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Rasulullah (SAW) was a catalyst for positive change, and an agent of transformation in his community, and in the world – a role he (SAW) continues to play today and beyond.
By SALEEMAH JAFFER
RABI-UL-AWWAL in Cape Town has always been a month of festivity and beauty, with an abundance of programmes, classes and events to choose from. The departure of the blessed month of the Mawlid may leave one feeling a bit lost, and even nostalgic for the warmth and fragrance of the weeks before. This is the perfect time to reflect on the lessons we have learnt during the month and start implementing them in our daily lives.
In Surah al-Anbiya, verse 107, Allah ta’ala says: ‘And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the worlds.’
We often hear this term ‘Rahmatulil Alimeen’ – mercy to all the worlds. We know Rasulullah (SAW) came to us not only as our perfect example but as a source of mercy and compassion. We can see his impact – not only in his actions and words but his presence – on the society he was born into. Rasulullah (SAW) was a catalyst for positive change, and an agent of transformation in his community, and in the world – a role he (SAW) continues to play today and beyond.
He came into the most difficult of times, a time which was rife with societal ills. Women were oppressed, baby girls were buried alive, and violence was the way of life. People killed each other over minor disagreements, and vulnerable groups such as orphans were marginalised and denied their rights.
The coming of the Messenger (SAW) not only taught people about Allah ta’ala and how to worship Him but taught them how to build a thriving society. This shows us that as Muslims our role and purpose is not only to fulfil our worship obligations to Allah ta’ala but to fulfil the rights and responsibilities He (SWT) instructed us to fulfil towards our families and communities.
Rasulullah (SAW) brought social transformation to not only his community and his time but to the entire world, in all times.
Social transformation is the term used to describe the fundamental change in the way society is organised, and the way resources are distributed. Social transformation considers the political, cultural, demographic and economic aspects of society. It includes the systemic address of underlying problems and challenges within a community for the betterment of all.
Rasulullah (SAW) addressed key aspects of society and spearheaded the reform in those areas. Some of the areas in which he focused on were:
- Social justice and equality
- Women’s rights
- Social welfare (Zakah, taking care of orphans and widows, and the vulnerable)
- Legal and political reform
- Abolishment of slavery
- Freedom of religious practice
- Condemnation of infanticide
- A fair financial system
Rasulullah (SAW) adopted an approach of non-violence and compassion. This was an unusual approach in a time where bloodshed was widespread. It is said that his leadership style of kindness, consultation and inclusivity built bridges of peace and tolerance.
Rasulullah (SAW) made gradual changes and led by his example. His message was consistent with his actions, and he was transparent with his motives. He encouraged his companions to ask him questions and share their opinions. This built trust in his community and grew his supportive network.
Education played a big role in the transformation of society; with the encouragement of literacy the knowledge base of the community was broadened. Furthermore, Rasulullah (SAW) shifted the nuclear tribal mindset to an Ummah-cantered collective approach. This not only promoted reciprocity and tolerance but celebrated altruism.
Islam’s prohibition of gambling, alcohol consumption, interest and usury, prostitution, adultery and fornication, as well as the establishment of modesty both inwardly and outwardly, all contributed to advancement of the Muslim Ummah into a thriving community.
The reverence of parents and the elderly, the sacredness of marriage, the honour of child rearing, and the respect of the environment are the foundation of a Muslim society.
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Rasulullah (SAW) came to us as a mercy to all the worlds, and when we look around at our challenges today we realise so many of them could very easily be tackled by following his Sunnah. We need to read up on his Sirah and learn from his example.
The only way we will make our community, our country and our world a better place is by becoming ambassadors of the Muhammadan Message – a message of unity, mercy and love.
- Saleemah Jaffer holds an MA in Peace and Conflict studies, currently pursuing a PhD, and is a student of the Alawi Husayni Ninowi Zawiyah (spiritual school).
This article was first published in the October 4, 2024 edition of MUSLIM VIEWS under Saleemah Jaffer’s monthly column, ‘THE ROAD WELL TRAVELLED – exploring issues of social responsibility, spirituality and agency’.
