Table of Contents
- Summary
- Introduction
- Explore a couple of stories of service and explain their role to Mankind.
- The Ultimate Servant – Our Master Muhammad
- Beacon of Humanity (Role Model)
- Conclusion
Summary
All the Prophets engaged themselves in some form of work. Hazrat Ādam (ʿalayhis salām) weaved clothes and later began farming. Hazrat Nūḥ (ʿalayhis salām) occupied himself with carpentry. Hazrat Idrīs (ʿalayhis salām) worked as a tailor. Hazrat Hūd (ʿalayhis salām) and Hazrat Ṣāliḥ (ʿalayhis salām) were traders. Hazrat Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis salām) farmed as a hobby. Hazrat Shuʿayb (ʿalayhis salām) ran a dairy farm. Hazrat Lūṭ (ʿalayhis salām) was also a farmer. Hazrat Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām) grazed goats for years. Although Hazrat Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) was a king, he made fans out of leaves with his own hands. As a young boy, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a shepherd, and later he worked as a trader for Hazrat Khadījah (raḍiyAllāhu ʿanhā).
Therefore, any form of ḥalāl earning is Sunnat‑e‑Ambiyā, and to degrade it is foolish.
Objectives of this part:
- An introduction to some qualities of the noble Prophets.
- How to become a role model.
Introduction
Every Prophet and Messenger of Allāh was blessed with a perfect disposition. They were handsome, and their lineage was noble. Their character and conduct were exemplary because they all possessed the attributes of perfection. They guided humanity toward the code of spiritual conduct, which was completed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They practiced virtuous deeds due to their noble rank and exalted status.
Due to the moral weaknesses of humankind, Allāh sent prophets to Earth to correct their moral and spiritual conduct. After creation and the provision of sustenance, Allāhs mercy is fully manifested in this act of divine guidance. Although good and evil are instinctively recognized in the hearts of people, the inability—or refusal—of many to act upon this knowledge made the coming of prophets necessary.
This divine guide is universal; no one is exempt from it. Prophet Ādam (ʿalayhis salām) was the first Prophet. After his removal from the Garden of Paradise, Almighty Allāh forgave him for his minor transgression, and for this reason, Islam is regarded as the original divine teaching.
The message of all prophets originates from the same Divine Source, which in the Holy Qur’ān is referred to as “The Preserved Tablet,” “The Hidden Book,” or “The Mother of the Book.” Muslims recognize that approximately 124,000 prophets were sent by Allāh to humanity. Despite differences in societies, the essence of all revealed religions remains unified.
Prophets are an indivisible unity—they are all human and have no share in divinity. However, they are the finest examples of humanity. Some prophets, known as Rasūl, hold a higher rank than others, referred to as Nabī. In the Holy Qur’ān, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is called the Seal of the Prophets, confirming that he is the final Messenger of Allāh.
It is essential to possess firm conviction, a clear purpose, and unwavering perseverance. This is why history reveals only a small number of individuals and groups who have been able to shoulder the weight of a social mission. Through their creative and constructive ideas, boldness, broad‑mindedness, and exceptional leadership, they managed to shift public thought and bring about profound transformations during a nation’s history. Without doubt, the story of humanity is shaped by those remarkable and visionary individuals who have played decisive roles in its unfolding.
A study of the prophetic movements reveals that they have served as the greatest catalysts for intellectual and moral revolutions in human society. Their teachings laid the foundation for justice, compassion, philanthropy, brotherhood, equality, and dedicated service to humanity. Through their messages, they championed love, human liberty, peace, purity, piety, and a host of social and spiritual virtues that continue to resonate across generations.
Explore a couple of stories of their service and explain their role to Mankind
Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis salām)
Since the dawn of recorded history, Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis salām) has been recognized as a champion of monotheism, a breaker of idols, and a defier of myths. He was the one who taught that true devotion to a cause demands the willingness to sacrifice one’s life, wealth, and even beloved children (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Sāffāt 37:102, Part 23, p. 445). He stood firmly against tyranny and self‑worship, embodied in the figure of Nimrod (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
As a result of his unwavering struggle against idolatry and false gods, he was cast into a blazing fire—yet emerged unscathed and undeterred (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Anbiyāʾ 21:69, Part 17, p. 325). His resilience and self‑sacrifice became a timeless example, and he resumed his mission with even greater resolve. It was he who laid the foundation of the oldest center of monotheism, the sacred Kaʿbah (Al‑Ṭabarī, Tārīkh al‑Rusul wa’l‑Mulk, Vol. 1, pp. 67–70).
Prophet Ibrāhīm remains the spiritual ancestor and inspiration for all great Semitic faiths that proclaim belief in one Allāh, shaping the religious consciousness of vast regions of the world.
Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām)
Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām) was born into adversity—his life endangered from the very moment of birth. Pharaoh, in his tyranny, had decreed that all newborn male children of Banī Isrāʾīl be killed, sparing only the females for slavery (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Qasas 28:4, Part 20, p. 382). Ensnared in this environment of fear and oppression, Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām) was forced to live under the constant shadow of death. Pharaoh ruled Egypt with absolute power and had subjected the Children of Israel to cruel servitude. Alarmed by their growing numbers, he issued his infamous command: “All newborn male children of the Israelites shall be slain.” It was a decree of unimaginable cruelty (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
Yet Pharaoh’s will could never overpower Allāhs divine plan. Baby Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām) was born to a God‑fearing woman, whose heart was strengthened and inspired by Allāh. Through divine guidance, she made the courageous choice to entrust her infant to the river, unknowingly setting in motion a destiny that would change the course of history.
Allāh reveals guidance through the Qur’ān:
وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ فَإِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَيْهِ فَأَلْقِيهِ فِي ٱليَمِّ وَلاَ تَخَافِي وَلاَ تَحْزَنِيۤ إِنَّا رَآدُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ
“And We inspired the mother of Mūsā: suckle him. When you fear for him, cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve. Undoubtedly, We shall return him to you and shall make him a Messenger.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Qaṣaṣ 28:7, Part 20, p. 383). Ibn Kathīr states in his Tafsīr how Mūsā’s mother was inspired and shown what to do, describing Firʿawn’s alternating decree of killing boys one year and sparing them the next, and how Hārūn was born in a spared year while Mūsā was born in a year of slaughter (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
Allāh says:
أَنِ ٱقْذِفِيهِ فِي ٱلتَّابُوتِ فَٱقْذِفِيهِ فِي ٱلْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ ٱلْيَمُّ بِٱلسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّي وَعَدُوٌّ لَّهُ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِيۤ
“Cast him into the chest, then cast it into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his enemy will take him. And I bestowed love upon you from Me, so that you may be reared under My eye.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Ṭā Hā 20:39, Part 16, p. 314). The Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn beautifully captures the quiet strength and divine reassurance in that moment, emphasizing how Allāh calmed her fear and promised reunion and purpose (Al‑Jalālayn, Vol. 2, pp. 145–147).
The image of a mother gently placing her infant into a basket under cover of night, entrusting him to the river with nothing but faith, is as heart‑wrenching as it is awe‑inspiring. The fact that Mūsā never cried during those three months—subtly reinforcing divine protection—adds a miraculous layer that is often overlooked.
Together, Ibn Kathīr’s emphasis on the socio‑political context and al‑Jalālayn focus on emotional reassurance weave a spiritual tapestry that highlights how Allāhs mercy and wisdom envelop even the most perilous moments.
Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām)
Prophet Mūsā’s (ʿalayhis salām) mother did exactly as Allāh had inspired her. She gently wrapped him in a blanket and placed him in a basket woven from reeds. In the quiet stillness of the night, her heart heavy with fear and faith, she entrusted him to the river’s current (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Qaṣaṣ 28:7, Part 20, p. 383).
The basket drifted along the Nile until it reached one of Pharaoh’s palaces. There, the queen spotted it and moved by curiosity and compassion, ordering her servants to retrieve it. Upon seeing the baby, she was immediately captivated. Childless herself, she pleaded with Pharaoh to allow her to raise him as their own. They named the child Mūsā, said in ancient Egyptian to mean “drawn out of water” (Al‑Ṭabarī, Tārīkh al‑Rusul wa’l‑Mulk, Vol. 1, pp. 67–70).
When word of a foundling in the palace reached Mūsā’s mother, she instantly sent her daughter to observe events from a distance. Meanwhile, Mūsā—hungry and inconsolable—refused to nurse from any of the palace wet nurses. As he grew weaker, his sister stepped forward and recommended a woman whose own infant had recently perished. She rushed home to summon her mother. Concealing her identity, Mūsā’s mother offered to nurse the child. The moment she held him, he accepted her milk—recognizing the comfort and warmth of his mother (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
In an awe‑inspiring turn of mercy and divine precision, Allāh reunited mother and child. Not only was she able to cradle and nourish her son again, but she was also entrusted by the palace to raise him—safely and without suspicion. Yet through it all, she never revealed who she truly was.
Allāh says:
أَنِ ٱقْذِفِيهِ فِي ٱلتَّابُوتِ فَٱقْذِفِيهِ فِي ٱلْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ ٱلْيَمُّ بِٱلسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّي وَعَدُوٌّ لَّهُ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِيۤ
“Cast him into the chest, then cast it into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his enemy will take him. And I bestowed love upon you from Me, so that you may be reared under My eye.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Ṭā Hā 20:39, Part 16, p. 314).
The Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn beautifully captures the quiet strength and divine reassurance in that moment, emphasizing how Allāh calmed her fear and promised reunion and purpose (Al‑Jalālayn, Vol. 2, pp. 145–147). The mission of Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām)—his tireless efforts to liberate his people, his unyielding resistance to oppression and degradation, and his courageous confrontation with those intoxicated by power and self‑glorification—marks a towering chapter in the chronicles of human struggle. His unwavering dedication, fueled by divine guidance, not only freed a nation but also etched his legacy into the soul of history as one of resilience, justice, and truth.
Prophet ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām)
For two thousand years, Prophet ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām) has been revered as a symbol of peace, justice, and divine compassion. He emerged in an era steeped in selfishness, materialism, rivalry, and bloodshed—when warmongering and the lust for wealth had clouded the hearts of many (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Āl ʿImrān 3:45–47, Part 4, pp. 73–74).
Religious leaders, instead of upholding truth, had become entangled in hypocrisy, deceit, usury, and even the shedding of prophetic blood. In the face of this moral decay, ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām) stood firm—challenging corruption, exposing spiritual decay, and striving to restore righteousness. He revived the Mosaic faith, which had been distorted over generations, and reintroduced its true message: purity, sincerity, humility, and unwavering service to humanity (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 4, pp. 45–47).
Through his life of simplicity and sacrifice, he taught love, mercy, and moral courage. His mission was not just a call to reform—it was a living example of divine resilience. Even in the face of hostility and threats to his life, he never wavered in his devotion to Allāhs truth and to guiding the lost back toward light (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Māʾidah 5:110, Part 6, p. 115).
Throughout history, the teachings of Prophet ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām) ignited a powerful wave of moral awakening and compassion across large swathes of the world. His call to righteousness, purity, and service became the foundation for transformative movements and revolutions that reshaped societies.
The unfolding story of Christianity and the Church is marked by both noble achievements and regrettable episodes. Indeed, all that was righteous and uplifting stemmed from adherence to the true message of ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām), while the discord and corruption that arose can be traced to distortion, misuse, and deviation from his divine mission (Al‑Ṭabarī, Tārīkh, Vol. 2, pp. 112–118).
Eventually, history reached its most profound turning point—the rise of Islam, the final and most complete Divine guidance. This moment marks the culmination of the prophetic tradition, and we now turn to explore it in the closing segment of this discourse.
Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām)
Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām) was a descendant of Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis salām), chosen by Allāh to guide the Children of Israel. He was granted the Zabūr, a divine scripture revealed in melodious, poetic form. Its teachings were rooted in the same core guidance as the Tawrāh of Prophet Mūsā (ʿalayhis salām), affirming righteousness, devotion, and justice (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
Allāh not only honored him with prophethood but also entrusted him with a vast and flourishing kingdom—spanning regions that include present‑day Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Jordan. He was renowned for his eloquence and clarity of speech; his words carried profound wisdom, and his voice, full of beauty and emotion, resonated deeply with those who listened.
Endowed with insight and discernment, Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām) consistently rendered just and balanced decisions, even in the most complex situations. His rule became a model of prophetic governance—righteous, wise, and divinely inspired.
Allāh reveals guidance through the Qur’ān:
وَشَدَدْنَا مُلْكَهُ وَآتَيْنَاهُ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَفَصْلَ ٱلْخِطَابِ
“And We strengthened his kingdom and bestowed him wisdom and decisive speech.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Ṣād 38:20, Part 23, p. 452).
Allāh granted numerous miracles to Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām). Among these was the extraordinary gift that birds, animals, jinn, and even the mountains would join him in glorifying Allāh (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Sabaʾ 34:10, Part 22, p. 423). His voice was so melodious and spiritually stirring that creation itself resonated with his remembrance.
Despite being a mighty ruler presiding over a vast empire, Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām) lived with unmatched humility. He never used state resources for personal or familial needs. Instead, he earned his living by working with his own hands—engaging in honest labor like any ordinary person (Al‑Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, Vol. 4, p. 112). According to Ibn Kathīr, in the blessed household of Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām) and his noble son Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām), the family maintained such a spiritual routine that at every moment of the day and night, at least one member was engaged in the remembrance of Allāh Taʿālā (Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām)
Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām), son of Prophet Dāwūd (ʿalayhis salām), was endowed by Allāh with immense wisdom, knowledge, and extraordinary wealth. Like all prophets, he called people to worship Allāh alone, to avoid shirk (associating others with Him), and to live in obedience to His commands (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Anbiyāʾ 21:79, Part 17, p. 326).
Throughout his life, Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) embodied profound piety and unwavering moral integrity. Whether in moments of hardship or triumph, he remained a humble servant, deeply aware of his dependence on Allāh. He understood that every success and every trial was a test, designed to refine sincerity and spiritual strength.
He offered a powerful example of how Muslims should view wealth and possessions—not as a source of pride or entitlement, but to glorify and serve Allāh. Those who follow this understanding never become arrogant in times of abundance, nor despair in times of loss. They recognize Allāh as the true Owner of all, and channel their blessings toward gratitude, generosity, and righteousness (Al‑Jalālayn, Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn, Vol. 2, pp. 145–147).
For Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām), power was not a distraction—it was a vessel for justice and a reflection of faith. His legacy reminds believers that the truest richness is submission to Allāh, and the noblest honor is servitude to His will.
One particularly striking event is recounted in Surah al‑Naml (The Ant). As Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) and his army approached a valley inhabited by ants, Allāh granted him the ability to hear the warning of a single ant:
حَتَّىٰ إِذَآ أَتَوْا عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُواْ مَسَاكِنَكُمْ لاَ يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَانُ وَجُنُودُهُ وَهُمْ لاَ يَشْعُرُونَ
“O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaymān and his army crush you while they perceive not.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Naml 27:18, Part 19, p. 361).
Touched by the ant’s speech, Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) smiled and turned to Allāh in gratitude, acknowledging the immense favor of understanding and wisdom bestowed upon him. This moment not only reflects his unique gift of communicating with creatures, but also his humility and consciousness of divine mercy—even in the smallest of lives (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Naml 27:19, Part 19, p. 361).
Allāh reveals guidance through the Qur’ān:
وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ ٱلرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُ عَيْنَ ٱلْقِطْرِ وَمِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ مَن يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِ وَمَن يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ
“And to Sulaymān We subjected the wind, its morning stage was of a month’s journey, and its evening stage was of a month’s journey. We made a stream of molten brass flow for him. And of the jinn, those who worked before him by the command of his Lord. And those of them who swerved from Our Commands We shall make them taste the torment of the blazing fire.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Sabaʾ 34:12, Part 22, p. 423). Ibn Kathīr (Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214) explains that the subjugation of the wind—able to carry Sulaymān a month’s journey in the span of a morning or an afternoon—reveals not only miraculous control over nature, but also the efficiency and swiftness with which he could administer his dominion. The flowing of molten brass (qiṭr) represents both technological and symbolic power: access to resources that enabled vast construction and craftsmanship. The jinn under his command, laboring under divine authority, illustrate the magnitude of Sulaymān’s sovereignty—not just over men, but over elements of the unseen. Yet even among the jinn, obedience was demanded, and punishment was promised for defiance—a reminder that true authority rests solely with Allāh. The Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn (Vol. 2, pp. 145–147) expands our understanding of the divine favors granted to Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām). The imagery is stunning—the wind made subject to him, covering the distance of an entire month in half a day, and molten copper flowing like water, used for construction and said to remain in circulation to this day. These are not just miracles of control over nature—they are symbols of empowerment, divine providence, and prophetic mastery over both seen and unseen realms.
Spiritual Reflection
His encounter with the ant and its warning is more than just a marvel—it reflects the depth of spiritual consciousness Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) possessed. Instead of dismissing the tiny creature or reveling in dominion, he smiled and turned to Allāh with gratitude and a plea for guidance. He recognized that every blessing—from knowledge and power to his lineage—was a trust, and that true success lay in using these gifts to earn the pleasure of the Divine.
Allāh reveals:
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكاً مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِيۤ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِيۤ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحاً تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّالِحِينَ
“Thereupon he smilingly laughed at her words, and said, ‘O my Lord, grant me guidance that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and that I may do such good works as would please You, and admit me out of Your Mercy among Your righteous servants.’” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Naml 27:19, Part 19, p. 361). This passage illustrates how even a prophet, capable of commanding the wind and jinn, pauses to seek ethical clarity and spiritual alignment. It is a lesson for anyone in a position of influence: wisdom begins with gratitude and is sustained by constant self‑accountability.
The Death of Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām)
The death of Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) is one of the most remarkable and symbolic moments in prophetic history.
According to the Qur’ān:
فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ ٱلْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِ إِلَّا دَابَّةُ ٱلْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ ٱلْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُواْ يَعْلَمُونَ ٱلْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُواْ فِي ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْمُهِينِ
“Then, when We decreed death for him, nothing showed them his death except a creature of the earth that ate his staff. And when he fell, the jinn realized that had they known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating servitude.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Sabaʾ 34:14, Part 22, p. 424). He passed away while standing, leaning on his staff, overseeing the jinn at work. The jinn, unaware of his death, continued their labor—believing he was still alive and watching them. It was only when a termite gnawed through his staff that his body collapsed, revealing that he had already passed away.
Tafsīr Insights
Tafsīr scholars such as Ibn Kathīr (Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214) and al‑Jalālayn (Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn, Vol. 2, pp. 145–147) elaborate that this event was not only miraculous but also purposeful. It demonstrated that even the jinn, despite their powers, do not possess knowledge of the unseen, and that true knowledge and control belong solely to Allāh. Ibn Kathīr emphasizes that the extraordinary lesson embedded in the passing of Prophet Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) is that all power—seen or unseen—is limited, and the unseen belongs to Allāh alone.
The image of one of the mightiest prophets, standing silently for a year, leaning on his staff while the jinn unknowingly continued their labor, is powerful both spiritually and symbolically. It shatters the illusion of supernatural knowledge the jinn were believed to have. Allāh allowed a humble worm—insignificant in size yet mighty in purpose—to unravel the illusion. Only when Sulaymān (ʿalayhis salām) fell did the truth emerge, affirming that neither jinn nor humans possess knowledge of the unseen unless Allāh grants it.
Spiritual Reflection
This moment strips away pride, clarifies divine truth, and reminds all of creation that submission to Allāh is the highest wisdom. It is a lesson in humility, accountability, and the recognition that even the greatest of rulers are bound by divine decree.
The Ultimate Servant – Our Master Muhammad ﷺ
After the ascension of Prophet ʿĪsā (ʿalayhis salām) to the heavens, the world once again fell under a dark veil of moral decline. Humanity slipped into open sinfulness—gambling, adultery, intoxication, and idol worship became rampant. Spiritual guidance seemed distant, and corruption took root in every corner of society. But then, as promised by Allāh, a new dawn broke upon the earth with the birth of the final Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, on 12 Rabīʿ al‑Awwal, corresponding to 22 April 571 CE—fifty‑three years before the Hijrah (Ibn Kathīr, al‑Bidāyah wa’l‑Nihāyah, Vol. 2, pp. 265–267). He was the long‑awaited one, the Seal of the Prophets, whose arrival marked the climax of divine revelation and the fulfillment of the prophetic tradition. Through him, the world was once again illuminated—this time with the eternal light of Islam.
Allāh reveals guidance through the Qur’ān:
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلاَّ رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We sent not you, but a mercy for all worlds.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Anbiyāʾ 21:107, Part 17, p. 329). Al‑Qurṭubī (RaḥimahuAllāh) states that with ʿĀlamīn here is meant not only humankind, but also the jinn and all that exists in the creation of Allāh (Tafsīr al‑Qurṭubī, Vol. 12, pp. 145–147).
Early Life
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born into the noble tribe of Hāshim, a respected yet modest branch of the influential Quraysh. His father passed away before his birth, and his mother died when he was just six years old. He was then raised under the care of his devoted uncle, Abū Ṭālib. From an early age, he displayed quiet reflection and a heightened moral awareness, earning the title al‑Amīn—the Trustworthy (Al‑Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, Vol. 1, p. 112). Like many of his tribe members, he became a merchant and journeyed to Syria, where he encountered various cultures and religious traditions, including Christianity. His integrity and skill in trade caught the attention of Khadījah (raḍiyAllāhu ʿanhā), a noble widow, whose business he managed. Impressed by his character, she proposed marriage, and they were wed when he was 25 years old (Ibn Hishām, Sīrah, Vol. 1, pp. 201–205).
Prophethood
At the age of 40, the Prophet ﷺ received the first divine revelation from Allāh, marking the beginning of his mission to proclaim the Message of Truth. This mission continued for 23 years, during which he conveyed the Qur’ān and the example of Islam to humanity. The Prophet ﷺ passed away at the age of 63 (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Māʾidah 5:3, Part 6, p. 110; Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr, Vol. 3, pp. 212–214).
In the initial stages of his prophethood, he began his call privately, inviting individuals discreetly to the path of monotheism. His message was simple yet transformative: worship Allāh alone, reject all forms of idolatry, and submit fully to divine guidance. Every human being was a servant of Allāh, called to self‑purification, moral conduct, and resistance to wrongdoing.
With firm belief in Allāh, the rejection of all false deities, the cultivation of character, piety, knowledge, vision, and total submission to the truth, the foundations of a transformative movement were laid. Over the course of three years, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prepared a small but devoted community through private instruction, moral upliftment, and spiritual discipline.
By the end of this period, the moment had arrived for the message to be proclaimed openly. A bold and unwavering challenge was launched against the prevailing order—against its injustices, its superstitions, and most pointedly, its idolatry. Idol‑worship, the source of moral confusion and the shield of a self‑glorifying aristocracy, was condemned with clarity and force.
This marked the beginning of a new spiritual dawn, one that would eventually reshape hearts, homes, and history itself.
Allāh reveals guidance through the Qur’ān:
قُلْ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعاً ٱلَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ لاۤ إِلَـٰهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ يُحْيِـي وَيُمِيتُ فَآمِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ٱلنَّبِيِّ ٱلأُمِّيِّ ٱلَّذِي يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَاتِهِ وَٱتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
“Say: O humankind! I am the Messenger of Allāh to you all, to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. None is to be worshiped except Him. He gives life and causes death. Believe then in Allāh and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allāh and His words, and follow him so that you may be guided.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah al‑Aʿrāf 7:158, Part 8, p. 158).
Honoring the Prophet’s Belongings
To honor the belongings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ is to honor him. There is no need for excessive rational inquiry on this matter—whatever is associated with the Prophet ﷺ becomes inherently worthy of reverence and a source of blessing.
For this reason, the ʿUlamāʾ and Aʾimmah (pl. of Imām) have encouraged that the Naʿlayn Sharīf—the blessed sandals of the Prophet ﷺ—be printed in books and upon paper. They have instructed that it be kissed, placed on the head, and even rubbed over the eyes. Many have used it as a medium for tawassul, healing, and spiritual benefit. Entire volumes have been authored by scholars affirming their significance and sacredness (Al‑Suyūṭī, al‑Khaṣāʾiṣ al‑Kubrā, Vol. 2, pp. 45–47).
Sayyidunā Imām Ahmad Raza Khan al‑Bareilwī—known as Ālāḥazrat ʿAẓīm al‑Barakat (Raḥmatullāhi ʿalayh)—beautifully stated: “If even the image of the Naʿlayn holds such barakah and honor, then imagine the blessings and excellence of the actual blessed sandals. Then reflect upon the sacred possessions: the cloak, the turban—each thousands of times more exalted than symbolic relics. Above them all are the blessed nails and hair of the Prophet ﷺ, which are parts of his noble body itself—most elevated and sacred of all.” (Ahmad Raza Khan, al‑Malfūẓāt, Vol. 1, pp. 112–115).
Beacon of Humanity (Role Model)
In The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Michael H. Hart placed the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at the very top of his list. Hart explained that his choice might surprise some readers, but he believed the Prophet ﷺ was “the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels” (Hart, 1978, p. 3). He emphasized that while many influential figures shaped history, few had such a profound and lasting impact across both spiritual and political spheres.
Hart also noted that the Prophet’s ﷺ role in the formation and spread of Islam was singular and personal—unlike Christianity, where the development of doctrine and expansion was significantly shaped by others, such as Paul the Apostle (Hart, 1978, pp. 4–5). This recognition from a non‑Muslim historian underscores the universal admiration for the Prophet’s ﷺ character, leadership, and transformative influence.
Michael H. Hart’s assessment underscores the extraordinary dual legacy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—as both a spiritual guide and a transformative statesperson. Hart emphasizes that the Prophet’s influence was not only religious but also profoundly political and civilizational. Unlike many historical figures whose impact might have been inevitable due to broader social forces, Hart argues that the Arab conquests—and the enduring Islamic civilization that followed—were uniquely tied to the leadership and vision of the Prophet ﷺ (Hart, 1978, pp. 6–7). He contrasts this with other conquests, such as those of the Mongols, which lacked the lasting cultural and spiritual cohesion that Islam brought to the regions it touched.
This recognition from a non‑Muslim historian is not just a testament to the Prophet’s ﷺ historical significance, but also a reminder of how deeply his life continues to shape the world today—across faith, language, law, and culture.
Bernard Shaw, the British philosopher, remarked: “… the Savior of Humanity… if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he will succeed in solving its problems” (The Genuine Islam, 1936, p. 8).
Mahatma Gandhi similarly observed: “… it was not the sword that won a place for Islam; it was the rigid simplicity… his absolute trust in God and in his own mission” (Young India, 1924, p. 357).
The Prophet’s Mercy at Ṭāʾif
As opposition in Mecca intensified, the Holy Prophet ﷺ sought to extend his call beyond the city. He turned to Ṭāʾif, a town 68 kilometers away, hoping to find open hearts and receptive minds. He approached the city’s leaders and invited them to embrace Islam, but his message was met with cold rejection and mockery.
The leaders of Ṭāʾif incited the townspeople—who hurled insults, unleashed dogs upon him, and pelted him with stones. The Prophet ﷺ bled so heavily that his sandals filled with blood. Weakened and in pain, he found shelter in a nearby orchard, taking refuge in its shade (Ibn Hishām, Sīrah, Vol. 2, pp. 45–47).
At that anguished moment, two angels descended, guardians of the mountains flanking Ṭāʾif. They offered to crush the city between the peaks, erasing its people for their cruelty. But the Prophet ﷺ, whose heart overflowed with compassion, refused.
Instead, he turned to Allāh and said: “O Allāh, guide my people, for they do not know. I hope that from their progeny will come those who worship You alone.” (Al‑Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, Vol. 4, p. 112).
This moment stands as one of the greatest testaments to his mercy and moral greatness—forgiveness in the face of violence, hope during sorrow.
Conclusion
Allāh calls upon us to remember:
وَٱذْكُرْ عِبَادَنَآ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ أُوْلِي ٱلأَيْدِي وَٱلأَبْصَارِ إِنَّآ أَخْلَصْنَاهُمْ بِخَالِصَةٍ ذِكْرَى ٱلدَّارِ وَإِنَّهُمْ عِندَنَا لَمِنَ ٱلْمُصْطَفَيْنَ ٱلأَخْيَارِ
“And remember Our bondmen Ibrāhīm, and Isḥāq, and Yaʿqūb – the men of power and knowledge. We indeed gave them distinction with a genuine affair – the remembrance of the (everlasting) abode. And in Our sight, they are indeed the chosen ones, the beloved.” (Al‑Qur’ān, Surah Ṣād 38:45–47, Part 23, p. 453). This verse highlights the noble qualities of the Prophets Ibrāhīm, Isḥāq, and Yaʿqūb (ʿalayhim al‑salām). They are described as men of strength (ūlī al‑aydī) and vision (ūlī al‑abṣār), chosen by Allāh for their sincerity and remembrance of the eternal abode. Their lives serve as timeless reminders of steadfastness, wisdom, and devotion.
According to Ibn Kathīr (Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, Vol. 4, pp. 112–114), these verses emphasize that the Prophets were distinguished not only by their physical and intellectual strength but also by their spiritual purity. Their remembrance of the Hereafter was the essence of their mission, guiding humanity toward eternal success.
Al‑Jalālayn (Tafsīr al‑Jalālayn, Vol. 2, pp. 148–149) adds that their distinction (ikhlāṣ) was a divine gift, setting them apart as exemplars of sincerity and devotion.
This conclusion reminds us that true greatness lies in remembrance of the Hereafter, sincerity in worship, and submission to Allāh. The Prophets are not only historical figures but eternal role models, chosen and beloved by Allāh.