Glimpse of valuable lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life

More than fourteen hundred years ago, in a state of confusion and panic, a prophet-to-be descended down from a desolate cave that he chose as his meditating spot. Something miraculous had just occurred to him. Sweating profusely and feeling feverish with fright, he found solace solely in his wife’s words of gentle wisdom.

The person being spoken of in the above paragraph is none other than Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), whose stature in mankind’s history remains unparalleled even to this day. His life is a beacon of light for the pious and God-fearing. In order to fully grasp and comprehend how an orphan rose to become the greatest benefactor of mankind, we need to study and focus on some of the primary lessons that can be derived from his immaculate life.

“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” (Q33:21)

Honesty in conducting trade:
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was extremely honest and trustworthy in his day-to-day affairs. This was a rare quality in the era he lived, when merchants and vendors used to swindle and deceive the consumers for petty profits. When he left on a trade journey, his female employer at the time, Khadija (R.A) sent another employee to accompany the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to observe the way he dealt with her goods. His findings indicated that Khadija’s business was being handled by the Prophet (P.B.U.H) with utmost diligence and sincerity. Upon return, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came bearing handsome profits on account of his honest dealings. This unique characteristic of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) impressed her so much that later on she sent him a proposal of marriage which ultimately Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) accepted.

He upheld the truth at all times:
Before that miraculous night when the Holy Prophet (P.B .U.H) was appointed as the final Messenger, the whole city of Makkah called him by the worthy names of Al-Sadiq, Al-Amin (The Honest, The Trustworthy). This not only placed the people’s firm belief and trust in him but when he finally began to preach the religion of God, people adhered to his attestations.

His focused approach and dedication towards his holy mission:
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was so focused on his mission to propagate the word of God that he was ready to bear every hardship that came his way. When the affluent in Makkah came to realize that he was becoming popular among the masses, they chose to offer him incentives so that he gave up preaching the message of Islam. He was offered worldly possessions such as wealth, status of the chief of Makkah and marriage to the most beautiful woman at the time. Yet he remained steadfast towards his purpose and remarked,”Even if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I will not renounce my mission until I die or God fulfills my mission for me.”

His compassionate attitude turned enemies into friends:
The Prophet’s message was not well received by all. Those who were too engrossed in idol worship refused to listen to his voice of reason and logic, started causing him physical pain and injury. His own uncle, Abu Lahab’s wife scattered thorns in his path yet he never responded back but simply changed his course. A woman used to throw trash on him every day when he walked past her house but the noble Prophet (P.B.U.H) never rebuked her instead when one day the woman did not show up to throw trash at him, it prompted him to visit her house. Finding her ill and bed ridden, he was kind to her and inquired after her health. The woman was thoroughly ashamed of her actions and repented at once, accepting Islam. This is how the prophet used his merciful trait to conquer his enemies and convert them into his well-wishers.

His modest attitude as a ruler:
Despite being the ruler of Makkah and beloved of his companions, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) never distinguished himself from his companions. He ate what they ate, he dressed as they dressed and used to talk to them in a courteous way. His charisma was entirely based on his friendly and loving attitude that charmed everyone around him to no end.

• Culled from NASFAT Jumat
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