Overall Lessons from the life of Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Islam came onto the world scene when the Romans and Persians dominated most of the world. They were the so-called super-powers of the day. Islam brought a breath of fresh air and conquered the minds and hearts of not only the Romans and Persians but many other nations as well. In this modern 21st century Western civilisation is regarded as the most powerful civilisation of the day despite it's numerous shortcomings. Islam is the only force that can challenge it and save humanity from destruction.

The far-reaching achievements of the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam mission, despite a scarcity of resources, makes his name stand out like an illuminating star in the horizon of human personalities. His life story and accomplishments have no parallel in human history. His life and achievements were the greatest miracle that man has ever witnessed. No matter what degree of perfection human culture and intelligence reached, no matter how great a personality was produced and no matter how amazing and appealing the call was, never in human history was such a revolution ever produced.

Testimony of non-Muslims

* Draper, John William in A history of the Intellectual development of Europe, London, 1875, vol. 1, pp. 329-330 :

‘’Four years after the death of Justinian, 569 A.D., was born at Makkah, in Arabia, the man who, of all men, has exercised the greatest influence upon the human race.’’

* Lamartine in Histoire de la Turquie, Paris, 1854, vol II, pp. 276-277 :

‘’Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images, the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?’’

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had persevered for twenty long years in his mission. Never did he waver or stagger. At the end of his life it could be said that he had achieved a revolution. He had converted the Arabs from a pagan idolatrous nation to a people who loved one Allah. His mission would soon reach distant lands and cleanse their inhabitants of injustice, oppression and tyranny. Islam had removed the distinctions of race, wealth and lineage and replaced these with righteousness and freedom.

In his kindness, gentleness, sympathy and forbearance the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has left a perpetual and living example of noble behaviour for the entire humanity. He began his mission as one man. By the end of his life he had won the hearts and minds of thousands. In the Farewell Pilgrimage one hundred and fourteen thousand companions were with him.

This was truly amazing. A mere twenty-three years earlier these very same men were drowned in idol worship. Many had refused his message and were thirsty for his blood. They had fought wars against him. Which force had melted the vengeance and anger that had once boiled in their hearts? Which power had converted ardent enemies into obedient followers?

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had had such a profound inspirational impact upon his companions that such leaders were produced who would soon leave their indelible mark on world history.

The life of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has lessons for every time and clime. He was the last prophet and his message and teachings are applicable in every situation. No matter how distant the life of the Arabian prophet might seem his religion is the only religion that has the spirit and substance of producing a peaceful and dynamic society in the world.