Spirit of Islam, Sept-Oct 2025

T he Quran says: You have indeed in the Prophet of God a good example. (33: 21) The most striking aspect of the Prophet Muhammad’s life was the absolute consistency between his words and actions. There was no injunction revealed to him that he did not demonstrate through his own conduct. Matters of faith, the unity of God, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, almsgiving, charity, striving in the cause of God, self-sacrifice, patience, endurance, gratitude, and virtuous deeds were all practised by him as a living example. His life became a practical illustration of the principles set out in the Quran. When some of the Companions asked Aishah, the Prophet’s wife, about his moral character, she replied, “Have you not read the Quran?” He was a personification of the Quran. While the Quran presents divine guidance in words, the Prophet’s life was its embodiment. Aishah further affirmed: “He never spoke ill of anybody. Instead of returning evil for evil, he would forgive those who wronged him. He never sought revenge. He never struck a servant, or an animal. He never turned down a reasonable request, no matter who made it.” Among his relatives, none was closer than Ali ibn Abi Talib, who had lived with the Prophet from childhood. Ali testified that the Prophet was of cheerful disposition, kind-hearted, and pure in conscience. He was never harsh to anyone. If a request displeased him, he would remain silent rather than respond bluntly. Those familiar with his ways understood the meaning of his silence. He sought to avoid causing sadness and instead put people at ease. His presence was both inspiring and comforting; those meeting him for the first time felt awe, but this quickly gave way to affection. The French philosopher Voltaire once remarked, “No one is a hero to his valet,” meaning that close familiarity often reveals flaws that diminish admiration. However, as historian Soren Smith observed, this was not true of the Prophet of Islam. The closer one came to him, the more his fine qualities became evident. THE SUBLIME CHARACTER OF THE PROPHET Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar commemorating the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. This year, the day falls on Sept 4-5, 2025.