This is what really happened in seventh-century Arabia, as is graphically recorded in history. When the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) embarked on his mission, calling men to accept Allah’s final and eternal message, the Makkan Arabs, his immediate addressees, enjoyed an unenviable reputation for their evil deeds, low morality and spiritual abasement. Under the Prophet’s able guidance and affectionate care, however, these notorious people turned out to be such paragons of virtue, the likes of whom the world has not witnessed since or before them. These early Muslims or the Prophet’s Companions stand out for their excellent character, their devotion to Allah, their commitment to truth, justice and equality, and their exemplary conduct. Their model behaviour, so to speak, cast a magic rather a magnetic spell on all those with whom they came into contact. It was one of the main reasons for the phenomenal spread of Islam even in far-off lands. Wherever these early Muslims went, they won over the hearts and minds of people, which resulted in the rapid expansion and consolidation of Islam. All this was possible only because of the model provided by the Messenger as an exemplary teacher. This underscores yet another of Allah’s favours. Had Allah not assigned this role to the Messenger, the believers, in particular, and mankind in general, would not have known or scaled such heights of moral and spiritual elevation. Without the unblemished role model of the Messenger, mankind could not grasp or emulate the description of excellent conduct as spelled out in the Qur’ān, and which is expected of man by Allah.
The Messenger’s function of purifying man resided in his instructing man to shun all that may pollute him physically, morally and spiritually. For he declared what is unclean for the body and asked the believers to avoid the same so as to ensure physical cleanliness and personal hygiene. More importantly, his teachings cleansed man of such abominations as idolatry, pride, this-worldliness and all other vices. He also instructed believers in attaining the sincerity and purity of intention. In sum, the Messenger discharged the function of a reformer of mankind.
iii. Another equally important function of the Messenger is his teaching and elucidating of the Word of Allah. His role is not of a mere courier who transmits the message. Rather, it is his assignment to elaborate the message in its finer details and to bring out clearly its import, dimensions and implications. This helps the believers grasp better its meaning. As men are of different intellectual calibre, it is important that the divine message be presented before them in an idiom best suited for them. Then, there are points in the Book in their abstract or theoretical form. It is the Messenger who demonstrates these to the complete satisfaction of people. Moreover, some points are open to more than one interpretation. Once again, the Messenger performs a key role in offering its correct interpretation, which saves people from falling into a trap or wandering in error.
The role of the Messenger as a teacher par excellence is illustrated by the Prophet Muḥammad’s distinguished career. Throughout his twenty-three year long assignment as Allah’s Messenger, his main preoccupation was the elaboration of the Qur’ān, the Book of Allah, for the benefit of those around him. His devotion to this task was so absorbing that on being asked to comment on the Prophet’s conduct, his wife and close associate, ‘Ā’ishah remarked that he exemplified in practice what the Qur’ān prescribes in theory. In doing so, the Prophet acted on the Qur’ānic directive issued to him: “We have sent down unto you the Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them”, (al-Naḥl 16:44).
Had the Messenger only delivered the Book to the people, without any elucidation, or without setting his personal example, it would not have benefited people much. His advent as teacher may, therefore, be reckoned as Allah’s favour to mankind.
iv. Besides expounding the Book of Allah, the Messenger imparts guidance and wisdom in a broad, general sense to believers, enabling them to mould their lives in accordance with the way prescribed by Allah. These instructions are rooted in the Book itself. As men face varied life situations and stand in need of divine guidance, the Messenger guides them at every step. This helps them follow steadily and consistently the Straight Way shown by Allah.
This life-enriching role of a mentor was accomplished by the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He guided thousands of Muslims in his lifetime and more remarkably, his wise sayings (aḥādīth) and exemplary practice (Sunnah) have helped hundreds of millions of Muslims down the millennia. Needless to add, this guidance embraces the entire gamut of man’s life. Thanks to the divine scheme of things, the wisdom imparted by the Messenger is characterised by such timelessness that it is as relevant and rewarding for mankind today as it was in the seventh century when he first presented these directives. His instructions have such a force and appeal as to transform the mindsets of believers even today.
To sum up, before Allah sent down His Messenger, who stands out as a perfect preacher, moral and spiritual reformer, teacher and mentor, mankind was steeped in error and ignorance: man must be thankful to Allah for this massive favour. For it is only with the help of the Messenger in transmitting, demonstrating and elucidating the divine message that man can follow the way approved by Allah.
Related Qur’ānic passages for self-study
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The Prophet Muḥammad
(peace and blessings be upon him)
Those who believe and do good deeds and believe in the revelation sent down to Muḥammad – for it is the truth from their Lord – He will remove from them their misdeeds and improve their condition.
(Muḥammad 47:2)
ALTHOUGH