PROPHET AS A MODEL

PROPHET AS A MODEL The Right Perspective A CRUCIAL mistake brought defeat upon the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud (AD 625). When the tide of battle turned against them, most of the army dispersed, but Prophet Muhammad clung determinedly to his position. Fifteen people, following his example, remained firm in the barrage of arrows and swords that was descending upon them. At this time one of the opponents Abdullah Ibn Qumayya, threw a stone at the Prophet. Mas’ab Ibn Umair, a Companion of the Prophet, moved to counter this attack. In the duel that ensued, Mas’ab Ibn Umair was slain. Abdullah Ibn Qumayya thought that he had killed the Prophet, and returned to his army shouting: “Muhammad has been slain; Mohammad has been slain.” This news had a shattering effect on the Muslims, even those who had forsaken their positions. Abdullah Ibn Abbas has given a lengthy account of the course of events, which has been recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari (a compilation of Prophetic teachings). Here is a part of his account: “Some hypocrites said: ‘If Muhammad has been killed, then you might as well revert to your former religion.’ But Anis ibn Nadhr said: ‘If Muhammad has been killed, his Lord has not been killed.” (Tafseer Al-Mazhari, an Arabic commentary of the Quran). According to another account, related by Ibn Kathir, one of the Ansar (people of Madinah) said: “If Muhammad has been killed, then he has communicated his message; now is the time to strive for your faith.” The following verse of the Quran was revealed with regard to this incident: “Muhammad is only a messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. If he should die, or be killed, will you turn back on your heels? Those who turn on their heels do not harm the Lord in the least. God will reward the grateful” (3: 144). Some people know the Prophet Muhammad in his capacity as a conqueror. Others know him in his capacity as a preacher of the faith— Some people portray the Prophet Muhammad in his capacity as a conqueror. Others know him in his capacity as a preacher of the faith—one who called humankind to God. The true believer is one who knows him in his latter capacity.