An Example of Noble Character

THE HUDAYBIYYAH APPROACH The well-known book The 100 by Dr. Michael Hart was likely introduced to the Muslim world for the first time in Al-Risala (October 1978). In this book, the American author selected the hundred most influential individuals in history and wrote essays about them. At the top of his list, he placed the Prophet of Islam, whom he described as the most supremely successful man in history. After this article appeared in Al-Risala, we received numerous letters from Muslim readers asking where they could find the book and whether it had been translated into Urdu. However, it became clear from these letters that readers were interested only in the claim that the Prophet of Islam was a supremely successful individual; none showed a desire to explore the deeper question—what was the secret of that supreme success? This reflects a widespread mindset among contemporary Muslims, rooted in the psychology of hero-worship. Modern Muslims have come to see the Prophet of Islam and his companions more as heroic figures than as practical models to follow. This mindset is often found in communities that have failed to achieve anything significant themselves. For such people, recounting the greatness of historical personalities becomes a source of comfort. As someone rightly said, history is often the refuge of those who have not done much themselves to celebrate. When the Muslim community is in a state of awakening, its Prophet serves as a model of conduct. But when the