THEME II STUDY OF THE SEERAH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) AS A ROLE MODEL IN THE CAPACITY OF An Individual: A Diplomat An Educator A Military Strategist ‘A Peace Maker Scanned with CamScanner2 Discuss the status and grade of tolerance and forgiveness in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Answer: Introduction ‘The Prophet PBUH was the last messenger of Allah who was sent on this earth as guidance for all of humanity for eternity. He was born in one of the most respectable Arab tribes known as Quresh in $70 C. €. He was given the prophethood at the age of 40 but he was known as the truthful and the honest long before that. Prophets are innocent souls who cannot commit sins and Muhammad PBUH was no different. His whole life was an example of compassion and kindness, but there is ‘After getting prophethood, he had to live in Mecca for around 13 years amongst his worst ene! not a single incident where he retaliated with cruelty to the injustices of the Meccan people. Many members of his family became his enemies while those who supported him got killed in different battles. He, however, forgave most of these people at the time of the conquest of Mecca. The whole life of the Prophet PBUH was thus an epitome of tolerance and forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad-a role model of tolerance Even though the whole life of the Prophet PBUH is an incident of tolerance, some instances stand out. One such ‘example is of an old woman who used to throw garbage on the prophet PBUH during his intial years of the prophet. The old woman used to throw garbage over the Prophet PBUH when he used to pass through her street, The women would always be standing on the rooftop of her house with a bucket of trash and would throw it when the Prophet PBUH passed by. This was a routine but the Prophet PBUH never even said a single word to that woman in his defense instead he visited her when she was sick and took great care of her. ‘Another incident of tolerance in the life of the Prophet PBUH is when the companions asked him to curse the cruel Meccan people because they had started persecuting a lot of Muslims. in response, the Prophet PBUH said Verily, | was not sent to invoke curses, but rather I was only sent as a mercy. Another notable incident is of the Prophet's (PBUH) visit to the village of Taif. The Prophet PBUH to spread the message of Islam but the people of Taif started throwing stones at him. The stones physically hurt the prophet so much so that he started bleeding. The angel Gabriel A. S came to the prophet at that time and said that with his permission he could destroy the whole village, The Prophet PBUH, however, prayed for the people of Taif and said ‘No, | hope that Allah will bring from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone without associating Partners with Him Scanned with CamScanner26 Examples of Forgiveness from the life of the Prophet PBUH Forgiveness is another value that the Prophet PBUH not only preached but practiced extensively. The Prophet’ uncle Hamza R. A who Is one of the few people who accepted Islam In its Initial days was killed by the slave ofa ‘woman named Hind bin utabah. Hind had given the task of killing Hamza to her slave named Wahshi Ibn Harbat the battle of Uhad. Hind was presented with Hamza (R. A)s liver and she chewed It. She then went on to mutilating his body. The Prophet PBUH was very saddened by this Incident since he dearly loved his uncle. Years after the Incident, Muslims conquered Mecca and when Hind heard thls, she trled to hide out of fear of punishment but the Prophet PBUH forgave her and did not persecute her. The Prophet PBUH taught the lesson of forgiveness even in times of war. After the battle of Badr, the Muslims arrested a lot of prisoners of war. Instead of persecuting these prisoners, the prophet PBUH asked them to teach Muslim children to read and write. The battle of Badr was the first battle of Islam and the Muslims a lotof their brothers to this war but the Prophet PBUH practiced patience himself and taught his companions the lesson of forgiveness by not killing the prisoners, Conclusion Alook at the life of the Holy Prophet PBUH shows that he led a life full of compassion. He preferred tolerance over violence and forgiveness over grudges not only within the Muslim community but even towards his enemies. A lot of people converted to Islam just because of his great acts of kindness and the forgiveness that hhe extended towards his sworn enemies. He truly was an epitome of mercy for the entire world even though the whole world was his kingdom. Scanned with CamScanner22 Describe the characteristics of a Military Strategist in the light of Seerah of Muhammad (SAW) with arguments. Introduction: The Noble Prophet (SAW) was the commander in many battles and he sent forth numerous Sariyah missions. It is indisputable that the Holy Prophet (SAW) had the greatest morals, such that he was praised by Allah thus: And indeed you possess a great character (68:4). His having such a character made him a successful commander who was able to attain the goals and gain momentous victories in many of his battles. Therefore, his characteristics asa military strategist should be followed. Character of Holy Prophet as a Military Commander that should be followed by Military commanders: Inclusiveness and Representativeness of all Tribes in Army: The Prophet (SAW) organized an army consisting of the Muhajirin and the Ansar. The Ansars were made up of the Aus and Khazraj while the Muhajirs consisted of all the different tribes and were considered among the foremost experts of warfare in the army. The Holy Prophet (SAW) appointed a commander for each tribe and also appointed one general commander over them all. He used to consult his companion on matters of drafting strategy for war. It was on the advice of Hazrat Salman that the Prophet (SAW) ordered him to dig a trench during the Battle of Trench. Planning and Organization: Inevery battle, he would organize them according to the needs, natural resources, enmity, friendship and fed into the front-line, the rear, the right flank, the left flank and the ary intelligence and information about the terrain. His soldiers were arranged and di heart of the army. The Prophet gave a lot of importance to mi enemy. Along with good organization of forces Prophet (SAW) instituted high levels of discipline among his forces and no one was allowed to breach them. Taking Decisions and Issuing Clear Orders: The Prophet (SAW) never used to issue firm and clear orders except after he had got the complete information about the conditions of the battle and was able to make decisive judgments and issue the best orders accordingly while remaining steadfast in the face of the changing situations of battle. The most important {qualities that distinguished the commands of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were: * Studying the different aspects before making a decision and consequently issuing the command * Not reverting or turning back after the command has been issued. © Changing the commands in accordance with the changing circumstances of the battle. Scanned with CamScanner* Maintaining the ability of making intellectual decisions and offering continuous guidance and leadership even during the most difficult times in the battlefield. * — He would decide on the realization of victory. Skill and Intellectual Brilliance In Executing Dutles of Commander: With certainty, the sagacity and intellectual brilliance of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in commanding and controling the army during war was clearly manifested. He would test people and then select the strongest and most capable person to gle the command to. For example, he chose Hamza ibn ‘Abd al-Muttallb as the commander of one of the first Sariya missions. He appointed ‘Abdullah ibn Jahash to lead a Sarlya mission to gather intelligence about the Quraysh. He made Abé Dujénah head of the sword-fighters and selected Usama bin Zayd as the commander of an army that comprised some of the great companions. Principles of Warfare: The principles of warfare that were instituted by the Noble Prophet (SAW) were the foundational principles [that were necessary] for ‘attaining victory’. Therefore, his call was clear and his war was based on the followig principles: () recruiting forces (ii) deploy them sparingly (ili) using surprise attacks at the appropriate time and place (iv) relying on speed that would enable battle strikes (v) continued pressure during continuous and consecutive battles against the enemies that take place without any break (vi) implementing manoeuvres using the resources and forces that were at hand (vii) giving importance to maintaining security for the forces, reliance on acqulsition of intelligence and information (ix) organizing the forces (x) establishing a form of synchronization and a co-operation between the various fighters of the cavalry, infantry and all the other ranks as well as between the right and left flanks and the centre of the army (xi) not dispersing the forces because it was not appropriate to do so given the weapons and resources that | were available, and this is [also] a practice of the new form of warfare strengthening the morale of his own soldiers in such a way that they would not fear death (xii) creating an atmosphere of security in all the various battlefields; and all of these were from the great principles of warfare of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Scanned with CamScannerConclusion: During his life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) took part in as many as 28 battles and in each of them presented a role model in complete perfection for coming military strategists to follow. Though he is a true guidance in all perspective of his military reforms and strategies yet for me, his greatest success was the training of his companions in such a manner that even after his demise, proved to be the torch bearer of Islam faith and the defenders of Islamic lands from foreign occupations. Keeping in mind all these exceptional aspects of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as a military strategist, these traits should be followed by every military commander. Scanned with CamScanner30 Elucidate how the Prophet of Islam (SAW) exemplified himself as the greatest peace maker in the world by reconciling with Pagans, Jews and Christians. Introduction: The fabric of Islam accentuates the concept of peace as the word ‘Islam itself has been derived from another Arabic word “Salam” which means peace and the literal meaning of Islam is ‘to enter into peace’. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always endeavored not only to maintain peace and tranquility within Islamic society but asa) peaceful co-existence of Muslims with other communities. He (PBUH) was sent as a messenger of peace and » mercy for the whole humanity — not to the Muslims only — as the Allah Almighty says in verse 107 of Suraha Anbya (the Prophets): (21:107) dushall 4285) acy “And We have not sent you, [0 Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. *(21:107) What is Peace and who is a Peacemaker? Peace can be defined as a state of mind of individuals and groups where everyone lives without apprehensior, discomfort or fear of the other. Justice gives birth to peace; when there is justice, there is a sense of security, among people. ‘A peacemaker is one who mitigates conflicts and nurtures good will and brings about a sustainable balance tc ‘the society. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) life was an example of living the life of a peace maker. Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a Peace maker and making safety. Allah Almighty says in verse 107 of Surah Al-Anbya: (21:107) & Yy any “And We have not sent you, [0 Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. * (21:107) Examples of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a Messenger of Peace. AMEEN The first model he created for the world was to be truthful and trustworthy, whose integrity and honesty wa beyond question. He was called Ameen much before he set out on his mission to spread the light of Islam. We it the Muslims who called him Ameen? No, there were no Muslim at that time, it was the Pagans, Jews, Christians and others who called him Ameen. Peace Among Pagans; ASWAD STONE NARRATIVE Even before Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was so fair in his dealings and so inclined towards Scanned with CamScanneral peace that he proved to be one of the major personalities behind the agreement that was signed between Meccan tribes for the establishment for trade and commercial dealings, Another important event of the pre- Islamic period was his role in the resolution of a major dispute regarding the installment of “The black stone” in Kaaba. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) resolved the issue so amicably that even some of his the ardent opposers started calling him “Al-Ameen” and “Al-Sadiq”. Peace with Jews and Christians; MADINAH CHARTER ‘The state of Medina not only consisted of Meccan and Medinite Muslims but also of pagans and Jewish tribes collected into one constitutional unity by the constitution of Medina. This was the level of tolerance the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had towards the Non-Muslims, He bound them ina brotherhood with Muslims to extend the hand of peace towards them. Treaty of Hudaibiya: ‘When the Muslims were stopped from offering pilgrimage to the Makkah by the Quraysh military force, Muslims under the leadership of Muhammad (SAW) diverted journey towards Hudaybiyya in order to avoid bloodshed. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) signed a peace deal with the Quraysh tribe even though most of the conditions laid down in the treaty were against Muslims and even the companions of the Prophet strongly resisted against the conditions of the agreement. This resulted in a temporary peace between the Makkan tribes, and Muslims till the Makkan tribes unjustly sided with Bani Bakar against the Muslim-allied Khuza'a tribe. Peace during the Conquest of Makkah: When the Muslim Army conquered Makkah, some companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) started chanting slogans, “Today is the day of revenge, today is the day of revenge”. When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) heard such slogans being raised, he called upon the companions to avoid such slogans. He strongly instructed Muslims to raise slogans of peace and said, “Today is the day of mercy, today Is the day of mercy”. This impressed even the staunch anti-Islamic leadership of the Makkan so much that they embraced Islam. TAIF STORY Goodwill is sustainable over revenge against those who pelted stone at him. He knew violence begets violence and goodwill nurtures peace. TRASH FROM THE OLD LADY Itis the patience and genuine caring without having an ill-will towards the one who has the ill-will towards you. Can you apply this in your daily life? RESPECTING THE OTHER Scanned with CamScanner2 Prophet Walks up to a Jewish procession and kisses thelr Torah to show respect and consclously creating value, of inclusiveness and co-existence. PEACE TREATY Peace Treaty signature - Muhammad Bin Abdullah instead of Muhammad Rasool Allah - Prophet gave an ‘example of learning to respect the otherness of other, one of the greatest examples that can be applied in peace ‘making in most situations. Can you think of how valuable this isin peace negotiations? INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ‘Muhammad (SAW) was the 2nd Human in history who carried an interfaith dialogue; the other was Cyrus, the Zoroastrian king. He offered Najran Christian scholars to pray at his mosque when the time for prayer came. Can ‘you imagine this? He did not believe what they believed, he did not believe Jesus was the son of God, but yet he offered them to pray at his mosque. What does it tell you? Showing respect for others’ beliefs. HUMILITY Treat no prophet above the other, it is one of the most powerful verses in Quran, and it is to prevent Muslims from believing that their prophet is superior and breed arrogance in them. The moment one feels superior to the other, conflict takes root. One is trying to look down and the other is fighting. That is the bravest thing to say and that is the right thing to say, religion is all about humility and not arrogance. HONORING BILAL Honoring Bilal a superior place in paradise to remove the prejudicial barriers that existed then. There is no room for prejudice in Islam; itis prejudice that destroys the social fabric of the society. MEN AND WOMEN ARE EACH OTHERS GARMENTS: ‘Men and women are each other's garments. Being human, women enjoy equal rights in Islam. EQUALITY OF HUMANS: Inculcating the values of equality through the prayers, fasting and other rituals of islam. Conclusion: Based upon the above assertions, we come to the conclusion that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most supreme and the most superlative personality that is complete in all forms of discipline and profession. Even the worst enemies of Islam used to appreciate his finest character. He (PBUH) was the best strategist in both situations - war and peace. He (PBUH) was the greatest peacemaker who declared forgiveness for all His, (PBUH) enemies. In her famous book, “A Biography of the Prophet” Karen Armstrong concludes: “Far from being the father of jihad, [Prophet] Mohammad was a peacemaker, who risked his life and nearly lost the loyalty of his closest companions because he was determined to effect a reconciliation with Makkah Scanned with CamScanner4 Explain the role of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as an Educator. Introduction: ‘A good educator should care about and love his addressee and he should be genial and positive; in fact, he should devote himself to his profession and students. Our Prophet (PBUH) devoted himself to his duty. He had qualities of an ideal educator. ‘The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most effective orator of all the times. He knew how to address the hearts, and thus he became the beloved one of the hearts. He first made himself respected, and then sought thy ‘ways to educate people. He used a style in his speeches that affected people and made them think, so he achieved permanent behaviour change in people by means of the best educational methods. Muhammad (PBUH) as a teacher in the Quran: Allah, the Exalted mentioned in His Book the supplication of Ibrahim (AS) for the benefit of the humankind and, was perfected by sending a Messenger from his offspring. This accepted supplication, from Ibrahim (AS), confirms that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a perfect teacher to all Jinns and mankind. ‘Quran has mentioned the supplication of Ibrahim (AS) as follow: (2:129 pS Sajal ca ah ayy Malls cach aa Ot agile i pete hs bya Cat hy “Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teccht them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise. ” (Al-Baqarah 21123), And Allah says: AT GS Eps Hakaly SN Bas 485 a le Bagel Se Naty ib Cad Y Gua le a Ga (31164 out Ds “Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, althougly they had been before in manifest error. "(Al-Imran 3:164). The above-mentioned two verses indicate that Allah sent Prophet (PBUH) to do four things, which are the basic duties of the teacher: * Recite the Verses of the Holy Quran. * Teach the Quran. ‘* Teach the Wisdom (the Sunnah and the legal ways of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH). Scanned with CamScanner© And to purify his followers. Examples from Sunnah: Itis narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah did not send me to make things hard for people in the hope that they would make mistakes, rather He sent me to teach (as a teacher) and make things easy. ” (Muslim 1478). ‘Mu’awiyah ibn Al-Hakam (May Allah be pleased with him) sai “By Allah | have never seen a better teacher or better teaching before or since; he (the Prophet PBUH) did not rebuke me, hit me or revile me. ” (Muslim 537). Inanother narration he (May Allah Be Pleased with him) said: “4nd | have never seen any teacher gentler than the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). ” (Abu Dawud 931). Features of Holy Prophet (PBUH) as an Educator: He rewarded and appreciated positive behaviours fwe want to lead people to behave positively and prevent them from acting badly, the safest way to do this is toreward and appreciate positive action Tobe loved and appreciated is what people crave. In the process of learning, people conclude from the appreciation and approval of the educators what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong. {bn Abbas (ra) tells: “ne day | prepared some water in a pot so that the Prophet could perform ablution. When the Prophet saw the pot, he asked who had prepared it. Once he learned that it was me who had prepared it, he prayed for me, “O Allah! Increase his understanding in religion”. (Bukhari Invitation, 19) He used to give examples suitable to the topic One of the best methods of education is giving examples, as stories. and examples more stick in the mind. Man can look at the face of the truth through these examples and stories and can perceive it more. easily. The information given in the form of a story becomes more significant in the mind, and is remembered for much longer. We should read Islamic stories to our children, tell them about historical events and prefer to give all messages in form of stories. For this purpose the Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the significance of the prayer with such a metaphor: “What would you say if there were a river in front of a man’s house and he bathed in it five times a day, ‘Would he remain dirty?” Those who were there replied, “No, no dirt would remain on that man”. Upon this Scanned with CamScanner36 the Prophet (PBUH) sald, “This is how it is with the five dally prayers. Allah (SWT) cleans sins by means, them.” (Bukhari, Mawagit, 6; Tirmidhl, Adab, 80) He taught by practice One of the most effective ways of teaching is demonstrating by means of practice. People do not forget wh, they are taught with practice. Teaching by practice is the most fruitful method of teaching. Our Prophet (Py saw a boy who was skinning a sheep and said to him: “Let me teach you. ” He put his hand between the skin and the meat until he reached up to the armpit ofp sheep, and then he said: “Skin it like that, young man!” (Dawud, Taharat, 73; Ibn Maja, Zabalh, 6) Our Prophet showed a man who asked about it how to perform ablution. In some narrations itis sald that repeated it three times. (Ibn Maja, Taharat, 48) Teaching by practice engages both the eyes and the ears, ay thus helps the information to stick in the mind. He used to explain making use of drawings Another way of providing information which will stay permanently in the mind of the learners is to make use drawings and figures. The right lobe of the brain records drawings straight into the photographic memory at does not forget them for a long time. For that reason, teaching making use of drawings and visual methods encourages the subject matter to be understood well. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained the featur, of the ways of Allah and Satan by drawing shapes on the ground while sitting together with Jabir (ra). Jabir(¢ told the story as follows: When | was sitting together with the Prophet, he drew a line in front of him and sair “This is it; this is the path of Allah (SWT)”. Then he drew two lines to the right of this line and two lines to! left of the same line and said, “And these are the paths of Satan”. Then he put his hand over the line in the middle and recited the following verse: “This is my straight path, so follow it, and do not follow other path lest they scatter you from His Path. This He has enjoined upon you, that you keep from disobedience to Hi in reverence for Him and piety to deserve His protection. ” (An'am, 6:153) He used to repeat things Underlining and repeating the important points during teaching is an important teaching method for making subject matter remain in the mind. The learner feels that what is repeated is important. To be able to memo, information, we repeat it. Through repetition the information is transferred from the short term memory to; long term memory. Since the information is strengthened in the mind, it may be easily recalled even if a long. time passes. For this reason, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced new information to his companions, he often used to repeat it three times and in that way he tried to get the important points to st in the mind. Also the number of repetitions could change according to the capacity of the interlocutors. Som: ‘might get it when it was said just once and some might need more repetitions. Anas (ra) said: “When the Messenger of Allah said a sentence he used to repeat it up to three times making sure that it we understood. ” (Hakim) Scanned with CamScannerHe made learners write Learning by writing Is one of the best ways of education. While writing the attention Is focused on the subject and you have a text if you want to remember the topic in a detalled way, Writing once Is equal to reading ten times. By writing, we engrave the topic both on the paper and In our minds and hearts. Furthermore, emancipation of the prisoners of the war In return for teaching literacy to people shows the significance that he attached to reading and writing, (Abu Dawud, Adab, 6) He used to criticize the behaviour not the agent The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to promote good morality, His words of advice were reflected from Allah who is the Compassionate as a reflection of mercy, thus, he would say good words and commit good deeds. He knew that evil words blemish the heart, and evilin the heart reflects upon the soul. For this reason, he never sald an evil word to friend or foe. The Prophet would not speak in @ way that would break anybody's heart. When he was treated badly, he did not take it personally and he generalized it and then corrected it. When someone complained to him about someone, or he saw a fault in someone, he did not fing the fault in the agent's face, Educationalists and psychologists say that for sustainable long-term education, a stable and uncritical relationship between teacher and learner is @ must, When we look at our Prophet (PBUH), he would say, “what is the matter with those people that they say or do s0 and sol” and thus he made people realize that what is wrong Is the behaviour, and he did not insult or scold people. He did not criticize the person, but rather the faulty action, and he tried to correct itn the best way. Conclusion: When we consider the life and practices of the Prophet (PBUH), we see that if we apply his lofty methods when we are ina difficult position, the problems will be solved, our paths will be illuminated, and we will easily see the farthest horizons. If we avoid practising these methods just through negligence, we will be the losers. It isa big mistake to consider them unimportant. Those who make the methods of the Prophet into good habits for themselves will find that they act straightforwardly and become successful. Scanned with CamScanner38 Describe the Role of Holy Prophet (PBUH) as an Individual. Introduction: \f there is any personality that has lived on the face of this earth who was complete in every regard and ty ‘of whom can serve as a beacon of guidance for people of every walk of life, that personality would unden be the personality of Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims follow Him because of Him being the Prophet as their religion and those who do not follow Islam also hold Him ata higher pedestal when it comes to human character. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Saudi Arabia in the city of Makkah about 1450 years ago. Since thy ‘world has not seen the likes of Him in every regard and the study of human history shows that there hy- ‘none better than Him before Him as well. ‘The key factor that brings reverence and respect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in both the Islamic and t, Islamic circles is His character. He was the best in character and He also said about in one of His hadiths following way: “Allah has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds. * (Bukhari) Following are the major character traits of the Prophet (PBUH) that make him an ideal individual to be fo. by everyone. 1, All For The Sake Of Allah: ‘The Prophet (PBUH) was as selfless as a person could be in life. All his undertakings and motives were justt the order of Allah and He did not undertake any action out of His personal desire and will. He lived every His life for the sake of Allah and everything which He did was for the Almighty. The extent of His selfless be seen from the example of His preaching in the valley of Taif, where people lead naughty children to- stones at Him while He was preaching. He had to run for His life and He was all covered in blood. But stil ‘not complain to Allah about Him, rather one of His companions narrates: “The Prophet (PBUH) resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people. He wiped the blood from t+ and said: ‘0 Allah! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari) Such is the selflessness in His character and every moment of His life was for the sake of Allah and spreads message. 2. Mannerism: The Prophet (PBUH) was the epitome of good manners. Every action that He undertook in life represet highest morals and manners that a person could exhibit. He was an Ideal being in terms of manners and" the likes of which the world has not seen. As one of His companions notes about His manners: Scanned with CamScanner39 the Prophet (PBUH) did not swear at anyone, nor was He rude, nor did He curse anyone. If He desired to reprimand someone, He would say: What Is wrong with him, may dust be cast in hs face” (Bukhari) ‘Thus if a Muslim is to give an example of the manners of someone, there would be none more suitable than Muhammad (PBUH). 3, Humorous: people think that being a religious leader of Islam, Prophet (PBUH) had nothing to do with humor, rather He was all strictness and stringency. This perception is wrong, as Prophet (PBUH) was the one with the finest sense of humor, the likes of which again cannot be seen in anyone. His sense of humor was not vulgar in any sense or anything that would debase or make fun of someone, rather it was fine, Anas (RA) reports such an example by saying: * “once a man asked Muhammad (PBUH) for an animal to ride. He replied that He would give him the baby of a she-camel to ride on. The man asked ‘What would he do with a she-camel baby Muhammad (PBUH) replied, ‘4s there any camel which is not born of a she-camel?” 4, Peace Lover: ‘The general notion regarding Islam and Prophet (PBUH) is that they both encouraged violence in people and were and are not in favor of peace. It is totally baseless, because the religion Islam itself is peace and Prophet (PBUH) was a lover of peace. He wanted people to live in harmony and always encouraged people to resolve their differences by opting for peace, instead of going for violence. In one of His hadith Prophet (PBUH) said: “Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them. ” (Bukhari) ‘Thus, Muslims should spread His message of peace by giving examples out of the actions He undertook to ensure peace. 5. Kind To Children: The Prophet (PBUH) always treated kids with kindness and mercy. He always enjoyed their company and played with them to make them happy. One such example can be seen from His life when He used to say to kids: “Il give such and such (1. e. gift or so) to the one who comes to me first. ” $0 they used to race and fall on His back and chest. (Ahmad) This shows His treatment towards kids and there are countless other examples in His lifetime where He commanded parents to be loving and caring towards their children. 6. Generous: Generosity is another hallmark of the personality of Muhammad (PBUH). He was the most generous person there could ever be. He preferred others over Himself and always fulfilled the needs of anyone who came to Him to ask for something. One of His companions notes: “The Prophet (PBUH) did not refuse to give anything which He had to someone if he asked for it. ” (Bukhari) Scanned with CamScanner40 His generosity is something that Muslims should aspire to and spread the examples of His generosity toothy, people as wel so that the world could become a better place. 7. Caring Towards Women: Another allegation against Islam Is that its religion that oppresses women, therefore, belng the bringer of ty religion, Muhammad (PBUH) Is also attributed with women oppressing attributes. This perception Is also wron because Prophet (PBUH) was very caring of the rights of the women and commended His followers to give speci treatment to women by giving them respect and equal rights that they ought to have. In one of His hadiths hy said: “Whoever (brings up) two girs til they come of age, will be in the next world along with me, like my two finger Joining each other. ” (Abu Dawud) If He were an oppressor of women, He could have simply mentioned male orphan children, however, He gave» preference to raising female children. This shows the care He had for women and their rights. 8. Pleasant: ‘Another misconception is that the Prophet (PBUH) would be someone who would always be harsh and strict on the people He interacted with. Itis also a wrong perception because the Prophet (PBUH) was the most pleasant person, He would greet everyone with a smile and always spoke to people with gentleness. His companion said) about Him: “Ihave never seen a man who smiled as much as the Messenger of Allah. ” (Tirmidhl) This shows that the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was pleasant and gentle. A person who would ) smile most ofthe time ought to leave a good Impression on people, and wherever He would go He ought to have spread love and pleasantness. 9. A Well-Wisher of Orphans: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not Just love who were around Him, nor did He only loved those who were related to Him, rather He considered the entire society. In society, He was especially considerate of orphans and would commend His followers to take special care of the orphans as they did not have parents to look after them. In one of His hadiths, He said: “The best house among the Muslims Is one where an orphan Is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one where an orphan Is badly treated. * (Ibn Majah) ‘Muslims must take a leaf out of His treatment of orphans and treat the orphans fairly and wherever one sees the orphans being oppressed, a Muslim should raise voice for It and stop It from happening. 10. Cooperative: Prophet (PBUH) Is the best and the highest among people, however, whilst all the greatness and grandeur, He ‘was cooperative towards people and helped others in dolng the chores In any way He could help them. He never Scanned with CamScannera treated Himself as someone special, rather He would mix with common people and cooperate with them in any \way He could. As one of His companion narrates regarding the battle of Trench: "saw the Messenger of Allah on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt (that was dug from the trench) until His chest was covered with dirt. ” (Bukharl) Thus, a Muslim must also not value status or rank, rather be helping towards people and give his or her fair share inthe efforts that all of the people are putting. 11. Animal Rights Activist: Perhaps Muhammad (PBUH) was the first animal rights activist on the face of this earth who raised voice for the falr treatment of animal. He told people that animals were also the creation of Allah and they deserved to be treated fairly, instead of being harsh, strict and ignorant towards them. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated: “once found difficulty In riding a horse, so ! kept reining It In repeatedly, The Prophet (PBUH) then said, ‘You must have gentleness.” (Muslim) Ergo, Muslims should learn from His treatment of animals and should try being as gentle and as considerate towards animals as possible and treat them fairly. 12, Disassociated From Worldly Possessions: A person who Is so selfless that He would give anything that He had to anyone who asked for it and would do everything for the sake of Allah, itis quite natural that person has itle or no concern with the worldly possessions, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not want anything of this world, rather whatever He had He spent it on other people and helped them solve their material problems and issues. Regarding this attribute of His personality, one of His companions notes: “The Messenger of Allah did not leave any gold or silver currency, or a slave, male or female, after his death. He only left behind his white mule, his weapons and a plece of land which He declared as charity. ” (Bukhari) Prophet (PBUH) was the Prophet of Allah, the leader of Islam however, when He passed away all He left was nothing as mentioned In the above hadith. Therefore, one can realize the disconcert He had for the worldly possessions and material things, 13, Modest: Another striking personality attribute of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His modesty. He was the modest ofall and never encouraged any kind of vulgarity, rather He was bashful and strongly encouraged modesty in His followers. In one of His hadiths, He said: “Modesty Is a part of teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks It Is most lkely to do whatever helikes, ” (Reported by Abdullah ibn Maslamah) Thus, modesty is imperative to Islam and Prophet (PBUH) being ‘Was modest In every respect. living and breathing Islam ascertains that He Scanned with CamScannerag 14. Considerate: Whether It be animals, women, children, orphans, enemies, fellow Muslims, followers, elders, or it be anyone inj the society, for everyone of them Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was considerate. He would love children ang j orphans, He would treat animals fairly, He would give women their rights, He would respect the elders, He would » provide what people asked of Him, thus He was considerate to everyone without any discrimination. Prophet » (PBUH) said in a hadith: “1stand up for prayer Intending to protong It. In the meantime | hear the wailing of a baby and | have to shorten 4 my prayer, being apprehensive lest my recitation of a long verse may tell upon the baby’s mother. ” (Bukhari) 15. A Decent General Appearance: In his general appearance, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a beautiful, pure, simple, gentle and yet so common as any other person could be. His general appearance is detailed by one of His companions in the following way. ““The Prophet (PBUH) was a person of average height. His shoulders were wide. His hair reached his earlobes, Once | saw Him adomed in a red garment; | never saw anything more beautiful than Him. * (Bukhari) Conclusion: Ina nutshell, no matter whichever walk of life itis, whatever situation of life itis, a Muslim is to turn towards they personality of Muhammad (PBUH) and find that particular piece of guidance from it. Muslims must spread the life) of the Prophet (PBUH) because it is not only good for Muslims, rather the goodwill that comes from it has a universal appeal and will help make the world a better place. Scanned with CamScanner