The Prophet in the Quran

The Sustenance of God Addressing the Prophet of Islam, the Quran states: Do not regard with envy the worldly benefits We have given some of them, for with these We seek only to test them. The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting. Bid your people say their prayers, and be constant in their observance. We demand nothing from you. It is We who provide for you, and the best end is that of righteousness. (The Quran, 20:131-132) The Prophet led his life like other people and in the same world. However, where common men set their sights on collecting more and more worldly goods for themselves, the Prophet did not make this world his goal. He was not desirous of material benefits; rather the world for him became a means of spiritual provision. We find that in this world those who adopt the life of faith and dawah suffer hardship. On the other hand, those who have not devoted themselves to discharging such responsibilities lead their lives amidst material comforts and pleasures. By highlighting this difference between a life of comfort and a life of hardship, i.e. by creating the impression that a worldly life is far better than the godly life, Satan tries to tempt and mislead the believers. But a deeper examination shows that beyond this apparent difference, there is another dimension, which is far worthier of consideration. It is that worldly possessions are for the purpose of putting human beings to the test, and, as such, are of a temporary nature. Those who are pre-occupied with material things have nothing in store for their eternal life, while a believer, a dayee receives by his association with God something more precious than all the things of the world. That is, remembrance of God, thought of the life hereafter, worship, a life of piety, devotion to God, and concern that the servants of God may be saved from His chastisement. All this is provision as well, but of far higher a quality than material things, and will translate for the dayee into endless bliss in the life Hereafter. Basic Task Addressing the Prophet in chapter 74 of the Quran, God says: O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 2 arise and give warning! Proclaim the glory of your Lord; purify your garments; shun uncleanness; do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 7 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. (The Quran, 74:1-7) According to these verses the actual task of the Prophet consists of warning the people of the serious consequences in the life to come, regarding their actions in this world. This duty can be performed only by one whose heart is filled with the greatness of God; who possesses a high moral character; who keeps away from all evil; who does good without any hope of return and who suffers patiently all the hardships inflicted by others.