Mohammad: The Prophet of Revolution Vol

“Did He not find you wandering and guide you?” (93:7) The word used in this verse for “wandering” (“dhalan”) can also be used to describe a tree standing alone in an empty desert. The Prophet, then, was like a lone tree standing amidst the vast wilderness of ignorance that was Arabia of the time. The idea of consolidating his position in this society was abhorrent to him. He sought the truth, and nothing less than the truth, could satisfy his soul. His quest had reached a point when life had become an unbearable burden. The Quran looks back on that time and describes it in these words. “Have We not lifted up and expanded your heart and relieved you of the burden which weighed down your back?” (94:1) God, indeed, relieved him of his burden. He turned in mercy to His Prophet, illuminating his path and guiding him on his journey. On February 12, 610 AD, the Prophet was sitting alone in his cave. The angel of the Lord appeared before him in human form and taught him the words which appear at the beginning of the ninety-six chapter of the Quran. The Prophet’s quest had finally been rewarded. His restless soul had joined in communion with the Lord. Not only did God grant him guidance; He also chose Mohammad as His Prophet and special envoy to the world. The mission of the Prophet extended over the next twenty-three years. During this period the entire content of the Quran—the final divine scripture—was revealed to him. The Prophet of Islam discovered Truth in the fourtieth year of his arduous life. It was an attainment that was not to usher in ease and comfort, for this Truth was that man stood face to face with an Almighty God. It was the discovery of his own helplessness before the might of God, of his own nothingness before the supernatural magnitude of the Almighty. With this discovery it became clear that God’s faithful servant had nothing but responsibilities in this world; he had no rights. The meaning that life took on for the Prophet after the Truth came to him can be ascertained from these words: Nine things the Lord has commanded me. Fear of God in private and in public; Justness, whether in anger or in calmness; Moderation in both poverty and affluence; That I should join hands with those who break away from me; and give to those who deprive me;