Muhammad: The Greatest Man In History?

Prophet Muhammad is widely considered to be the greatest man in history, with some even describing him as the best of creation. He was a religious and secular leader, a warrior, businessman, statesman, orator, reformer, protector of slaves, emancipator of women, judge, and saint. He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, and completely revolutionised the worlds of human thought and behaviour.

Born in Makkah around 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad is revered by Muslims as the revealed mercy, the bright light, the fountainhead of truth, the beacon of knowledge and religion. He is also described as the establisher of the balance of truth, the restorer of justice, and the raiser of the banner of righteousness and monotheism.

The Prophet's character is the most important factor that inspires reverence and respect in both Islamic and non-Islamic cultures. He is described as the most honest, generous, pleasant, modest, and considerate man, with the best sense of humour.

- He did everything for Allah

- He was a lover of peace and prosperity

- He was the most generous man

- He respected and cared for women

- He had no interest in worldly wealth

- He had the best manners

- He had a great sense of humour

- He was a considerate human being

Prophet Muhammad was a peace lover

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is regarded as the best man in the world by Muslims. He was born in the Saudi Arabian city of Makkah around 1400 years ago, and his life has been meticulously documented.

Prophet Muhammad was born into a society filled with turmoil and violence. Before receiving revelations from Allah Almighty, he spent a lot of time in seclusion, contemplating the chaotic state of his society. He was known as a peacekeeper even before he started preaching Islam.

One example of his peacekeeping abilities was when the tribes of Quraysh were rebuilding the Ka'bah and disputed where to place the Black Stone. Prophet Muhammad asked them to bring a garment and place the stone on it. He then requested that each tribe leader hold the garment and lift the stone together, thus establishing peace among the tribes.

Another instance of his commitment to peace was when his followers in Mecca were tortured, murdered, and boycotted by the enemies of Islam. During this time, Prophet Muhammad sought peace and told his followers not to retaliate. He received a revelation from Allah, which said:

> "Not equal are the good deed and the bad deed. Repel evil by that which is better, and then the one who is hostile to you will become as a devoted friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great fortune." (Quran 41:34-35)

Prophet Muhammad's reputation as a peacekeeper secured a home for the Muslims in the city of Yathrib, now known as Medina. The people of Medina were living in extreme civil unrest, and they invited the Prophet to come and establish peace among them. He drew up the Constitution of Medina, which is still considered a shining example of how pluralism can exist peacefully.

Prophet Muhammad taught his followers to always seek peace and leave the doors to peace open, even in times of conflict. He demonstrated compassion, forgiveness, and a genuine desire for harmony in his interactions with others.

He was a protector of slaves

Prophet Muhammad is revered by Muslims as the "best man in the world" and the "best of the best". He is regarded as the "emancipator of slaves" and the "raiser of the banner of righteousness and monotheism".

Prophet Muhammad was orphaned at a young age, losing both his parents and his grandfather. Despite this, he did not withdraw into isolation. Instead, he embarked on a mission to defend humanity, support the weak, establish the rights of the wronged, and console the injured.

Prophet Muhammad was a protector of slaves. He emphasised the importance of treating slaves well and guaranteed them rights such as shelter, food, clothing, and protection from abuse under Shariah law. He is reported to have said in one of his last hadiths:

> Prayer, prayer; fear Allah about those whom your right hands possess.

This statement underscores the Prophet's concern for the welfare of slaves, even in his final moments.

Prophet Muhammad is also known for freeing and marrying most of his slaves. For instance, he freed and married Juweriyah, the mother of believers, who was initially a slave. This act of compassion and respect demonstrates his commitment to the well-being and dignity of those under his care.

Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad encouraged his followers to treat slaves with kindness and respect. He urged Muslims to view slaves as fellow human beings, referring to them as "bondmen and bond-girls of Allah". This perspective elevated the status of slaves and promoted their humane treatment.

The Prophet's teachings and actions set a precedent for Muslims to follow, inspiring them to emulate his example of compassion, justice, and protection for the most vulnerable members of society, including slaves.

He was an emancipator of women

Prophet Muhammad is often regarded as the best man in the world by Muslims. In this context, it is important to note that he was an emancipator of women.

In the seventh century, women in Arabia had few to no rights. They did not have a ranked status, and even their right to life was questionable, with infanticide being a common practice for newborn girls. The Prophet Muhammad's legacy includes ending infanticide and establishing explicit rights for women. Islam, as revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah, teaches that men and women are equal before God.

The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, states that men and women were created from the same essence, and thus, they are equal in their humanity. Neither gender can be superior as it would contradict the principle of equality. This is a stark contrast to the prevailing norms of the time, where women were often treated as inferior.

Prophet Muhammad's teachings and the Quran granted women inheritance, property, social, and marriage rights. Women were given the right to choose their husbands, initiate divorce, and reject marriage proposals. They were also allowed to own property, enter into legal contracts, and manage their assets as they pleased. In fact, the Quran states that a woman's testimony is valid in legal disputes, and she has the right to vote and participate in politics.

Prophet Muhammad also encouraged Muslim men to treat their wives and daughters with respect and kindness. He himself was the father of four daughters and remained in a monogamous marriage with his first wife, Khadijah, until her death. Prophet Muhammad's teachings and actions elevated the status of women in society and continue to inspire Muslims today in their pursuit of women's rights.

Moreover, women played a significant role in Prophet Muhammad's religious career. His first wife, Khadijah, was the first person he spoke to about his revelations and became the first convert to Islam. She remained a source of support and a confidant throughout their marriage. Prophet Muhammad's interactions with women demonstrated his belief in their value and worth, which was revolutionary for the time.

He was a perfect model for human life

Prophet Muhammad is revered as a role model for humanity, with his life and teachings providing invaluable guidance for Muslims and serving as an inspiration for people of all backgrounds. He is described as the "Light of Allah", a beacon of knowledge and religion, and the establisher of the balance of truth.

Prophet Muhammad's character is said to be a perfect model for every aspect of human life, from cradle to grave. His immaculate character provides guidance that leads to the establishment of peaceful and happy societies. Even non-Muslim scholars and thinkers have praised his character, including George Bernard Shaw, Michael Hart, Rev. R. Bosworth-Smith, Major A. Leonard, and Mahatma Gandhi.

• Compassion and Mercy: Prophet Muhammad was known for his compassion and mercy towards all living beings, including both Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as animals. He treated people with kindness, regardless of their social status or beliefs.
• Honesty and Integrity: Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad exemplified honesty and integrity in his actions and words. Even before his prophethood, he was known as "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy) among his people due to his fairness and honesty in business dealings.
• Justice and Fairness: Prophet Muhammad upheld justice and fairness in all aspects of life. He treated everyone with equal respect and ensured that justice was served, even when it went against the interests of powerful individuals.
• Humility and Modesty: Despite his status as a prophet, Muhammad remained humble and approachable. He lived a simple and modest life, not seeking worldly riches or status.
• Patience and Perseverance: Prophet Muhammad faced numerous challenges and hardships during his mission, yet he demonstrated immense patience and perseverance in spreading the message of Islam. He never gave up despite the obstacles he encountered.
• Forgiveness and Tolerance: Prophet Muhammad forgave his critics and enemies, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and encouraging Muslims to be tolerant and understanding.
• Love for Learning: Prophet Muhammad valued seeking knowledge and learning throughout life. His love for knowledge set an example for Muslims to prioritize education and continuous learning.
• Mannerism: Prophet Muhammad was the epitome of good manners. Every action he performed exemplified the highest standards of morality and deportment. He was a model citizen with impeccable manners, never using vulgar or degrading language.
• Peace Lover: Contrary to popular perception, Prophet Muhammad was a proponent of peace. He urged people to settle their differences through dialogue and non-violent means.
• Generosity: Prophet Muhammad was known for his generosity. He always met the needs of those who came to him with a request, putting others before himself.
• Women's Rights: Prophet Muhammad was concerned about women's rights and encouraged his followers to treat women with respect. He gave women an honorable and respected position in Islam, emphasizing the importance of treating them with kindness and fairness.
• Animal Rights: Prophet Muhammad may have been one of the first advocates for animal rights, believing that animals deserved to be treated fairly and with compassion.
• Selflessness: Prophet Muhammad lived his life for the sake of Allah and spreading His message. He endured hardships and persecution without complaining and always put the well-being of others before his own.
• Cooperation: Despite his high status, Prophet Muhammad was helpful and mingled with ordinary people. He assisted others in their work and never considered himself above any task, as demonstrated by his actions during the Battle of Trench.
• Pleasantness: Prophet Muhammad was known for his pleasant demeanor. He greeted people with a smile and spoke to them with tenderness. His companion described him as always smiling and spreading love and happiness wherever he went.

He was a saviour of humanity

Prophet Muhammad is revered as the saviour of humanity by Muslims. He was born in the city of Makkah around 1400 years ago and was orphaned at a young age. Despite these early challenges, he went on to become a leader who defended humanity, supported the weak, established the rights of the wronged, and consoled the injured.

Prophet Muhammad is described as having a wonderful, perfect, and peerless character. He was a role model for his followers, known for his honesty and integrity. He was also a great statesman, establishing a new society in Medina, where he built a mosque that served as a university, parliament, and shelter for refugees. He also established brotherhood between the Muhajireen (refugees from Mecca) and the Ansar (citizens of Medina), bringing peace to a region that had previously been divided by hostility and conflict.

Prophet Muhammad's teachings and actions continue to inspire Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He promoted racial equality, social justice, and human rights, and is regarded as the greatest humanitarian to have ever walked the earth. He was a true peacemaker, only resorting to violence when absolutely necessary to defend Islam and repel aggression.

Prophet Muhammad's message and character have left an indelible mark on human history, and he is considered by many to be the best man and the ideal human being.

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