi al-Awwal (which translates to “the first spring”), he suffused the whole universe with a light that continues to penetrate darkness and ignorance. The cream of creation was brought to this world to anchor the course of mankind on the principles of moral excellence. More than 1400 years ago, a chaste and handpicked woman named Aamina bint Wahab gave birth to this prodigious personality in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia. Muhammad (PBUH) and his disciples never at any time claimed that he was the Son of God, the God-incarnate, or a man with divinity. He was always, and is still today, considered only a messenger of Allah.

He was not a god, nor a superhuman, nor a seraph—no more than a messenger of Allah and His servant. In the words of Edward Gibbon, “The good sense of Muhammad despised the pomp of royalty. The apostle of God submitted to the menial offices of the family; he kindled the fire, swept the floor, milked the ewes, and mended with his own hands his shoes and garments. Disdaining the penance and merit of a hermit, he observed, without effort or vanity, the abstemious diet of an Arab.”

The lives and precepts of the magnificent figures of the world may model society, but they cannot serve as perfect role models, as their guidance and teachings are often limited to particular aspects of life. In contrast, when we study the life of Muhammad (PBUH), we find guidance and direction in every aspect of life. Ramakrishna Rao, a professing Hindu, writes in his book Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam:

“The personality of Muhammad, it is most difficult to get the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes! There is Muhammad the Prophet; there is Muhammad the Warrior; Muhammad the Businessman; Muhammad the Statesman; Muhammad the Orator; Muhammad the Reformer; Muhammad the Refuge of Orphans; Muhammad the Protector of Slaves; Muhammad the Emancipator of Women; Muhammad the Judge; Muhammad the Saint. All in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activity, he is like a hero.”

It is stated that people had such faith in him that they would say, “If you want to entrust your belongings for safekeeping, delegate them to this trustworthy, candid man, for he will never touch them. If you seek someone who never lies and never backs out, go directly to Muhammad, because whatever he states is true.” He was named Al-Ameen (“The Trustworthy”) and As-Sadiq (“The Truthful”). Mother Aisha (RA), when asked about his character, replied, “His character was the Quran”, meaning that he embodied the instructions of the Quran in such a way that whatever it commanded, he did, and whatever it forbade, he refrained from.

Michael Hart, in his The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, wrote: “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.” Above all, Allah (SWT) Himself has praised him in His Book: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” [Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4].

History tells us that before the advent of Muhammad (PBUH), the Arabs were submerged in ignorance, gambling, adultery, greed for wealth, and engaged in futile wars. Women were treated as commodities and regarded as mere property, and in some tribes, newly born girls were buried alive. His advent proved to be a favour and mercy conferred on them by Allah (SWT). He preached kindness and taught them to pray side by side and live a life of submission to Allah (SWT).

Leo Tolstoy, a famous Russian writer, admits, “Undoubtedly, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is one of the greatest reformers who rendered extensive services to the human community. He guided an entire nation to the light of truth and inclined it towards serenity and peace. Such a man, indeed, is highly respectable and estimable.”

In conclusion, Thomas Carlyle urges the world to heed, “The word of such a man (Muhammad) is a voice direct from nature’s own heart; men do and must listen to that, as to nothing else; all else is wind in comparison.”

By Masroof Manzoor

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Masroof Manzoor