Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last and final messenger of God whose birth anniversary is being celebrated as Milad-un-Nabi.
The day the Almighty commanded his most noble grand personage, Muhammad (PBUH), to read the verses of the Qur'an was actually the beginning of Islamic civilization.
The holy book was revealed on the Prophet for the guidance of entire humanity. His was a message for social transformation rather than mere collection of certain rites and rituals. He was only the man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels.
Today 15 centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. Most personalities of history are influential in some areas but Prophet Muhammad is influential in almost all areas of life. He was a messenger of God, a leader, a general in the battlefield, a teacher, a spiritual religious figure, a political hero, a lawgiver, a maker of history, and most importantly, the founder of the spirit of the modern age of knowledge, wisdom and science. Poet Allama Iqbal has pointed out that the Prophet of Islam seems to stand between the ancient world and modern world. Mahatma Gandhi described him as the best of one who holds undisputed sway over the heart of millions of mankind. In his famous work, 'The 100: A Ranking Of The Most Influential Persons In History', American author Michal S Heart placed Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) at the top of the list.
The Prophet (PBUH), from the age of 25 till he was 50, liv- ed with a wife who was a widow and mother of several children. From the age of 55 to 59, he married other women.
This reveals that the purpose behind his several marriages was never fulfillment of physical urge but fulfillment of divine scheme to prepare under his direct supervision at least some female resource persons who could mould female segment.
Milad celebrations should not become acts of violence. The Prophet himself preached peace and was against causing inconvenience to the public. It is commendable that some Muslim groups are planning to hold blood donation camps, conduct mass feeding and distribute clothes and fruits to the poor and the sick.
The Prophet's message is becoming more relevant with passage of time in a world that is hungry for harmony, peace and justice.
Published 13 December 2016, 03:50 IST