THE PROPHET’S LIFE WAS AN OPEN BOOK

Once a Makkan leader met the Prophet and told him that the Makkans had reservations about what he had to say about divine revelations, because they had never witnessed an angel of God coming to him to reveal the word of God. But he added: “O Muhammad, we do not say that you are telling a lie. So far as your integrity is concerned, we have no doubt about it.” The Prophet is a role model for everyone who believes in his prophethood. Character of this calibre establishes one’s identity in the eyes of both God and the people. But such a character is not the sole privilege of a prophet. Every single believer can have such a character and is certainly expected to emulate the character of the Prophet. The Prophet’s veracity was almost a byword in Makkah. The following is a portion of a dialogue between the Christian Emperor Heraclius and Abu Sufyan, an opponent of the Prophet at that time: Emperor Heraclius: “Did you suspect him of lying before he said what he said?” Abu Sufyan: “No.” Emperor Heraclius: “And does he break his pledges?” Abu Sufyan: “No.” Emperor Heraclius: “If he does not lie to man, then how will he lie to God Almighty?” This dialogue shows the sheer strength of a person’s character. Indeed, you are known to your neighbours by your character and not by anything else. o You are known to your neighbours by your character and not by anything else. This World This world is merciless when it comes to accepting useless excuses, no matter how beautifully you might seek to embellish them.