THE HOLY PROPHET: A SIGN OF ETERNAL FAITH AND EVERLASTING INTERCESSION

PURPOSE:

In the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, Muslims around the world celebrate the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) from 12th to 17th Rabi' al-Awwal as a practical manifestation of the "Week of Unity" in order to promote a beautiful manifestation of brotherhood among Muslims. It is with this purpose in mind that the author has felt it necessary to present a letter to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), in order to express his eternal faith and to seek a means of obtaining his everlasting intercession.

Is there any aspect of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that does not serve as a guiding light for humanity? He bore the pain of orphanhood at a tender age. Relentless struggle is the defining characteristic of the Prophet Muhammad's life. Though the Quraysh's oppressive behavior pushed the Prophet Muhammad to a point where he had to choose between unwavering patience and invoking curses against them, he chose patience as the right course of action. Despite the ongoing torment, his blessed footsteps never faltered. Such a torrent of continuous struggle unfolded that its equal cannot be found in world history. Every facet of the Prophet's life is instructive, an eternal model for every human being. All depths of construction and interpretation emanate from his blessed being. Therefore, in today's world, it is imperative to act upon the guidance of the Great Guide (PBUH), in the sense that we put his teachings into practice in every sphere of our lives. If there is a discrepancy between our words and actions, the subtleties of the Great Guide's (PBUH) life story will be miles away from our intellects, and we will fall far behind in reason and logic, to the point where even an ordinary nation could dream of ruling over us, or this might even become a reality.

About fourteen hundred years ago, a child was born in Mecca to the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. He was named "Muhammad". The elders chose the name "Muhammad" with the intention that he would be highly praised. As the literal meaning of "Muhammad" is "one who is highly praised". Whatever the intention behind their choice, it is clear to us today that this orphan of Abdullah is the most praiseworthy man in the universe. Millions of people recite blessings and salutations upon him every day. They pray for mercy, blessings, and virtues for him.

Perhaps it was present in some corner of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib's mind that this child, who was being named "Muhammad", would become a mercy for the world, a leader, a master, and would also be given titles such as "Aqa". He would neither be liked by the enemy nor would he continue to cry over the shortcomings of his friends. He would face the hardships of his entire struggle with such dignity that in the end the enemy would be out of breath and he himself would offer to give up war and give preference to dialogue. (This is a reference to the Treaty of Hudaybiyah.) Then, when all the conspiracies of the opponents would fail and the dominance of the Muslims would be manifested with all its power, the enemy would bow his head in despair and regret and would have no choice but to take refuge in the bosom of Islam. (This is a reference to the Conquest of Mecca.) And so it happened.

Every person who initially opposed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and obstructed the path of the propagation of Islam is today forced to bow down before the Holy Prophet. By Allah's oath! Look at the glory of my Prophet. The people who fought two battles with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and martyred his beloved uncle, Hazrat Hamza, even to the extent of chewing the martyr's liver, are today helpless. Instead of Muhammad (peace be upon him) taking any revenge on them, he stamped their freedom with the eternal document of "You are free, you are free today." This is the great aspect of the character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that perhaps each one of us has forgotten. How will we forgive our enemies? We are not ready to forgive our opponents (political, intellectual, economic, etc.). However, the above aspect of the character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invites us all to try to follow his example, even if we cannot fully emulate it. The only condition is that we should try and understand the character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and realize that if the most dangerous enemy can be forgiven, then why can't we forgive our angry relatives, loved ones and Muslim brothers?

THE MECCAN PERIOD:

The life of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca can be divided into two periods: before the declaration of his prophethood and after. The earlier period was marked by a quiet life. He lived peacefully, avoiding conflict and social gatherings. It was a life of contemplation and learning, filled with lessons for all. At a young age, he was known for his admirable character, winning over even the most respected members of the Quraysh tribe. His honesty and trustworthiness earned him the titles “Al-Sadiq” (The Truthful) and “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy). Though unlettered (Ummi), his exceptional character was undeniable. Could these qualities be found in anyone else? If so, why did no one else claim prophethood? Otherwise, it is clear that something unique about the orphan of Abdullah (The Prophet Muhammad) set him apart. Historical evidence suggests early signs of prophethood, with his character being built and his trustworthiness acknowledged before the divine call of "Read" (Iqra) officially inaugurated Islam. The challenges after the declaration were even greater, filled with opposition, resentment, and obstacles. Mecca became too difficult for him to remain, leading to his eventual migration. This is a brief overview of the Meccan period of the Prophet Muhammad's life.

THE MEDINAN PERIOD OF THE SEERAH:

Medina is the central focus of the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad. It is in this period that most of the principles and rules of Islam were established. Through his compassionate Seerah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) illuminated every aspect of life. From the importance of self-defense to the essential nature of Jihad, he provided guidance on all matters.

Jihad is a significant component of the Prophet's Medinan Seerah. It is often mistakenly understood as simply fighting against the enemies of Islam. However, this is not the case. The word "Jihad" literally means "to strive" or "to make an effort." It is clear that striving is not limited to warfare. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including:

·        The pursuit of human welfare: This involves considering human actions and deeds.

·        The advancement of society: This includes protecting the values of human society.

·        The promotion of human values and ethics: This involves focusing on values and ethics.

·        The promotion and dissemination of education: This involves giving priority to knowledge and seeking to spread it.

·        The practical struggle against poverty: This involves every individual and human being actively striving to eradicate social poverty and destitution. This effort is also considered a form of Jihad.

·        The determined struggle against ignorance: This point is a very important and fundamental aspect of human values. Ignorance is the most dangerous cancer in any society. Actively participating in its eradication is also an important element of Jihad.

·        Helping the downtrodden segments of society: This element is also one of the fundamental elements of Jihad.

The essence of the Prophet Muhammad's Seerah is that Jihad is related to the entire collective life of humanity. It cannot be confined to a single aspect. In today's world, there is a great need for reflection on this aspect of Jihad. Did the Prophet Muhammad ever call the killing of an innocent person Jihad? History shows that as long as there was no threat or danger from the opposition, the Prophet Muhammad never took the first step. The 27 battles and 56 expeditions are clear proof that these wars were fought by the Prophet Muhammad in defense, not as an aggressor.

So why is there a misconception in our society that any person can kill any person who is non-Muslim? However, one of the meanings of Jihad is also to fight against one's own. Do those who claim to follow the Seerah of Muhammad want to be aware of the fact that the Prophet Muhammad taught love more than hate, and brotherhood more than enmity in his life? Then why is this path of killing and destruction, hatred and violence, division and discord?

The Medinan period of the Prophet Muhammad's life shines as a beacon of guidance for us today. It unveils timeless principles about faith, community, and leadership. From the rituals of fasting and prayer to the enduring values of society, from navigating our personal lives to shaping just governance, the Prophet's example in Medina offers profound insights we desperately need to revisit. Indeed, re-immersing ourselves in his teachings can offer comfort and direction to a world yearning for healing. By embracing the essence of the Prophet's Medinan life, we can find renewed hope and build a world guided by compassion and justice.

THE LOGICAL JUSTIFICATION FOR CELEBRATING THE WEEK OF UNITY:

The month of Rabi al-Awwal is the month of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the one who built humanity. In this month, the greatest guide (peace be upon him) came into the world and became a source of joy for humanity. As a nation, we have been blessed by Allah to have another year (In the form of Eid Milad-un-Nabi) to fit into our lap of opportunity. Like every year, this year (2023) has also given us the opportunity to celebrate the Week of Unity (12-18 Rabi al-Awwal) in a full-fledged manner. If we are not blessed with the opportunity to celebrate, then we can at least feel the birth of the greatest man of the universe as a celebration and happiness.

Fortunately, this year the Government of Pakistan has also decided to celebrate it from 12th Rabi al-Awwal to 18th Rabi al-Awwal under the title of "Love of the Prophet (peace be upon him)". In my opinion, this is a great decision by the government. At a time when some European countries, especially France, have tried to make Muhammad (peace be upon him) person a subject of discussion (in a negative way), it was even more important for Muslims to express their sincere devotion to their Prophet (peace be upon him) and to convince the French President that the individual actions of one person have no connection with the entire religion and its leader. Islam and the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) have even ordered good treatment of the enemy, so how can they endorse the inhuman actions of their follower? They are the trustees of the best human builder and perfect educator. His every word is full of logic and wisdom. When he speaks, he is always directly or indirectly connected to the Lord of the Universe. How can such a great and noble man be made a target of criticism?

We have to think and consider that the constant harassment of the followers of a religion is a conspiracy to undermine world peace. Filthy acts are happening every now and then and as a result, there is also a reaction. Regardless of whether the reaction is right or wrong, in any case, insulting sacred personalities in the name of freedom of expression is also unacceptable and the indiscriminate killing of humans is also intolerable.

Is it necessary for the French to use the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a general source of freedom of expression? There were thousands of other topics and aspects that could have been discussed. Targeting the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) directly can be an expression of hidden enmity and eternal hostility, not freedom. Why does the person of our Prophet (peace be upon him) always come to the attention of the French? It is possible that some objectors may raise the question that the actions and deeds of some people associated with Muslims are not in favor of man and humanity. They do not even hesitate to kill humanity under the guise of Islamic teachings and ideologies.

I believe that it is possible that the individual actions of some people are against humanity. This is because their understanding and comprehension has failed to grasp the basic teachings of Islam. They could not differentiate between personal and Islamic ideologies. Therefore, their actions are not acceptable in Muslim society. Such people are present in every religion of the world. Be it Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism, every religion has some corrupt individuals whose intention is to torment humanity.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a man of peace and compassion. He taught his followers to forgive their enemies, and he himself set the example by forgiving those who had wronged him. It is therefore inconceivable that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would ever support actions that are harmful to humanity. He was a champion of human rights, and he always spoke out against injustice and oppression. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was also a man of great humility and simplicity. He lived a modest life, and he never sought power or wealth. He was content with what he had, and he was always grateful to Allah for his blessings.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a role model for his followers, and he taught them by his example. He showed them how to live a life of peace, compassion, and humility. Today, we see the fruits of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) teachings. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, and it is a source of guidance and inspiration for millions of people around the world.

THE THREE ESSENTIALS OF A MUSLIM'S LIFE:

For a Muslim today, the essence and purpose of life can be summarized in three things:

(1)  Obedience to the Prophet Muhammad

(2)  Love for the Prophet Muhammad

(3)  Faith in the Prophet Muhammad

What else can we be proud of? Whenever I feel proud, I feel a sense of ecstasy, and this pride only emerges when my connection with the great man, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is established. Non-Muslims consider the great Prophet (peace be upon him) as the only source of my identity. My chest swells even more when people say:

“Look! This person is a slave and follower of the Muhammad (peace be upon him). He may bear his poverty and be afflicted with shortcomings, but he will always be a lover of the name and message of Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

I experience true happiness when I make obedience to the Prophet (peace be upon him) an important part of my life. And this happiness is doubled when love, faith, and obedience all permeate my being. I become the uncrowned king of firm belief and complete devotion.

I wish that my being would become just as the Messenger of the Last Testament (peace be upon him) desires it to be. I do not want to be a Muslim in words and speech, but rather a warrior of action and character.

DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:

Confining the person of the Mercy of the Worlds (peace be upon him) to congratulatory messages is like trying to outshine the sun with a lamp. You (peace be upon him) are the guide and leader of every action and principle of life. It was your (peace be upon him) perfection to face the most difficult problems and then bear them with a smile.

Sometimes an attempt was made to harm you (peace be upon him), sometimes an attempt was made to snatch away the necessities of life from you (peace be upon him), the audacity to harass you (peace be upon him) while walking on the road was also done, and sometimes your (peace be upon him) person was made the target of sarcasm and humor. But look at the patience of the greatest man in the universe, neither did wrinkles appear on his forehead nor did he intend to curse anyone.

Whenever a sentence came out of your (peace be upon him) blessed tongue, it came out as a cloud of mercy for the opponent, it came out as a prayer, and it came out as a means of guidance. This is why even the most hardened enemy was eager to see your (peace be upon him) good qualities and was forced to praise you (peace be upon him).

Let us now try to find the character of this great man in our own lives and think whether we can really claim to be full followers of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). We celebrate the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) every year with great fanfare and highlight the most prominent aspects of his personality with streams of devotion and respect.

Is that it? Should we stop here? Should there be no desire in our hearts to move forward? Is the mere mention of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) blessed name and his deeds and events enough for obedience and following? Let us dedicate this question to this auspicious day (Eid Milad-un-Nabi) and ask ourselves repeatedly:

O my soul! When will the urge for the action of Muhammad (peace be upon him) also arise in my heart along with the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him)? How long will the pretext of making mere verbal obedience a collar around my neck last? Why does that passion not arise in my heart which turned Abu Dharr into Abu Dharr (radiyallahu anhu), Bilal into a muezzin, and Salman into Salman Farsi (radiyallahu anhu)?

What is the reason that shortcomings and weaknesses always become obstacles in my way? Perhaps the reason is that my tongue does not support my actions. In fact, I would even say that what I say, my soul appears to be contrary to it.

Now that today (2020) is the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal and the greatest man of the universe has come into this world, I would only say that our celebration should be in accordance with our actions. If we appear to be mere verbal devotees of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, then know for sure that we will not be counted as true followers of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) actions and words.

 Dated: February 17, 2024