On the anniversary of the birth of prophet Muhammad (PBUH).. Are Muslims satisfied with themselves?!
Ahmed Mostafa ✍️
In memory of the Greatest Prophet’s birth Sydna Mohamed (PBUH), let us reflect on his teachings and the current state of the Muslim community. Prophet Mohamed, peace be upon him, was a symbol of courage, a champion of the oppressed, a beacon of justice, fairness, good treatment, and respect for others. These principles were not just empty words for him, but rather, he lived by them and taught us to do the same. However, when we look at the conditions of Muslims today, can we say that we are living up to his teachings?
Cowardice, not supporting the oppressed, abandoning Gaza, and failing to uphold Islamic principles of justice, fairness, and respect for others – these are actions that run counter to the Prophet’s teachings. It’s difficult to imagine that he would be satisfied with the current state of affairs. The Prophet was always at the forefront of supporting the oppressed and upholding justice. He never shied away from taking a stand, even when it was difficult. He stood up for the rights of the vulnerable, regardless of their religion, race, or social status.
Is it possible that he would disown our actions? It’s a sobering thought. We, as Muslims, have a responsibility to uphold the values that our Prophet taught us. We must strive to embody his courage, support the oppressed, and advocate for justice, fairness, and good treatment of all people. Our actions must reflect the teachings of Islam, and we must work to create a world that is in line with the Prophet’s vision. It’s time for us to re-evaluate our actions and ask ourselves if we are truly living up to the teachings of the Greatest Prophet.
If we fail to do so, then indeed, we have failed to uphold the legacy that he left behind. We must not let the Prophet down by failing to live up to these values. Instead, let us honor his memory by living in a way that reflects his teachings, supporting the oppressed, and working tirelessly for a more just and equitable world. Only then can we say that we are truly following in the footsteps of the Greatest Prophet.
The problem of people of Gaza similar to Al-Yasser the first family in Mecca who embraced Islam
The analogy between the plight of the people of Gaza and the experiences of Al-Yasser, the first family to embrace Islam in Mecca, and the early converts to Islam, provides a poignant comparison. Just as Al-Yasser and the initial Muslims encountered immense suffering under the harsh hand of Mecca’s powerful and opposed figures, who introduced various forms of torturous resistance to the blossoming religion, the people of Gaza are facing their own atrocities today under Israeli pressures. The siege and the Israeli military operations has resulted in a grotesque genocidal campaign causing immense pain and suffering to the civilians, particularly the children.
These parallels are stark, highlighting the plight of those suffering at the hands of oppression, just as the early Muslims suffered at the hands of Mecca’s leaders. Prophet Mohamed’s response to this issue provides a particularly poignant, historical precedent for today’s global leaders. He actively took measures to alleviate the pain and torture of the early Muslims, supporting them unequivocally.
However, today, that significant action has yet to be mirrored by the Muslim and global leaders, in a compassionate response to the harrowing situation in Gaza. The human rights abuses are egregious, causing a seemingly unending stream of anguish and despair. Where are our modern-day Prophets? The historical response from Prophet Mohamed gives us a clear call-to-action to step up, support, and stand in solidarity with the individuals, communities, and broader humanity being brutally oppressed in Gaza, reminding us that now more than ever, action and humanitarian efforts are urgently required. The international community must lean on the lessons of the past to muster the support that is desperately needed to protect the innocent people of Gaza from their pressing, contemporary torment.
Renowned testimonies of Western thinkers about Prophet Mohamed PBUH
The spiritual magnetism of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) has captivated the hearts and minds of countless individuals throughout history, including many prominent Western orientalists and thinkers. These scholars and intellectuals, with a scholarly and unbiased perspective, have provided testimonies that underscore the profound impact and timeless wisdom of the Prophet’s teachings. One such witness was the French philosopher Voltaire, who held Prophet Muhammad in high esteem, praising him for his character and teachings, stating, “Parading religious exteriors that are so showy for our people, the founder of Islam taught men to be just before teaching them to pray. If he was a false prophet, he is exactly where we should place men whom we call royal sages”.
Another notable endorsement comes from the renowned Eastern scholar Sir William Montgomery Watt. In his book “Mohammad: Prophet and Statesman”, he narrates, “The theory that the reactions of Muhammad to the stresses and strains of life were the delusions of a disordered mind does not suffice to explain the development and spread of Islam. Muhammad was undoubtedly a true religious genius and a brilliant organizer. He realized himself to be the messenger of God who was to reveal the true religion, and he was completely sincere in his conviction.”
Even more recently, the acclaimed historian and philosopher, Jacques Berque, commended Muhammad’s leadership and ethics by saying, “A leader who did social, political, and literary work as a single enterprise – all in the name of his call – through which he initiated the gigantic Islamic civilization.”
The admiration of Western orientalists and thinkers for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrates the widespread respect and veneration for his teachings and life. Their testimonies highlight the timelessness and universality of the message he preached – one that continues to resonate globally and inspire millions, regardless of their socio-cultural or religious affiliations. These perspectives are enduring legacies, underscoring the Prophet’s relevance in the annals of human history and the inspiring effect his message has on guiding humanity to truth, virtue, and positive change.
Notable figures like George Bernard Shaw, acclaimed playwright, philosopher and literary critic, once remarked about the Prophet, “I have always held the old man, who, in days when men looked eastwards for the first glimmerings of the light of modern science, braved the apparent deserts of Arabia and transformed a tribe of barbarous idolaters into a nation of believers by the strength of his convictions, to be the most amazing figure in history.” His sentiments reflect admiration for Prophet Muhammad not only as a religious leader but as a transformative societal figure.
Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most prominent advocate of nonviolent civil disobedience to gain independence from British colonialism, highly esteemed Prophet Muhammad. In his book ‘Young India’, Gandhi wrote, “I have studied him—the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he was an anti-Anti Christ, may this be considered a paradox. If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding success are the three criteria of human genius, who could find a man any greater than he?”
the notable philosopher and historian, John Davenport, underlined the timeless relevance of Prophet Mohammed’s teachings in his treatise, “Mohamed and Mohammedanism,” stating that, “it is hardly possible to estimate the beneficial influence which the Prophet Muhammad had upon the development of the moral and intellectual faculties of mankind.”
Renowned scientist, Thomas Carlyle, wrote in his work “Heroes and Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History”: “The greatest man that ever lived. No vague theorist or a dreamer about right, but a doer of right, a practical organizer, a lawgiver and a conqueror of men by the force of his mind…He built a spiritual Kingdom that was also a temporal one and thereby introduced into the rough and tumble of this world that higher element of help from God that caused millions of hearts afterwards to find refuge in him and Him alone.”
In the East, the historian and philosopher Jadunath Sarkar included an exalted tribute to the Prophet: “If greatness of purpose, smallness of the means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? The implicit faith of Muhammad with the unseen spread of his faith from Quraish, the merest corner of the earth, to the farthest East and to the completest West, through the simple teachings of one book –the Book of God, the Quran – is a unique achievement in the history of mankind.”
In a similar vein, DIS Hardy, a famous eastern scholar, praised the Prophet Mohammed by stating, “Succeeding generations, the vast and benevolent system of right living and civilisation, which the great Prophet of Arabia set on foot, went on unfolding itself and growing in strength, until it covered one-third of the globe, bringing the inhabitants of those extensive regions under its laws and influence.”
The perspectives from Eastern thinkers are no less awe-filled. Shibli Nomani, the famous scholar and historian who wrote ‘Seerat Un Nabi’, stated, “The story of Muhammad is the noblest story known to man. Of all the prodigies of literature, no tale is as bewitching as that of Muhammad. The man was himself the message – his life is the proof of his doctrine.”
In all these testimonies, it is evident that despite being non-Muslims, the orientalists and thinkers are able to see through the lens of history and appreciate the monumental contributions Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) has made, not only to the religion of Islam but to world civilization as a whole. Their insights serve as a stark reminder of the importance of considering multiple perspectives and the value of understanding the richness and diversity brought about by shared human experience.
The memory of Prophet’s Mohamed Birth urging us as Muslims (2 bln) from all sects to be unified, so this week that starts from 11 – 18 Rabi’a AlAwwal is called the Islamic Unity week
The memory of the Prophet Mohamed’s birth, often referred to as Mawlid, is a revered moment in the Islamic calendar. This ceremonious observance is not just a time to cherish the life and teachings of the Prophet, but it also serves as a profound reminder of the importance of unity for the nearly two billion Muslims from all sects around the globe. The Islamic Unity Week, which begins on the 11th of Rabi’a Al-awwal and extends to the 18th, embraces this essence of togetherness and serves as a beacon of harmony despite the sectarian differences that exist within Islam.
During this week, Muslims are encouraged to focus on shared values, principles, and mutual respect that bind them together rather than their differences. It’s a time to celebrate the Prophet’s life and teachings by reflecting on his moral guidance, love for humanity, and pursuit of justice. By coming together during this Islamic Unity Week, Muslims strive to strengthen overall community relations, nurture tolerance, and promote a unified approach to addressing common challenges faced by Muslims worldwide. This annual commemoration is, therefore, not just about honoring a religious figure, but it is a powerful testament to the potential of cooperation and coexistence within the Islamic world.
The Prophet’s message can inspire not just Muslims, but everyone seeking peace, justice, and mutual understanding. Celebrating his birth during the Islamic Unity Week becomes then a clarion call to collective action and a shared commitment to make our world a more peaceful and brotherly place, reflecting the universality of the Prophet’s teachings and the unifying power of Islam. So, as we remember Prophet Mohamed’s birth, we also recommit to the ideals of unity, compassion, and peace that were pivotal to his life and teachings, echoing Allah’s message of unity: “And hold fast all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves.” (Quran 3:103)
