Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow for him who hopes (in the

meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Suratul Ahzaab 33:21) No community has been without its righteous guides and teachers to help its people towards the truth and to lead them from the depths of darkness to the light of Islam. The Prophets of Allah (S.W.T) received the message and direction that enabled them to counsel their contemporaries. Through the ages, the earlier messages were distorted. Mankind having lost sight of the Shariah was in dire need of divine guidance. It had degenerated inwardly and outwardly to an abominable and immoral course of conduct. In the midst of spiritual decay, Allah opened a door of Hidayah, sending His mercy to all of mankind, His Final Messenger ((SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam)), to guide them from the darkness of Jahiliyyah to the light of Islam. This is significant from the following verses of the Holy Quran. Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto you (Muhammad) that thereby you may bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise. (Suratul Ibrahim 14:1) He it is who blesses you, and His angels (bless you), that He may bring you forth from darkness unto light; and He is Merciful to the believers. (Suratul Ahzaab 33:43) A messenger reciting unto you the revelations of Allah made plain, that He may bring forth those who believe and do good works from darkness unto light. And whosoever believes in Allah and does right, He will bring him into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide forever. Allah hath made good provision for him. (Suratut-Talaaq 65:11) The Prophet ((SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam)) was sent as a teacher and role model for all of mankind. He was sent as a warner of Allahs wrath and punishment, a bearer or good tidings, as well as a guide to Paradise. O Prophet! Verily, We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner and as one who invites to Allah (alone) by His permission and as a lamp that gives light. (Suratul Ahzaab 33:45-46)

The above verse tell us that Allah has sent the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) as a lamp that gives light, which means that the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) is the source of guidance. He spreads light and mercy through the instructions, teachings, and practice of the Quran and Sunnah. When the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) came into this world, the community at that time was known as ummi, meaning illiterate. They did not know how to read or write. They did not know the potential of a human being. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam), himself, also was not educated. He had never even seen the face of a teacher, nor had he ever picked up a book and read even a sentence. On one hand, we have a community and on the other hand, we have the Prophet who was sent to guide them and both are ummi(illiterate). Allah commanded the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam): Arise and warn! (Suratul Muddath-thir 74:2) So the Prophet ((SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam)) stood up and made two major claims: 1. I have been sent into this world as an educator and warner. 2. I have been sent into this world to perfect the best of moral conduct in human behavior, to educate and purify them. These were two of the biggest challenges that the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) had to face and two of the biggest goals he had to accomplish throughout his prophet hood. From awakening in the morning, walking, talking, etiquette's of eating, when answering the call of nature, behavioral conduct with fellow humans, what to pray when, how to cope with different circumstances, to retiring to sleep at night, how ones every act can be worship; our Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) taught us. If it was a simple lesson on morality or theology, an angel could have easily delivered it to the people. But the message of Allah contains a complete code of life for solving the practical problems of life. Therefore, it was necessary for a man to show us by his own practical example. The Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) was an educator not only for Muslims but the whole of mankind. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) placed

emphasis upon teaching the practical deeds and works. Thus, his every act spoke volumes. Meaning, the whole life of Muhammad (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) is a lesson for man. As our teacher, he did not say or preach anything which he did not practice himself. When Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R. A.) was asked regarding the Holy Prophet's (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) morals and character she replied, "His morals and character are the Qur'an." This means that his daily life was a living illustration and explanation of the Quran. He did and said everything in accordance to the teachings of the Quran and his life is the reflection of the Shariah of Allah. He maintained the best characteristics in his roles as father, husband, friend, ruler, governor, teacher, statesman, protector of the weak, widows, and poor, a guide to the rich, a guardian of the orphans, and a servant of Allah. The blessed Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) taught with great wisdom and good admonition, imparting good news to those people who accepted his call, and warned others of the consequences for those who did not listen. Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R. A.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) used to be very clear in his talk so that his associates could easily memorize his words. Very often Rasulullah (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) used to be quiet and would not talk unless very necessary. His speech was well articulated, concise and free from absurdities or humiliation. While teaching in a gathering, the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) refrained from mentioning anyone's name, avoiding disrespect to anyone, but used general terms, usually in the plural sense. The Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) used his whole hand to point towards something; often people with pride point with their fingers. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) made sure, whilst preaching to the people, that it did not become a burden on the listeners. For this, the blessed Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) did not speak to the people on consecutive days but after intervals. The Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) was well aware of the innate nature of his fellow men. Hadhrat Anas (R. A.) reported that the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) said, "Create ease for people and not difficulty. Give them good tidings of Allah's mercy; don't

make them disappointed or hateful." The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) took great care not to disgrace or humble his opponent. When the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) sent a letter to Caesar, the King of Rome, inviting him to embrace Islam, Hercules summoned Abu Sufyan bin Harb, who was the arch-enemy of the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) and the believers at that time, and questioned him about this man, who was claiming to be a prophet of God. Abu Sufyans testimony went as follows: Muhammad descends from a noble family. No one of this family happened to assume kingship. His followers are deemed weak with numbers ever growing. He neither tells lies nor betrays others, we fight him and he fights us, but with alternate victory. He bids people to worship Allah Alone with no associate, and abandon our fathers beliefs. He orders us to observe prayer, honesty, abstinence, and maintain strong family ties. Hercules replied: I fully realize that Prophets come from noble families; he does not affect any previous example of prophethood. Since none of his ancestors was a monarch, we cannot then allege that he is a man trying to reclaim his fathers monarchy. So long as he does not tell lies to people, he is, for the more reason, immune to telling lies as regards Allah. Concerning his followers being those deemed weak with numbers ever growing, it is something that goes in agreement with questions of Faith until this latter assumes its full dimensions geographically and demographically. I have understood that no instance of apostasy has as yet appeared among his followers and this points to the Bliss of Faith that finds its abode in the human heart. Betrayal, as I see, is alien to him because real Prophets hold betrayal in abhorrence. Bidding worship of Allah with no associates, observance of prayer, honesty, and abstinence and prohibition of paganism are traits bound to subject to him all my possessions. I have already known that a Prophet must arise, but it has never occurred to me that he will be an Arab from among you. If I was sure, I would be faithful to him, I might hope to meet him and if I were with him, I would wash his feet. Even, Abu Sufyan, the staunchest enemy of Islam before he converted, had to testify to the excellent behavior and truthfulness of the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) and because of that, even Hercules said that if he were

present with the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam), hed wash his feet with his own hands. Once the Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) was sitting with his Companions (R. A.), he (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) drew a diagram, as a means of learning, on the ground with a stick. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) then asked his Companions, "Do you know what it means?" They replied, "Only Allah and his Rasul know best". The diagram was made up of a square, through the middle ran a line which protruded outside the square, and inside the square, attached to the lower edge were drawn vertical (small) lines. The diagram was drawn to gain the attention of the Ummah towards Imaan, Yaqeen and preparation for the after life. Explaining the meaning of the diagram the Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) said, " The square is death, surrounding and encompassing `life'(The space inside the square is life).No one can step outside the life or do anything after death. The long line protruding from the square represents our plans and thoughts, schemes and dreams and the things we accumulate (which exceed the time of death). And the lines on the side represent the good and adverse conditions which come upon you in this life, success and failure, happiness and regret." This act of the Holy Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) highlights an original and intellectual method of teaching, furthermore, it creates realization towards the plain truth that we plan too far ahead. Once, Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiyyallahu anhu) told the Messenger (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) that he loved him more than anything in the world except for his ownself. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) told him it was not sufficient, so Umar (radiyyallahu anhu) told the Final Messenger(SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) that he loved him more than his ownself. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) said that he had attained what is proper. He stated: No one of you has a true faith until I am dearer to him than his father, his children, and all of mankind. This was recorded in Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) is the most beloved creation to Allah and no one else could surpass this love of Allah that He has for His noble creation. If one does not love what Allah loves, then he is bound to be destroyed.

Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates a hadithi qudsi on the authority of Ata (radiyyallahu anhu), which comprehends most of the characteristics of the Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam): O Prophet! We have surely sent you as a witness, a bringer of good tidings, a warner, and a protector for the Ummis. You are my chosen servant and Apostle. I have named you the Trusting, since you trust Me in every matter. You are neither rough mannered nor hardhearted. Nor do you uproar in the market place. You never requite evil for evil, but forgive and overlook. Allah will not give you death till He has brought your stray nation on the right path through you and has given light to the blind eyes of the unbelievers and has opened their deaf ears and closed hearts. I will refine you with all that is noble; and endow you with every noble habit; and will make tranquility your attire and trait; and piety your conscience; and wisdom the substance of your thought and knowledge and truthfulness and sincerity your nature; and forgiveness and good works your custom; and justice your practice, truth your rule, righteousness your guide, and forge the followers of Islam into a community. Your name is Ahmad. Through you, I will show the people the right path after deviation from it; and bestow knowledge and wisdom upon them after their complete ignorance. Through you, I will raise my creatures from the abysmal to the zenith of perfection and will make your Ummah the best Ummah for the guidance of mankind. The Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) said: The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me (Quran and Sunnah) is like abundant rain falling on the earth. Some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rainwater and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. Another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking and to irrigate the land for cultivation. A portion of it was barren which could neither hold water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allahs religion (Islam) and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah Taaala has revealed through me and learns and then teaches it to others. The (last example is that of a) person who does not care for it and does not take Allahs Guidance revealed through me. (He is like that barren land.)

Say: Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey the Message) and you (are responsible) for what is placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messengers duty is only to convey (the Message) in the clear way. (Suratun-Nur 24:54) Its not just the muslims who praise The Holy Prophet(SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) for His Moral values and method of teaching but also scholars of other religions like: A professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies at Edinburgh University, who wrote a biography of the Prophet ((SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam)) called Muhammad in Mecca, Muhammad in Medina, stated: One thing baffles me. I cannot understand how one man, who has no formal education, could lead a community, who behaved like animals and created those same human beings into men the world had never seen. The Weekly News Magazine, TIME, dated July 15, 1974, carried a selection of opinions by various historians, writers, military men, businessmen, and others on the subject: Who Were Historys Great Leaders? Some said that is was Hitler; others said Ghandi, Buddha, Lincoln, and the like. But Jules Masserman, a United States psychoanalyst put the standards straight by giving the correct criteria wherewith to judge. He said: Leaders must fulfil three functions: 1. Provide for the wellbeing of the led. 2. Provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure, and 3. Provide them with one sent of beliefs. With the above three criteria, he searches history and analyzes Hitler, Pasteur, Caesar, Moses, Confucius, and the lot, and ultimately concludes: People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People like Gandhi and Confusius, on the other hand, and Alexander, Caesar, and Hitler on the other hand, are leaders in the second sense and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Muhammad, who combined all three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same. A Christian Reverend and commentator of the Bible, followed by that of his Master, said: The ultimate criterion of a true prophet is the moral character of his teachings.

The men that have been quoted above, who have praised the Noble Prophet (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) are not Muslims, but they are those who have studied Islam and understood that Prophet Muhammad (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) was no ordinary man. In the 23 years of prophet hood, Muhammad (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) with Allah's power achieved great heights. He raised the dignity of human beings, stressed the importance of universal brotherhood and the equality of all mankind. At the time of the Holy Prophet's (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) departure from this world it was more than evident that a great revolution had occurred. May Allah shower His choicest blessings upon the Beloved, Honored Messenger (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam), his companions, and all those that follow him till the Day of Judgement. And may Allah include us among those who love the Messenger (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam) more than anyone and anything else in the world and may Allah give us the ability to perfectly imitate the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (SallalahuAlaiyhiWassalam). Aameen, Alhumdulillahi Rabbil Alameen.