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SHAIKH SA’DULLAH KHAN
THERE are two nights of such significance that they are distinctly mentioned in the Qur’an. One is Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) which occurred with the instructive revelation of ‘Iqra’ (read) when Prophet was 40 years of age. This marked the beginning of his bi’thah (Prophetic calling).
The other night is Laylatul Isra’ wal Mi’raj (the Night Journey and Ascension) that occurred when the Prophet was 52 years of age. Laylatul Qadr occurs in Ramadan and symbolises education, enlightenment and empowerment that comes with divine revelation. Isra’wal-Mi’raj occurred in Rajab, the Night of Ascension, symbolising elevation, enhancement and upliftment.
Central to both these distinctive nights is the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Layltul Qadr was when Revelation descended from the Divine to the Prophet; Laylatul Isra’wal Mi’raj was when the recipient of that Revelation (pbuh) ascended to the Divine.
It is now 1500 lunar calendar years since the birth of that Prophet (pbuh), 1460 years since Laylatul Qadr, and 1448 years since the Isra’wal-Mi’raj. However, the unfolding legacy of the Prophet continues to have a positive effect and tangible impact on the world.
His message remains a comprehensive way of life; with a revelation that has been preserved in its entirety in its original. The legacy of the Prophet (pbuh), who lived in the full bloom of history and whose sirah (life history) is meticulously recorded, continues as uswatun hasanah (a holistic model of excellence). His sunnah (Prophetic example) is integrative; prophetic words and deeds, while the Prophetic style was such that he promoted mahabbah (love), not hatred; rifq (kindness), not harshness; i’timaan (trust), not suspicion; ghufran (forgiveness), not vengeance; and he promoted amal (hope), not pessimism.
The legacy of Prophet Muhammad is immense and far-reaching. His teachings have had, and continue to have, a profound impact on the lives of millions of people, and his sunnah (life example) continues to be the primary model of exemplary behaviour for Muslims around the world.
The Prophet’s lasting legacy shines through the faithful believers who were around him and those who echoed the spirit of that legacy through the ages – the call of Bilal that sounds from every minaret of every mosque five times every day; lessons of selfless sacrifice of Hamza and Imam Husayn; the reliability of close ones Abu Bakr and Khadijah; the mysticism of Rābi‘a al-‘Adawīyya and Adul Qadir al-Jilani; the fairness of Abu Dharr and Umar ibn Abdul Aziz; storehouses of knowledge like As-Sayyidah Nafīsah and Imam ash-Shaf’i; the heroism of Salahuddin Ayyubi, Uthman Don Fodio and Tariq ibn Ziyad; the intellectual depth of Lady Lubna Al-Qortobia and Ibn ‘Arabi; the genius of Al-Biruni, Al-Battani, Ar-Razi, ibn Hayyan, Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Rushd; the foresight of Fatima al-Fihri , who was instrumental in the establishment of the world’s first university, Al Qarawiyn in Morocco.
The Prophet’s legacy and the Islamic civilisational heritage extends through the brilliance of al-Kindi, ibn Khaldun, Ghazali; the royal patrons of learning like Haroun al-Rashid and Razia Sultan; the poetry of Hassan bin Thabit, Shaymaa, Iqbal and Rumi. Furthermore, as part of the unfolding legacy are institutions like Baytul Hikmah of Baghdad, al-Qayrawiyin in Fez, Morocco, al-Azhar in Cairo; and it is reflected in existing structures like the al-Hamra in Spain, Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the Sulaymani mosque in Turkey, the Taj Mahal in India, the Grand Royal Mosque in Isfahan and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
All these are a few among the very many that serve as extended reflections of the Prophet’s impactful legacy on the world through those who followed him, perpetuating the Islamic civilizational heritage, Al-hamdulillah.
When we talk about the legacy of the Prophet (pbuh), we are in actual fact referring to the lasting impact of the best of creation, who transformed the world, changed the course of history, and remains the greatest benefactor to humanity. His legacy is manifested in the way he continues to affect the lives of others – a lasting living legacy. His life is both history and biography, a code of law and mode of guidance, a means of empowerment and a source of inspiration. The Prophet’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world and his legacy serves as a profound example of spiritual strength, moral integrity, ethical conduct and social responsibility.
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The Prophetic legacy transcends mere remembrance; it embodies a positive, unfolding impact on humanity.
Shaikh Sa’dullah Khan is CEO of Islamia College, Lansdowne in Cape Town.
Radiant Gems of Prophetic Wisdom
A book of 40 hadith, containing universal ethical and moral sayings of the Prophet (pbuh), will be launched 27 Ramadan 1446, Insha’Allah.
In the 1500th lunar year of the advent of the final Messenger, a series of programmes are planned to be held through the year to commemorate the legacy of the Prophet (pbuh) at a local and global level. This will be coordinated by the commission of The LEGACY PROJECT 1500. Programmes envisaged are international Qur’anic recitals and nasheed, a national school speech contest and an international essay competition on the legacy of the Prophet. In addition, there will be the publication of a 40 hadith book containing universal wisdom from the Prophet, exhibitions of art and Prophetic relics, an evening of sacred sound at the Cape Town International Convention, and an international conference on the civilisational heritage of the Prophet.
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