Social Reformation from the Perspective of the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad Pbuh Part 1
By Kaniz
Fatma, New Age Islam
21 March 2023
Examining
Areas of Social Reformation In Light Of Sirat Al-Nabi
Main Points:
1.
This world is a garden of humanity where different
kinds of individuals live.
2.
Allah sent countless Prophets to teach people and transform
societies.
3.
The beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is
one of such prophets who illuminated the entire globe.
4.
The first society that the Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him) interacted with was the Bedouin society of Arabs, where there was
widespread instability, hostility between people, and the use of racist and
prejudiced slogans was on the rise.
5.
The human society in Makkah started speaking
with justice and fairness as a result of the Prophet's (PBUH) initial efforts.
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This world is
a garden of humanity where different kinds of individuals live. Historically
speaking, there have always been two types of people. On the one hand, a great
number of historical personalities have left behind documentation of their
lives as examples for subsequent generations. Because of this, great men are
revered as role models and remembered by people all across the world. There
have, however, also been those who have a reputation for cruel behaviour and
vicious oppression.
Allah sent
countless Prophets to teach people and transform societies. The prophets' call
and preaching—in which they displayed their high morals and characters in front
of their nation and people—produced the manner, morality, peace and justice,
humanity, and social strength that may be found in any corner of society at
this time, as history attests.
The beloved
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is one of such prophets. With his great
character, noble behaviour, good deeds, and truthful advice, he illuminated the
entire globe.
The first
society that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) interacted with was the
Bedouin society of Arabs, where there was widespread instability, hostility
between people, and the use of racist and prejudiced slogans was on the rise. A
shadow was cast over human civilization by conflict, looting, alcoholic haze,
adultery, and deception. The powerful individuals made the life of the weak and
defenceless individuals unpleasant.
In this
situation, a lone Prophet stands up and chants the catchphrase of the social
reformation. In spite of these hopeless conditions and the never-ending cycle
of tyranny and oppression, he kept fighting for social reformation. The
holy Prophet fought against the oppressive winds that
attacked humanity. He calmed the stormy waves of evil, paving the path for
world peace and safety. He shouted aloud:
"I was
only sent to perfect moral character" {Reported by Bukhari, Muslim & Ahmad}
He had a
strong voice and a message, a revolution and a struggle, a caring and a
yearning, as well as a feeling of responsibility, courage, and devotion. He
invited all of mankind with his morals and character, and his strong morals
later made him a lighthouse for all of humanity.
If a person
is a wealthy merchant, he should learn about the merchant of Hazrat Khadija.
If someone is an orphan, he or she should think about Hazrat Aamina's beloved
son. He should address the guest of Abu Ayyub Ansari if there is one. The
labourer who dug the trench and built the Prophet's mosque is a good example to
follow if someone wants to understand what it's like to be a worker. If someone
is a king, he should research the Madinian emperor's life. Anyone
interested in becoming a general should research the generals of Badr, Uhud,
and Hunain. If someone is a teacher, he should learn from Suffa's
teachers. If there is a judge, he should see the judgment of judges of the
Medina court. If someone is a husband, he should take advice from Hazrat
Ayesha's husband. The father of Hazrat Fatima should serve as an example
for all fathers. Zayd bin Haritha's master should be consulted by anyone
claiming to be a master. Look at Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique's friend to determine
whether or not someone is a friend.
The holy
Prophet's personal qualities include kindness, compassion, worship, discipline,
courage and generosity, justice, self-sacrifice, feeling of responsibility,
humility, patience and steadfastness, to name a few. His life serves as an
example of right, truth, and honesty for all of humanity. Allah, the Almighty,
declared:
“And you are
certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence.” (68:4)
The Prophet
(PBUH) was usually engaged in acts of prayer, charitable work, or wishing God's
creation well when he was thirty years old. At this time, Makkah was in
bad condition, and kidnapping, theft, adultery and oppression were major
business. He was always thinking about and worrying about how to purge these
evils. As he met with the chiefs of other tribes, he used to bring this issue
up in order to prepare them for peace, justice, and the general welfare of the Makkan
society.
Following
these initial efforts, a party that included the residents of Banu
Hashim, Banu Muttalib, Banu Asad, Banu Zahra,
and Banu Tamim was eventually created. (See p. 261 of Al-Seera
al-Nabawiyyah, vol. 1 by Ibn Kathir)
The people
joining this party agreed on the following:
1- We will establish peace in the country.
2- We will protect the visitors and
travellers.
3- We will help the poor and oppressed
people.
4- We will stop the cruel and oppressive
people from committing cruelty and oppression.
The human
society in Makkah started speaking with justice and fairness as a
result of the Prophet's (PBUH) initial efforts. Since people's lives and
property were being protected, the society started to blossom with the blooms
of love and fraternity.
The Prophet
(peace be upon him) expanded the definition of social justice to include the
entire human race, including the young, the old, men, women, Muslims, and
non-Muslims because all of Creation has been referred to as the family of Allah
Almighty and has been commanded to do righteousness and good.
(Continued)
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Kaniz Fatma
is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism