Spirit of Islam, Sept 2014

D R. Michael Hart has referred to Prophet Muhammed as the “supremely successful” person in history1. Though this has been said, the Prophet’s personality was not that of a hero, but of a guide, which is why the Quran has mentioned the life of the Prophet as an example for mankind to follow. In this respect it will be right to say that the Prophet, in the example of his life, has given to the people of all times the secret of supreme success. On one hand, the Prophet was a supremely successful person and on the other, the life of the Prophet provides a supreme model for success in life. Here, below are presented two events from his life that we can emulate to achieve success in life. Changing the Place of Activity Amongst the Sunnath of the Prophet, there is one that can be called ‘Changing the Place of Activity’. In Makkah, the conditions for the Prophet had become very severe; so much so, the opponents of the Prophet had begun plotting to kill him. In such a situation, the Prophet did not adopt a method of hostility or aggression but instead left Makkah and migrated to Madinah. This policy of the Prophet is known as Hijrath. The life of the Prophet provides a supreme model for success in life. Hijrath is not simply a matter of forsaking one's homeland; rather it was a strategic decision of the Prophet that can be termed as 'Changing the Place of Activity'. When the Prophet found that Makkah was unfavourable for his work he made Madinah his place of activity so that he could continue his mission fruitfully. From this example we get the principle of action that must be followed if in a certain place we are facing continuous obstacles in pursuing our work peacefully. The desired course of action is not to remain at the same place, while pursuing an escalating and disastrous conflict to death and destruction. Instead, the desire should be to search out an alternative and conducive atmosphere and location where one can continue one's work progressively and in more peaceful conditions. WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE Change Brings Opportunity 1. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Dr. Michael H. Hart, first published in 1978