SOCIAL REVOLUTION OF HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMADANDHISGREATACHIEVEMENTS
It was the worst of times and indeed a miserable, dark age in the history when Milad – UN –Nabi or Maulid was sent to the earth by the almighty Allah for the good and prosperity of the universe on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-awwal in the year 570 A.D. It is also believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had ascended to heaven on the twelfth day of Rabi Ul-awwal in the year 622 A.D. A comparison between the social conditions that prevailed in the world during the time before the advent of Prophet Muhammad to this world and the period after his ascension to heaven will substantiate the success of his endeavours to bring about a social revolution in keeping with the aspirations of almighty Allah who sent him to this world.
Thesocialsystemthatprevailed duringthetimewhenprophetmuhammadcametothisworld
It was the worst of times. The basis of civilised society was shattered because of polytheism - belief in many gods and idolatry – worshipping of idols. The social systems and earlier civilisations in Greece, Egypt, China and India were on the verge of collapse and had little or virtually no effect. Rulers enjoyed absolute powers depriving the ordinary citizens of their legitimate rights. They were despotic and were cruel to the people. In the powerful states of Rome and Iran terrorism and dictatorship reigned instead of peace and harmony. They acted as the representatives of God and sometimes posed as God. They functioned as judges and ordinary citizens had to obey without questioning in spite of arbitrary decisions taken. Citizens had no right to show causes in their defence as they were deprived of their civil rights. Flogging and whipping were punishments imposed arbitrarily by the rulers for minor offences. Worst of all, Capital punishment was imposed at the whims and fancies of the rulers. Rulers themselves were jurors and judges. Feudalism was the social system in which the vassal held land in exchange for allegiance and service to land owners.
Lawlessnessthatprevailed in the society
Many people behaved lawlessly and killed one another like wild beasts. The whole society was vulgarised due to the evil conduct or immorality of the rulers and the ruled who were idolaters and polytheists. Most of the people were riotous and they made enemies for trivial reasons and harboured feelings of hatred towards rivals for long periods. Ordinary people resorted to intoxicants and gambling. Gamblers needed loans and Jews took advantage of the situation and loans were available only on excessive interest rates.
Nonobservanceoftheteachings of great thinkers
The sacred scriptures said to have been revealed by Brahma had no influence on the people in that part of the world during this period. The Buddhist philosophy too was not observed, and the genuine nature of these concepts had been lost. The teachings of great thinkers and philosophers such as Confucius and Mani were not observed.
Conflicts between states
Iran and Rome were powerful states but they were arch rivals. There were constant military conflicts between these states and the whole society was destroyed due to these conflicts.
Social Revolution of Holy Prophet Muhammad
It was during such a dark age that the Unique One, Allah, with benevolence and loving kindness to all the people sent Prophet Muhammad to this world as his messenger to bring about a social revolution. In such a society the task before the Holy Prophet of Islam was arduous, and was full of difficulties needing a lot of effort. However, Rasulullah (Sal), Prophet Muhammad came forward single-handed to bring about a complete revolution. He was successful in his endeavour and his achievements were unique and marvelous.
Pivotalroleplayedbyprophetmuhammad
He played the pivotal role to bring about a social revival based on the teachings of the Unique One, Allah, with benevolence and loving kindness to all the people in the society. He took the lead to find the truth under the teachings of Almighty Allah. He achieved this end through a social awakening and led his followers through the door of freedom. His course was so powerful that the Roman Empire was shattered and emperors surrendered to him.
Viewsaboutthegreatnessofthe Prophet’sachievements
In his book titled “And Muhammad is His Messenger,” Schimmel says, “It seems that the tendency to celebrate the memory of Muhammad’s birthday on a larger and more festive scale emerged first in Egypt during the Fatimid Era.” This is logical for Fatimid’s claim to be the Prophet’s descendents through his daughter, Fatima.”
The Egyptian historian Maqrizi basing his account on Famid sources says, “It is apparently an occasion in which scholars and the religious establishments participated. They listened to sermons and received sweets. Sweets and honey were distributed and the poor received alms.”
Critical theologian, Ibu –Al- Jauzi in his Maulid book states, “When Muhammad was born angels proclaimed with high and low voices, Gabriel came with good tidings, and the Throne trembled. The holiest, beautiful young women in Muslim Paradise, came out of their castles and spread fragrance.”
Commandtoridwan,thekeeper of the gates of Paradise
Ridwan, the keeper of the gates of Paradise was commanded “Adorn the highest paradise, remove the curtains from the palace, send a flock of birds from the birds of Aden to Amina’s dwelling place so that they may drip a pearl each from their beaks” and when Muhammad was born Amina saw a light, which illuminated the palace of Bosta. The angels surrounded her and spread out their wings. The rows of angels singing praise descended and filled hills and dales.
Animportantoccasionfullofsymbolism
For Shia Muslims this occasion is even more important and full of symbolism and it is an occasion to express ideas, emotions etc. as this was also Prophet Muhammad’s passing away anniversary and therefore it endorses the Habbillah (Rope Imamat) wherein Prophet Muhammad had chosen Hazrat Ali as his successor. This is more than a coincidence with his physical passing as was or- dained by God. Hazrat Ali took over the spiritual reins from him and this chain continues to the present day.
Jumna-theperiodofimamat
In every Jumna (period of Imamat) the previous Imam appoints the following Imam and even though the previous Imam passes away physically, which could be a day of mourning the Ummah rejoices at the institution of the new Imam as the Covenant (promise of Allah) continues. This is established from the words of Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah in one of his sermons.
Twooccasionscelebrated
On this day Shia Muslims celebrate two occasions which are very important for them. Special prayers are recited to thank Allah for sending Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all nations. Speeches and lectures are made about his life. Teachings of Prophet Muhammad are included in these lectures. Prayers are in the form of poetry.
Sweetstopleasechildren
There are occasions for children to enjoy. Children enjoy sweets with the elders. They wear beautiful clothes. Women and children paint their nails with Mehndi (henna). Children receive gifts in cash and kind. In countries with a predominantly Muslim population the celebrations go on for the first twelve days of the month called Wafah – twelve days before passing – people assemble every day to participate in conferences.
Virtuousqualitiesofprophetmuhammad
As mentioned earlier Muhammad was a humanitarian who sought to promote human welfare. He offered humanity and set an example in all facets of life. This fact is stated in the Holy Quran “Verily you have in the Messenger of Allah the most beautiful model (Uswa al-hassanah)”. Prophet Muhammad lived among the people and taught them the virtues of the belief in one God. He also taught the people the ethics in everyday life and the importance of education in leading an exemplary life, in his words, “Seek knowledge even unto China. Acquire knowledge for he who acquires it performs an act of piety; he who speaks of knowledge, praises God; he who seeks it adores it.”
He also declared; “The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the Martyr.” Arabian community survived the tyranny of the emperors of Iran and Rome. They also survived the rough and warm climatic conditions in deserts having got to go from place to place day and night sometimes in hunger and thirst. They could endure all these hardships in addition to ill treatment and torture by the rulers.
Amidst all these hardships and inconveniences they led simple lives close to nature. They possessed excellent memory power and could remember everything including the names, colour and breed of the horses and the names of their owners. These natural endowments and instinct of the people were advantageous for Rasoolullah (Sal) to direct them on the path of progress.