Celebration for prophet
THE birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be celebrated from sunset tomorrow until sunset on Friday.
Mosques in South Africa and around the world will observe the birth anniversary with various programmes.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the “Last Messenger of God Almighty and the Seal of the Prophethood”, was born in Makkah on 12th Rabi al-Awwal l (corresponding to 570 CE).
When Almighty Allah sent his last and greatest prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), mankind was immersed in a state of degeneration.
The messages of the past prophets had been distorted and ignored, civilisation was on the decline and humanity had slumped into an age of darkness with disbelief, oppression and corruption rife.
The world presented the gloomiest picture of human history.
The Qur’an calls this chaotic state of affairs “ignorance”.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) morals and character are an embodiment of the Holy Qur’an.
In dealing with the teachings of the Holy Prophet, we necessarily speak of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, since to him was revealed the Holy Qur’an by God Almighty, thus his teachings are contained in the very word of God and not of his manufacture.
Accordingly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), by example, demonstrated that the burden of modesty, respect and combating abuse of women rested on men.
Indeed, men must take the lead in stopping sexual abuse.
In this environment of gender equity, women in Islam rise to the ranks of legal scholars, warriors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, while lovingly embracing identities as mothers and housewives.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the complete behaviour to humanity.
O my Lord increase me in knowledge; (20: 115)
The seeking of knowledge was enhanced by the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, who enjoined his followers to seek it even if they had to travel to China in the quest for it.
In Islamic practice, great emphasis is placed on the performance of five daily prayers, then the tax known as Zakaat, which is levied for the upliftment of poorer members of the society and community affairs.
There are also general teachings, which regulate the conduct of a Muslim’s behaviour in every walk of life. A complete social order is presented.
None of the teachings, which were given by the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, can ever be considered to be unsuitable for any age or time.
One of the greatest ills humanity is facing is the scourge of consumption of intoxicants.
Intoxicating liquors are responsible for many of the tragedies, which we witness daily on our streets and highways.
Many innocent lives are snuffed out due to reckless driving under the influence of alcohol.
Many homes have been shattered due to excessive use of alcohol and families are torn apart for the same reason.
The human element, which shaped its grandeur, is still living the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Arabic culture was not built on the plunder of other countries and brains of other men. It sprang from deep wells of creativity within the people themselves.
The life of the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, is strikingly different, in that it is on record from before his birth right up to his death.
His life furnishes historians with an open book to delve upon and there are no gaps or room for speculation and mysterious evaluations.