Allah (swt) has been very clear in the Quran about the status of the Prophet (pbuh). There are numerous verses in the Quran, which directly indicate the sublimity of the Prophet (pbuh). Not only that, Allah (swt) has cursed those who tried to hurt Prophet (pbuh) physically or emotionally and spoke ill about him. Once Abu Lahab used offensive language against Prophet (pbuh), Allah (swt) replied through Quran and said; ‘May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined and ruined is he’ (111: 1). Walid- Ibn Mughaira was an enemy who would say wrong about the Prophet (pbuh). Allah (swt) responded by mentioning his ten flaws in Surah Qalam (68: 10-13) and ended by saying that Walid ibn-mughaira has been born out of wedlock. For any Muslim, these verses of the Holy book are more than enough to understand how much dear Prophet (pbuh) is to the creator – Allah. Further, these verses are sufficient to conclude that the Prophet is the best of all creations. He is honorable and his slighting is intolerable even to Almighty.
However, it is not necessary that non-Muslims will ponder over these verses and will take them seriously. Plus, we cannot coerce any non-Muslim to believe these verses. However, there are many other sources to learn about the best of humankind – the Prophet (pbuh). Christians can find his name in the Bible (revealed to Jesus Christ), Jews in Torah (revealed to Moses), and Hindus in their scriptures. The apatheists having no interest in religion can also get to know about the Messenger of Allah without touching any religious scripture. They can get a fair perspective about almost all aspects of Muhammad (pbuh) by reading eminent non-Muslim scholars. Many non-Muslims have commented on the different qualities, talents, and temperamental genius of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in detail. Let us have a glance at the viewpoints of some of them.
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French historian Alphonse de Lamartine held the view that ‘no man is greater than Muhammad’. The historian poses a challenge to the world about Prophet Muhammad. He writes about the achievements of the Prophet (pbuh) like subverting superstitions, restoring the rational and sacred idea of divinity, and declares no other could do so in history. He mentions that ‘Never has a man accomplished such a huge and lasting revolution in the world’. Furthermore, he says, Philosopher, orator, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, the restorer of rational dogmas, the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of a spiritual empire that is Muhammad. ‘As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he’ (Histoire de la Turquie).
Michael Hart, an American author, in his book ‘The Hundreds’ calls Muhammad the ‘most influential person in History’. Hart writes, ‘He (Muhammad) was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels’.
George Bernard Shaw, a British noble laureate puts in writing that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in resolving its problems in a way, which would usher/herald much-needed peace and happiness (The Genuine Islam).
Thomas Carlyle, political philosopher and historian of England after commenting about various attributes of Muhammad in his famous book ‘On Heroes, Her-worship, and the Heroic In History’ records; Yes, the world today is in dire need of a man like Muhammad to solve its complex problems. Muhammad in truth is the Prophet of sublime morals.
German philosopher – Johann Goethe while glorifying Prophet described him (Prophet Muhammad) as the hero of humanity.
Pringle Kennedy, a British author, and barrister writes in his unique style, ‘the height of human achievement and glory – the Muhammad (Arabian society at the time of Muhammad). Several other notable scholars and thinkers took a keen interest in reading and researching about Prophet (pbuh) and produced books and papers in this regard. Interestingly, almost everyone declared Muhammad as the greatest person in the history of mankind. After going through their writings, it becomes evident that none of them disagrees with the faith of Muslims that ‘No one is like Muhammad (pbuh) and no one can be like Him’.
However, some people in contemporary times are not willing to accept the opinion of these men of letters even though they belong to their race and religion. They deliberately pay no attention to the outlook of these historical personalities. They do not give thought to their ideas and message. Neither do they turn the pages of their writings nor do they carry out independent research to set their perspective right. If they happen to read about Prophet (pbuh) they take biased, prejudiced, and impartial writers into consideration, which is unjust. They do the reverse of what these thinkers stood for – to call spade the spade. The personality praised by their geniuses is on the target of their negative attitude. They waste their energies to malign Islam and its founder. They say whatever comes to their mind and call it ‘freedom of speech’. Under the garb of this freedom, they sadistically create caricatures to insult Muhammad (pbuh) and his billions of adherents’ thereby inciting chaos. To be frank, nothing good could be expected from those infected with Islamophobia – which seems to have no cure. They may not shun this derogatory approach but the ideology and works of their scholars will always serve as proof that ‘Muhammad (pbuh) is superior to all’. Also, Muslims need to steady their nerves and promote, propagate, and practice Islamic teachings and proudly highlight the opinion of influenced literary figures of the world. This is the best answer that could be given to Islamophobics.
Remember, it needs courage and proper understanding to admit the reality and those who wake up to the truth are fortunate.
- The writer tweets @zeeshan_rk and can be reached at mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com.
