By Haroon Balogun

As a leader of a nation and a statesman , he taught us the importance of diagnosing the ills and problems that face and afflict our community , then coming up with the right solution . He put into action a plan that solved many of the problems that faced the Muslims in Madinah and his plan was ingenious . Instead of adding more economic burden on Madina’s meager resources , he placed the burden on individual Muslims and asked each one to adopt a brother and help him and treat him as such .

The resources were used efficiently and cooperation , friendship and love developed , rather than mistrust or enmity or division . The Mosque became the focal point in the lives of Muslims ; the place where they would meet, pray together , know one another and help each other . Law and order and equality governed the lives of Muslims .

They cooperated with their non-Muslim neighbors who were guaranteed the same rights as Muslims and their freedom and liberties safeguarded , as long they lived in peace and cooperated with their Muslim brothers As a teacher he placed emphasis on teaching by example and spreading useful knowledge .

He was particularly interested in nourishing up young minds and preparing them to take their place as future leaders . Most of his companions were young men and women eager to learn and apply what they learned . He encouraged questions and spoke in short clear sentences , easy to understand and remember . He encouraged us to seek knowledge and to teach others , starting with our families .

As a judge in disputes among contenders , he taught us to listen to both sides and not jump to conclusions and to always seek the truth and be just and wise . We should not favor those whom we love , or rule against those whom we may dislike , but judge according to the merit of the case and be objective . We should remember that one day we too have to answer to Allah and await His judgment . He gave us the example of the three judges : two in Hell and one heaven : those in Hell are those who ruled in ignorance or followed their desires and not the truth . The one in heaven is he who learned and followed the truth .

Muhammad ( PBUH ) was human:

There is a tendency to glorify leaders and make them more real than life . In the case of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) some ignorant Muslims have elevated his status to above that of a prophet and even almost worshipped him . The Qur’an is very clear that Muhammad is only a human being and as such is subject to all the laws that govern human beings . He was born and he died ; he reacted to events around him . He made the best possible judgment when he received no divine inspiration .

His judgment was correct most of the time , but on few occasions he erred . An error of a prophet is always corrected by Allah , otherwise his action becomes law . The Qur’an mentions few instances in which divine inspiration came down to correct the prophet’s action . For example accepting ransom from the captives of Badr , or allowing the hypocrites to join in the battle field , or frowning upon the blind man , or staying away from his wives for a long time .

Obviously these are minor mistakes . Under no circumstance does a prophet commit major mistakes or indulge in sinful acts . The prophet was very keen on guiding his people and was deeply hurt that they did not believe in his message. This shows his humanity and how much he cared . Allah stresses in the Qur’an that He sends to each community one of their own . Someone they knew and trust. He applies the message in his behavior and becomes an example to follow .

Allah does not send angels as messengers o human beings otherwise they are held to standards beyond their ability . Some ignorant Muslims believe that going to the prophet’s grave in Madinah and asking him for help is useful, for it will gain them his intercession. The prophet (s.a.w) is dead and as such he cannot help anyone in our life time . If we do good, obey Allah and obey Allah’s messenger , then we may gain the prophet’s intercession on the Day of Judgment .

Our duty towards prophet Muhammad (s.a.w):

Is to obey His orders and follow his example . Obeying the prophet means that we obey Allah , Who sent His prophet and inspired to him divine revelation. The Qur’an is very clear that obeying the prophet of Allah is a sign of belief and a sign that we indeed love Allah: “ Say : “ if you do love Allah follow me : Allah will love you and forgive you your sins , for Allah is often forgiving , most-merciful . “ Al-Imran 3:31 .

We are also commanded in the Qur’an to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) character and proper behavior ; and to send peace and greetings on Allah’s prophet as a sign of respect . Another important duty is to study his life story and his sayings and use them as guidelines in our life . He was a mercy from Allah to the worlds .

He is dead , but his example and teachings are alive Then it is our duty to spread the message of Islam that prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) started . His message is alive and contains many answers to the ills that afflict mankind today . We will be asked on the Day of Judgment whether we delivered the message of Islam or not “ Say : “ This is my way , I do invite to Allah with knowledge and conviction , I and those who follow me . “ Yusuf 12 : 108 .

Prayer: ‘O Allah make our hearts believe; our tongues always remembers You; and make our deeds good and acceptable to You.  Give us knowledge that is useful; and make our souls to be contented and blissful.’