Even during his early life, when Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)
had not yet been bestowed the mantle of Prophet hood, he
was known for his piety, truth-fulness and trustworthiness.
He was known by the title of "Amin" (Trust-worthy)
among the Makkahans, who kept their valuables with him.
When he migrated to Medina, he left behind his cousin Hazrat
Ali, to return to their owners the articles kept with him
as a trust. Even his sworn enemies acknowledged his truthfulness.
Once he climbed the hill of Safa and addressed the Quraish,
asking them. "If I tell you that there is a huge army
hidden behind this hill ready to attack you, will you believe
me?" All shouted with one voice: "Surely, because
you have never spoken a lie." Such was the high reputation
of the Prophet of Islam, even before God conferred Prophet
hood on him.
The generosity of the prophet of Islam knew no bounds. Indeed,
it was one of the greatest characteristics of the House
of Muhammad (PBUH) that no supplicant was ever refused,
and this principle was rigidly followed not only by Hazrat
Fatima and her sons but even by their grand children. Once
while he was grazing his herd of goats he gave the entire
herd to a person who asked for it. The supplicant was surprised
by his extraordinary generosity. During the last days of
the Holy Prophet of Islam, the Muslims had become very prosperous.
Nevertheless, he lived abstemiously contending himself with
frugal diet and at times going without food.
He always resisted the temptation of power and vengeance
His was the sublimes morality of returning good for evil:
to the weak and undefended he was a helper; to the defeated
he showed unusual mercy. Never proud or haughty, known for
his strict adherence to justice, one who undertook his share
of common labour, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shunned no hardship
and led the life of a common man.
Delivering his last address to the Muslims from Mount Arafat,
the Prophet said
"O People! Listen to my words as I may not be with
you another year in this place. Be humane and just among
yourselves. The life and the property of one are sacred
and inviolable to the other. Render faithfully everyone
his due, as you will appear before God and He will demand
an account of your actions. Treat women well; they are your
help-mates and can do nothing by themselves. You have taken
them from God on trust. O People! Listen to my words and
fix them in your memory. I have given you everything; I
have left to you a law which you should preserve and be
firmly attached to a law clear and positive: the Book of
God and the & Sunnah" (i.e., Practice of the Prophet).
This greatest benefactor of mankind and the last Apostle
of God passed away from this world on 12th Rabiul Awwal
11A.H., 632 AC and was buried in the room occupied of his
wife, Aisha siddiqa. He had accomplished his task.
Muhammad (PBUH) led an exemplary life. Even before he was
assigned his mission, he spent his time in meditation, devotion,
contemplation, fasting and service to his fellow beings.
His virtuous life earned for him the title of 'Amin' (Trustworthy).
Later the Revelation commanded him to preach the faith to
the people.
He taught them the unity of God and the four obligatory
duties enjoined by Islam-namely Prayer, Zakat, Fasting and
Haj (Annual Pilgrimage to Makkah). He himself practiced
what he preached and set an example for others. He stood
sometimes so long in prayers during the night that his feet
got swollen. He spent the major part of night in prayers
and meditation. He prayed not only for him-self but for
the entire creation.
His prayers and devotion to God enabled him to check such
worldly desires and impulses which could distract him from
the supreme goal.
Islam enjoins upon its followers to observe one month's
fast in a year. This has proved to be a very effective source
of controlling one's worldly desires. The Holy Prophet of
Islam fasted for more than three month's during a year,
besides one month's obligatory fast.
His was a comprehensive life. He went through all sorts
of trials and tribulations for establishing the kingdom
of God on earth. Faithfully and sincerely he performed his
duties to God and His creatures, to wife and children, to
relations and neighbours, to friends and foes, to the needy
and disabled, to allies and aliens-in fact to all human
beings. An account of his comprehensive life preserved in
Traditions (Hadith) has served as a beacon light not only
for his followers but to entire humanity during the last
fourteen centuries or more His exemplary life covering different
spheres of human activity continues to inspire and guide
human beings for the last more than 1,400 years
