Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

LESSONS OF THE PROPHET’S LIFE the directives of decision-makers as if their decisions were their own. There is no greater sacrifice than that of one’s own opinion. Like a building, which can only be constructed if many bricks are buried in the ground, a strong society can only come into being if individuals are ready to bury their personal opinions—to act in unity with others despite their disagreements. This is the only foundation on which a community of individuals can be formed; it is as necessary to the foundation of human society as bricks are to the foundation of a building. During the year A.H. 8, an expedition was made to Muta. Part of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari’s description of the expedition runs like this: Abu Qatadah tells us that the Prophet sent an army to Muta. He appointed Zayd ibn Harithah as commander; if he was martyred, then Ja’far ibn Abu Talib was to take over; and if he was killed in action, the choice should fall on ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah. Ja’far jumped when he heard the Prophet’s decision and said he would not serve under Zayd. The Prophet told him to go along, “for you do not know what is best for you.” Then the army set off.36 A believer is no angel; he is a mortal human being like any other. Still, there is an enormous difference between a believer and any other human being. Others do not know how to go back on mistaken and perverse notions once they have them fixed in their minds. So, right or wrong, they