A Review

AN INTERACTION consider the Prophet a role model rather than a source of pride, it gives rise to the spirit of following his example. This phenomenon of elevating the Prophet to a source of pride can be observed in Muslim communities worldwide. However, as mentioned in the Quran, the spirit of following the Prophet as a model seems to be lacking among them. Instead, by declaring him as the leader and king of the universe and the source of utmost pride, the sense of pride in the Prophet has grown to such an extent that people are always prepared to create a public uproar at the slightest sign of insolence towards him. Some Muslims do not even hesitate to regard their Prophet as superior to God. Some express it indirectly, while others do so directly. For instance, a poet has written the following couplet: “Allah ke palle mein wahdat ke siwa kya hai? Jo kuchh hamein lena hai, le lenge Muhammad se.” The English translation of the above is as follows: “What is there in the ranks of Allah but monotheism? Whatever we want, we can obtain it from Muhammad.” Due to this mindset among present-day Muslims, they do not seem to be affected by derogatory remarks about God. Such statements do not provoke them or hurt their emotions. However, if someone utters a disrespectful word about their Prophet, they immediately become ready to engage in conflict.