Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) as an educator

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had great regard for teachers as he himself said, “I have been sent as
a teacher”.

The importance Islam accords to education can be judged from the fact that the very first word
that was revealed on the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was “IQRA” which means “Read”. The first five
verses of the divine revelation on the Holy Prophet, found in Surah Al-Alaq are: “Recite in the
name of your Lord. Who created, created man from a clot of congealed blood. Recite: and your
Lord is most generous. Who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know”. The Holy
Prophet (PBUH) said: “Seeking education is incumbent upon every Muslim man and woman.”

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) accorded greater importance and care to education of the Muslims.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) took effective measures not only to preserve the Holy Quran but also
for making arrangements for teaching it to the Muslims.

1. Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) received verse(s) of the Quran, he (PBUH) would first
recite those before his male companions (RA) and then in gathering of female
companions.
2. He (PBUH) directed Muslims to memorize the Holy Quran.
3. He instructed Muslims to learn Holy Quran from learned companions — it depicts the
importance of teachers in imparting education.
4. He (PBUH) appointed educated companions for putting the Quranic verses into writing.
5. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to recite aloud the whole Quran — revealed till that time
— during the month of Ramadan. The companions (RA) who could read and write would
bring along their personal manuscripts and would compare them with the version recited
by the Prophet (PBUH). This practice was called “ARDAH” which means presentation.

Through these measures, the Holy Quran was not only preserved forever but the uneducated
Muslims were also imparted education because the Holy Quran, also called the mother of books,
is the greatest source of knowledge. In this regard, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The best among you is the one who learns the Holy Quran and teaches it to others.”
Even in Makkah, where the Muslims were being persecuted, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) paid
ample attention towards education of new Muslims. In 621 AD, when a group of Madinites
secretly met the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at ‘Aqabah’ in Makkah and embraced Islam, he (PBUH)
sent Musab bin Umair (RA), who was a learned person, well-versed in various fields of
education, to Madina along with them for their education. This step had tremendous effects on
new converts of Madina as it enabled them to have a deep insight about different disciplines of
education and Islam.

First Educational Institute:

In 622 AD, when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) migrated to, and established the first city state at,
Madina, he (PBUH) expedited the efforts to educate Muslims. He (PBUH) established Islam’s
first residential school named ‘Sufa’ in the Masjid-e-Nabavi. At ‘Sufa’, students from far-flung
areas were provided with accommodation as well. That educational institute rendered
extraordinary services in providing quality education to Muslim disciples.  There were
instructors in masjids and suffa, as well as many teachers in schools. The needs for education
changed and varied gradually. Thus expertise in education was necessary. The Prophet assigned
different teachers for people who wanted to learn different subjects. Non-Muslim teachers were
also employed when needed. In the first years reading and writing teachers were mostly non-
Muslims because there were just a few literate Muslims back then. Allah assigned the wives of
the Prophet to teach as well. There were female Companions who were famous for their
knowledge. In short, the Prophet integrated all his Companions into educational activities. The
task of delivering the message of Allah was carried out through educating people.

Using Practical and examples to teach

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to first present himself as a role model and would
then instruct his companions to follow a particular commandment of Allah. Once a man came up
to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) asking about the method of ablution, the Holy prophet
repeatedly performed it three times (Ibne Majah). Similarly, our Prophet (s.a.w) used to teach by
giving examples. Once the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) asked the companions, what would
be your view if I say there is a river in front of a man’s house and he takes bath five times a day
in it, would he remain dirty?” The companions replied, “certainly, not”. The Prophet (PBUH)
then said, “This is how it works with daily prayers. Allah (SWT) cleans sins through them.”
(Bukhari).

Emphasize on Worldly education

In the Battle of Badr, 70 infidels were captured as prisoners of war. The custom prevalent at that
in Arabia was that the POWs were killed, but the Holy Prophet (PBUH) set another unique
precedent and since many of those POWs were educated, he (PBUH) offered them freedom if a
POW would teach the art of reading and writing to 10 Muslims.

The point that warrants a special mention here is that those POWs were non-Muslims hence they
couldn’t have taught Islam to Muslims which quintessentially means that Islam focuses on both
religious and worldly education because both are dependent upon each other. It also proves that
Muslims are allowed to acquire education from non-Muslims.

Furthermore verse No. 201 of Surah Al-Baqarah states about Muslims: “There are others who
say: “Our Lord, grant us what is good in this world and what is good in the World to come, and
protect us from the chastisement of the Fire.” The good and welfare in this world is impossible
without both worldly and religious education. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) told the Muslims to
acquire excellence in all fields of worldly education.

Conclusion
Teaching is an important, respected and well-regarded profession in every society and
community. People from all walks of life find it professionally and personally a well-rewarding
career. It is an exciting and challenging career too. Islam itself is a school and its Prophet
(PBUH) was the loving teacher and tutor whose teachings and sayings still guide, inspire and
instruct the whole humanity. As a teacher, the Prophet (PBUH) not only taught us the principles
of our Faith, but guided us how the minor foundations and the most complex questions of Islam
and its related teachings applies to our daily lives. He was the passerby of this worldly life but
his entire life is an example to the humanity in this life and enlightenment in the life after the
death.
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) as a diplomat
As founder and leader of Islamic society, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had the goal of
preparing a foundation for the application of divine instructions in his own society and to take,
by every possible means, the message he brought to individuals and societies He came into
contact with. Due to religion being a belief system before anything else, he could only enter
societies by means of the hearts of individuals. His diplomatic activities can be observed in his
early years, his life at Makkah and after his migration to Medina

Migration to Abyssinia
The Holy Quran mentions many prophets migrating with their followers to escape the
persecution and torture by the non- ‐believers. When Quraysh coerced some of the early
Muslims to abandon Islam, they were forced to migrate from Makkah. The Abyssinia was
described as a land where no one was oppressed and that prompted Prophet PBUH to
encourage Muslims to migrate there with their families. Abyssinia was not a Muslim country
but Negus, the king, preserved the rights of Muslim. Migration to a non- ‐muslim country and
living there in peace was in itself a successful diplomatic activity initiated by Prophet
Muhammad PBUH

Al-‐Aqabah pledges of allegiance

Prophet Muhammad PBUH would make contact with the people coming to Makkah for their
festivals, trade and pilgrimage and preached the truth of Islam to them. One night, at Aqabah,
he heard some people talking. He preached his message to them and recited some verses of
Quran. They listened in awe and embraced Islam at the spot. They promised to preach Islam in
Yathrib and to meet prophet PBUH during next pilgrimage.
a) First pledge of Aqabah
Next year five of them returned with seven other converts to meet Prophet PBUH at Aqabah.
These twelve persons pledged their allegiance at the hand of Muhammad PBUH and this
became known First pledge of Aqabah. They pledged to refrain from associating partners with
Allah, committing theft, killing their children, defaming others and disobeying the Prophet.
b) Second pledge of Aqabah
Following year a caravan of 72 men and 2 women came to meet Prophet PBUH. They were
concerned about the harassment and abuse that overshadowed the Prophet and other Muslims
at Makkah. Prophet Muhammad PBUH met them and recited Quran, prayed to Allah and then
he said. 'I ask for your allegiance on the basis that you protect me as you would protect your
wives and children.' They pledged their allegiance to him and this became known as the
Second pledge of Aqabah.

DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY OF PROPHET'S (PBUH) AT MEDINA

Before arrival of Holy Prophet SAW in Medina, it was a place of clash between many clans
and tribes of Muslims and jews. Some Median invited Holy Prophet (SAW) who were
impressed by his religious preaching and manifest trustworthiness, as an arbitrator to help
reduce the prevailing discord. The prophet's task was thus to form a united community out of
these heterogeneous elements, not only as a religious preacher but also as a political and
diplomatic leader who could help resolving the ongoing disputes

Charter of Medina/ Constitution of Medina/ Methaq e Medina

The continuous state of anarchy in Madinah eventually forced the residents to seek options for
peace. Since the Prophet was viewed as a respectable, honest and trustworthy person, he was
requested to head the soon to be city- ‐state of Madinah. The Charter of Madina (Mithaq-‐ul-‐
Madina) was the first constitution written by mankind.

Treaty of Hudaibiya
After six years of migration, the Prophet of Islam decided to visit Mecca with 1,400 of his
followers to perform Umra (Lesser Pilgrimage). He took animals for sacrifice and ordered every
person to have only one sword for self-defense. He intentionally chose the Holy month as he had
no intention to clash with the people of Mecca. When the news of his departure reached
Meccans, they became furious and decided to stop Muslims from entering Mecca. The enemies
of Islam swore that they would not let that happen at any cost

This treaty helped to resolve the conflict between two cities, Makkah and Madinah, ensuring a
10 years peace clause which was authorized by Muhammad PBUH's followers to come back
following years in peaceful pilgrimage, which is also known as The First Pilgrimage of Islam.
In this treaty a true pacifist approach to conflict resolution was applied as well as a strategy of
dialogue was used in its true spirit in order to resolve the issue.
At every stage of negotiations the policy of compromise on the part of the Prophet of Islam was
adopted, for example when a representative of the Quraysh Suhail objected that the text of the
Meccan agreement should start with the words ‘In Thy name O Allah” instead of “In the name of
Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent”.
Another objection when raised by the Meccan side against the wording of ‘’Muhammad, the
Messenger of God”. Even When Ali showed some reluctance and tried to put forward some
arguments against removing the words, the Prophet took the pen from Ali and he himself deleted
the words because he was determined to avail himself of a chance for peace at any cost. A very
important principle for conflict management according to the Prophet had been laid down,
namely that a war should not be a desirable option and that all disputes should be resolved
through peaceful means and one should make utmost efforts to make use of a chance for peace.

Conquest of Makkah
The Conquest of Mecca Two year after the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, the agreement
was annulled because of an incident. Banu Bakr and the Quraysh killed a man from Banu Khuza
who was an ally of Muslims under the agreement37. The attack on the allied tribe was regarded
as an attack on the signatory. Thus, after the above mentioned event, the Prophet of Islam
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) presented three options to the Quraysh:

 Declaring a breach of coalition with Banu Bakr;

 Paying compensation for the murder;
 Breaking the Treaty of Hudaybiyya.

They adopted the third option and made it possible for Muslims to attack Mecca. When
annulment of the Treaty was declared, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ordered his companions to prepare
an attack on the city and left for Mecca with 10,000 of his followers. The journey was kept
secret, thus the Quraysh became aware of it only when Muslims were just a few miles away from
Mecca. The reason for secrecy was that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did not want to give them any
time to prepare for war.

Because of this diplomatic strategy the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (P.B.U.H) conquered
Mecca without any violent clashes or bloodshed. Even on that occasion the Prophet of Islam
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) displayed his commitment towards peace. Instead of taking revenge on
the Meccans, he declared a general amnesty for all of them by saying “Go, You are all free.

He further said that those who would keep the doors of their houses closed or would enter the
boundaries of the holy place Kabah or the house of Abu Sufyan would be safe. The incident of
the Conquest of Mecca is thus a beautiful example of resolving a conflicts by peaceful methods

Treatment of Envoys
The origin of the principle of diplomatic immunity in Islam is the maxim which is actually
word of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that says (do no harm). Therefore, immunity
that was established by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is that an envoy should not be killed.
Instead, envoy must be allowed to return safely, whether the other party accept or reject the
message that he brought. Since the beginning of his prophethood to the end of his life, the
Prophet met with many delegates. The envoys that came to meet the Prophet were called Wafd
meaning the delegate body.
a) Guests Houses
The Prophet's behavior consistent with Quranic teachings is highly appreciable as he receives
the envoys and representatives of foreign states as his guests. The ambassadors were received
and stayed in Dar-‐ul-‐Zeyfan (guesthouse) that was protected and safe, which is considered as
an example of the impunity of diplomatic and consular accommodation.
b) Presents to Envoys
It was customary to give presents to the envoys. History records examples of the Prophet's
presents to envoys. Freedom was given to the envoys to perform their religious right.

Holy Prophet Muhammad's SAW Letters to various Kings

After settling down in Medina on return from Hudaibiya, the Prophet (saw) instituted another
plan for the spread of his Message. In Muharram 628, envoys went to different capitals, each
with a letter from the Prophet (saw), inviting the rulers to accept Islam. Envoys went to
Heraclius, the Roman Emperor, the Kings of Iran, Egypt (the King of Egypt was then a vassal of
the Kaiser) and Abyssinia. They went to other kings and rulers also. All the letters which were
sent by Holy Prophet SAW carried a common message
i. Acceptance of Islam
 ii. Submission to Allah and acceptance of Him Almighty as Lord/God, the supreme
sovereignty

CONCLUSION
With a long history of violent clashes and conflicts, even after entering the 21st century, the man
is still looking for modern methods of conflict management. In the global world with the
emergence of new threats to world peace, such as terrorism, nuclear war or the the appearance of
non-state actors (terrorist organizations), a conflict remains the biggest threat to world peace.
The conflict resolution methodology adopted by Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam can help
modern world to maintain peace and avoid bloody conflicts. Modern methods of peaceful
settlement of disputes seem to be based on the philosophy of Muhammad (P.B.U.H), which can
be proved by the above mentioned examples. In the past when people lived in ignorance, the
Prophet of Islam Muhammad (P.B.U.H) promoted the culture of dialogue and negotiations. His
strategy can thus play a significant role in conflict management and peace building making this
planet a safer place for mankind.
Muhammad (PBUH) is documented as having engaged as a diplomat during his propagation
of Islam and leadership over the growing Muslim Ummah (community). All through his life,
he was always conscious of maintaining cordial relations between Muslims and other
communities. He established a method of communication with other tribal or national leaders
through letters, assigned envoys, or by visiting them personally.
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) as a Military Strategist
The life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a role model for human beings encompasses all aspects
of life. Besides all other faculties, as a military strategist too, he (PBUH) set the most perfect
examples of sagacity and prudence. Throughout his life, he (PBUH) exhibited the most
consummate military leadership skills for protecting Muslims as well as the nascent Islamic
state. Even before establishing the state of Medina, he (PBUH) was cognizant of the importance
of military training of Makkan Muslims where they were being persecuted by the infidels.

QUALITIES AS A MILITARY COMMANDER

1. CONSTANT AND FIRM FAITH
The Prophet (PBUH) regarded victory with modesty and humility as a blessing and gift of Allah
Almighty. This attitude was solely due to trust, faith and a right sense of values. When the
Prophet (PBUH) entered Makkah triumphantly after conquering it, his head was bowed low
down on the hump of his horse in gratitude to Allah Almighty, His Creator.
2. COURAGE
Hazarat Ali (RA) has said that, during battle, whenever the circumstances took an unprecedented
turn, the mujahid used to look towards the bold and confident attitude of the Prophet and gain
courage. Moreover, at the peak of battle, he would display extraordinary daring and nerve and
move as close as possible to the enemy to overwhelm him. All his Mujahideen would then gain
courage and aspire to follow his example.
3. CONFIDENCE AND STEADFASTNESS
During the battle of Hunnain when the army was falling apart due to the pressure being exerted
by the enemy the Prophet stood firm in the battlefield and with great fervor said: "I am the True
Prophet, it is no lie, and I am the son of' Abdul Mutallib!" Seeing the resolute stand taken by
him, the army which was scattering in fear rallied round him. Thus, their commander Prophet
(PBUH) displayed confidence and steadfastness.
4. OUTSTANDING ACHIVEMENTS
The Prophet (PBUH) unified the fragmented society of the conflict ridden Arab tribes and
molded them into a homogenous community, and Mujahideen. And, through his sagacious and
prudent leadership, The Muslims were able to conquer over two million square kilometer of land in
over a decade, without suffering a significant loss.
OBJECTIVES OF WAR
1. AGAINST AGGRESSION ON ISLAMIC LANDS
From the time he entered Madina, the Prophet (S) started raising an army in order to counter the
threats of the enemy. He organized numerous secret fact-finding military missions, sending them
to different parts of the Arabian Peninsula. With which, the Holy Prophet (S) was able to fight
both the internal and external enemies.
2. ASSIST OPPRESSED IN NON-ISLAMIC LANDS
He would be merciful to the young and would show respect to the elderly. He would take away
some of their burdens and hardships and forbade their killing in wars. He would please the
orphans and grant them refuge. He would show kindness to the poor and needy and instructed the
people to be good to their servants.
3. ERADICATE MISCHEIF AND FITNAH
The wars of the Muslims would take place in a manner which was unlike the wars based on
vengeance and barbarism. Rather, they were fought for the eradication of mischeif and fitnah that
was practiced by the Arabs in the age of Jāhiliyya.
4. REMOVE HINDERANCE IN THE WAY OF ISLAM
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never considered any non-believers to be enemies of Islam if
their purpose was to live in peace with the muslims. Whereas, if their purpose was to create
problems for Muslims or the Muslim states then they would be sought after and punished
severely.

Strategies used through Examples from Battles

Battle of Badar

After reaching Medina and establishing the first Islamic city state in 622 AD, the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) gave more attention to military organization of Muslims as the infidels were adamant on
annihilating them. In 624 AD, a large army of infidels attacked Medina. Both the armies met at
the place of “Badr” near Medina. In this first test of his military leadership skills, the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) proved the mettle of his most consummate skills at carving out military
strategies. He (PBUH) not only sent spies to know the exact military strength of the enemy, but
when it came to fighting he (PBUH) reached the battleground well before enemy, got hold of
water source, selected better position and organized army in different ranks as well. This strategy
played the decisive role in the victory of Muslims who were only 313 in number up against a
1000-strong well-equipped force. In this battle, nearly 70 infidels were killed and as many were
made Prisoners of War.
These prisoners were treated kindly and humanely and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) freed the
literate prisoners on the condition that each one of them would teach the art of reading and
writing to 10 Muslims. This kindness toward POWs was unprecedented in the annals of military
history of the whole world.

Battle of Ohud

Only a year later, in 625AD, in order to avenge the Badr defeat, the Quraish again attacked
Medina with 3000-strong well-equipped military. They encamped near a hill called Ohud, in the
north of Medina. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) positioned his army of nearly 700 Muslims on the
western slope of the hill with Mount Ohud behind it on the top of which was a little pass. Though
the rear was safe due to the hill, yet there was a possibility that the pass could be crossed or
circumvented by the Quraish cavalry. Anticipating this danger, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) posted
there a band of 50 archers under the command of Hazrat Abdullah bin Jubayr. He instructed
them, “Stick to your place, and don’t leave it even if you see birds snatching us, till I send for
you; and if you see that we have defeated the infidels and made them flee, even then you should
not leave your place till I send for you.”

Muslims drew first blood in the battle and the infidels started slowly turning on their heels.
Sensing a complete Muslim victory, that 50-man band left the position without the approval of
the Holy Prophet (PBUH). When that unprotected pass was noticed by fleeing infidels, they
reassembled and attacked Muslims who were busy in collecting the spoils of war from that
strategic pass. The Muslims were taken aback, and were defeated. Nevertheless, the battle
proved the strength and success of military skills of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as it was the
breach of his command that converted the triumph of Muslims into a defeat.

Battle of Khandak
Two years later, in 627 AD, the Quraish and their allies gathered a large army of more than
10,000 men for exterminating the Muslims, once for all. On the other side, the Muslims could
muster an army of only 3000 men. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) made consultations with his
companions regarding the preparation of war plans. It was decided that Medina could be
protected easily on three sides — on its northern side was shelters of steep cliffs whereas on its
eastern and western sides were houses — because the only unprotected side was the southern
one. Prophet’s Companion Hazrat Salman (RA) put forward a suggestion to dig a trench on that
side. It was accepted and executed there upon. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself took part in
digging of the trench that was too broad to be passed by men or horses. When the infidels
reached Medina, they were unable to enter the city. Stopped by the ditch, they laid a siege to
Medina that lasted for many days. With the passage of time, the annoyance among infidels
soared and their supplies too began to run short. So, they had to return unsuccessful. On account
of hectic consultations by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), which is an integral part of military
strategy, the City State of Medina was saved from destruction. It was the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
who successfully used trench as a defense strategy for the first time in the military history of
Arabia.

Conquest of Makkah

After the truce of Hudaybiyah was broken by the Quraish when they sided with the tribe of Banu
Bakr, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), in 630 AD, led an army of 10,000 soldiers towards Makkah.
Since it was a surprise attack, so every precaution was taken to keep the infidels unaware of the
coming of the Muslim army.

On the eve of the attack, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used his unique skills and ordered his
soldiers to cook their food individually rather than in a collective kitchen. Resultantly, 10000
fires could be seen from a distance. The Quraish surveyed the scene and concluded that an army
of 50000 men was poised to attack Makkah, which shattered their morale and they decided not to
put resistance and hence surrendered. So, this excellent military strategy of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) enabled the Muslims to conquer Makkah without bloodshed. Another unique display of
the Prophet’s (PBUH) military genius was seen during the conquest of Makkah where he showed
mercy for those who had opposed him tooth and nail by announcing a general amnesty for all the
Makkans. As a result of those merciful and dignified steps, the Makkans entered the fold of
Islam in bulk, which buttressed military strength of Muslims and made their defence
impregnable.

Conclusion
During his whole life, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) took part in as many as 26 wars, and in all he
exhibited excellent military skills. He always led the Muslims from the front and preached that
martyrdom was better than turning back in the battlefield. He was careful and cognizant of
military preparedness of Muslims and made arrangements for imparting military training to
Muslims during peacetime as well. Races of men, horses and camels were organized. Wrestling
and archery competitions were held. Some Muslims were sent to Yemen for getting training in
the use of weapons for subduing forts.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was careful even about trivial matters during wars such as ensuring
that the morning sun did not face the soldiers directly and direction of wind did not obstruct the
movement of horses and soldiers. Hence, we can easily conclude that the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
is the most supreme role model for military strategists of all times.