“Muslims are illiterate, stubborn and short-tempered. They are proud and oppressive”. Such views are very common among non-Muslims. But if investigated and looked into closely, a different reality-clear and candid-emerges.
Literally, Islam means peace. To the best of my knowledge Muhammad (PBUH) is the best model of self control. All reformers do possess virtues and high qualities but my heart tells me that none of them was as coherent a personality as Muhammad (PBUH). He became the ruler of Arabia but always did his work himself. He fed his cattle and milked them. He stitched his sandle and sewed his clothes himself. The world has heard of rulers battling in milk, but, perhaps, has not heard of a ruler milking his cattle. A south Indian story tells of a Rishi who worked as a labourer to earn his livelihood and carried soil on his head. When the king knew of it he punished the man who had employed him. But the diography of Muhammad (PBUH) tells a different story. He worked with other workers when the mosque at Madina was being constructed.
His bed was simple and austere. He used to lie down on mat or animal skin and sometimes on the bare floor itself. His abode was made of mud and covered with date-palm leaves.
His simplicity and humility leave an indelible imprint on our hearts particularly when we think that he was not an ascetic but a ruler.
He was neither short-tempered nor irritating, but always appeared with a smiling face and never laughed loudly. Every one got a helping hand from him. When he walked, he walked in a dignified manner. He was always the first in making salutation, not only to elders but to the youngers. Milk of human kindness flowed from his self to every one, particularly for the oppressed and deprived. Such was his exemplary character.
He never ill-treated or abused anyone. We know of some eminent people who behaved kindly and amicably outside, but among the members of their family and subordinates they were unkind and severe. But the great Prophet was altogether different. He was as kind and soft spoken to his family members and subordinates as he was to the people outside.
When anyone shook hand with him and talked to him he never withdrew his hand first. He used to walk hand in hand with his friend. He addressed everyone with love and respect and tolerated patiently if anyone talked rudely. He was more modest than a young girl of a noble family.
Muslims are fortunate enough to have such a great man as their leader. The imprint of good qualities found in his followers is the result of his lasting influence.
Even many religious leaders turn pessimistic during certain difficult moments of life. They lose hope of God’s support and speak in utter desperation. Despite softness in their life they lack the required steadfastness during tough times.
The individuality of the Arabian Prophet is remarkable. He was extremely soft with his friends and equally active in his endeavours. In difficulties he stood like a rock.
A group of people angered by his message of monotheism came to his uncle and guardian and threatened him that he should either restrain his nephew or allow them to deal with him. Deeply disturbed with the seriousness of the situation he called Muhammad (PBUH) and informed him of what those people asked for. He effectionately advised him to adopt flexibility under the circumstances. Muhamamd’s (PBUH) reply added a new page in the chapter of human determination. He said, “I cannot forgo my mission even if they bring down and place sun in my right hand and moon in the left. Till the last moment of my life I would not desist from my mission”.
He was tortured by the people of Makka in more ways than one. Rubbish and camel-intestines were thrown on him on his way; was hit by stones and survived murder attempts. Adverse situation instead of shaking his footsteps added to his determination and steadfastness. In the battlefield the same polite man move fearlessly. He was followed by 313 loyalists when he fought and won against an army far greater in size. He was wounded in the battlefield once and lost his tooth and fell in a pit but never lost determination.
His Companions were equally steadfast and were his true followers. They were victimized humiliated, laughed at, beaten, tortured, undressed and made to lie down on hot sand. But they stood firmly and supported the prophet. Their belief in one God found expression in their steadfastness. Till the last breath of life they firmly upheld their principle. They upheld it even at the cost of their lives. Their character was the reflection of the teachings they received form their leader, who taught them both politeness and firmness.
Muhammad (PUH) and his Companions experienced extreme sufferings and hardships at the hands of Makkans but when they entered Makka as victors they were not carried away by the pride of triumph. They took no vengeance and settled no score. On the contrary, the Prophet was humble and kind as ever. The people of Quraish were trembling with fear while the Emblem of mercy was saying: “No revenge would be taken. May Allah-the Kind and Merciful forgive you. All of you are free today.”
He forgave the man who treacherously killed his dear and valiant uncle, Hamza (in the battle of Uhud) and the lady who chewed the lever of his dead uncle.
Oh! The height of human greatness.
One of the many misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims is that cleanliness has got no place in their lives. I must tell that the only religion stressing so much on cleanliness is Islam. If followed truly it can turn the whole Islamic world into a cradle of cleanliness.
Praying five times a day is obligatory for a Muslim. Prayer (Namaz) is not allowed without cleanliness. Cleanliness in Islamic terminology means cleanliness of body, dress and place. It demands utmost cleanliness after visiting toilets and urinals. Roads, ponds, rivers, banks of rivers, shades of trees, mosques, graveyards, and public places are forbidden for the purposed of easing nature. The intention behind preventing to attend the call of nature in a standing position or while riding cannot be other than cleanliness. One can further understand the Islamic viewpoint from the instruction that if animals like dogs and pigs touch utensils it should be thoroughly washed. Likewise clothes of blood or urine of even suckling infants should be washed for cleanliness.
For prayer (Namaz) the place, body and the dress all should be clean. Ablution before Namaz is a must, and if necessary a bath. During bath cleaning of mouth, throat, nose and all parts of the body thrice is obligatory. Brushing of teeth during ablutions has been stressed. Minimum of five ablutions everyday give a picture of the Islamic viewpoint in this regard.
The Prophet himself was particularly scrupulous about cleanliness. He always kept his tooth brush under his pillow. He disliked people spitting here and there. His residence was always neat and clean. “Cleanliness is part (half) of Iman (faith)”, the Prophet declared.
