TODAY, the 12th Rabiul-Awal. is a glorious day in the annals of Islamic history. On this day according to various Ahadis our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born and departed from this universe. The Holy Qur'an testifies : "Say (O Muhammad) O Mankind. Le! I am the Messenger of Allah to you all".
It has been amply proved even by non-MusUm historians that the last Prophet was Rah-matal Lil Aleiam:(Banefactor of the Universe). He was in fact an embodiment of justice, piety, tolerance, perseverance. The universal nature of his teachings is an ample testimony to the universality of his Prophethood which he attained at the age of 40.
The first divine message of Allah to the Prophet was on acquisition of knowledge. "Read in the name of the Lord who hath createth". And therefore traditions have been recalled by the Sahabees and Khalifas when they conveyed to the Ummat-e-Muhammadl that "The ink of a scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr". Further the Holy Book of Islam ordains, one and all to even go to China to seek knowledge.
Our Prophet was not only a religious Messenger, but also a great teacher and therefore on one occasion he said, "I have been commissioned as a teacher."
The Qur'an was not revealed in a day to the Prophet. As soon as a verse was revealed, the implementation part of it was enforced by the Prophet himself
and his constant Sahabees (companions).
Our Prophet was a model of human Values. And he set some bright examples and ideals which surpassed temporal life, its efficacy lay on the resultant acceptance of Islam as a complete code of life.
Our Prophet lived a simple, plain life and resisted all temptations by elements hostile to nis vast popularity and mandate that ne received from his followers and adherents.
The life of the Prophet, if thoroughly and threadbare analysed, will take us to the conclusion that his life was and still "an eternal fountain of inspirations and ideals" for all and sundry. Our Holy Scripture has rightly reminded. "Verily in the Messenger of Allah ye nave a good example."
Prophet Muhammad was the Spiritual and Temporal Head of the new State of Medina and after assuming office he wrote letters of admonition and goodwill to different rulers abroad and most of whom responded with gratitude excepting a few deviated ones who did not behave well with the emissaries. But this did not disturb the magnanimous character of our
Universal Benefactor (Prophet Muhammad SW). Our Prophet vas a shock absorber of extraordinary magnitude — unparallel and uncomparable till date and definitely it will be so till eternity. We as followers of the Prophet, which we at times boastfully claim, never follow his ideals, precepts and teachings. which should enlighten and enliven every human soul and serve as a beacon light in the conduct of global relations and issues of varied nature.
The Prophet released the bonded and enslaved labourers and as the greatest champion of human rights purified temporal life and elevated mankind to thispresent position.
This is very much explicit in the immortal words of the Prophet himself: "I am sent to bring in perfection to (human) character and conduct." And this is what Islamic ideology implies, and among other things, the noble concepts of the universal brotherhood and dignity of man were his notable contributions to Allah's creation.
The sermon the Prophet pronounced in his farewell pilgrimage at Makkah is a masterpiece — a thoughtful docu-
ment of democracy, equity and social justice — which in many Islamic countries remains to be implemented.
He exhorted the people to show due honour to women, be kind to slaves and treat them on equal footing. What a wonderful personality of universal image when he told his weeping and sobbing followers after return from Makkah in the mosque from the pulpit. In a few words of admonition he told them. "Why do you weep at my death approaching fast and asked them whether they knew that any one born is not destined to die? He asked all those present to remember for all times to come: Live In peace, live In unity and compassion, show love, honour anti respect to all and do not abandon your brothers in dangerous moments. It Is prayer alone which makes a man fortunate in life — prayer and service to Allah.
The Holy Prophet departed from our midst In between 9th and 12th Rabiul-Awal of the lunar calendar corresponding to 20th April 571 AD.
In the backdrop of the devastating global environment and Birticularly when the sword of amocles is hanging over many countries with threats of annihilation and total extinction by thermo-nuclear devices and intercontinental ballistic missiles. the universal and internationally recognised message of the Great Prophet of Peace can easily be a source of inspiration. a blessing to make this planet an abode of universal peace, amity and cohesion.