by Dr Imtiyaz Rasool Ganai
He said: “Paradise lies under the feet of the mother” and declared that women are sovereigns in their husband’s home. “The best of you is he who treats his wife best,” he affirmed.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was a saviour and nation-builder. He built a nation by reconciling rival creeds and clans. His empire was founded upon goodwill and cooperation across all sections of society, regardless of caste or creed. He was the first to see his unifying efforts crowned with success.
The Prophet established the republic of Medina and pioneered various administrative departments for governance. He set up the first department of education under Ma’az bin Jabal and Amar bin Hazim. For record-keeping, he appointed Abdullah bin Arqam. He assigned the job of translation and language learning to Ubada bin Thabit and Zaid bin Thabit.
The Suffa in the Prophet’s mosque was the hub for teaching and learning. Many of the Suffa companions later became governors and teachers who played pivotal roles in governing Medina and other provinces.
The Prophet united diverse elements into a homogeneous society and founded the Shariah, a code of law governing all tribes equally. The Charter of Medina enshrined human rights and duties, granting security of life, property and religion to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He fostered permanent peace between conflicting religions, tribes and races worldwide. Social discrimination was abolished; slaves were freed and even given governance responsibilities.
It was the guidance of the prophet that made Umar take the reins while his servant rode the camel unconcerned through the gate of Aqsa when it was conquered. The Prophet curbed age-old disorder and unrest through his interventions.
The Prophet devoted great effort to the welfare of all Arabs. Orphans, widows, and the underprivileged were cared for; their economic and social stability was paramount. Oppressors were reformed with teachings of love and peace to purge them of unethical behaviours. The fortunes of the wealthy were redirected towards public welfare. The Prophet established Bait-ul-Maal, a treasury to collect and disburse funds for social welfare.
He institutionalized Zakat, making charity obligatory for those with means. The Prophet imposed Kharaj on land produce and Jizya on non-Muslims in return for protection and exemption from military service. He intertwined the interests of the individual with those of society, promoting collectivism over capitalism.
Within 23 years, the strife-torn land of Arabia became a bastion of peace and prosperity, with no section of society excluded from the struggle for development. The Prophet’s example transformed families and fiefdoms. His message of love and peace spread profound social and moral change across Arabia, with ripple effects felt even in neighbouring lands.
Adherence to Divine Law paved the way for pure and everlasting life. The Prophet established the office of Hisbah to enforce public morality. He banned alcohol, gambling, usury and vain entertainment like music as vices sapping spirituality. The Prophet emphasised hygiene. He established inheritance laws to avoid familial disputes.
Accountability and justice were the bedrock of society. The Prophet was honest, ethical and moral. Once a woman of the Makhzoom clan was convicted of theft. Her powerful kinsmen requested amnesty, but the Prophet refused. Such was his integrity.
Empathy and compassion became people’s goals, making Arabia a heaven for life. The Prophet enforced respect for women and exhorted people to safeguard them. He said “Paradise lies under the feet of the mother” and declared that women are sovereigns in their husband’s home. “The best of you is he who treats his wife best,” he affirmed. The Prophet ensured women full inheritance rights. He stopped female infanticide, deeming daughters a blessing from Allah.
Once, when a man was killed in a clan conflict and blood money was paid to his kin, the Prophet ascertained that the widow and orphans received their lawful share. Such was his conscientiousness.
The Prophet taught harmonious coexistence between diverse peoples. His Farewell Sermon established timeless guiding principles for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He said: “You will appear before your Lord, who will demand an account of your actions.”
“Treat your wives with kindness. You have taken them under Allah’s security and made them lawful by His command. Feed and clothe your slaves as you do yourselves. All Muslims are brothers. Do not usurp your brother’s property without consent. Guard against injustice.”
The Prophet was a devoted father, affectionate friend, successful businessman, and farsighted reformer to be emulated. He excelled in every sphere of life with ability, honesty and integrity.
He pioneered institutions like the Office of the Ombudsman to safeguard people’s rights and oversee complaints against the state. He monitored markets and trade to protect people from exploitation. He fostered ties locally and internationally for the greater good.
The Prophet consulted companions on state affairs and appointed qualified judges to deliver justice. He ensured governors followed Islamic law, not personal interests. Those who strayed from Shariah were dismissed. The companions were continuously cautioned and guided to abide by divine law, for they would be held accountable before Allah.
In this manner, the Prophet Muhammad strove to create an ideal society rooted in brotherhood, justice and virtue. His example shines through the centuries to enlighten and inspire statesmen and nation-builders in every era. The Prophet’s legacy of tolerance and welfare remains eternally relevant.
(The author is an environmental activist and has written a book Educational Philosophy of Ibn Khuldun. Ideas are personal).
