In recent times, there is an increasing tendency to use the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi to reflect upon the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and seek from it answers to fundamental questions of how a Muslim should live his life for it to be truly Islamic. The Prophet’s (PBUH) life and his conduct has become a model on which every Muslim aspires to build his life according to the situation in which he finds himself.
In spite of his appointment as the Prophet (Nabi) of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH) never claimed to possess any superhuman qualities. He maintained that he was a mortal and a servant (‘abd) of Allah to whom revelation (wahi) came, as it is indicated in the Holy Our’an. He knew that his role was to be the messenger (Rasul) and mediator of Allah in guiding mankind.
It is important to note that even in this function of acting as a guide, he reminded the people that only Allah was able to guide. “Verily, thou cannot guide aright everyone whom thou lovest: but it is Allah who guides him that wills (to be guided); and He is fuIly aware of all who would let themselves be guided.” (Sura Al-Qasas 28: Verse 56).
The Prophet (PBUH) never claimed vanity in spite of his exalted position as indicated in the Holy Our’an. He saw his role amongst his people as their guide and teacher and by his example was to steer them to salvation. Whosoever followed him, and his way of life, understood their purpose and meaning of their existence in the world. In this context, the chosen (al-Mustafa) the Prophet (PBUH) became the prototype, (Uswa Husana) a ‘Beautiful Model’.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made time to detach himself from the hustle bustle of daily life and indulged in contemplation and meditation. By this practice, he integrated his physical aspect of his life with spiritual activities. In his daily life, he exercised utmost kindness and showed concern for the weak. His loving kindness extended over all beings. He was noted for his love of children and used to greet them and play with them. He was also known for his love of animals.
He lived simply and his saying “Faqri Fakhri (‘My poverty is my pride’)” became a motto for the many who followed him. Every phase of his work and action became an ideal model of moral perfection. Whatever he did was exemplary for his followers and thus his actions and sayings were recorded and preserved in the famous Hadith literature. His was a noble and serene cause in the Way of Allah and all those who came into contact with it, were to know that what he preached and the Message of Allah that he conveyed was to show the nobility and generosity of the humankind in fulfilling the purpose of creation.
His concern for peace and tranquility in all spheres of human activity was paramount. The Prophet’s (PBUH) lifestyle highlights the fact that in order to achieve the harmony, peace and tranquility within the society at large and within the self, man has to live in this world and not reject it. It is through constant struggle in this world that man will be in a position to transcend it and achieve the realisation of the Absolute which is the true destiny of man. The life of the Prophet (PBUH) is looked upon as a prototype by the believer in his quest to achieve this lofty status.
The Muslims must now awake, taking their example from the glorious life and the marvelous teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), build their spiritual and religious faith in Muhammad (PBUH) and work for the development of science, knowledge and political and social advance along the line of the most progressive races of mankind.
