The Islamic month of Rabi ul Awwal is the month of the birth and death of our Prophet Muhammad (sa), who was sent as the perfect role model and teacher for mankind. Within 23 years, he managed to transform the psyche, society, economy, and politics of the Arabs so drastically that they went on to inspire and change the world around them and the world of generations to come.
“It is He, Who has sent among the unlettered (Arabs) a messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them, and teaching them the book (i.e., the Quran) and wisdom (i.e., the Sunnah). Although they were before in clear error.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:2)
The Knowledge Revolution
The Arabs did not know how to read or write, nor did they ever produce works of scholarship. The Jews, on the contrary, carried the title of Al-Ahbaar (people of the ink) due to their stained fingertips- a result of turning the pages of their divine scripture. They took pride in their scholarly works and considered themselves as ‘the chosen ones.’ Along with the Christians, they awaited the Final Prophet, but despite recognizing the signs, both refused to believe in the Prophet Muhammad (sa).
The Prophet (sa) stressed observation, education, and scholarship to discover the Creator first and then learn what He had created. He encouraged his Companions to question and discuss, which led to a knowledge revolution based on the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophets (sa): sciences (physical and metaphysical), libraries, and inventions developed and flourished.
A Social Reformation
Jaffar bin abi Talib (rtam), in the fifth year of Muhammad’s (sa) prophethood, in his eloquent speech at the court of the Christian king Negus, drew a vivid comparison of the state of Arabs before and after the arrival of the Messenger (sa).
He said: “O king! We were plunged in the depth of ignorance and barbarism; we adored idols, we lived an unchaste life, we ate the dead bodies, and we spoke abominations, we disregarded every feeling of humanity, and the duties of hospitality and neighborhood were neglected; we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah (swt) raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity we were aware; and he called to the oneness of Allah (swt) and taught us not to associate anything with Him.
He forbade us the worship of idols, and he enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our trusts, to be merciful and to regard the rights of the neighbours and kith and kin; he forbade us to speak evil of women, or to eat the substance of orphans; he ordered us to flee from the vices and to abstain from evil; to offer prayers, to render alms, and to observe fast.
We have believed in him, we have accepted his teachings and his injunctions to worship Allah (swt), and not to associate anything with Him, and we have allowed what He has allowed, and prohibited what He has prohibited.” (Excerpt from ‘The Sealed Nectar’)
The sense of purpose and principles Prophet (sa) instilled in the unlettered Arabs created the best of people in the worst of circumstances. The ethics and morals developed on the basis of Tauheed (faith in One true God) and Taqwa (being mindful of that God) made them worth emulating in every field of life.
This was possible only through the four tasks Allah (swt) appointed the Messenger (sa) to deliver. Today, it is incumbent upon us to enact these tasks for personal and societal reform.
1. Recitation and Contemplation
As the Noble Quran was revealed upon the heart of the Messenger (sa), he taught his Companions (rta) to recite the Ayahs of the Quran correctly (Tajweed) and to understand the signs around them in Allah’s (swt) vast universe (Tafseer and Tadabbur). He taught them to listen, observe, question, and then understand and expound based on the Quran.
2. Purification of the Self
Allah (swt) created every person with goodness (Khair) and evil (Fujoor) within us to test us on the choices we make. For this purpose, through the Prophet (sa), Allah (swt) guided us to overcome the evil promptings of our soul and the devil.
The Prophet (sa) purified the Companion’s (rta) thoughts and beliefs. He cleansed them of Shirk and instilled in them mindfulness of Allah (swt), explaining His attributes through His names. This ensured that they feared none other than Allah (swt) and thus developed self-belief and noble etiquettes.
Once the minds were corruption-free, the Prophet (sa) replaced the prevalent immorality with morals and ethics based on the Quran. Through his actions, he taught them to be compassionate with themselves and others since mercy and justice are the basis of a noble Muslim character and society.
This self-evaluation led to a principled and disciplined team of Companions (rta) that worked to gain not material wealth but the reward of the Hereafter. As a result, people were drawn to the noble character and mission of the Muslims. So Islam spread, resulting in social, financial, and military reforms that are exemplary to date. Omar’s (rtam) state welfare plan and the Madrassah network are such examples.
3. Teach the Noble Quran
The success of any society depends upon the effectiveness of its laws and the enforcement of those laws. The Prophet (sa) taught the Companions (rta) how to derive and apply laws from the Quran. They witnessed the benefits it brought- they became a just and disciplined society that was highly respected by friends and foes alike. From a persecuted minority, they became a formidable force.
4. Teach Wisdom (Sunnah)
Wisdom is Al-Hikmah – to know when and how to make the right decision. Wisdom cannot be gauged- it surfaces in our behavior and mannerisms.
For example, in the Quran, we are told that Luqman Hakeem advised his son not to walk with pride. This was not a law but a piece of wisdom to nurture him. Similarly, the Prophet (sa) gave his Companions (rta) a roadmap to human excellence by teaching them the Sunnah.
Unfortunately, later Muslims focused more on the permissible and the forbidden instead of balancing with Hikmah; hence, they lost their way. Try to understand this by the example of someone who might be following the traffic rules as a law-abiding citizen but could be neglectful or mean to his parents.
Perfect Role Model
Indeed, all that the Prophet (sa) taught, he exemplified himself. His minutely documented life, which includes discussions on his most personal habits and emotions, guides us in every facet of life.
The Quran mentions: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (sa)) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)
It is noteworthy that despite studying the philosophies and moralities of such popular philosophers, people have not been able to mold their lives. However, by modeling their behavior and lifestyle on the Sunnah, generations have improved their lives in this world and the Hereafter.