BASIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROPHET

BASIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROPHET The Best Example T HE Quran describes the Prophet of Islam as a human being like any other. What distinguished him from others was not his being something other than human, but rather his being a prophet as well as a human being. This is illustrated by the following verse from the Quran: Say, ‘I am only a human being like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your God is one God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord, do good deeds and let him associate no one else in the worship of his Lord.’ (18: 110) This was something natural, and gave credence to the practical example set by the Prophet of Islam for the benefit of all human beings. It is quite clear that his ability to convince rested on his being a human being like all others; on his having feelings of the same nature as other human beings. If it were not so then the command to follow the example of the Prophet would have been rendered impracticable. The greatness of the Prophet of Islam lay in adopting a superior code of ethics as a human being, so that he should come up to the highest standard of conduct in all matters. Had he been cast in some superhuman mould, his exemplary character could not have served as a model for human beings. What were the tasks which were assigned to the Prophet towards his Companions? In chapter 74 of the Quran, God says: ‘O, you wrapped in your cloak, arise and give warning! Proclaim the glory of your Lord, purify your garments; shun uncleanness, do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return, and for the sake of your Lord be patient.’ (74: 1-7) According to the above verses the actual task of the Prophet consists of warning the people of the serious consequences in the life to come regarding their actions in the world. This duty can be performed only by one whose heart is filled with the greatness of God; who possesses a high moral character; who keeps away from all evil; who does good The greatness of the Prophet of Islam lay in adopting a superior code of ethics as a human being, so that he should come up to the highest standard of conduct in all matters.