The Prophet of Mercy Website

by AbuBakr Karolia

(Part One)

South Africa, October 27, 2003

The life of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) has been said by his wife, Aisha (May Allah Almighty be pleased with her) to be like "a walking Qur`an", embodying the Laws of Almighty Allah.

This characterization and behaviour of the Prophet Almighty embodies the practical message of Islam. The Noble Qur`an is a guide, covenant, criterion, a balance and a healing (shifa) for humanity and the “Walking Qur`an” represents a noble character, which is a symbol of the Book of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad represents Islam and is the essence of this message and the value, wisdom, practice and object of the Prophet was totally for the pleasure of Allah Almighty.

Allah Almighty clarifies in the Noble Qur`an in Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verse 2 -5 that:

“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who are conscious of Allah Almighty (Taqwa).”

“Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;”

“And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter”.

“They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will succeed”.

A RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER

The above verses of the Noble Qur`an tell us that it is a guidance for those that yearn to establish Taqwa (Allah consciousness or cautious awareness of Allah), who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, spend in charity, and believe in all the revelations from Allah and in the Hereafter. Taqwa is related to the beginning and the end of wisdom and the establishment of piety, righteousness and the transformation of the self, towards a perfected self.

These verses direct humankind towards a conduct that expands and develops true leadership, prosperity and happiness. This is the perfect character inspired from the guidance of the Glorious Qur`an and in total submission to Allah Almighty and develops a disposition, described by Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) as the “Walking Qur`an”.

Let us consider the Prophet’s noble character, who submitted to his Lord, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth and the reasons why he was the seal of the Prophets and who will take up his station as the intercessor for humankind in the Hereafter.

On that faithful day in the Hereafter, humankind will necessitate a person who will appeal to Allah Almighty for their case in His court. The Prophet will represent the original Islam as his character that personified a “universal man” who acknowledged, recognized, submitted and pleased Almighty Allah, the Lord of the Cosmos.

The Prophet (May Allah be pleased with him), as the intercessor in the courts of the Hereafter will be honoured and the divine tribute and respect will be upon him and he will be recognized as the finest creation that fulfilled the covenant, testimony and the original promise that was made by the soul to Almighty Allah.

A MERCY FROM ALLAH

The Prophet Muhammad is the ideal model of Muslim virtue and piety for the believer. He is also the archetype and representative of the institution of Prophethood. His message was not for a single nation or community but was for humankind.

In Surah 21 Al Anbiyah, Verse 107 we read:

“And We have not sent you but as a Mercy to the worlds”.

The above verse portrays the universal nature of the Prophet’s mission and attributes to him a character of compassion, understanding and kindness. His temperament and disposition had to be of a universal quality for it to be honoured by humankind. His was the character that was appreciated and accepted by Muslims as the final and Last Messenger of Allah Almighty.

The Prophet Almighty was recognized in Makkah as the trustworthy (Al -Amin) which gave him the credibility to carry the legacy of Prophethood. The Arabic word “Zahid” describes the character of all the Prophets. A person who is a “Zahid” is one who lives a simple, humble and an enlightened life, worshipping the Creator. He values his Iman (belief) and his life is based on Tauheed (recognising the unity of the Creator), establishing a consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) and assisting humankind.

Surah 68 Verse 4 of the Qur’ān confirms the Prophet’s character as beautiful and inspiring:

“And Most Certainly, thou (O Muhammad) are of most sublime and exalted character”.

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