The person being spoken of in the above paragraph is none other than Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), whose stature in mankind’s history remains unparalleled even to this day. His life is a beacon of light for the pious and God-fearing. In order to fully grasp and comprehend how an orphan rose to become the greatest benefactor of mankind, we need to study and focus on some of the primary lessons that can be derived from his immaculate life.
1. Honesty in conducting trade
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was extremely honest and trustworthy in his day to day affairs. This was a rare quality in the era he lived, when merchants and vendors used to swindle and deceive the consumers for petty profits. When he left on a trade journey, his female employer at the time Hazrat Khadija (R.A) sent another employee to accompany the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to observe the way he dealt her goods. His findings indicated that Khadija’s (R.A) business was being handled by the Prophet (P.B.U.H) with utmost diligence and sincerity. Upon return, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came bearing handsome profits on account of his honest dealings. This unique characteristic of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) impressed her so much that later on she sent him a proposal of marriage which ultimately Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) accepted.
6. Leading by example
He was always a role model and example for his followers. In the famous battle of the Trench, the Muslims were outnumbered and awfully short on supplies. Hunger and suffering were common during those times. A companion once came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and complained regarding his hunger and pointed to a stone fastened around his stomach to prevent hunger. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) lifted his shirt and pointed towards not one but two stones fastened to his own stomach.
7. His sense of merit
He came as a liberator of all the oppressed and the victims. Hazrat Bilal (R.A) was an Abysinian slave due to this fact alone, he was looked down upon as well as subjected to harsh treatment and ridicule. Upon joining the fold of Islam, he became a distinguished personality for all times.
8. Putting to use everything for good
After the battle of Badar, when the Muslims captured many prisoners of war, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ordained that all prisoners who were unable to pay their ransom could obtain freedom if they taught ten Muslims to read and write. This fact alone shows the wisdom of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his willingness to adopt anything that was beneficial and good for his people. This act of the Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) also goes to show how much importance and emphasis he laid on education.
9. A simple life with little regard to worldly possessions
A man of humble means and behavior, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) adopted a simple and modest lifestyle. Despite being the conqueror of Makkah, he did not take to worldly treasures or possessions. The night of his passing, the great Prophet’s house did not have oil to light a lamp. Such was his greatness that his regard for this world was nothing as compared to the spiritual world.
10. Pleasant disposition and cheerful manner
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was a man of high spirits and lofty character. One if his sayings are, “Even a smile can be charity.” He was always respectful of the old, caring towards the weak and loving towards the children. His wives and daughters took great joy in his company as did his companions. He used to spread a sheet of cloth in respect for his daughter Fatima (R.A) and foster mother Halima Saadia (R.A) every time they paid him a visit. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was known not to decline anyone’s request for anything at anytime.
Muslims are fortunate to have a role model and perfect guide in the form of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Achieving the same level of success that he did is impossible but the purpose of his life was for us to study, learn and implement his virtues in order to succeed in this life and the after life.