THE 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awal, traditionally known as Eid Milad-un-Nabi—embodies great significance in Islam as it marks the birth anniversary of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—a day of blessedness and beatitude, which is celebrated with great reverence and fervour by Muslims all over the world, allowing them to profoundly and fervently learn from the teachings of the holy Prophet (PBUH).Since the very creation of mankind, God has sent numerous messengers to guide the humanity. But the prophetic personification that rests and belongs to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has no match with anyone in the line of Prophethood. Muhammad (PBUH) became a true representative of Islam both in theory and practice. In theory, the teachings of holy Quran and in practice, his conduct of life. His greatness is also acknowledged by the non-Muslim scholars and historians.
Muhammad (PBUH) is often referred to as “the light of humanity” because of his role in guiding people to righteousness and restoring dignity to mankind through the message of Islam. His mission aimed to liberate humanity and promote a sense of moral integrity and spiritual enlightenment. Muhammad (PBUH) unified an amputated Arabia — steeped into ignorance, adultery and tribal feuds —into a single religious polity under Islam. Prophet’s life is traditionally defined into two periods: pre-Hijrah (emigration) in Mecca (from 570 to 622 CE) and post-Hijrah in Medina (from 622 until 632 CE).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is renowned for his exceptional character and personality. He was the embodiment of human virtues. He is known for his uncompromising honesty, earning the title al-Amin (the Trustworthy) due to his integrity. His actions displayed the highest morals and manners, making him an epitome of good conduct. Furthermore, he embodied humbleness and humility, always being ready to help others and showing openness and candidness in his interactions. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I was only sent to perfect good character.”
Thomas Carlyle spoke higher about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his work “Heroes and Hero Worship.” He praised Muhammad as a significant leader and reformer who had a profound impact on humanity. Carlyle viewed Muhammad’s life and mission as exemplary in shaping morals and social values. In his lecture in London in 1820, entitled “The Hero as Prophet”, Carlyle outlined Muhammad PBUH as a Hegelian agent of reform, insisting on his sincerity and commenting “how one man single-handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades”. As a saviour of human rights: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is rightly considered a “saviour of human rights” due to his teachings that significantly improved the lives of people by advocating for equality, justice, compassion, and protection for the vulnerable, effectively challenging the societal norms of his time and laying the foundation for a more humane society across various aspects like women’s rights, slavery, and religious freedom; essentially creating a universal brotherhood where all humans are valued equally. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of human rights and the protection of individuals’ lives and property. His teachings and actions laid the foundation for a society that prioritized humanitarian values, creating one that was significantly freer from cruelty and oppression compared to previous societies. He is often regarded as a humanitarian figure who championed the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Notably, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actively worked to abolish practices like female infanticide, tribal warfare, and slavery, thereby significantly improving the lives of marginalized groups. In addition, he drove special attention on the promotion of justice and fairness as his teachings strongly emphasized the importance of treating everyone justly, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or religion. To him, no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and vice versa. Moreover, elevating the status of Women’s Rights was one of his paramount objectives. Islam under Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) granted women significant rights compared to the prevailing societal norms, including inheritance rights and the right to education. The Prophet’s teachings encouraged tolerance and respect for people of different faiths, safeguarding the rights of religious minorities. He also protected animals and plants’ rights.
Foundation of the State of Medina: Medina, the first welfare state—established by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in 622 AD, — is often referred to as a unique form of governance that blended a model of theo-cum-democratic state with welfare principles. It was characterized by a social contract among various groups, including Muslims, Jews, and others, fostering a sense of community. The governance was primarily based on Islamic principles based on humanitarian, fraternity, global brotherhood, and peaceful co-existence. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used skilful methods in negotiating and establishing treaties during his leadership of the early Muslim community in Arabia. He employed these abilities to build alliances, (Treaty of Hudiabiyah and the Charter of Medina) to manage relations with various tribes, demonstrating an ability to navigate complex political landscapes effectively.
Seal of Prophethood: The concept of the finality of Prophethood is the bedrock of Islamic teachings—the ironclad faith of the Muslims embracing Muhammad (PBUH as the last prophet sent by God to mankind, to restore the unaltered original monotheistic faith of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. In the words of British Orientalist Stanley Lane Poole: “He was the most faithful protector of those he protected, the sweetest and most agreeable in conversation. Those who saw him were suddenly filled with reverence; those who came near him loved him; they who described him would say, “I have never seen his like either before or after.” Yet sadly, in recent decades, some misguided western elements have committed condemning acts against the Prophetic reverence of Muhammad (PBUH).
By no mistake, Islam is the most modern divine religion as compared to Judaism and Christianity. Clearly, the message of the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lasts for all ages to come. The western drive of Islamophobia owes its genesis to the political instrumentalization of Islam indoctrinated by Samuel Huntington and Bernard Lewis. On this eve of the birthday anniversary of the Prophet of Islam, we the Muslims must learn from the teaching and precepts of the holy prophet (PBUH), we must act accordingly to uplift the image of Islam.
—The writer, an independent ‘IR’ researcher-cum-international law analyst based in Pakistan, is member of European Consortium for Political Research Standing Group on IR, Critical Peace & Conflict Studies, also a member of Washington Foreign Law Society and European Society of International Law. He deals with the strategic and nuclear issues.
