The
Best of Creation -- "The Walking Qur`an"
by
AbuBakr Karolia
South Africa, October 27, 2003
“A
WALKING QUR`AN”, EMBODYING THE LAWS OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH
(S).
The
life of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon
Him) has been said by his wife, Aisha (May Allah (S) be
pleased with her) to be like "a walking Qur`an",
embodying the Laws of Almighty Allah (subhaana wa taalah).
This
characterization and behaviour of the Prophet (S) embodies
the practical message of Islam. The Nobel Qur`an is a
guide, covenant, criterion, a balance and a healing
(shifa) for humanity and the “Walking Qur`an”
represents a noble character, which is a symbol of the
Book of Allah. The Prophet (S) represents Islam and is the
essence of this message and the value, wisdom, practice
and object of the Rasul (S) was totally for the pleasure
of Allah (S).
Allah
(S) clarifies in the Noble Qur`an in Surah 2 Al Baqarah
the Cow Verse 2 -5 that:
“This
is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to
those who are conscious of Allah (S) (Taqwa).
“Who
believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend
out of what We have provided for them;”
“And
who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before
your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the
Hereafter”.
“They
are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these
who will succeed”.
A
MUTTAQEE CHARACTER
The
above verses of the Noble Qur`an tell us that it is a
guidance for those that yearn to establish Taqwa (Allah
consciousness or cautious awareness of Allah), who believe
in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, spend charity, and
believe in all the revelations from Allah and in the
Hereafter. Taqwa (Allah consciousness or cautious
awareness of Allah) is related to the beginning and the
end of wisdom and the establishment of piety,
righteousness and the transformation of the self, towards
a perfected self.
These
verses direct humankind towards a conduct that expands and
develops true leadership, prosperity and happiness. This
is the perfect character inspired from the guidance of the
Glorious Qur`an and in total submission to Allah (S) and
develops a disposition, described by Aisha (R) as the
“Walking Qur`an”.
Let
us consider the Prophet’s (S) noble character who
submitted to his Lord, the Creator of the Heavens and the
Earth and the reasons why he was the seal of the Prophets (Khataman
Nabi) and
who will take up his station as the intercessor for
humankind in the Hereafter.
On
that faithful day in the Hereafter, humankind will
necessitate a person who will appeal to the Almighty Allah
(S) for their case in His court. The Prophet (S) will
represent the original Islam as his character that
personified a “universal man” who acknowledged,
recognized, submitted and pleased Almighty Allah, the Lord
of the Cosmos.
The
Prophet (S), as the intercessor in the courts of the
Hereafter will be
honoured
and the divine tribute and respect will be upon him and he
will be recognized as the finest creation that fulfilled
the covenant, testimony and the original promise that was
made by the soul (Ruh) to Almighty Allah (S).
A
MERCY (RAHMA) FROM ALLAH
The
Prophet (S) was described as the perfect man
(Insan-al-Kamil). The Prophet (S) is the ideal model
of Muslim virtue and piety for the believer. He is also
the archetype and representative of the institution of
Prophethood. His message was not for a single nation or
community but was for humankind.
In
Surah 21 Al Anbiyah, (The Prophets), Verse 107 we read:
“And
We have not sent you but as a Mercy to the worlds”.
The
above verse portrays the universal nature of the
Prophet’s (S) mission and attributes to him a character
of compassion, understanding and kindness. His temperament
and disposition had to be a universal quality for it to be
honoured by
humankind. His was the character that was
appreciated and accepted by Muslims as the final and Last
Messenger of Allah (S).
The
Prophet (S) was recognized in Makkah as the trustworthy
(Al Amin) which gave him the credibility to carry the
legacy of Prophethood. The Arabic word “Zuhud”
describes the character of all the Prophets. A person who
is a “Zuhud” is one who lives a simple, humble and an
enlightened life, worshipping the Creator. He values his
Iman (belief) and his life is based on a Tauheedi
(the unity of the Creator) system, establishing a
consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) and assisting humankind.
Surah
68 Al Qalam Verse 4 confirms the Prophets (S) character as
beautiful and inspiring:
“And
Most Certainly, thou
(O Muhammad)
are
of most sublime
and
exalted character”.
THE
PROPHETS (S) INTELLECTUAL ENDEAVOUR
Qadi
Ayad (1118 C.E. /496 AH- 1166 C.E. /544 AH) an Imam in
Tafsir and Hadith, a faqih in usul (a Jurist), a scholar
in the Arabic language was from Ceuta under Spain, then an
enclave of Morocco. In his magnum opus Ash Shifa,
describes a biographical account of the life of Prophet
Muhammad’s (S) character by his acuteness, eloquence,
his nobility, his intellect, forbearance, decency,
excellent conduct, his compassion and his justice amongst
other qualities. We read about the immense value placed on
him by His Lord and his nobility in this world and the
Hereafter.
Qadi
Ayad says when the Prophet (S) died he knew everything
about the Shariah (Divine Laws) and its sciences without
any room for doubt about its authenticity. His knowledge
of the hidden realms of the heaven, earth and Allah’s
(S) creation and his elaboration of Allah’s (S) Names
and Attributes, the preconditions of the Last Day, the
matters of the next world, the states of the happy or the
wretched and other things had an absolute certainty
regarding them.
A
WITNESSER AND A WARNER
Allah
(S) acknowledges the responsibility of the Prophet (S) and
describes this tribute beautifully in the Noble Qur’an
as follows:
Surah
33 Al Ahzab, (the Clans) Verse 45/46:
”O
Prophet! Truly We have sent you as a Witness and a Bearer
of Good News as well as a Warner, -“
“And
as one who invites to Allah’s (grace) by His leave, and
as a lamp spreading light”.
These
verses endowed the Prophet (S) with all the ranks of
nobility and every praiseworthy quality. He is a witness
to his community by the fact that he has conveyed the
message to them. He is a bringer of good news as a lamp
that spreads light to those that accept his
judgement,
love him, obey him and is a Warner to those that rebel
against the Creator.
THE
PROPHET (S) WAS THE ACTUALIZED QUR`AN
When
one studies, the Glorious Qur`an one immediately realizes
that one cannot separate the Character of the Qur’an
from the Character of the Rasul (S). The Noble Qur`an
teaches a person how to organize, discover, and transform
him/herself.
Humankind
has been chosen to bear responsibility and to realize
their real position in the world within the cosmology of
creation.
The range of a person’s freedom is within the guiding
principles of the Qur`an al Kareem and the example of the
Prophet who was called the “Walking Qur`an”. He was
the epitome of the Glorious Qur`an and a potential man who
had all the good qualities actualized by himself as the
“walking Qur`an”.
Allah
(S) in Surah 51 Al Dahriyat Verse 56 tells us that:
“And
I (Allah) created not the jinn’s and humans except they
should worship Me (Alone”.
We
learn from the above verse that Allah (S) created all
creation to worship Him. Therefore, the purpose of human
existence is to worship Allah (S). The one who perfected
the worship of Allah was the Messenger of Allah. He was
created to know Allah better then anyone. He was not
created to be the master of Allah’s (S) creation but to
be a servant and messenger of Allah (S). Therefore, it is
the Prophet (S), as a bondsman to Allah (S) (ubudiyah),
who carried the final message of the Creator, was judged
as the best of creation.
A
BELOVED FRIEND OF ALLAH
A
renowned teacher Shaykh Hamza Hanson Malik of the Zaytuna
Institute, in California tells us that the name of the
Prophet (S) is a passive tone and a noun that means the
most oft praised. This is the station of the Prophet (S)
that Allah (S) praises him, and he is praised in every
tongue in the world.
The
messenger of Allah was given the title “Habibullah” or
the beloved of Allah (S). This is a very superior station
as it reflects the Muhabbah (love and friendship) of Allah
(S) on the Prophet (S).
The
Qur`an al Kareem attributes to the Prophet (S) honour
and is a testimony of his character, which is appreciated
by Muslims worldwide. Surah’s in the Great Qur`an as Yâ-Sîn
(Surah 36), Al-Muzzammil
(the enshrouded one, Surah 73) and Al Muddaththir
(the cloaked one, Surah 74) are named after him,
demonstrating his position and station that was documented
in posterity for mankind to witness and to uphold him as
the last messenger from Allah (S).
Surah
Yâ-Sîn
in particular is known as the “heart of the Noble
Qur`an” and there are many words of wisdom and a healing
within it. The Wise Qur`an calls the Rasul, “Yâ-Sîn”
and confirms him as a Messenger on a straight path seeking
and submitting to the Mighty and Merciful Lord and
Creator.
Surah
36 Yâ-Sîn,
Verse 1-5 authenticates and confirms the Prophets (S)
station:
“Yâ-Sîn”
“By the Qur`an, full of Wisdom,-“
“
Thou art indeed one of the Prophet’s’
“
On a Straight Way”.
“It
is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in Might,
Most Merciful”.
The
Prophet (S) was called by other names as Ahmed, Al Hassir
(the gatherer). Al Aaaqib (one who comes last), Al
Mutawakkil (One who puts his trust in Allah (S)) etc, but
the most venerable name is Muhammad (S) that carries such
affection, reverence and nobility by Allah (S) in the
Glorious Qur’an and it is incomparable to any name or
human being ever created.
Surah
47 in the Noble Qur`an is named after the Noble Prophet
(S) and called Muhammad (may the Almighty sent peace and
salutations upon him). This Surah acknowledges a direct
recognition by Allah (S) Who appreciates His Prophet (S)
and confirms his status and state of certainty.
In
Surah 33 Al Ahzab (The Clans) Verse 56 Allah (S) declares:
“Allah
and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who
believe! Send your blessings on him too, and salute him
with all respect”.
The
above verse illustrates a personification and an example
of love and friendship (muhabbah). It is Allah’s (S)
Sunnah to sent salutations to the Prophet (S) and commands
believers to do the same with respect. Therefore, it is
essential knowledge to love the Prophet (S), to emulate
him and to replicate his love of Allah (S) and Allah (S)
love of the Prophet (S).
Love
of the Prophet (S) is what differentiates the believers in
the perfection of their Iman (belief).
Love
for the Prophet (S) means to acknowledge, cherish and
elevate all the potential goodness and greatness that
Allah (S) has created within man.
Allah
(S) beautified the outward character of the Rasul (S) and
gave him the quality of respect to balance it. The Prophet
(S) disposition was gentle and soft and was a mercy
(Rahma) from Allah upon him. He was an essence of
sweetness and the people who spent time with him adored
and fell in love with him. He smile was a charity (sadqah)
and was most welcomed by those that met him.
THE
PRACTICAL MAN
In
the
Encyclopaedia
of the Seerah a scholar Afzalur Rahman states that the
Prophet (S) of Islam led a comprehensive and a perfect
life. He was a married man, had children and in this
sphere of life he left unique principles of human
relations between husbands and wives and between parents
and children. He further states that the Prophet (S) was a
trader and in business transactions and the economic field
he gave
unparalled
ideas for the establishment of a balanced and exemplary
economic system for the benefit of humankind.
The
Prophet (S) as an ideal man and in the light of his speech
(Hadith) and action (Sunnah) provided a perfect example
for humankind in every area of human
endeavour.
His teachings have been documented in detail and serves as
a moral quality which has been adopted as a way of life
which must be put into practice as a salvation for
humankind. The next few paragraphs tell us about his
practical wisdom and action that are appreciated by all
who study and emulate the Prophet’s (S) life and
example.
When
we study the Seerah of the Prophet (S) and in particular when
the Prophet (S) signed a treaty or truce and made a
pledge, despite the fact that it was difficult on Muslims,
such as the Truce of Hudaibiya (628 C.E./6AH), he
honoured
every word of it. The extraordinary patience and insight
he showed in negotiating the truce with the envoys from
Makkah, notwithstanding their procrastination and being
pedantic, showed how very dear peace was to his heart.
The
Truce showed the Prophets (S) foresight and diplomatic
insight as it seemed to have been a defeatist and a
demoralising
exercise. It was due to this Truce that the Prophet
(S) captured the hearts of the Meccan people during the
relative period of peace that enable communications and
discussions to take place with those who appreciated the
Islamic message and became Muslims.
HIS
ATTITUDE TOWARDS WOMEN
The
Rasul (S) was very kind towards women and they were
treated very badly in those days. As a young man, the
Prophet (S) was greatly distressed when he heard about the
burial of newly born daughters. He objected and pleaded to
the clans and chieftains of the Arabs to outlaw this evil
practice. When a person entered Islam, he made it an
exposition of an assurance for his followers to never
practice any form of infanticide. The Prophet (S) said
that, “If a man has daughters and he takes good care of
their upbringing, the fire of hell will not touch him”.
He
did not distinguish between men and women and treated them
both alike in all matters of life. He paid as much
attention to the education of women as to that of men and
even developed a close relationship with many women. He
gave them dignity, equal to men in the community. In his
sight, women and men were equal members of the society,
each contributing to
its growth, prosperity and development in their own sphere
and in their own way, being neither superior nor inferior
to the other. The
Prophet (S) established a standard for women’s rights
that was unequaled anywhere.
LOVE
OF CHILDREN
In
the Madina Mosque, the Prophet enjoyed meeting children -
boys and girls - in groups. He told them about the Lord of
the Universe and His angels, how Allah (S) responds to
one's prayers and His command that the children should
respect and obey their parents. His followers some times
brought him fruits from their orchards and the Prophet (S)
shared them with the children in the Mosque. He loved his
grandsons, Hassan (R) and Hussein (R), and his
granddaughter, Imamah (R). He taught them Qur’anic
verses and was pleased with their recitation. If he heard
a child weeping, he made it a point to find out from its
parents the reason for this and gave it affection and
sympathy. He always loved children and treated them with
immense gentleness and kindness.
TOWARDS
ALLAH’S (S) CREATION
The
Prophet (S) was also against cruelty to animals and birds.
"They are Allah’s (S) creation", he told his
followers. He saw a camel, weak, bent and hungry. He urged
its owner to take proper care of it. He praised the man
who drew water from a well and gave it to a thirsty dog.
During a journey, the Prophet saw one of his Companions
pick up a little bird from its nest in a tree. When its
mother started moaning and crying, he ordered the bird's
return to its nest.
The Prophets (S) concern
for animals goes beyond the prevention of physical
cruelty, but enjoins on the human species to take over the
responsibility of all creatures to be their active
protectors.
A
noble example of chivalry was displayed when the Prophet
(S) entered Makkah after the conquest of the city. In his
hour of triumph, he did not claim credit for the victory
and attributed it to Allah (S) completely. During
the 23 years of his Prophethood, he experienced
inexplicable
behaviour
and violence from the leaders of the city towards him and
his followers. The Prophet (S) showed tremendous
leadership, wisdom and courage by granting a general
amnesty and forgave all the outrages against him and
Islam. This action stands out in the annals of history and
it is a wonderful example of respect for people and
property during adverse conditions and war. His orders to
his commanders and companions (R) to respect the sanctity
of the city and its people thus laid a foundation for the
establishment peace and the rise of Islam.
THE
LIVING QUR`AN
One
of the finest lessons for present day Muslims is to
emulate the idea of the “walking Qur`an” by not only
reading, reciting or studying the Qur`an but to live it,
which is what will provide solutions for our problems and
heighten our relationship with our Creator. The Noble
Qur`an is a pristine book that has withered the storms and
tribulations of history and remains a shining light of
guidance for humankind.
The
Prophet (S) was a man, but no ordinary man, he was a gift
from Allah (S) and we must accept this wonderment with
thankfulness (Sukr). He was a perfect, righteous character
because his Iman (belief) was sound and rooted in Taqwa
(Allah consciousness or transcendental awareness of
Allah). The Prophet (S) represented Allah (S) and spoke on
behalf of Him.
Allah
(S) revealed the Noble Qur`an to the Prophet of Islam (S)
over a period of 23 years, attributed to the Prophet (S)
as his miracle and is the True Words of Allah, a primary
source of Guidance and the Final Message for humankind.
This miracle was one, which was to last for all time,
therefore assigned to the Prophet (S) as his everlasting
miracle.
Modern
scientific minds require a scope of knowledge and
confirmation that must be conclusively established and
verifiable for suitable study and research. The
Prophet’s (S) life have been documented in detail
which has provided an interesting challenge for historians
and sociologist to examine and benefit humankind from his
teachings.
The
guiding principles of the Wise Qur`an that the Prophet (S)
practicalised
provided a secure standard for humankind. His success must
be
analysed
to find
solutions for contemporary societies and to appreciate the
rich heritage that provided an ethos that was Divinely
Guided and established hearts that were joyous and
contented.
The
Prophet (S) provided and set unparalleled standards for
the well being and safety of his community. He provided a
social environment and structure where people felt secure
and happy. He provided them with a belief system that
developed individuals and societies that were successful
in this world and the Hereafter.
The
study of the life and history (Seerah) of the Prophet of
Islam (S) has shown staggering clarity of the mysteries of
the Universe and the power of his intellect encompasses
the reality of the seen and the Unseen. The Nobel example
and character of the Prophet (S) filled the vacuum in
humankind’s spiritual make-up which only divine guidance
or Prophethood could fill.
The
Prophet (S) display of positive virtues brought a profound
feeling of spiritual discovery, which changed and
influenced the world forever. The impact that the Prophet
(S) had on the social, economic and political milieu,
shaped a better world and confirmed him as one of the
greatest leaders and human beings ever to grace the earth.
His legacy continues to be studied, respected and
vibrantly influences humankind for its progression and
survival.
THE
NOBLE QUR`AN, A GUIDE TO SELF KNOWLEDGE AND TRANSFORMATION
At
the “sermon of the mount” (632 C.E./10AH), the Rasul
(S) conveyed words of caution and advised Muslims to
follow the path of the Qur`an ul Kareem and his way
(Sunnah) so that they will never be led astray. This is
the Shariah (Divine Laws), which represents the character
of the “walking Qur`an”.
He
was a monotheistic character, which exemplified this unity
and oneness of Allah (S) (Tauheed) and established a
testament of belief on behalf of the Creator. A testament
that confirms a person as a Muslim (one who submits to
Allah (S)) is to accept unconditionally, to acknowledge,
recognise and to testify that:
There
is no God accept Allah (S) and to further testify that
Muhammad (S) is the Prophet (S) (Final Rasul) of Allah
(S).
This
testament from an Islamic point of view verifies a most
important statement of belief (Iman) in the unity of Allah
(S) and the Unity of Prophethood, (Adam (AS) to Muhammad
(S)) the Unity of humankind, the Unity of Religions, and
the Unity of the Final message of the Lord of the heavens
and earth for all time.
It
is essential to appreciate that the Prophet (S) groomed
and reflected a correct behaviour from the guidance of the
Qur’an-ul-Kareem, which was his transformation. This
self-transformation was a mirror to his companions who
through self-knowledge, self-discipline and a pleasing
behaviour based on the teachings of Islam established a
foundation and the best society in Madinah-ul-Munawwarah,
the City of Light that reflected its light to the far
corners of the world.
Muslims
worldwide must acknowledge, recognise and appreciate this
profound unity, which is to hold fast on to the rope of
Allah (S), to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (S)
and not be divided. This unity was the behaviour of the
Prophet (S) and it was his worship (Ibadah) as it must be
ours. He complied with the message and the injunctions
of the Qur’an al Kareem and that was how he lived. He
is an example for all Muslims, and must be comprehensively
followed and appreciated.
The
Prophet (S) of Islam taught, practised and was the Living
example of the Qur`an al Kareem, the final book of Allah
(S). He was the final messenger of Allah (S) who
represented humankind and all the worlds and he perfected
his character, embodying Allah’s (S) laws and described
as the “walking Qur`an”. The values have not changed
and it is the perfect way and the conduct of the Prophet
(S). This is our heritage and we must live it. We should
be “Walking Qur`ans”.
May
Allah (S) Bless the Prophet (S) and sent salutation upon
him, his family, his companions (R) and his followers
(Ummah).
Innal
llaha wa Malaa'ikatahu Yu salluna allan nabiyi. Ya Ayyuhal
ladheena aamanu sallu alaihi wasallimu tasleema.
Allah-humma
sallie alaa Muhammadeen wa aala aali sayeedana Muhammadeen
wa bariek wa sallam
ADDITIONAL
FACTS ON THE PROPHET (S) OF ISLAM.
Name
- Muhammad
Title
- Al-Mustafa, Al-Amin, Ar-Rasool
Kunyat
- Abul Qasim
Born
- Friday, the 17th of Rabi-ul Awwal around 570 C.E. in
Makkah
Father's
Name - Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib
Mother's
Name - Amina bint-e-Wahab
Died
- at the age of 63 years on Monday, 28th Safar 11 AH/632
C.E.
Buried-
in his house adjoining the mosque at Medina
Prophethood
- period of 23 years, 13 years in Makkah and 10 years in
Medina.
There
are only four places where we can find the name Muhammad
(S) inside the Holy Qur'an.
1.
Ali Imran 3, 144
“Muhammad
is no more than a messenger: Many were the messenger that
passed away before him”.
2.
Al-Ahzab 33 (The Clans), 40
“Muhammad
is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the
Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and
Allah has full knowledge of all things”.
3.
Muhammad 47, 2
“Those
who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe
in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad - for it is the
Truth from their Lord, - He will remove from them their
ills and improve their condition”.
4.
Al-Fath 48 (Victory), 29
Muhammad
is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are
strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst
each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate
themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His)
Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the
traces of their prostration.
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