AS A HUMAN AND AS A PROPHET (PBUH) -3-

PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER



"Now hath come unto you an Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful, but if they turn away, Say: "(Allah) sufficeth me" (Al-Tauba, 9/128).


"Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message" (Al-Kahf, 18/6).


"If their spurning is hard on thy mind, yet if thou wert able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a sign,- (what good?). If it were Allah.s will, He could gather them together unto true guidance: so be not thou amongst those who are swayed by ignorance (and impatience)!" (Al-Anaam, 6/35).


"If thou art anxious for their guidance, yet Allah guideth not such as He leaves to stray, and there is none to help them" (An-Nahl, 16/37).


"Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however ardently thou dost desire it" (Al-Yusuf, 12/103).


Some of the Revelations revealing the Personality and Character of Prophet Muhammad:


"We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures" (Al-Anbiyaa, 21/107).


"And lower thy wing to the Believers who follow thee" (Ash-Shuaraa, 26/215).


"And thy garments keep free from stain!" (Al-Muddaththir, 74/4).


"Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment)" (Al-Maarij, 70/5).


"And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity)" (Al-Muzzammil, 73/10).


"Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say" (Al-Muminun, 23/96).


HIS HUMAN AND MORTAL ASPECT


It is without a doubt a fact that Prophet Muhammad, like all the other prophets was a human and a mortal. The prophets frequently stated, and proved with their acts, that they were mortals like everybody, that they would be held responsible for their acts of worship and for all orders given to them by Allah, that they had no immunity, that they had no freedom or choice to act against the orders of Allah which they conveyed to the people, rather that they abstained from such acts and sought shelter in Allah.


To those who were baffled by the fact that a human was sent as a prophet, Allah reminded the people that the previous prophets who had been sent to the people had been mortals who had fathered children, ate and drank, and walked in the markets among the people and Allah explained that they should not see this as being unusual. He could have sent them prophets who were angels, yet even if angels had been sent, people would still think in a similar way and be amazed and confused.


The revelations state as follows:


"And the apostles whom We sent before thee were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: will ye have patience? for Allah is One Who sees (all things)" (Al-Furqan, 25/20).


"We did send apostles before thee, and appointed for them wives and children: and it was never the part of an apostle to bring a sign except as Allah permitted (or commanded). For each period is a Book (revealed)" (Al-Rad, 13/38).


Some of the Revelations Expressing the Human and Mortal Qualities of the Prophets:
"Then shall we question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it" (Al-Araf , 7/6).


"Say thou: "I am but a man like you: It is revealed to me by Inspiration, that your Allah is one Allah. so stand true to Him, and ask for His Forgiveness." And woe to those who join gods with Allah,-" (Al-Fussilat, 41/6).


""I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them (all) that is good: Allah knoweth best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer" (Al-Hud, 11/31).


"Their apostles said to them: "True, we are human like yourselves, but Allah doth grant His grace to such of his servants as He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority except as Allah permits. And on Allah let all men of faith put their trust" (Abraham, 14/11).


THE SOCIAL RELATIONS AND ATTITUDES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD


Prophet Muhammad was aware of his responsibilities, he valued people, was aware of the hardship and sadness of the people around him, grieved over the destruction of those who did not believe in his prophethood, was self-reliant, respected the identities of others, was in tune with nature as well as with the cultural mosaic of the society in which he lived, was able to establish good dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims and treated them all well. His attitude to social relations involved the idea that peace was the most righteous path, that it was better to live in peace and tranquility than to be at war, and that no one should be forced to change their beliefs or convictions. Prophet Muhammad forgave all the injustices imposed on him, yet when the rights of society were concerned he did what was necessary. Anyone who carries out any research about the Prophet will quickly notice that this characteristic came to the fore in all his prayers.


It can be understood from the Holy Quran, which describes his attitudes towards those who denied his prophethood and showed animosity against him, that Prophet Muhammad endured the criticism of the people; instead of expecting them to immediately accept, rather he gave them time and acted patiently, leaving those deniers alone by themselves and putting them in God's hands, tolerating their rudeness, acting with kindness and politeness rather than being harsh or rude, was forgiving and invited such people to the path of faith and righteousness with beautiful and effective words. When he left such people he left them pleasantly.


The Prophet's attitude towards women was one of value and esteem. He ensured that women were treated with honor and dignity. The Prophet preserved in this, despite all the hardships and difficulties. His efforts on the path of Allah, his perseverance and decisiveness became a role model for the society in which he lived and his attitudes reflected that of Mary, who was worthy of being mentioned in the Holy Quran.


"O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter,- then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Al-Mumtahana, 60/12).


Some of the Verses which Explain the Social Relations and Attitudes of Prophet Muhammad:
"Strain not thine eyes. (Wistfully) at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them, nor grieve over them: but lower thy wing (in gentleness) to the believers" (Al-Hijr, 15/88).


"Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say" (Al-Muminun, 23/96).


"Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment)" (Al-Maarij, 70/5).
"I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser" (Al-Araf, 7/68).


"And (remember) her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples" (Al-Anbiyaa, 21/91).


"Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell" (An-Nisaa, 4/140).