EVERY year the Muslims the world over celebrate the birth anniversary of the greatest of the men. Muhammad (PBUH) sent by the creator, Allah (SWT) on the earth. He was sent by Him with the guide book. Al-Quran which was revealed on him (PBUH) in 23 years during his life time as a complete code of life for the mankind. In fact Muhammad (PBUH) did not bring a new religion rather on him (PBUH) was perfected Allah's religion which He sent from time to time on His chosen men called Prophets. The first among the prophets was the father of mankind. Hazrat Adam (PBUH). followed by other unknown and known prophets like. Nooh (Noa), Dawood (David), Ibrahim (Abraham) Musa (Moses). Eessa (Jesus) and the last in the chain of prophets was Muhammad (PBUH). Thus we see. there was a continuation in sending the messages of Allah the cardinal principle of which was to worship one God. the Creator, and follow His instructions according to His dictates as codified in the revealed and un-revealed books on the prophets of their respective time. But the time gap between the last but one prophet was nearly 600 years during which period and before, the correct messages revealed on to the preceding prophets were either forgotten. lost or interpolated so much so that people began practising almost just the reverse what God had told them to do.

That necessitated revelation of a thoroughly edited version of Allah's instructions encompassing all aspects of life — both

spiritual and life mundane. And this was what God did — He revealed the holy Quran on the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the age of 40 following his deep mediation and prophet-hood. Until before he was completely an unlettered man but a perfect gentle-man. a diamond in coalmine of the dark age. He had never claimed excellence in any subject let alone religion or metaphysics. But after revelation he become a completely changed man. He not only became a supreme spiritual leader but acquired all the necessary knowledge and excellence in all the worldly fields like politics, economics, oratory, warfare, law and justice to say the least. And for all these qualities he never credited himself rather he proclaimed —

"I am a human being like yourselves. I have not brought anything to you of my own accord. It has all revealed to me by God. Whatever 1 possess belong to Him. This message the like of which the whole humanity Is not able to produce. Is message of God. It Is not the product of my own mind. Every word of It has been sent down by Him, and all glory to Him whose message it is. All the wonderful achievements which stand to my credit in your eyes, all the laws which I have given, all the principles which I have enunciated and taught — none of them is mine. I find myself thoroughly incompetent in producing such things out of my persona] abilities and capabilities. I look to Divine Guidance in all matters. Whatever He wills I do. whatever He directs I proclaim. (Ref-Towards Under standing Islam. Adhunik

Prokashani, Dhaka. 1978, Pages, 58-59).

As he did not claim anything personal, so the message he delivered was perfect since those were from Allah Himself. And He was pleased to declare that His chosen religion was Islam, which He perfected on prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and also sealed on him (PBUH) the prophet hood meaning after him (PBUH) no prophet was to come and the Deen (way of life ordained in the holy Quran and prophet's practices and saying — shariah) will continue until the world has come to an end since the system contained, as indicated before, broadly all aspects of life like social, political. economic, national, international etc. A glimpse of some may be necessary for comprehension.

Social aspect is a very vast area of human life. A small reference may be too inadequate for proper appreciation since it has inter and intra relationships with other areas. But little can be done for limitation of space and knowledge. Man being a social animal he can't live alone rather he prefers to live in society. And when there are groups of people which constitute society, they need some kind of disciplined way of life by following which peaceful coexistence can be possible.

Islam has given a perfect social system which if followed will not only bring local but national, regional and interna-

tional peace. One example would clarify how'it would — there is a saying that In Islam a neighbour has three rights — (1) as Muslim, relation and neighbour. (2) two rights, as Muslim and neighbour and (3) one right as neighbour, even if he Is a non-Muslim. And rights demand that when a neighbour is sick, he is to be nursed (looked after) and when in need, his need is to be addressed to.

There is another saying that If one takes to his fill while a neighbour sleeps hungry, then the one who has taken to his fill, committed a highly Illegal act. Now if the above concepts are extended beyond the neighbourhood to community, stale, region and the globe sincerely, then peace Is bound to occur while war will be rather an impossible proposition.

Economy is another major area of human activity. Islam has laid greater emphasis on economic activities. All trade, commerce, industry which are beneficial to the people have been made legal and people encouraged to involve themselves in these actively. Trading in harmful things like wine, intoxicants. games of chances, usury etc. have been made illegal. Dignity of labour has not only been recognised but it has been given highest honour. No job has been considered mean rather begging considered by able bodied men/women a highly undesirable act and even illegal. A story goes about the

holy prophet (PBUH) that when a poorman approached him for help since his family members were starving. He did not give him (the beggar) any thing In alms rather asked him for whatever he had in his house as belongings. He brought a blanket and a bowl.

The Prophet (PBUH) sold those to one of his companions, and he gave the sale proceeds to the man asking him to buy some food for his family with a part of the money and with the rest buy an axe. cut wood from the forest and sell them in to the market for a living. The man acted accordingly. Later he saw the Prophet (PBUH) and informed that he was well off by following his (PBUH) advice. The Prophet(PBUH) was happy to hear that and told him to carry on his work and never b«g-

The above, however, does not mean that the poorest of the poors and the under privileged

have been deprived. Islam being a religion of nature, none has been deprived from obtaining his due share. "Zakat" or poor tax has been levied on the income and wealth of the Muslims at prescribed rates yearly. This is supposed to be collected from the rich and given to the poors and needy. The Zakat system Is the main stay of Islamic economic system that had revolutionised the entire economy of the then Islamic State. It is said that at one point of time, because of the prevalence of "Zakat" based economy, people had become so affluent, that they used to roam about in the street to find some one to pay off their Zakat to the needy but they hardly found someone deserving. Further, exclusion of Interest (usury) from the economy and introduction law of inheritance of property played a vital role in checking exploitation and concentration of wealth in one or a few among

the creed. It laid the foundation of a welfare state some 1500 years ago. which until before was not known to the people either In the developed West or the East. This has been duly recognised by the scholars like George Bernard Shaw and others. GB Shaw said —

"I have always held the religion of Muhammad In high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him — the wonderful man — and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that If a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness. I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." (GB Shaw. The Genuine Islam. Singapore. Vol.

I. No. 8. 1936). quoted in ."Islam, its meaning and message," Islamic Council of Europe. 1975. page 33).

The above remarks perhaps may speak for the rest of the aspects of people's life and further elaboration be avoided for limitation of space and knowledge. It may however be necessary to add that though every year the birth anniversary of the great prophet is celebrated with due religious solemnity but Its effect is short-lived. The observance would really be justified and meaningful if the teachings and practices of the great prophet are followed to create impact in the society to make it healthy and peaceful, else it would remain confined to usual ritual which was never meant by the Prophet(PBUH). He came as savior for all times and places. This could be possible only If his (PBUH) teachings are followed rigidly, regularly and universally atleast by the faithfuls who constitute nearly one fifth of the total world population. At least their practice will make the world a safe haven. And that way we can do justice to the observance of the day.