Prophet Muhammad (saw), The Greatest Philanthropist In History

                                                                                                                    -Sahid Ahmed

One of the finest humanitarians to ever walk the world was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  In fact he must be called the saviour of humanity. According to George Bernard Shaw, “if a man like Muhammad were to assume dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.”[The Genuine Islam] Similarly, a great historian, Lamartine argues that “as regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?”[Histoire de la Turquie] According to Michael H Hart, he leads the list of the Most Influential Persons in History’ (The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History’).

As a result, the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad serves as a constant source of inspiration for both Muslims and non-Muslims. The nicest aspect of his character was that he would constantly grin and say, “All praise be to Allah,” even though he had had a very terrible life up until that point.

Perhaps, no one’s life has been studied as much as the Holy Prophet’s biography. However, not a single imperfection in his character has been noted. This is precisely why even the pagans of Mecca would call him “Al-Sadiq” (the Truthful) and “Al-Amin” (the Faithful).

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was incredibly kind, compassionate, and friendly, and he made every effort to instill these very good qualities in his followers. A man asked the Prophet (pbuh), “Which act in Islam is the best?” He replied, “To feed (the poor and needy) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not.”[ Sahih Al Bukhari] He also prohibited negative behavior such as jealousy and enmity between people. He said, “Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another; and do not desert (cut your relation with) each other, and O God’s worshippers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days.”[Sahih Al Bukhari] This illustrates how consistently and successfully the Prophet worked to develop and refine the manners of his companions.

The prophet detested rage the most since it is the ugliest aspect of human nature. He never did anything motivated by rage. “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his might, but the strong is the one who regulates himself when in fury,” he warned his colleagues of the perils of wrath. Source: Sahih Al Bukhari.

A true believer is someone who others feel safe with, the Prophet (S.A.W.) once said. a person who exchanges love for hatred. The Prophet made it quite apparent that a person on a lower ethical plane would only reciprocate love for love. The Prophet’s Companions once pleaded with him to curse his adversaries as they brutally persecuted him. “I have not been sent to lay a curse upon men but to be a benefit to them,” the Prophet (pbuh) said in response. He and his Companions were still subjected to harsh and terrible treatment by his adversaries, but he never stopped praying for them. He arranged his life so that he never bothered anyone or caused them any problem.

He imparted many great lessons, one of which was to live among others as flowers rather than thorns. In Madinah, Jews and Muslims coexisted peacefully side by side. They were free to follow their religion, thanks to the Prophet (pbuh). Additionally, he cautioned his followers that the Prophet himself would defend the non-Muslim in the hereafter if someone killed or abused a non-Muslim in any way because they would not even be able to smell the perfume of Paradise. [10] He constantly sought to live in harmony with Christians, Jews, and idolaters, and he only ever took his sword out to defend Islam and fend off aggressors.

To bring forth world peace and harmony, the Prophet (pbuh) was born. The Holy Prophet abolished all forms of inequality and established a connection of global brotherhood in his Last Sermon. He said, “There is no superiority for an Arab over a non – Arab, and for a non – Arab over an Arab, or for white over the black, or for the black over the white, except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious.” He provided a lasting example of ideal human conduct for all of humanity in his great nature, patience, and mildness. He didn’t choose an ascetic lifestyle or have a preference for worldly things. Instead, he had a beautiful sense of equilibrium across his entire way of life.

The different historical figures in history can all be quickly identified by their distinction in a particular field of endeavor. However, the Prophet’s achievement spans all spheres of human endeavor, including social, moral, cultural, academic, political, and administrative ones. His life is flawless in every way, with a perfect balance in every aspect of it.

Writter: Student-Dhaka University.