THE PROPHET AND HIS MISSION — From The Quran

THE PROPHET AND HIS MISSION From The Quran The Quran says of the Prophet of Islam: Surely you have a sublime character. (THE QURAN 68: 4) B Y far the best commentary on this verse has been provided by Aisha, the Prophet's wife. Her words have been recorded in different books of Hadith. Replying to a question on the character of the Prophet, Aisha, referring to this verse of the Quran, said: "His character was the Quran." This shows that the truest picture of the Prophet of Islam is that which has been expressed in the holy scriptures. There is no doubt that the books of Hadith and Seerah (biographical accounts of the Prophet)too are an authentic source of information about the life of the Prophet. But the Quran remains the primary source. The picture of the Prophet which tallies with the relevant statements made in the Quran must be regarded as correct. A Seeker of Truth Addressing the Prophet, the Quran says: By the light of day, and by the night when it falls, your Lord has not forsaken you, nor does He abhor you. The life to come holds a richer prize for you than this present life. Surely your Lord will give you what will please you. Did he not find you an orphan and give you shelter? Did He not find you wandering and guide you? Did He not find you poor and enrich you? Therefore, neither oppress the orphan, nor drive away the beggar. But proclaim the bounty of your Lord. (THE QURAN 93:1-11) The Prophet Muhammad received prophethood at the age of forty. His life prior to this has been thus alluded to in the Quran: "Did He not find you wandering?" The explanation of this verse by Islamic scholars has been recorded in the books of tafsir (commentary of the Quran). According to the Tafsir Al- Qurtubi, this has been explained variously, such as: We found you a seeker. We found you a wanderer. We found you a lover of guidance. (Tafsir Al Qurtubi, 20-97).