Author: Shukran Ahmadi
The Manifestation of “Noble Character” (The 6th and Final Part)
The Perfect Example and Model for Everyone
The renowned biographer and great scholar, Hazrat Allama Syed Suleiman Nadwi (MABH), explains in his book “Al-Risalah Al-Muhammadiyah” how the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a model for all classes of people and as a guide and leader for various individuals in every circumstance and at all times. He states:
“The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encompasses various actions, making it the best example and the most excellent way of life for people at every stage; because it is comprehensive and includes noble morals, good habits, pure feelings and emotions, and important and firm motivations.
If you are wealthy and rich, then emulate the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when he used to travel with merchandise between Hijaz and Syria, and when he became the owner of the treasures of Bahrain.
If you are needy and poor, then his life stands as the best example for you; when he was besieged in the valley of Abu Talib, and when he migrated from his homeland to Medina without carrying any worldly possessions with him.
If you are a king and ruler, then follow the traditions and actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); when he became the ruler of the Arabian Peninsula, and the rulers and wise men of that land submitted to his obedience. If you are a subject and weak, then again, the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is your best example, when he lived in Mecca under the pagan system. If you are victorious and triumphant, then look at his life when he achieved victory over his enemies in Badr, Hunayn, and Mecca. And if you are, God forbid, defeated, then learn from him when he was among his martyred companions and injured friends on the day of Uhud.
If you are a teacher or educator, observe him as he teaches his companions in the mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him). And if you are a student or learner, imagine him respectfully sitting in the presence of “Al-Ruh Al-Amin” (Gabriel).
If you are a speaker, a wise counselor, or a compassionate mentor, listen to him as he delivers sermons to the people from the wooden pulpit of the mosque. If you wish to raise your voice for the truth and enjoin what is right but have no colleagues or helpers, then look to him in Mecca, weak and powerless, without anyone to support him; yet despite this, he calls openly to the truth.
If you have defeated your enemy and triumphed over him, where the truth prevails in your hands while falsehood is vanquished and humiliated, and you have achieved your goal, your example is Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), when he entered Mecca and conquered it.
If you want to organize your affairs and manage your possessions, observe the great Messenger when he became the owner of the lands of Banu Nadir, Khaybar, and Fadak; see how he planned and entrusted responsibility to capable and deserving individuals.
If you are an orphan, look at the precious child of Amina and Abdullah, both of whom have passed away, leaving their child young and orphaned. If you are young, observe that illustrious child when his kind wet nurse Halima Saadia cares for him. If you are strong and robust, read attentively about the life and conduct of the shepherd of Mecca and learn from it.
If you are a merchant and bearer of commercial goods, consider the manner of the leader of that caravan that set out for Busra.
If you are a judge or arbiter, look at that judge who set out for the Kaaba in the morning to place the Black Stone back in its rightful position while the leaders of Mecca were set on war and conflict. Then cast your gaze upon him again and see how he judges with justice and fairness among the people in the courtyard of the mosque of Medina, where the poor and needy, as well as the rich and affluent, are treated equally.
If you are a husband, study the pure conduct and modest life of Khadijah and Aisha’s husband. If you are a father, see how the father of Fatimah Al-Zahra (MABH) and the grandfather of Hassan and Hussein (may Allah be pleased with them both) treats them.
Regardless of who you are, your status, or the circumstances you face while navigating day and night, know that the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the best guide and model for your life. They illuminate the darkness of existence with their radiant light and dispel the obscurities of life. They organize your disarray, rectify your deviations, and straighten your crookedness.
Indeed, the pure and comprehensive character of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) serves as the standard for good morals and foundational teachings for all nations of the world and all classes of humanity at every stage and in various conditions of life.
Truly, the Muhammadan tradition is a brilliant lamp for seekers of light, a successful path for those in search of guidance, and a refuge for every seeker of growth and happiness.
References
– The Holy Quran.
– Abu Dawood, Sulayman bin al-Ash’ath al-Sijistani, Sunan Abu Dawood, Beirut, Lebanon, Al-Maktabah Al-Asriyah, Sidon.
– Al-Bukhari, Abu Abdullah, Ibn Ismail, Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih of Al-Bukhari, Dar Ibn Kathir, Damascus, 5th edition, 1414 AH.
– Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Dar Al-Bashair Al-Islamiyyah, Cairo, Egypt, 1409 AH.
– Ibn Hanbal, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad, Dar Al-Hadith, Cairo, Egypt, 1st edition, 1426 AH.
– Al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad ibn al-Husayn, Shua’ Al-Iman, Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 1421 AH.
– Al-Tirmidhi, Abu ‘Isa, Muhammad bin ‘Isa, Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Dar Al-Risalah Al-‘Alamiyyah, 1st edition, 1430 AH.
– Al-Khattabi Al-Tabrizi, Muhammad bin Abdullah, Mishkat Al-Masabih, Al-Maktab Al-Islami, Beirut, Lebanon, 1985 CE.
– Al-Tabarani, Abu Al-Qasim, Sulayman bin Ahmad, Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Dar Al-Haramain, Cairo, 1415 AH.
– Al-Qazwini, Muhammad bin Yazid bin Majah, Sunan Ibn Majah, Dar Al-Risalah Al-‘Alamiyyah, 1st edition, 1430 AH.
– Al-Qushayri, Abu Al-Husayn Muslim bin Al-Hajjaj Al-Naysaburi (133 AH). Sahih Muslim, Lebanon, Beirut, Dar Al-Jil.
– Al-Nadwi, Sayyid Sulayman Al-Husayni, Al-Risalah Al-Muhammadiyah, Dar Ibn Kathir, Beirut, Lebanon, 1423 AH.
– Al-Nasa’i, Ahmad bin Shu’ayb, Sunan Al-Nasa’i, Dar Al-Risalah Al-‘Alamiyyah, 1st edition, 1439 AH.
– Al-Ihsaibi, Al-Qadi, ‘Iyad bin Musa, Al-Shifa’ bi-Talif Huquq Al-Mustafa, Dar Al-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, 1409 AH.
