Who was the Prophet Muhammad?

In a Nutshell: Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the final messenger of God and the founder of Islam. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, he received the first Quranic revelation at 40. He preached monotheism, social justice and compassion, leading a migration to Medina and establishing the first Muslim community. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context The Life of Prophet Muhammad (saw) Evidences Analysis of Prophet Muhammad (saw) Misconceptions about Prophet Muhammad (saw) Objections to the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw) FAQs about Prophet Muhammad (saw) Conclusion Introduction Prophet Muhammad (saw) stands as a towering figure in human history. He is revered by Muslims as the last and final messenger of God, entrusted with the divine revelation of the Quran and charged with guiding humanity towards worshipping one God and living a just and moral life. This article delves into the life, legacy and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw), exploring his role as a prophet, social reformer and leader. Evidences Quranic VersesSurah Al-Ahzab (33:40): Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah is Knowing of all things. (Quran 33:40) This verse explicitly declares Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the seal of the prophets, signifying the end of prophethood and the universality of his message.Surah An-Nisa (4:163): O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you dispute over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most fitting in conclusion. (Quran 4:163) This verse emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet's (saw) guidance and teachings alongside the Quran.Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143): And We thus make you a moderate community, that you may be witnesses over the people and that the Messenger may be a witness over you... (Quran 2:143) This verse highlights the completion of religion with the message of Prophet Muhammad (saw), establishing a moderate community that serves as a beacon for humanity.Surah Al-Imran (3:164): O People of the Book, why do you disbelieve in the signs of Allah while you [yourselves] are witnesses? And [you] have witnessed that Jesus was the Messenger of Allah and a word from Him which He bestowed upon Mary and a mercy from Him. And Allah is over all things competent. (Quran 3:164) This verse reminds People of the Book (Jews and Christians) about the prophethood of Jesus (as) and introduces Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the succeeding messenger. Hadiths Hadith Jibril:This famous hadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari defines Islam and Iman (faith) through the explanation provided by Prophet Muhammad (saw) to the Angel Jibril. Hadith An-Nawawi:This hadith, collected in Sahih Muslim, emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet's (saw) Sunnah, his actions and traditions, alongside the Quran. Hadith al-Mutawatir:Multiple hadith collections narrate the miraculous Night Journey (Isra' wal-Miraj) of Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Mecca to Jerusalem and beyond. Scholars' Opinions: Imam Ibn Kathir's Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (saw):This classical biography provides a detailed account of the Prophet's (saw) life and serves as a foundational text for understanding his teachings. Imam Al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din:This influential work by Imam Al-Ghazali highlights the importance of the Prophet's (saw) character and his role as a perfect example for Muslims. Shaykh Muhammad ash-Shanqiti's Adab al-Murid:This treatise emphasizes the proper etiquette for students seeking knowledge, including following the guidance of the Prophet (saw) and the scholarly tradition. Prophet Muhammad (saw) Prophet Muhammad's (saw) life and legacy hold immense significance for Muslims worldwide. Here, we delve deeper into his multifaceted role as a messenger, reformer and leader: 1. Messenger and Deliverer of the Quran:The Quran as Divine Revelation:Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) through the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. Prophet Muhammad (saw) himself did not write the Quran, but served as the conduit for transmitting the divine message to humanity. Say, [O Muhammad], Indeed, I am only a human being like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate with his worship any other. (Quran 18:110) This verse emphasizes Prophet Muhammad's (saw) humanity and the core message of monotheism delivered through him.Confirmation of Previous Messages:The Quran acknowledges and affirms the truth of previous prophets and messengers like Abraham (as), Moses (as) and Jesus (as). Prophet Muhammad (saw) is seen as the final messenger, reiterating the core message of God's oneness and accountability in the afterlife. Say, 'We believe in Allah and that which was revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him we submit (in Islam).' (Quran 2:136) This verse highlights the continuity of Prophet Muhammad's (saw) message with previous Abrahamic faiths. 2. The Significance of the Sunnah and Hadith:Explaining and Exemplifying the Quran:The Prophet's (saw) actions, sayings and tacit approvals (Sunnah) provide practical guidance on how to live according to the Quranic teachings. Hadiths, narrations recording the Prophet's (saw) Sunnah, are meticulously collected and categorized, forming a vital source of Islamic scholarship. Indeed, Allah has conferred a great favor upon the believers when He sent among them a messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom while before that they were in manifest error. (Quran 2:151) This verse emphasizes Prophet Muhammad's (saw) role as a teacher and purifier, with the Sunnah providing practical applications of the Quran.A Source of Legal and Ethical Guidance:Islamic jurists meticulously analyze the Sunnah to derive rulings on various aspects of life. Prophet Muhammad's (saw) character and conduct serve as a moral compass for Muslims, guiding their behaviorand interactions. 3. Prophet Muhammad (saw) as a Social Reformer and Leader:Challenging the Status Quo:Pre-Islamic Arabia was steeped in social inequalities, tribal conflicts and idol worship. Prophet Muhammad (saw) challenged these norms, advocating for social justice, gender equality and the rights of the poor and marginalized. O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from them many men and women. And fear Allah through whom you ask one another and [through] the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever watching over you. (Quran 4:1) This verse exemplifies the Quran's emphasis on social equality and respect for all humanity.Establishing the Ummah:The Prophet (saw) united warring tribes under the banner of Islam, creating a new social order based on faith and shared values. This Muslim community, the Ummah, transcended tribal affiliations and established a foundation for an Islamic society. 4. Addressing Historical Criticisms and Misconceptions: Throughout history, various criticisms and misinterpretations have arisen regarding Prophet Muhammad (saw). These will be addressed in a dedicated section later. 5. The Universality of the Prophet's Message: Prophet Muhammad's (saw) message transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. The core tenets of Islam - monotheism, submission to God's will and good conduct - hold relevance for all times and places. The Quran emphasizes this universality:And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. (Quran 21:107) This verse highlights Prophet Muhammad's (saw) message as a mercy for all humanity. By understanding these various aspects of Prophet Muhammad's (saw) life and legacy, Muslims gain a deeper appreciation for his immense contribution to Islam and humanity as a whole. Misconceptions about Prophet Muhammad (saw) Unfortunately, many misunderstandings about Prophet Muhammad (saw) persist. Let's address some prominent ones: Prophet Muhammad (saw) Was a ConquerorWhile the Prophet (saw) did engage in defensive battles, his primary mission was to spread the message of Islam, not to expand territories. He emphasized the importance of peace treaties and agreements with non-Muslim communities. Prophet Muhammad (saw) Abolished Other ReligionsProphet Muhammad (saw) upheld freedom of religion, as evidenced by the historical Pact of Medina, where he guaranteed protection for Jews and other non-Muslim groups within the Muslim state. Prophet Muhammad (saw) Was IlliterateThe Quran itself refers to the Prophet (saw) as unlettered (ummi). This does not signify illiteracy but rather indicates that he did not receive formal education or prior religious instruction, further emphasizing the miraculous nature of the Quranic revelation. Veneration of Prophet Muhammad (saw) is Shirk (Idolatry)Muslims honor and revere Prophet Muhammad (saw), but they do not worship him. Islam holds a strict understanding of monotheism and prohibits any form of worship directed towards anyone except God (Allah swt). Love and respect for the Prophet (saw) are expressions of devotion to the Creator and His message. The Life of Prophet Muhammad (saw) is Irrelevant TodayThe Prophet's (saw) life and teachings offer timeless guidance on ethics, morality, personal conduct and social justice. His example continues to inspire Muslims to strive for a better world. Objections to the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw) Let's consider and address some common objections to the prophethood of Muhammad (saw): The Quran is not a Divine RevelationSkeptics dismiss the Quran's divine origin, arguing it was authored by Prophet Muhammad (saw) himself. However, the Quran's literary excellence, intricate structure and profound message defy the notion of purely human authorship. Scientific Errors in the QuranSome critics claim the Quran contains scientifically inaccurate statements. However, a deeper analysis reveals compatibility between Quranic descriptions and scientific discoveries, often pointing to phenomena only understood in modern times. The Morality of Some Quranic VersesCertain Quranic verses dealing with warfare, societal laws, or punishments are taken out of context and considered objectionable. Understanding the specific historical circumstances surrounding these revelations and holistic principles of Islamic ethics is crucial. Violence in the Seerah Critics point to certain events in the Prophet's (saw) life involving warfare as evidence of violent tendencies. These events should be understood within the context of the defensive struggles faced by the early Muslim community. Prophet Muhammad (saw) strongly emphasized mercy, forgiveness and upholding peace treaties. The Idea of a Final ProphetSome challenge the concept of a final prophet, arguing that God's revelation should continue without interruption. However, the idea of Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the seal of the prophets signifies the completion and perfection of the divine message through Islam. FAQs: Who Was Prophet Muhammad (saw)? What Does (saw) mean?The abbreviation saw stands for Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, meaning May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. This phrase is uttered or written whenever the Prophet's (saw) name is mentioned. How Can We Follow the Sunnah Today?Studying authentic hadith collections and biographies of the Prophet (saw) allows us to understand his Sunnah. Seeking guidance from qualified scholars helps us apply his teachings to modern situations. The Importance of Studying the SeerahStudying the Seerah (the Prophet's biography) provides a comprehensive view of his life, struggles and triumphs. It inspires Muslims to emulate his exemplary character and leadership. Can We Depict Prophet Muhammad (saw)? Most Islamic scholars hold that it is impermissible to create visual depictions of Prophet Muhammad (saw), out of respect and to avoid any risk of veneration leading towards idol worship. How Do We Show Respect for Prophet Muhammad (saw)?Muslims show respect by sending salutations upon him, following his Sunnah, defending his honor and embodying his teachings of mercy, compassion and justice. Conclusion Prophet Muhammad (saw) wasn't simply a historical figure but a beacon of guidance for Muslims worldwide. His life serves as a testament to the power of faith, the pursuit of justice and the importance of compassion. Through his teachings and example, Muslims find inspiration to live lives infused with purpose, morality and devotion to God.