SALVATION LIES HERE
HE WAS THE ONE WHO GUIDED HUMANITY FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, PEACE BE UPON HIM
-FRIDAY FOLLOWING BY FIAZ FAZILI
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Rabi’-Ul - Awwal holds a special place in Islamic calendar when
Allah (ST) sent on earth His most beloved, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), for
whom He created everything. Rabi’ –ul-Awaal – the time to reflect, time
to renew and regain our compassion through reminiscing, admiring and
learning about him as a perfect example to follow. In the Muslim’s heart
there is a special respect and love for the Prophet (SAW). Love for
the Prophet Muhammad is a measure of one’s faith for the believers and
our iman is completed and perfected only when our love for the Prophet
exceeds our love for everything else in this world, including our own
lives. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.”(al-Ahzab).
No doubt the day of birth of Prophet (SAW) is a special occasion but in my opinion an opportune time to refresh our knowledge and talk about various aspects of His life.
“Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much.” [al-Quran 33:21]
That is the words of Allah (ST) describing the nobleness of Prophet Muhammad(SAW).
A major part of the his mission was to bring peace to the world. He propagated the message of compassion, equality and love. He wanted to have equal opportunities for all. One of the ways in which he strove towards this end was to attempt to convince people that all men and women, albeit inhabiting very different regions of the world, and different from one another in color, culture and language, no one has superiority over other. All are equal.
His message was crucial, for a proper relationship of love and respect can be established only if that is how human beings regard one another. In his historic farewell address (The Last Sermon) which was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ (in Makkah), the Prophet(SAW) addressed several issues: Freedom to all; Sanctity of life, Wealth and property; Equality of all races; Justice in front of the law and in front of Allah; Women’s rights and obligations; Exploitation and Monopoly; Rights of others.
How important is to take this message forward. Islam is a religion of love and peace. Muslims are loving, kind, compassionate, tolerant, moderate, and positive thinking individuals, who practice love and kindness towards others. A loving Muslim with a sensitive heart observes certain code of ethics and morality, a special spiritual courtesy. There are codes described by our noble Prophet (Saw) for every aspect of life. The Prophet’s love was not limited just to the believers. In a way he loved all of Allah’s creation. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“We have not sent you (O Prophet) but as rahmah (mercy) to all the worlds.” (21:107)
His was a high moral character, so that even if badly treated by others, he went on returning good for evil. People harmed him, yet he would pray for them. He would remain patient in the face of oppression and, regardless of the provocation, he would refrain from becoming incensed. The Prophet (SAW) would exhort his followers to live in peace with their fellow men, saying, “A true believer is one with whom others feel secure,” one who returns love for hatred. He used to teach the believers that anyone who would return love only when love was given belonged on a lower ethical plane. The true believer never reasons that only if people treat him well that he will treat them well in return. He is accustomed rather to doing good to those who mistreat him, and to refrain from harming those who do him injury. The Prophet (SAW) himself set the example. All his recorded words and actions reveal him as a man of great gentleness, kindness, humility, good humor and excellent common sense, with a great love for all people and even for an animal.
In the age of the electronic media, of the internet, of television images I feel we the Muslims have yet to discover how to use the media optimally to project teachings of Islam to those who are ignorant of them and highlight a perfect example of life of Prophet (SAW). The whole life (sirat) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) serves as a perfect model for all civilization, and for all generations to follow.
On ‘Milad an-Nabi and other occasions let us therefore wholeheartedly and generously express all the love and admiration for the Prophet (SAW) that can be expressed for someone other than Allah. Let us teach ourselves and our children and make them aware of the life of the Prophet (SAW) and use it as an example in our daily lives in order that we may improve our conduct morally and spiritually to become better human beings and better example for others. Aameen
Feedback: fiazmfazili@yahoo.com
“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.”(al-Ahzab).
No doubt the day of birth of Prophet (SAW) is a special occasion but in my opinion an opportune time to refresh our knowledge and talk about various aspects of His life.
“Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much.” [al-Quran 33:21]
That is the words of Allah (ST) describing the nobleness of Prophet Muhammad(SAW).
A major part of the his mission was to bring peace to the world. He propagated the message of compassion, equality and love. He wanted to have equal opportunities for all. One of the ways in which he strove towards this end was to attempt to convince people that all men and women, albeit inhabiting very different regions of the world, and different from one another in color, culture and language, no one has superiority over other. All are equal.
His message was crucial, for a proper relationship of love and respect can be established only if that is how human beings regard one another. In his historic farewell address (The Last Sermon) which was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ (in Makkah), the Prophet(SAW) addressed several issues: Freedom to all; Sanctity of life, Wealth and property; Equality of all races; Justice in front of the law and in front of Allah; Women’s rights and obligations; Exploitation and Monopoly; Rights of others.
How important is to take this message forward. Islam is a religion of love and peace. Muslims are loving, kind, compassionate, tolerant, moderate, and positive thinking individuals, who practice love and kindness towards others. A loving Muslim with a sensitive heart observes certain code of ethics and morality, a special spiritual courtesy. There are codes described by our noble Prophet (Saw) for every aspect of life. The Prophet’s love was not limited just to the believers. In a way he loved all of Allah’s creation. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“We have not sent you (O Prophet) but as rahmah (mercy) to all the worlds.” (21:107)
His was a high moral character, so that even if badly treated by others, he went on returning good for evil. People harmed him, yet he would pray for them. He would remain patient in the face of oppression and, regardless of the provocation, he would refrain from becoming incensed. The Prophet (SAW) would exhort his followers to live in peace with their fellow men, saying, “A true believer is one with whom others feel secure,” one who returns love for hatred. He used to teach the believers that anyone who would return love only when love was given belonged on a lower ethical plane. The true believer never reasons that only if people treat him well that he will treat them well in return. He is accustomed rather to doing good to those who mistreat him, and to refrain from harming those who do him injury. The Prophet (SAW) himself set the example. All his recorded words and actions reveal him as a man of great gentleness, kindness, humility, good humor and excellent common sense, with a great love for all people and even for an animal.
In the age of the electronic media, of the internet, of television images I feel we the Muslims have yet to discover how to use the media optimally to project teachings of Islam to those who are ignorant of them and highlight a perfect example of life of Prophet (SAW). The whole life (sirat) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) serves as a perfect model for all civilization, and for all generations to follow.
On ‘Milad an-Nabi and other occasions let us therefore wholeheartedly and generously express all the love and admiration for the Prophet (SAW) that can be expressed for someone other than Allah. Let us teach ourselves and our children and make them aware of the life of the Prophet (SAW) and use it as an example in our daily lives in order that we may improve our conduct morally and spiritually to become better human beings and better example for others. Aameen
Feedback: fiazmfazili@yahoo.com
