As we contemplate this new year, let us realign ourselves and commit to following the example of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), write IBRAHIM OKSAS and NAZEEMA AHMED.
WE seem to be living in a time that seems increasingly characterised by high levels of fearful uncertainty, anxiety about the future, a lack of true purpose and direction and the concomitant feelings of hopelessness and despair. Yet, as believers, we have a primordial example of an extraordinary being who possessed excellent qualities and characteristics, who was exemplified by his extraordinary truthfulness of speech, by his complete submission to his Rabb and his unfailing and unwavering commitment to his cause.
So, as we contemplate this new year, let us realign ourselves and commit to following the example of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), through reacquainting ourselves with his exemplary character, his messengership and prophethood, his message, his miracles and his sunnah. Insha Allah, let us consistently dedicate time this year to once again familiarise ourselves with this extraordinary being whom Almighty Allah had sent as a Mercy to all the Worlds.
In his contemporary Quranic tafsir, Risale-i Nur, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi enumerates at great length not only the extraordinary character and inward states of Nabi Muhammad (SAW) but also conveys that Allah Almighty had made manifest at his hands hundreds of miracles, according to explicit Quranic ayahs or traditions enjoying the status of tawatur ( transmitted by numerous authorities, about which there is no room for doubt).
Bediuzzaman cites examples of these miracles from the Quran and hadith, such as Rasoolullah’s (SAW) splitting of the moon, ‘And the moon split’, with a single indication of his finger; his casting of a handful of dust into the eyes of his enemies, causing them to flee, ‘It was not your act when you threw but Allah’s’, and his giving his thirsty army water to drink that flowed from his five fingers like the spring of Kouthar.
Furthermore, just as the Quran, with all its miracles and truths indicating its authenticity is a miracle of Nabi Muhammad (SAW) so, too, Nabi Muhammad (SAW) with all his miracles, proofs of his prophethood and the perfections of his knowledge, is a miracle of the Quran and a decisive proof that the Quran is the Word of Allah.
Bediuzzaman conveys that Rasoolullah (SAW) also held in his hand a decree from the Rabb of the universe, a decree accepted and affirmed in each century by millions of people. This decree, the Quran of Mighty Stature, has forty different aspects of miraculousness and it is the Word of the Creator of all beings.
Bediuzzaman further says that Rasoolullah (SAW) brought such a sacred law, a deen, a code of ibaadah, a cause, a summons and a faith that absolutely nothing comparable can, nor could, ever exist. The law that appeared with that unlettered being has been administering one fifth of humanity for more than fourteen centuries, in a just and precise manner through its numerous injunctions.
Furthermore, the Islam that emerged from the deeds, sayings and inward states of that unlettered being has been in each successive century for millions of men, a true guide and safe refuge, the teacher and educator of their intellects and the illuminator and purifier of their hearts, the cause for the refinement and training of their souls, and the source of progress and advancement of their spirits.
The Noble Prophet (SAW) was said to be the foremost in practising all the forms of ibaadah found in his deen, being exemplary in his piety and taqwa; that he meticulously observed the duties of his ibaadah fully and with due attention to their deepest dimensions.
From the Noble Prophet’s (SAW) seerah we know that he was engaged in constant struggle and activity, yet this did not in any way deter him in his practice of ibaadah, doing so with complete submission and servitude to Allah Almighty.
Bediuzzaman recounts that in Rasoolullah’s (SAW) conveying of the Message and his summoning men to the truth, this remarkable and extraordinary being displayed such unwavering determination, firmness and courage, that although great states and religions, and even his own people, tribe and his uncle opposed him in the most antagonistic way, he never exhibited even the slightest hesitation, anxiety or fear. In fact, he is said to have challenged the whole world successfully and made Islam the master of the world.
He says that Rasoolullah (SAW) had such extraordinary strength of imaan characterised by superlative certainty, miraculous breadth, exalted conviction, that it illuminated the entire world. None of the ideas and beliefs that were prevalent in the world at that time, including the philosophies of the sages and teachings of the religious leaders, could in any way, despite extreme hostility and denial, induce in his certainty, conviction, trust and assurance, the slightest doubt, hesitation, weakness or anxiety.
The All-Wise Quran, exemplified by that luminous being, brought about a revolution in the social life of man in such a brilliant, appropriate and truthful way. Furthermore, it transformed the souls, hearts, spirits and intellects of men, in their individual, social and political lives, such that it trained them, refined their souls and purified their hearts.
Bediuzzaman further says that to man’s spirit, it has been a means of development and advancement; to his intellect, an orientation and light; to life, it has been life itself and happiness. Such a book is of a certainty unparalleled; it is a wonder, a marvel and a miracle.
In conclusion, Bediuzzaman coveys that all Nabi Muhammad’s (SAW) conduct and actions pointed unequivocally to his truthfulness, justice and fairness. We can see how he acted in situations similar to the incident of the cave, when there was no hope of aid, he declared with complete certainty, confidence and earnestness, ‘Grieve not; verily, Allah is with us!’
Insha Allah, let us re-commit ourselves to emulate Rasoolullah (SAW) and firm up our intention to live our lives with no fear or hesitation but, like that luminous being, to conduct ourselves with fairness, justice, truthfulness, hope, courage and complete certainty of imaan. Ameen.
