Our Prophet

 
This page is dedicated to our
Holy Prophet MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA (Swallallahu Alaihi Wassallam),
THE PRIDE OF CREATION.
 
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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MERCIFUL, BENEFICENT

From Muhammad SAW, the Messenger of Allah, to the Whole Mankind:
 
Greetings be unto those that follow the Path of Truth! I invite you to Islam. Profess Islam so that you can attain to Salvation. Embrace Islam so that Allah doubles your value. Nevertheless, if you abstain from this, the sin of your family shall also be burdened upon you. O you, People of the Holy Scripture! Come to the Word that is the same between you and us, whereby we only worship ALLAH THE MOST HIGH, with Whom we associate no partners; and none of us takes anyone as the lord other than ALLAH THE MOST GREAT. Thus do we communicate the Message to you…
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A BIOGRAPHY OF
AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS,
(PEACE BE UPON HIM),
ACCORDING TO THE NOBLE QUR’AN
 

We shall first give very brief information on the milestones of the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and then elaborate upon his model acts in light of the Glorious Qur’an.

When we cast a quick look at the world in the 6th century, when the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) honoured the world with his blessed birth, we see that the horizon of the world was covered with pitch dark clouds at the time. In fact, it was as if peace and serenity, order and security, which were most needed by humanity, had vanished from the earth during that age. Many parts of the globe were scenes of brutal wars.

For instance, Spain and South France, in Europe, teemed with political tumults owing to claims for the throne. In France the fights between Visigoths and Franks recorded the most grievous pages of history. On the other hand, Anglo-Saxons had invaded England and bloody fights had been fought on the island. Still, Romans had begun to lose their former fame and influence in Italy. The City of Rome had turned into a centre of religion. In the meantime, the historical rise of the Byzantine Empire, which was in turbulence because of a great number of riots, was decelerating into recession.

Further, the Continent of Asia was no less than Europe in disorderliness. In truth, India, the origin of many languages and ideologies, China and Tibet had been struggling with fights both home and abroad, which was further deteriorated by diverse religious conflicts. What is more, Persia had been in constant wars with Byzantium abroad while it had been shaken at home with the fights of the Sassanids for the throne and sultanate. On the other hand, Iraq was the centre of diverse struggles of religions and denominations.

Meanwhile, Romans and Greeks had been exploiting Egypt in Africa. In fact, dark clouds had covered the skies of the whole North Africa, which had been stricken by tempestuous storms.

The Arabian Peninsula geographically was located on the trade route between the Orient and the Occident. The western countries such as the Roman Empire and Greece did their trade with India and other eastern countries via Egypt and the Gulf of Basra. And the region through which caravans from Egypt to the Gulf of Basra travelled was Arabia. The route of caravans and the halts in the desert were best known by Arabs. Those roads were very thorny and frightening. Therefore, not everybody dared to take that route. As for the other regions of Arabian Peninsula, no one would ever risk going there. For that reason, the inner regions of Arabia remained almost closed and mysterious to the outer world.

Arabs used to worship idols at the time. In fact, paganism had then spread so widely among Arabs that most of them had idols and stones to worship in their homes apart from the idols in temples. They would circumambulate them before their departure from and arrival at their houses. Again, they asked the idol for permission prior to any journey or took it along with them. Nevertheless, although they had sunk in deep polytheism, their wish to know ALLAH THE ALMIGHTY had not yet been forsaken entirely. While some of them worshipped idols, some others made them means to get dearer to Allah. Besides, there existed a very small number of people among them that hated worshipping unintelligent, dumb and deaf idols and that devoted themselves to the True Religion that had been revealed to Prophet Abraham (p.b.u.h.), who were called Khanifs.

One of the central cities of the Arabian Peninsula was Mecca, situated 80 kilometres inland from the Red Sea, at the crossroads of the mountains and trade routes.

The Holy Kaabah, which had been erected in Mecca by Prophet Abraham and his son, Ishmael, (peace be upon them), was also regarded sacred by Arabs as a place for worship. Accordingly, all the Arabian people rushed to Mecca, where the Holy Kaabah stood, in masses from all over the Arabian Peninsula, where bazaars were set up and lively trade was done.

Abrahah, Governor of Abyssinia, who held sovereignty over Yemen, had constructed a similar temple in the City of Sana’a in Yemen, which, however, did not attract as much public interest as that by Holy Kaabah, for people did not consider it as a holy place.

Having thus failed to draw Arabs to that new temple he had built with large sums of money and to convince them to forsake the Holy Kaabah, Abrahah decided to pull down the Holy Kaabah, which they held in great esteem, to which end in 571 A.C. (After Christ) he held a campaign to Mecca with a colossal army made up of Abyssinians, at the front whereof walked a gigantic elephant.

Having approached Mecca, the troops of Abrahah first plundered all the animals around Mecca, among which were also found 100 camels of Abd Al-Muttalib, of the Quraishite Tribe of Mecca. Several debates were held between Abd Al-Muttalib, the authorities of Mecca and Abrahah, at the end of which – although he had agreed to return the pillaged goods – Abrahah did not give up his resolution to raze the Holy Kaabah.

Thereupon, when Abrahah ordered his troops to enter Mecca, something unexpected happened: Birds called Ababel were sent by Allah the Almighty. They began to hurl small stones they held in their beaks and claws at the soldiers below. Seeing his soldiers being destroyed with those stones, Abrahah was forced to retreat. Most of the soldiers died either on the spot or on their way back. Abrahah, too, died after his arrival in Yemen.

That incident is known as Waq’ah Al-Fil (the Event of the Elephant) in history, which is actually described in Surah Al-Fil (Chapter of the Elephant) in the Glorious Qur’an as follows:

“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the owners of the Elephant? Did He not bring their stratagem to naught, And send against them swarms of flying creatures, Which pelted them with stones of baked clay, And made them like green crops devoured (by cattle)? [Surah Al-Fil, (Chapter of the Elephant), Verses 1-5]

And it was about fifty days after that Incident of the Elephant that Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) honoured the universe with his felicitous birth in Mecca on 20th April (12th Rabi Al-Awwal), 571 A.C.

His father, Abdullah, could not see his most beloved son, for he had passed on to the eternal world just before his birth; so Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) was born as an orphan.

Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) came from the most eminent family of the Tribe of Quraish, who had settled in Mecca, whose genealogy traced to Prophet Abraham (p.b.u.h.).

The father of Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), Abdullah, was a son of Abd Al-Muttalib’s; and his mother, Aminah, was from the Tribe of the Dhuhrawids.

As the weather was extremely hot in Mecca, it was no good especially for young children. Therefore, it became customary that they were given to those tribes living around Mecca so that they took care of them.

After that custom, the new baby, Muhammad, (p.b.u.h.) was given to a woman called Halimah from the Tribe of Sa’d, who came to love the baby like her own child. Her daughter, Shaimah, was fond of Muhammad, too.

All the members of the family of Halimah were very much pleased with that orphan child because that ‘New World’ had brought them prosperity and felicity.

Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) stayed by his foster-mother, Halimah, until he reached the age of five, when he was delivered to his mother.

Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) and his mother Aminah dwelt at the house of his grandfather Abd Al-Muttalib at Dhuqaq Al-Hajar in Mecca.

Mother Aminah and her loyal maidservant, Umm Ayman, treated the little child with great love and kindness.

When Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) was six years old, his mother Aminah travelled to Medina in the company of her beloved child to visit their relatives there. After they had remained at the house of his maternal uncle of the Tribe of Najjarids in Medina, they left the city for Mecca. When they got to the Village of Abwah, which was located 23 miles south of Medina, Mother Aminah (may Allah be pleased with her) fell ill.

The Blessed Mother, who was aware of the fact that she was living the last moments of her blessed life, embraced her only orphan child and caressed him for a long time with deepest love and affection. That little child, who had lost his father even before he was born, would now become motherless, too.

The Blessed Mother, who had foreseen that grief, looked at the naïve, innocent face of her son and recited the following poem:

            “Every new thing will get old and everything will vanish.
I, too, will die; but I do not grieve at this;
For I have given birth to an innocent baby,
Thus am I leaving a great benefaction to the world!”

After she had uttered the lines above, Mother Aminah passed on to the Eternal World, after which Umm Ayman, her loyal maidservant and company, returned to Mecca with the child.

Thus, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), who lost his beloved Mother Aminah at the age of six, stayed by his grandfather Abd Al-Muttalib until he was eight, and when he had died, by his paternal uncle Abu Talib.

Despite of his meagre wealth, Abu Talib was an eminent personage of great affection. He did his best lest Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) should be sad for his orphanage; and he loved him like his own child.

Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) shepherded the sheep of his uncle Abu Talib for a while when he was twelve years old, during which period, while he helped his uncle on the one hand, he breathed in the air of the meadows, mountains and deserts on the other. That very life protected and enhanced his purified nature.

When he was thirteen, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) travelled to Damascus in the company of his uncle Abu Talib with a trade caravan. When, upon their arrival at the Town of Busrah, in the proximity of Damascus, a priest named Bakhirah saw the young Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), he perceived - from his words and acts - that he was the Expected Seal of the Prophets, the advent of whom had been awaited. Therefore, he counselled Abu Talib not to take the child to Damascus, for there were such people as knew of the qualities of the Anticipated Prophet, who were likely to cause harm to him. Thereupon, Abu Talib completed his trading there and returned to Mecca relinquishing his plan to travel to Damascus.

Approximately ten years after that, upon the proposal of his uncle Abu Talib, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) again joined a business trip to Syria along with a trade caravan with the capital of Khadijah the Exalted, who was very much impressed by the trustworthiness and honesty of Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) by virtue of that commercial transaction.

When Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) reached the age of twenty-five, he resolved to get married to Khadijah the Exalted, daughter of Khuwailid.

Six children were born of that Blessed Couple of high moral qualities: four daughters called Zainab, Ruqiyyah, Umm Qulthum and Fatimah Al-Dhahrah; and two sons named Qasim and Abdullah. Because Qasim was the first child of Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), the patronymic of Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) became Abu Al-Qasim (Father of Qasim).

Of his children, only his daughter Fatimah Al-Dhahrah survived her father, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), while all the other children of his had passed on to the Eternal World while he (p.b.u.h.) was in life.

When he had reached the age of forty, a marvellous state was observed in the acts of Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.). For example, he grew particularly fond of a life of seclusion. He would climb up to a cave on Mount Hirah, which is three miles up from Mecca and spend the Month of Ramadan there. When his victuals had finished, he climbed down the mountain to Mecca, stayed in his house for a short time and then returned to that cave, where he was engrossed in meditation. As a matter of fact, that period was a thorough preparation for the arduous and laborious task he was to undertake in future.

It was the Month of Ramadan in 610 A.C. and Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.), after his custom, had again taken to the cave on Mount Hirah, where, entirely distant from all kinds of corruption and immorality, he was seeking the True Creator and God of all the worlds, also in contemplation over how humankind could be saved from the whirlwind of debauchery and dissipation wherewith the whole world had been enwrapped.

One day, Jibril Al-Ameen [Gabriel the Trustworthy (the Angel of Revelations)] appeared to him in the cave on Mount Hirah and told him, “Recite!”, whereupon Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) said, “I do not know to recite!”

The Angel repeated the same order; and Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) repeated his answer, “I do not know to recite!”  

Then, Gabriel the Trustworthy whelmed him in his embrace to the limits of his endurance and once more repeated his order to recite.

Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) asked, “What shall I recite?”

Then, the Angel recited in the mildest tone of voice the following verses of the Glorious Qur’an:

“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who creates, Creates man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who teaches by the pen, Teaches man that which he knew not.” [Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter of the Blood-Clot), Verses 1-5)

The very verses above were the first revelation to Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.).

As per the following verses, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) began to invite people to the True Religion:

“And warn your tribe of near kindred, And lower your wing (in kindness) unto those believers who follow you. And if they (your kinsfolk) disobey you, say: Lo! I am innocent of what they do. [Surah Al-Shu'arah (Chapter of the Poets), Verses 214-216] And “So proclaim that which you are commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters.” [Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter of Al-Hijr), Verse 94].

The first person to believe in Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) was his loyal wife Khadijah the Exalted (may Allah be pleased with her). Then the following personages attained, respectively, to the honour of professing Islam: Zaid, who was his manumitted slave; Ali, a son of his uncle Abu Talib’s; Abu Baqr, one of the most esteemed and honourable people of Mecca; Uthman Ibn Al-Affan (Uthman, a son of Affan’s); Abd Al-Rahman Ibn Al-Awf; Talhah; Sa’d Ibn Al-Abu Waqqath; Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam.

After Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) had started his mission of disseminating the Divine Revelations of Allah the Most High, because the religious, political and economic status quo of Mecca began to quake, atrocious reactions against his activities deteriorated day by day. Of those early Muslims, especially male and female slaves, the destitute and those believers that did not have any influential relatives or friends to protect and shelter them, such as Bilal Al-Habash (Bilal of Abyssinia),

 

Ammar Ibn Al-Yassir, Suhaib Al-Rumi, Habbab Ibn Al-Arat, Abu Faqihah, Lubainah, Nahdiyyah, Zinnirah, Amm Al-Abith, etc., began to suffer first the pursuit and next the torments of the polytheists.

The atrocious tyrannies of such polytheists as Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl, Walid Ibn Al-Mughirah, Abu Sufyan, Umayyah Ibn Al-Khalaf, As Ibn Al-Wa’il, Utbah Ibn Al-Rabi’ah, Nadr Ibn Al-Kharith, Uqbah Ibn Al-Abi Mu’ait, Mut’im Ibn Al-Adiyy, etc. had got much more brutal from day to day. Then a time came when they turned so insolent that they attempted to persecute Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa, the Seal of the Prophets, (p.b.u.h.), both physically and verbally, with their ultimate vicious aim to martyr him.

Thereupon, in the fifth year of his Prophethood, it was decided that some Muslims migrate to Abyssinia to escape the oppression and tortures of the polytheists, whereby the first group made up of 15 people, 11 men and 4 women, left Mecca in secrecy and reached Abyssinia via the Red Sea, where they were received very warmly and attained to a tranquil life. Thereupon, the following year migrated the second group of 80 Muslims, led by Jafar Al-Tayyar, a son of Abu Talib’s, to Abyssinia.

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) endured all kinds of obstructions, oppressions and torments of the polytheists and continued to communicate Islam. In the meantime, he began to communicate the Religion of Islam to those people that came from the tribes and settlements around the city in order to make Hajj, i.e. Major Pilgrimage. Besides, with a view to further spreading the Message of Islam to the dwelling areas in the vicinity did he visit the Town of Ta’if in 620 A.C., where he invited the Taifians to Islam, who, nevertheless, treated a guest that had come to visit them in a very inhumane manner by assaulting the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) both physically and verbally, by gathering to hurl stones at the Exalted Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.).

After all the aforesaid grievous incidents, Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) decided to migrate from Mecca to Medina; and in 622 A.C. after a difficult voyage did he arrive at Medina accompanied by Abu Baqr the Trustworthy (may Allah be pleased with him), who were welcomed by the cheering women and children of Medina Al-Munawwarah (the Illuminated City) singing the following verses:

            “The full moon rose over us from the sides of Mount Wadah,
It is incumbent upon us to thank and praise Allah –
As long as there exist people that offer prayers to Him.
O the Messenger of Allah that has been sent to us!
You have come to us with the Decree whereupon obedience is due!”

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) completed his mission of Communicating Islam during the Period of Medina, which lasted 10 years, inscribing it into the hearts of mankind in an inerasable manner.

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) passed on to the Eternal World in Medina in 632 A.C. at the age of 63. He was buried in the Blessed Chamber where he had died.      

Ahmad Al-Mahmoud Muhammad Mustafa (p.b.u.h.) bequeathed the whole humankind a Divine Book, the Glorious Qur’an, the ever-protection whereof has been guaranteed by ALLAH THE OMNISCIENT, THE OMNIPOTENT.

With the influence of the Divine Message he had brought, not a century had elapsed after his death when the greatest and the mightiest armies and states of the world were built, whereby the most magnificent pages of civilization opened.

This information has been summarized from the pages 5-191 of the book titled ‘Hatemü’l- Enbiya Hazreti Muhammed ve Hayatı (Muhammad the Blessed, the Seal of the Prophets, and His Life)’, which was written by Ali Himmet Berki and Osman Keskioğlu, VIII. Edition, which was published by the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkish Republic.

 

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AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS,
(PEACE BE UPON HIM)
AS A HUMANBEING AND A MESSENGER

First and above all, Muhammad the Blessed (p.b.u.h.) was a human being; that is to say, he was born of a mother and a father. He lived among people and was affected by all kinds of social and geographical conditions, both positive and negative. He smiled on some occasions and shed tears on some others. He was sometimes happy and sometimes unhappy. In short, he lived his life as a human.
His humanly aspect is described in the Noble Qur’an as follows:
“Say: 'I am only a mortal the like of you; (you should know that) it is revealed to me that your God is One God. So let him, who hopes for the encounter with his Lord, work righteousness, and not associate with his Lord's service anyone.” [Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter of Cave), Verse 110].
Although he lived in a certain age and location, he was protected from the evil customs and traditions particularly of the society in utter ignorance with the divine Grace of God. Thus he grew up in spiritual purity and tranquillity without getting involved in the common evils of the age of ignorance, without worshipping the idols, without eating of the meat of the animals sacrificed in the name of idols or without having any intoxicating drinks.
The major source for the character of the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is the Noble Qur’an. In truth, when Mother Aishah was told, “Could you please give us some information about the character of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.)?”, she replied, “Do you not read the Holy Qur’an?”, adding, “the character of the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h.) is the Holy Qur’an.” In fact, the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h.) himself said in this respect, “My Lord taught me the best manners.”
Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), who was furnished with these elevated characteristics, was appointed as the Prophet to the whole humankind. The Holy Qur’an reads, “You did not hope that the Book should be cast unto you. It is only a mercy from your Lord.” [Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter of Story), Verse 86].
With the verse “Muhammad is but a Messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, will you turn back on your heels?” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verse 144], it is stated he was a human and a prophet like those that had come before him. Again, in order to avoid any misunderstanding and abuse in this respect, it has been decreed in the Holy Qur’an, “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of the Confederates), Verse 40].



While, on the one hand, it was a great honour to be chosen by Allah the Almighty as the prophet to the whole mankind, it was so burdensome a task asking for great responsibility, which fact was reminded by Allah through the following verse: “O Messenger! Make known that which has been revealed unto you from your Lord, for if you do not do it, you will not have conveyed His Message…” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter of the Repast), Verse 67]. As per this responsibility, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) did not abstain from any self-sacrifice as regards to his mission, in doing which he never deviated from the path of revelations. His manner of deeds therein has been referred to with this verse in the Holy Qur’an: “Say (O Muhammad): It is not for me to change it of my accord. I only follow that which has been revealed to me.” [Surah Al-Yunus (Chapter of Jonah), Verse 15].         
Again, concerning Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h.) life that was full of struggles the Holy Qur’an draws attention to the following points in these verses:
“Indeed they were near to seducing you from that We revealed to you, that you might forge against Us another, and then they would surely have taken you as a friend; and had We not confirmed you, surely you were near to inclining unto them a very little; then would We have let you taste the double of life and the double of death; and then you would have found none to help you against Us. Indeed they were near to startling you from the land, to expel you from it, and then they would have tarried after you only a little -- the wont of those We sent before you of Our Messengers; you will find no change to Our wont.” [Surah Al-Israh (Chapter of the Night Journey), Verses 73-78]. 
Still, the following verses have been revealed as regards with Muhammad (p.b.u.h.): “We have sent you not, except to mankind entire, good tidings to bear, and warning; but most men do not know it.” [Surah Al-Saba’ (Chapter of Sheba), Verse 28]. “(O Prophet!) We have not sent you, save as a mercy unto all beings.” [Surah Al-Anbiyah (Chapter of the Prophets), Verse 107].
Being cognizant of the conditions of his society in the best way, Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) always wished their guidance, wherein he endured all kinds of injustice and vulgarities in the performance of his mission, in which respect the following verses point to his mercy and affection: “Verily there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is your suffering; anxious is he over you, gentle to the believers, compassionate.” [Surah Al-Tawbah (Chapter of Repentance), Verse 128].

 

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IMPORTANCE OF TAKING AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS, (P.B.U.H.) AS EXAMPLE

 

Due to the facts that he received revelations and endeavoured to convey them to the whole mankind, it is certain that the Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was elevated to a rank higher than those of other humans as this position that no one can attain through their own wish or desire is such that it is not only to be respected but also taken example by others.
As a matter of fact, his high moral qualities have been openly described in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an: “And lo! You are of a tremendous nature.” [Surah Al-Qalam (Chapter of the Pen), Verse 4]. And it is by virtue of these superior moral traits of his that the Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is a model and example to the whole mankind, which fact is highlighted in the Glorious Qur’an as follows, “Verily, you have had a good example in God's Messenger for whosoever hopes for God and the Last Day, and remembers God oft.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of the Confederates), Verse 21]. On the other hand, the Exalted Prophet described himself in a saying of his, which was narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: “The Messenger of Allah said he had several names: ‘I am Muhammad, Ahmad, Muqaffi (the Prophet to whom all the other prophets are subject and the one who guides to Allah), I am Hashir (Allah shall gather His slaves under my leadership), I am the Apostle of Repentance and I am a Messenger of Mercy’”.     
Yet, because of his aforesaid traits, the Glorious Qur’an deems obedience to the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) equal to obedience to Allah the Almighty, emphasizing that love for Allah is no likely to be isolated from love for the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) through the following verses:
“Those are God's bounds. Whoso obeys God and His Messenger, He will admit him to gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever; that is the mighty triumph. But whoso disobeys God, and His Messenger, and transgresses His bounds, him He will admit to a Fire, therein dwelling forever, and for him there awaits a humbling chastisement.” [Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter of Women), Verses 13-14].
“(O Prophet) Say: 'If you love God, follow me, and God will love you, and forgive you your sins; God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate.' Say: 'Obey God, and the Messenger.' But if they turn their backs, God loves not the unbelievers.” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verses 31-32].
“Verily, you have had a good example in God's Messenger for whosoever hopes for God and the Last Day, and remembers God oft.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of the Confederates), Verse 21].
“Whatever the Messenger gives you, take; whatever he forbids you, give over.” [Surah Al-Hashr (Chapter of the Mustering), Verse 7].


“Whosoever obeys the Messenger, thereby obeys God…” [Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter of Women), Verse 80].
“Lo! Those who swear allegiance unto you (Muhammad), swear allegiance only unto Allah.” [Surah Al-Fath (Chapter of Women), Verse 10].
He it is Who has sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion. And Allah suffices as a Witness.[Surah Al-Fath (Chapter of Victory), Verse 28]
And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not.[Surah Saba’ (Chapter of Sheba), Verse 28]
On the other hand, acts of opposing and rebelling against the Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) have been qualified as wretchedness and shame:
“And let those who conspire to evade orders of he Prophet beware lest grief or painful punishment befall them.” [Surah Al-Noor (Chapter of Light), Verse 63].
“And whoso opposes the Messenger after the Guidance (of Allah) has been manifested unto him, and follows other than the believer's way, We appoint for him that unto which he

himself has turned, and expose him unto hell - a hapless journey's end!” [Surah Al-Nisah (Chapter of Women), Verse 115].
“On the day when the wrong-doer gnaws his hands, he will say: Ah, would that I had chosen a way together with the Messenger (of Allah)! Alas for me! Ah, would that I had never taken such a one for friend!” [Surah Al-Furkan (Chapter of Salvation), Verses 27-28].
“They only are the true believers who believe in Allah and His messenger …” [Surah Al-Nur (Chapter of Light), Verse 62].
“Lo! Those who malign Allah and His messenger, Allah has cursed them in the world and the Hereafter, and has prepared for them the doom of the disdained.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of the Confederates), Verses 1-3].
Again, concerning obedience to Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), Abu Hurairah reported the Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) as saying, “Whoever obeys me has actually obeyed Allah the Almighty. And whoever revolts against me has actually revolted against Allah.”
Verily, the life of the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h.) sets a good example for each stage of human life as high moral qualities, pious customs, noble moderate feelings prevailed his life, which has ever illuminated those that wish to attain guidance. Still, his teachings have always been a perfect guide to mankind. We can summarize his guidance and acts throughout life, which have ever served as a perfect example and model for mankind, as follows:

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EXEMPLARY DEEDS OF AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS, (P.B.U.H.)
IN VARIOUS FIELDS

 

As a Prophet, Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) lived under the control of revelation in every stage of his life, thus having performed a Mission of Tashri (Communication of Islam) by means of both his words and deeds, in return for which he demanded no reward, which trait had ever been the common characteristic of all the prophets, which fact is decreed in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
“I ask of you no wage for this; my wage falls only upon the Lord of all Being.” [Surah Al-Shou’arah (Chapter of Poets), Verse 109]. In this regard, all the prophets, especially Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), were voluntaries (Hasbi).
Yet, one of the most significant features of his character is his sincerity, that is, every feeling of love and hatred as well as every deed of his in life were fulfilled for the mere sake of Allah, which fact is reminded by Allah the Almighty in the following verses of the Holy Qur’an:
“(O Prophet!) We have sent down to you the Book with the truth; so worship God, making your religion His sincerely.” [Surah Al-Dhumar (Chapter of the Companies), Verse 2]. “Say: 'I have been commanded to serve God making my religion His sincerely…” [Surah Al-Dhumar (Chapter of the Companies), Verse 14].
Besides, he did not diverge from good advice (Maw’idhah Al-Hasanah) and wisdom in his Mission of the Communication of the Unity of Allah; and he was never harsh and impolite in life. In fact, the frame of this deed of his has been established with the following principles of the Holy Qur’an:
“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and dispute with them in the better way. Surely your Lord knows very well those who have gone astray from His way, and He knows very well those who are guided.” [Surah Al-Nahl (Chapter of the Bee), Verse 14].
“In truth, We have sent a Messenger to you from among yourselves to recite My signs to you, and to cleanse you and teach you the Book and wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter of the Heifer), Verse 151].
We can actually witness the exemplary acts of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), who was vested with the aforesaid moral traits in every aspect of his life, which have served as model for mankind.

 

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1. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE:

The Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) did not seek faults with people in his relations with them and banned curiosity. As a matter fact, Abu Hurairah reported Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) as saying:
Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and bondsmen of Allah.” Again, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.), who did not warn anyone by name, corrected errors, if need be, saying: “They do it like this.”
On the other hand, of the outstanding traits that prevailed Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h.) relationships with people were such moral values of his as humbleness, affection, patience, self-sacrifice, truthfulness and generosity. One day the Prophet said to a man who was trembling while speaking to him, “Calm down, for I am not a king. I am only the son of a woman who ate only dry bread.”
When he gathered people at Mina and communicated Islam to them, some Quraishites gave him hostile replies, whereupon the angel charged with mountains came to Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) and ensured him that he would do anything he demanded and even collapse the mountains on them, in reply thereto the Prophet of Mercy uttered: “By no means! (I do not ask for that). I wish that Allah would send a generation of their offspring to worship only Allah and to not associate any partners with Him.”

 

In his relationships with people, the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was always the righteous and reliable party, a characteristic due to which people called him Muhammad Al-Ameen (Muhammad the Trustworthy) even before he was designated as the Last Prophet to the whole mankind.
“And some of them (the hypocrites) hurt the Prophet, saying, 'He (the Prophet) is an ear (listening to all that is said)!' Say: 'An ear of good for you; he believes in God, and believes the believers, and he is a mercy to the believers among you.” [Surah Al-Tawbah (Chapter of Repentance), Verse 61].
By virtue of his being Reliable, even the polytheists continued to trust him despite the fact that they did not believe in him. For that very reason, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) had left Ali, of his eminent disciples, in Makkah when he migrated to Madinah so that he would return the things entrusted to him to their owners. In fact, after Abu Jahl, his biggest enemy, said, “We never put any blame on you for having uttered any lies; but we disbelieve in the things you have brought (from Allah), the following verse was revealed: “…In truth they deny not you (Muhammad) but evil-doers flout the revelations of Allah.” [Surah Al-An’am (Chapter of Cattle), Verse 61].
He accepted invitations, conversed with people, listened to what was said, visited the sick, attended funeral ceremonies and offered his condolences to those who had lost one of their relatives. He always went near people with internal and external cleanliness. It could be said that his essential approach to clothing was based upon these principles: “Cleanliness, neatness, observing aesthetics, simplicity and covering needs”. In this respect, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: "Cleanliness is half of faith and Alhamdulillah (Praises be to Allah) fills the scale; and Subhan Allah (Allah is exempt from any kind of defaults) and Alhamdulillah (Praises be to Allah) fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Salah (Prayer in Islam) is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is brightness and the Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves."

In fact, his relationships with people were founded upon love and compassion, which traits of his are defined as follows in the Holy Qur’an:
“It was by the mercy of Allah that you were lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if you had been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verse 159].
“O Muhammad! Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way.” [Surah Al-Nahl (Chapter of the Bee), Verse 125]. 
While the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) was instructed how to behave as a Communicator of the Religion in the abovementioned verses, the mercy and tolerance upon which his communication was to be based upon were detailed.
On the other hand, that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) preferred generosity and facilitation in his human relationships is conspicuous in his mission, in which regard Jabir bin Abdullah said, “The Apostle of Allah (p.b.u.h.) never refused when he was asked for something.”     
A hadith narrated by Anas reads as follows: “Once a man came to the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) to ask for a flock of sheep as many as would fill the space between two hills, which were given to him. Whereupon he returned to his tribe and said, “O my people! Accept Islam without hesitation, for, by the Name of Allah, Muhammad gives in such a way that only a man who is never afraid of poverty and has a perfect reliance on God can give.”
Still, in another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) explained the rationale for his having been assigned as a prophet as follows: “Verily, Allah did not send me to make things harder or perplexing them but as an instructor and facilitator,” which attitude he also advised his Ummah (Muslim Community in its entirety) to abide by saying, “Make things easier not harder. Give glad tidings not feelings of hatred.”
As a matter of fact, A’isha, Mother of Muslims, described that approach of Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h.) as follows: “When the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) was to make a choice of two cases, he would definitely select the easier one thereof unless it was evil (prohibited). If that case was evil, he kept even farther than anybody else from that. Yet, another thing is that the Apostle of Allah (p.b.u.h.) was never after revenge because of any hostile act that had been committed against him. Nonetheless, if any Decree of Allah was transgressed, he would certainly punish such an act in the Name of Allah.” Again, it is said in the Holy Qur’an concerning this issue as follows:         
“Allah wants things to be easy for you and does not want any hardship for you…” [Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter of the Heifer), Verse 185].
Again, the following events evidence that the Messenger of Allah preferred easiness, which is actually prevalent in his method of communication: “Procrastinate your (noon) prayer when the heat has got severe.”

 

As narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah, the Prophet of Allah once saw a crowd and that a man was cast a shadow upon during a campaign, after whom he inquired, who then was furnished with the reply that the man was fasting. Then, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said, “It is not (of) pious (prayers) to be fasting on a campaign (in such a hard manner).”
The life of the Messenger of Allah is full of many deeds that set examples for everybody, be they poor or rich, who make societies. In truth, as a poor personage, he went through hunger for days and put a stone onto his belly so that he could lessen his hunger. Still, he suffered great hardships particularly during the Makkan unbelievers’ boycott, in which process he suffered greatly in poverty and hunger.
What is more, his life is an example of the greatest asceticism and piety. As it was put by A’isha, Mother of Muslims: “Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h.) family have passed away without having satisfied their hunger with barley bread for three consecutive times on the same day ever since they immigrated to Madinah.”
His whole wealth was a hard mattress, a pillar filled with palm fibres, a pot for water and an animal’s hide. Yet, at times many a month elapsed wherein no fire was made to cook any food. In spite of all these hardships he suffered, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) never deemed poverty as an excuse to rebel nor as a reason to infringe upon the rights of others.   
Again, there were good examples in the life of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) for the rich as well. As has been narrated by Jabir Bin Abdullah, the Messenger of Allah never sad ‘No’ or ‘None’. While he was the ruler of a state as vast as the whole Arabian Peninsula, he dispersed to everybody generously, he continued to quench his hunger with barley bread and to lie on rush mat. In this regard, Abu Hurairah narrated the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) as saying as to what pleased him the most, “O that I had a heap of gold as large as Mount Uhud and I dispersed it to the needy in three days! How greatly that would please me!” Also, he introduced an extensive social security in a rhetoric manner of speech, which was again narrated by Abu Hurairah, “The debt of a debtor that dies with the burden of a loan on him belongs to me while the property he bequeaths belongs to his inheritors.”                  
On the other hand, Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) would disperse most of the gifts given to him to the poor, particularly to the destitute, and to the needy Ashab Al-Suffah who lived in masjid.
When the first Revelation came to the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.), Khadijah said, “By Allah! Allah shall never subject you to any indignity..., for you always maintain your ties with those of your kin, and you are always generous in giving; you are diligent, and you seek what others regard as unattainable; you cool the eyes of your guest, and you lend your support to those who seek justice and redress.”
As a consequence, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) taught people to consent to and to be pleased with what they had, emphasizing that nobility is not misappropriating or robbing others’ property, but giving them of what they owned.

 

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2. HIS BEING A TEACHER

 

The first order of Islam is: “Read”, for which reason education and training played a crucial role in the life and mission of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.).
The thing the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h.) wished to teach was what he was revealed by Allah the Almighty, the quintessence whereof is “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is a slave and Messenger of His.”
The Apostle of Allah (p.b.u.h.) taught people the revelations sent to him in three stages: In the first stage, he received the Divine Messages of Allah; in the second stage, he conveyed these Messages to people by making the best use of his means; in the third stage, he applied and practised these revelations he learned and taught in his own life, which as a matter of fact, served as the interpretation and explanation of the revelations brought to him as well as the model of application thereof under the historical and geographical conditions he was in.                                 
The Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) acted very meticulously in the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, and he had the Revelations recorded and memorized by his disciples one by one. In fact, he was the first teacher of Islam. The following verses evidence that he was entrusted with the training of mankind:
“We have sent a messenger to you from among yourselves to recite My signs to you, and to cleanse you and teach you the Book and Wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know. Remember Me; I shall remember you. Thank Me, and do not act ungratefully with Me!” [Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter of the Heifer), Verses 151-152].
“Allah verily has shown grace to the believers by sending unto them a Messenger of their own who recites unto them His revelations, and causes them to grow, and teaches them the Scripture and Wisdom; although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error.” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verse 164].
“It is He who has raised up from among the common people a Messenger from among them, to recite His signs to them and to purify them, and to teach them the Book and the Wisdom, though before that they were in manifest error…” [Surah Al-Jum’ah (Chapter of Congregation), Verse 2].
The principle prevalent in his mission of teaching was the establishment of rights and justice, which fact is expressed in the Holy Qur’an by stating that those who know are not like those who do not know, nor darkness like light, or seeing like blindness:
“Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not?” [Surah Al-Dhumar (Chapter of the Companies), Verse 9].
“Say: The evil and the good are not alike even though the plenty of the evil attract you. So be mindful of your duty to Allah, O men of understanding, that you may succeed.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter of the Table), Verse 100].
“Say: Are the blind man and the seer equal? Will you not then take thought?” [Surah Al-An’am (Chapter of Cattle), Verse 50].
“Say: Is the blind man equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light?” [Surah Al-Ra’d (Chapter of Lightning), Verse 16].

The basic objectives of the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, the teacher whereof is the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.), could be detailed as follows:

  1. To guide man to know his Creator and accept he is a slave of His and to behave on basis of this principle, for the highest objective of Islamic education is to know Allah. For this reason, man, in the first place, is to be cognizant of the wisdom of his creation, wherein distinguishing his place, importance and liabilities among the other creatures.
  2. To teach the conditions, requirements and possibilities of physical life.
  3. To bring up such generations as will live and promote Islam [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of Imran), Verse 10].
  4. To ensure the perception of justice [Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter of Iron), Verse 25].
  5. To improve moral feelings in man; to protect them from all kinds of bad habits [Surah Al-Furkan (Chapter of Salvation), Verse 67]; and to treat their mind and spirit.

In truth, the Noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was given all the traits that are to be found in a model educator for the aforesaid essential objectives and all the modern methods of education were applied in the best manner in his being trained.
Taking into consideration books of Sirah (Life of Muhammad) and Hadiths [Traditions of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)], we see a lot of examples that evidence that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) made the best use of Attestation, Catechism, Similitude, Discussion, Gradualness, Teaching through Parables, Teaching through Examples, Teaching by Doing and Living, Teaching through Encouragement and Prevention, and Teaching through Advice. On the other hand, his most outstanding features in the application of the heretofore mentioned methods were that he spoke sincerely, concisely and eloquently

according to the level of the listeners; that he abided by the rules of good manners; that he talked about events as if he lived them; that he used the techniques of indirect speech; that he held the listeners under control with the tone of his voice, mimic and looks; that he managed to control emotions; that he made a good choice of the place and time of his speech; that he acted moderately in face of objections; that he asked questions to those that had already been informed of the answers thereof with a view to attracting attention or teaching something to the others in the audience; that he achieved the integrity in belief and action; that he had a perfect and exemplary individual and familial life; that the urged to do researches and that he esteemed experience; etc.

 

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3. HIS BEING A REFORMIST:

 

In fact, the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is one of the most eminent and most perfect examples of reformists of all times throughout the history of mankind, for the reforms he fulfilled and the high values he introduced are not only restricted to a certain language, religion, race or geography but they are so comprehensive that they embrace the whole world.
As put by Muhammad Hamidullah, of contemporary scholars of Islam: “The history of mankind has witnessed great kings, celebrated conquerors, noteworthy reformists, distinguished ascetics, etc., the values of the majority of whom have been within their own field. The fact that all these different aspects were integrated in one single personage – as in the example of Muhammad the Messenger (p.b.u.h.) – is not only a rarity but it also ensures that the education thereof is put into practice by the very people that teach it: thus, the administration is balanced with experience.”
“Regarding his being a reformist, it suffices to state that Muhammad the Messenger (p.b.u.h.) was the Communicator of one of the current major religions of the world, which has ever been dynamic in dignity and honour, the losses whereof have been almost nothing in comparison to its daily acquisitions. We see that the life of Muhammad the Messenger (p.b.u.h.), as an ascetic and the practitioner of his doctrine, was flawless.”
The Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) taught idolaters the Unity of God and rescued people from the swamp of drunkenness, gambling, adultery and usury, thereafter building a new society based upon rights, laws, justice and equality. As a matter of fact, the ‘Farewell Sermon’, wherein he summarized these principles, was sort of a manifesto of his Message. In the said sermon he touched on his reforms in many fields from the security of life and property to women’s rights and to blood feuds.
In his communication it is observed that human rights and respect towards mankind are essential objectives. In essence, some evidences whereupon the principles in this issue are based are as follows:
“And now have we honoured the children of Adam: by land and by sea have we carried them (by diverse means of transport): food have we provided for them of good things, and with endowments beyond many of our creatures have we endowed them.” [Surah Al-Israh (Chapter of The Night Journey), Verse 70].
“Therefore We prescribed for the Children of Israel that whoso slays a soul not to retaliate for a soul slain, nor for corruption done in the land, shall be as if he had slain mankind altogether; and whoso gives life to a soul, shall be as if he had given life to mankind altogether. Our Messengers have already come to them with the clear signs; then many of them thereafter commit excesses in the earth.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter of Table), Verse 32].
“And those who hurt believing men and believing women, without that they have earned it, have laid upon themselves calumny and manifest sin.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of The Confederates), Verse 58].


“No soul laden bears the load of another; and if one heavy-burdened calls for its load (sins) to be carried, not a thing of it will be carried, though he be a near kinsman.” [Surah Al-Fatir (Chapter of Angels), Verse 18].
When once Salman said to Abu’d Dardah, who performed prayers to such an excessive extent as he almost destroyed his own self: “Verily Allah holds some rights over you; and your own self holds rights over you and your family hold rights over your. Then, you are supposed to give each their due rights,” whereupon, the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, “Salman has told the truth.”
On another occasion, the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said to Abdullah bin Amr bin As, who was keen on excessive worshipping, “Verily your wife has rights over you; your friends and visitors have rights over you; and your body has rights over you.”
Alphonse de Lamartine, of western intellectuals, said as follows about the reformist character of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.): 
Never has a man set for himself, voluntarily or involuntarily, a more sublime aim, since this aim was superhuman: to subvert superstitions which had been interposed between man and his creator, to render God unto man and man unto God; to restore the rational and sacred idea of divinity amidst the chaos of the material and disfigured gods of idolatry, then existing.
Again, Bismarck, a German Prince, said about the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.): 
“I claim this: Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) had an exceptional strength. It is highly improbable that the workbench of power would bring another such being onto the stage of existence. O Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)! I truly regret not being your contemporary! This book which you taught and disseminated is not yours, it is Divine! To assert that it is not Divine is as ridiculous as asserting the futility of all the sciences. Mankind therefore witnessed once your exceptional power, and will not witness such a power again. I bow in humble respect in your august presence."

 

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4. IMPORTANCE HE ATTRIBUTED TO HUMAN LIFE AND HEALTH:

When we have a look at the decrees (injunctions and prohibitions) of the heavenly religions that were revealed by Allah at certain times and places, we see that some of them were restricted to times, places and social conditions when they were revealed or that they were decrees peculiar to them; and that some of them were certain basic objectives and principles that had been precisely preserved in almost all the religions (Divine Books). The unchanging essential aim of the heavenly religions in the course of the History of Religions has been the fulfilment of the security of people’s lives, religion, reason, chastity and property, while the other secondary decrees thereof have performed such functions as the conservation and improvement of the mentioned targets.
In our point of view, when we closely consider every single decree of the Glorious Qur’an, the Holy Scripture of Islam, the most perfected one and the seal of the heavenly religions (induction), we witness that it also comprises the very same objectives, for the realization, preservation and betterment whereof it is inclusive of specific auxiliary legal norms.

In this respect, Islamic jurists have classified the Basic Tenets of Shari’ (Maqasid Al-Shari’) into three groups: Dharuri (Essential), Haji (Secondary) and Tahsini (Tertiary) the Essential ones whereof regarded as being the five pillars concerning the conservation of one’s religion, life, reason, chastity and property, which are all fundamental for the maintenance of one’s religious and worldly affairs; in which consideration, they sort of form the basis of the other matters called Haji and Tahsini.                
As Authentic Narrations attest to the existence and reliability of these basic objectives that are found in all the Heavenly Religions, the accurate intellect necessitates it as well. Again, when we have a look at the history of mankind, it shall be observed that they have always strived to protect these basic rights of theirs against all kinds of violations both as individuals and as the society in its entirety; that those individuals and nations that have been given these rights have been healthier, happier and more peaceful; that mankind have prospered far better by virtue of these rights. In a nutshell, the said basic objectives are the universal truths mankind has attained not only through narrations but also experiences throughout the history.
Of these basic principles, we here would like to have a brief study of man’s right and freedom of living, the conservation whereof has been taken as the fundamental target by all the Divine Religions, particularly by Islam.
The Religion of Islam states that man is the Noblest One of Creation, who has been fashioned in the best form; Islam also considers man’s existence and welfare as the holiest and most blessed values. On the other hand, it has introduced various protective and rights-granting decrees for all the periods from one’s conception to birth, from birth to death, and even to one’s Afterlife after death. When his right of living is in question, almost all his legal tasks and liabilities are suspended lest this very right be lost.
As a matter of fact, the Holy Qur’an decrees as follows concerning the protection of one’s life and health: 
“…and let not your own hands throw you into destruction; and persevere in doing good (in all kinds of acts of yours) …” [Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter of the Heifer), Verse 195].
“Say: 'Come, I will recite what your Lord has forbidden you: that you associate not anything with Him, and to be good to your parents, and not to slay your children because of poverty; We will provide you and them and that you approach not any indecency outward or inward, and that you slay not the soul God has forbidden, except by right. That then He has charged you with; haply you will understand.” [Surah Al-An’am (Chapter of Cattle), Verse 150].
In fact, both our Book, the Glorious Qur’an, and Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) struggle against the use of alcohol and drugs, for the addiction to these substances menace especially man’s mental health and then his whole life; as a matter of fact, this struggle became one of the most outstanding missions of the Last Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) Divine Cause for Islam, wherein the Noble Qur’an exercised a specific method of gradual change so that people could quit their lifelong addictions, whereby forbidding people to use intoxicating substances in a definite manner in the final stage.

 

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ACTS OF AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS, (P.B.U.H.) 
& ASPECT OF THEIR BINDING NATURE
           
One of the most significant features of the Message of Islam revealed through the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is that it is everlasting and universal, which quality has been crystallized in the Noble Qur’an and the Hadiths [Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)]. There is no doubt about the fact that a large number of prophets had been sent to various nations during those periods prior to that of the Exalted Prophet, in which respect it has been revealed in the Glorious Qur’an:
“Lo! We have sent you with the Truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and there is not a nation but a warner has passed among them.” [Surah Al-Fatir (Chapter of the Angels), Verse 24].
“Indeed, We sent forth among every nation a Messenger, saying: 'Serve you God, and eschew idols.' Then some of them God guided, and some were justly disposed to error. So journey in the land, and behold how the end of them that cried lies was.” [Surah Al-Nahl (Chapter of the Bee), Verse 36].
“Messengers of good cheer and of warning in order that mankind might have no argument against Allah after the messengers. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.” [Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter of Women), Verse 165].
The above-given verses of the Noble Qur’an as well as many others about the lives and divine struggles of several prophets manifest that they had also communicated the commands and prohibitions of Allah to people.
Nevertheless, the difference of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) from other prophets is that he is the Seal of the Prophets, whereby his Tabligh (Communication of the Message of Islam) was not restricted to a certain time, location or certain people, but universal without boundaries, which fact is overtly emphasized both in the Holy Qur’an and in the Traditions of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.):
“And unto you have We revealed the Scripture (Qur’an) with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah has revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which has come unto you. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed, He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He has given you (He has made you as you are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah you will all return...” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter of the Repast), Verse 48].
“Lo! We, even We, reveal the Reminder (Qur’an), and lo! We verily are its Guardian.” [Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter of Rock), Verse 9].
“Say: 'O mankind, I am the Messenger of God to you all, of Him to whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth. There is no god but Him. He gives life, and makes to die. Believe then in God, and in His Messenger, the Prophet of the common folk, who believes in God and His words, and follow him; haply so you will be guided.’” [Surah Al-A’raf (Chapter of the Battlements), Verse 158].

 

“We have sent you not, except to mankind entire, good tidings to bear, and warning; but most men do not know it.” [Surah Al-Saba’ (Chapter of Sheba, Verse 28].
“Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but the Messenger of God, and the Seal of the Prophets; God has knowledge of everything.” [Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter of the Confederates), Verse 40].
“It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may uplift it above every religion. God suffices as a witness.” [Surah Al-Fath (Chapter of Victory), Verse 28].
“The true religion with God is Islam. Those who were given the Book were not at variance except after the knowledge came to them, being insolent one to another. And whoso disbelieves in God's signs should know that God is swift at the reckoning.” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verse 19].  
“This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion Islam.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (Chapter of the Repast), Verse 3].   
“And whoso seeks as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.” [Surah Al-Imran (Chapter of the House of Imran), Verse 85].
The following self-description of the Exalted Prophet (p.b.u.h.) concerning the fact he was the Last Prophet is noteworthy from the point that it reflects the Unity and Integrity among the Heavenly Religions.
The Prophet said: “My position in relation to the other prophets is like this: A man built a house, completing it and adorning it well except for a place of one brick. When people entered the house and walked around it, they marvelled at its beauty and said: ‘Would that you had put a brick into that cavity.’ And I am that missing brick. I am Hatem Al-Nabiyyun (the Seal of the Prophets).”
In fact, of the verses of the Holy Qur’an that endorse that every act of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) is based on revelation, one reads as follows:
“Your comrade errs not, nor is deceived; nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, which one of mighty powers [Jibril Al-Ameen (Archangel Gabriel)] has taught him” [Surah Al-Najm (Chapter of the Star), Verses 2-5].

 

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THE LAST SERMON
IN ADDRESS TO ALL MANKIND
OF AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
A RIGHTEOUS SLAVE OF ALLAH,
WHO GUIDED MANKIND TO THE TRUTH,
(PEACE BE UPON HIM)

 

O Men!
Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again.
During his Farewell Pilgrimage, on 9 Dhu Al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Arabian Year), Friday, in the afternoon, on his camel called Qaswah, in the middle of the Valley of Arafah, our Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) addressed the whole humankind in the person of 124 thousand Muslims as follows:

In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate
"Praise be to Allah. Him we praise and Him we ask for help. Whomever Allah guides no one can send astray while whomever He sends astray no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah. Allah is the One. He has no peers; He has no partners. There are none equal to or comparable unto Him. I again testify that Muhammad is his slave and Prophet."

O Men!
Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again.

O People!
Just as these days of yours are sacred days, these months of yours are sacred months and this city of Makkah of yours is a sacred city, so the life, property, chastity and honour of every Muslim are sacred. They are protected against all kinds of aggressions.

 

O My Companions!
Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord; and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Fear to return to your earlier evil acts or to murder one another after I am gone! Let those that are present here now communicate my Will to those who are absent. Maybe they will have conveyed it to those that will comprehend and memorize it better.

O My Companions!
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Know that all kinds of interest have been banned; and they are under my feet. However, you have to pay the capital of your loans. You will neither inflict nor suffer any oppression. Usury has thus been forbidden with Allah’s Decree from now on. All types of this indecent custom inherited from the Age of Ignorance are under my feet. The first interest I have annulled is that interest-receivable of my uncle Abbas, son of Abd Al-Muttalib.

O My Companions!
Beware! The vendettas that were pursued in the Age of Ignorance have been totally abrogated. And the first such blood feud that I have abolished is that of Rabiah, (a son of Harith, an uncle of mine), grandson of Abd Al-Muttalib.

 
O Men!
I advise you to observe the rights of your wives and fear Allah in this matter. You have taken your wives as a trust of Allah and you have made their chaste and honour permissible for you having covenanted in the name of Allah. You have certain rights over your women and your women also have certain rights over you. Your right over women is that they should never let anyone infringe upon the honour and chaste of the family. If they let anyone of whom you do not approve enter your home without your leave, you may discourage them by beating them slightly. On the other hand, the rights of women over you are that you should provide all kinds of (legitimate requirements of) food and clothing of theirs according to traditions and customs.


O Believers!
I entrust you with two things. If you obey and adhere to them, you will never go astray. These two trusts are the Book of Allah, Holy Quran, and the Sunnah of His Messenger.

O Men!
Time has ever been revolving as per the state determined on the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. A year is made up of twelve months, four of which, i.e. Dhu Al-Qadah, Dhu Al-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab, are holy months.

O My Companions!
Today Satan has lost his power forever to establish his influence and sultanate here in this land of yours. Nevertheless, if you obey him in minor affairs other than those that I have forbidden you, it will please and encourage him. So keep off from these as well so that you can protect your Religion.

O Believers!
Hearken to my words attentively and comprehend them well. Your Lord is One and your father is one. All of you are from Adam, who was created from clay. No one is superior to others by family or generation. The superiority in sight of Allah is only by piety. Muslims are brethren to one another, whereby all the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. The property of Muslims shall be illegitimate to their Muslim brothers, unless it has been given by the owner thereof willingly.

O My Companions!
Do not treat your own selves unjustly, either, for your own selves have certain rights over you. Let those that are present here now communicate my Advice to those who are absent.

O Men!
Allah the Almighty has given every holder of rights their due rights in the Holy Qur’an. There is no need to will a heritage for the heir. A child belongs to the one in whose bed he was born. There is deprivation for those that have committed adultery. Whoever claims lineage to anyone other than his father is despicable, or whoever attempts to be subject to anyone other than his master is ungrateful; so may the Wrath of Allah and the Curse of Angels and all the Muslims be upon them. Allah the Most High accepts neither the repentance nor the justice or testimony of such people.

O My Companions!
Fear Allah; establish your five daily prayers; fast during the month of Ramadan; give the poor-due of your property; obey your administrators. Thus you enter the Paradise of your Lord.

O Men!
What will you say when they ask you about me?
The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said unanimously:
“We testify that you have performed the Messengership of Allah; you have duly fulfilled your task; you have conveyed us your will and advice!”
Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) raised his blessed forefinger, turned it towards the congregation and then lowered it; and he said: “O Allah, bear witness! O Allah, bear witness! O Allah, bear witness!"

 

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40 HADITHS

[TRADITIONS OF
AHMAD AL-MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA,
THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS,
(PEACE BE UPON HIM)]


(The Prophet of Allah) said: "Religion is sincerity". We said: "To whom, O the Prophet of Allah?" He said: "To Allah and His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk". [Muslim, Iman (Faith), 95]

“Islam necessitates having good moral qualities.” (Qanz Al-Ummal, 3/17, Hadith No: 5225)

"Whoever is not merciful will not be shown mercy by Allah". [Muslim, Fada’il (Virtues), 66; Tirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 16]

"Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam)." [Bukhari, Ilm (Knowledge), 12; Muslim, Jihad (Holy Struggle), 6]

Another admonition man has ever learned from prophets is the following maxim: “If you have no modesty, then do whatever you wish.”   [Bukhari, Anbiyah (Prophets), 54; Abu Al-Dawud, Adab (Good Manners), 6]

“Whoever opens way to a charitable deed is like the one that has done this good deed.” [Thirmidhi, Ilm (Knowledge), 14]

“A believer is not bitten twice from the same hole.” (A believer is not mistaken twice with the same fault). [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 83; Muslim, Dhuhd (Adherence to Devotions), 63]

“Fear God wherever you are. Do good immediately after a sinful act to erase it, and always be well-mannered in your relationship with people.” [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 55]

“Allah is pleased with your doing your jobs, deeds and tasks well and soundly.” [Taberani, Al-Mujamu Al-Awsah, 1/275; Baihaqi, Shu’ab Al-Iman (Branches of Faith) 4/334]

“Faith is composed of seventy and odd branches of which the highest is belief in ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ [There is no god but Allah] and the lowest is the removal of a hindrance from the road, and the sense of modesty is an important branch of Faith.” [Buhari, Iman (Faith), 3; Muslim, Iman (Faith), 57-58] 


"Whoever sees something evil should change it with his hands. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot do even that, then in his heart, which is the weakest degree of faith." [Muslim, Iman (Faith), 78; Abu Dawud, Salah (Prayers), 248] 

“The eyes of the two people will never witness the fire of Hell: the eyes of soldiers who keep guard at frontiers and on battlefields, and of those whose awe of God causes them to cry.” [Thirmidhi, Fadha’il Al-Jihad (Virtues of War), 12]

“There is no giving of harm to others nor retaliating harm with harm.” [Ibn Ma’jah, Ahqam (Decrees), 17; Muwattah, Aqdiyyah, 31]

"None of you will have true faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself." [Bukhari, Iman (Faith), 7; Muslim, Iman (Faith), 71]

“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever has fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever has brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever has screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him (of his faults) on the Day of Resurrection.” [Bukhari, Mazalim (Injustices), 3; Muslim, Birr (Piety), 58]

 

"None of you will enter paradise unless you have faith, and none of you truly have faith unless you love each other." [Muslim, Iman (Faith), 93; Tirmidhi, Sifat Al-Qiyamah (Attributes of Doomsday) 56]

“A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe and a believer is one in whom people place their trust in regard to their life and wealth.” [Thirmidhi, Iman (Faith), 12; Nasa’i, Iman (Faith), 8]


“Do not shun each other; do not ignore one another; do not hate one another; and do not envy one another; and be brothers with one another, O slaves of Allah. No Muslim is allowed to shun his (Muslim) brother for more than three days.” [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 57-58]

“It is incumbent upon you to be always truthful, for truthfulness guides to absolute piety and piety leads to Paradise. A man who always tells the truth and pursues the truth is written by God as a truthful one. Refrain from lying, for lying guides to sinfulness and sinfulness leads to Hellfire. A man continues to tell lies and pursues lies until he is written by God as a liar.” [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 69; Muslim, Birr (Piety), 103, 104]

“Do not quarrel with your (Muslim) brothers. Do not make them such jokes as they will not like. Do not give them promises that you will not keep.” [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 58]

“Your smiling in the face of your (Muslim) brothers is charity; enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is charity; your guiding a man that has lost his way is charity; and your removing of stones, thorns, and bones from people’s paths is charity for you.” [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 36]


"Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions; but He looks at your heart and your deeds." [Muslim, Birr (Piety), 33; Ibn Majah, Dhuhd (Observance of Devotions) 9; Ahmad bin Hanbal, 2/285, 539]

"Allah’s Pleasure lies in the pleasure of one’s parents while His Wrath too lies in the wrath of theirs.” [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 3]

“Three prayers are answered without doubt: A prayer by a person suffering injustice, and a prayer by a traveller, and a prayer by a father for his children.” [Ibn Majah, Dua (Prayer), 11]

“No father can give his children a better gift than good manners." [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 33]

“The best among you are those who give the best treatment to their wives.” [Thirmidhi, Radah, 11; Ibn Majah, Niqah (Wedding), 50]  

        
"Whoever does not show affection to the young and respect to the old is not one of us." [Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 15; Abu Dawud, Adab (Manners) 66]


“Making a motion of his index and middle fingers our Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, ‘Whoever supports an orphan from among his own or any other family will be as close to me in Heaven as these fingers are close to each other." [Bukhari, Talaq (Divorce),25; Adab (Good Manners), 24; Muslim, Dhuhd (Observance of Devotions), 42]

"Avoid the seven great destructive sins." The Muslims enquired, "O Allah's Apostle! What are they? "He said, "To join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, (according to Islamic law), to eat up Ribah (usury), to eat up an orphan's wealth, to give back to the enemy and fleeing from the battlefield at the time of fighting, and to accuse chaste women, who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.” [Bukhari, Wasayah, 23; Tıbb (Medicine), 48; Muslim, Iman (Faith), 144]

 
"Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 31, 85; Muslim, Iman (Faith), 74, 75]

“Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbours in a kind and polite manner, so much so that I thought that he would order (me) to make them (my) heirs." [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 28; Muslim, Birr (Piety), 140, 141]

"The one who helps widows and poor people is like a warrior fighting for Allah's Cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all the night." [Bukhari, Nafaqah (Alimony), 1; Muslim, Dhuhd (Observance of Devotions), 41; Thirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 4; Nasa’i, Zaqah (Poor-due), 78]

“Anybody errs. The best of those who have erred are such as repent.” [Thirmidhi, Qiyamah (Doomsday), 49; Ibn Al-Majah, Dhuhd (Observance of Devotions), 30]

“The condition of the believer is worthy of envy and admiration, because every state they are in is a cause of benefaction. Such a quality is unique to the believer: When they are delighted, they praise and this is a benefaction; when they suffer harm, they show patience and this is also a benefaction.” [Muslim, Dhuhd (Observance of Devotions), 64; Darim, Riqaq, 61]

“Those who cheat are not of us.” [Muslim, Iman (Faith), 164]

“Talebearers shall not be admitted to the Paradise (unless they have suffered their due penalty or are forgiven).” [Muslim, Iman (Faith), 168; Tirmidhi, Birr (Piety), 79]

“Give workers their wages before their tears (on their foreheads) have dried.” (Ibn Majah, Ruhun, 4)  

“What people, animals or birds eat of the fruit of those trees or crops planted or raised by a Muslim is a charity for him.” [Bukhari, Adab (Manners), 27; Muslim, Musaqah, 7, 10]

“In everybody there is a piece of flesh, if it is healthy, the whole body is healthy, and if it is sick, the whole body is sick. Beware! It is the heart!” [Bukhari, Iman (Faith), 39; Muslim, Musaqah, 107]

 
“Do not rebel against your Lord; establish five daily prayers; fast in the Month of Ramadan, give the alms of your property; obey your superiors. (Thus) you will be admitted to the Paradise of your Lord. (Thirmidhi, Jumiah, 80)

 

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