Prophets

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, AS A TEACHERFeb 24, '09 5:54 PM

for everyone

As most of my students at UPSI will at the end become teachers it is advicable to have a closer look at the prophet Muhammad how he was just the best teacher on this earth. Let us pay attention to his life how he was as a teacher.

From awakening in the morning, walking, talking, etiquette's of eating, when answering the call of nature, behavioural conduct with fellow humans, what to pray when, how to cope with different circumstances, to retiring to sleep at night, how ones every act can be worship; our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught us.

If it was a simple lesson on morality or theology, an angel could have easily delivered it to the people. But the message of Allah contains a complete code of life for solving the practical problems of life. Therefore, it was necessary for a man to show us by his own practical example.

The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was an educator not only for Muslims but the whole of mankind. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam placed emphasis upon teaching the practical deeds and works. Thus, his every act spoke volumes. Meaning, the whole life of Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is a lesson for man. As our teacher, he did not say or preach anything which he did not practice himself.

When Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R. A.) was asked regarding the Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam morals and character she replied, "His morals and character are the Qur'an."

The blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught with great wisdom and good admonition, imparting good news to those people who accepted his call, and warned others of the consequences for those who did not listen.

Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R. A.) narrates that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to be very clear in his talk so that his associates could easily memorize his words. Very often Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to be quiet and would not talk unless very necessary. His speech was well articulated, concise and free from absurdities or humiliation.

While teaching in a gathering, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam refrained from mentioning anyone's name, avoiding disrespect to anyone, but used general terms, usually in the plural sense. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used his whole hand to point towards something; often people with pride point with their fingers.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam made sure, whilst preaching to the people, that it did not become a burden on the listeners. For this, the blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam did not speak to the people on consecutive days but after intervals. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was well aware of the innate nature of his fellow men.

Hadhrat Anas (R. A.) reported that the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "Create ease for people and not difficulty. Give them good tidings of Allah's mercy; don't make them disappointed or hateful." The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam took great care not to disgrace or humble his opponent.

Once the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was sitting with his Companions (R. A.) when he Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam drew a diagram, as a means of learning, on the ground with a stick. The Holy Prophet Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam then asked his Companions, "Do you know what it means?"

They replied, "Only Allah and his Rasul knows best". The diagram was made up of a square, through the middle ran a line which protruded outside the square, and inside the square, attached to the lower edge were drawn vertical (small) lines.

The diagram was drawn to gain the attention of the Ummah towards Imaan, Yaqeen and preparation for the after life. Explaining the meaning of the diagram the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, " The square is death, surrounding and encompassing `life'.(The space inside the square is life).No one can step outside the life or do anything after death. The long line protruding from the square represents our plans and thoughts, schemes and dreams and the things we accumulate (which exceed the time of death). And the lines on the side represent the good and adverse conditions which come upon you in this life, success and failure, happiness and regret. " This act of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam highlights an original and intellectual rnethod of teaching, furthermore, it creates realisation towards the plain truth that we plan too far ahead.

In the 23 years of prophethood, Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam with Allah's power achieved great heights. He raised the dignity of human beings, stressed the importance of universal brotherhood and the equality of all mankind. At the time of the Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam departure from this world it was more than evident that a great revolution had occurred.

Ultimately, through his teaching the blessed Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam faithfully delivered the message entrusted to him, in turn, to this Ummah he entrusted the charge of spreading the message of Islam.

The word "hero" isn't in the King James Version of the Bible. The "Living Bible" uses it a few times in the Old Testament... but each time refers to a pagan or Gentile "hero" like "Nimrod.

"Another of the sons of Cush was Nimrod, who became a great HERO." (I Chron.1:10 LVB Living Bible)

(same verse; KJV): "And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth."

The "Living Bible" uses "hero" once in the New Testament, referring to Jesus:

"...the chief priests and other religious leaders... were trying to find some way to get rid of Him. But they could think of nothing, for He was a HERO to the people -- they hung on every word He said." (Luke 19:47-48 LVB)

(same verse; KJV): "...the chief priests and the scribes... sought to destroy Him, and could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear Him."

As for Paul... neither version calls him a "hero." Some might imagine Paul referring to himself as a "hero" in the course of one of his deeply spiritual lessons to the churches... as he seemed to delight in playing the "devil's advocate" to coerce people into thinking a little bit. He is a master in his powerful writings of switching back and forth between boasting and humility [hero and fool].

In the end, however... even Paul would deny being a hero and bow to the Lord Jesus Christ as the real "hero." Not just in the Bible... but in all the universe.

"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His Power, and everything is for His Glory. To Him be Glory forever." (Rom.11:36 LVB)

No.

Soap existed in Babylon in 2800 BC. A recipe for soap identical to the modern formula was found in Germany dating from about 200 AD, i.e. the Romans had soap like ours.

Boats have been around for as long as there have been people living near water - it would be impossible to discover who invented the first one. But it was certainly long before Noah, whose flood occurred only 8000 years ago.

Mirrors made of polished stone existed in Anatolia in 6000 BC, which was 3000 years before Solomon. Modern mirrors made of metal-coated glass have only existed since the first century AD, a thousand years later than Solomon.

Needles made of ivory existed in Russia about 30,000 years ago, a very long time before Idris.

Combs existed in Persia in 3000 BC, one thousand years before the time of Abraham.

• In Islam:

It is universally accepted in Islam that Adam[upon whom be peace] was the first Prophet; and Muhammad[peace and blessings be upon him] was the last Prophet, and there will be no other Prophet after him.

• Judaism: