Universal Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Eyes of Western Scholars

By Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi, New Age Islam 13 September 2025 After the advent of Islam, under the guidance of the Holy Qur’an, the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) achieved remarkable progress in every field of human endeavour—democratic values, humane behaviour, women’s empowerment, discipline, science and technology, and cultural advancement. During this golden era of Islam, Europe was passing through what is commonly described as the Dark Ages, an age marked by ignorance, corruption, and injustice. Consequently, Europe initially viewed the progressive Islamic world with a sense of aversion. However, with the Renaissance, which was significantly nurtured by the intellectual heritage of the Islamic world, the situation underwent a transformation. Western scholars and thinkers began to acknowledge not only the scholarly contributions of Islamic civilization but also the greatness Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself and the progressive spirit of his teachings. In this paper, we shall present the views and testimonies of eminent Western scholars. Yet, before referring to their words, it is essential to see how the Qur’an describes the universality of the Prophet, and how he himself expounded his mission in the eloquent words of his Farewell Sermon. Here are some Quranic verses which qualifies the Message of Prophet as Universal and make it clear that Prophet of Allah was not sent for a tribe, a nation, or a particular religion only, but for the whole of mankind and all creation. Surah Al-A’raf (7:158) Say, [O Muhammad], ‘O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah— to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth.’ “ Surah Saba (34:28)“And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner, but most of the people do not know. “ Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107) “We have sent you [O Prophet] only as a mercy for the whole world. “Surah Ibrahim (14:1) “[This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord – to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy. “Surah Saba (34:28) “And We have not sent you except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind…” Of course. Here is the full English translation of the two attached Urdu pages: ---- The Universal Aspects of the Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) From the Perspective of Western Thinkers “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds." By Dr. Mohammed Iqtedar Husain Farooqi ---- The universal message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is that his teachings are based on truth, justice, equality, compassion, and human dignity. His message was not confined to the people of Arabia but was meant for the entire humanity. For this reason, Western thinkers also acknowledge that the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) are universal and address the needs of humankind at large. Humanity, throughout history, has passed through periods of rise and decline. When the foundations of civilizations are based on truth and justice, they flourish. When justice and equality are ignored, decline begins. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes justice, fairness, equality, human rights, and compassion. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embodied these principles, and by applying them, he lifted a society immersed in darkness and ignorance (the so-called Dark Ages) to the heights of justice and knowledge. Europe itself, when it emerged from its Dark Ages, did so through the influence of Islamic knowledge, transmitted during the Renaissance. Western scholars now admit that the Prophet’s teachings were not only meant for the Arabs of the seventh century but were and remain applicable for all humanity. It is necessary to view Islam and the Quran not merely as the religious code of a specific people but as a universal guidance for all nations. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared, and the Quran affirms, that his mission was not confined to any one community but extended to all mankind. The Quran states explicitly: “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107) “And We have not sent you except as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of the people do not know.” (Surah Saba 34:28) “Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion (Quran) upon His servant, that he may be a warner to all the worlds.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:1) “Say (O Muhammad): O mankind! Indeed, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but He. It is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him so that you may be guided.” (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:158) The mission of the Prophet (PBUH) was mean for all mankind. (Several Hadiths of Bukhari and Muslim)The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself said: “I have been sent only as a teacher and a mercy to mankind.” (Hadith – Musnad Ahmad)Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: I have been sent to all mankind…” (Hadith – Bukhari, Muslim)The Holy Prophet (PBUH), in his farewell sermon, declared before a large gathering. This was the first and most complete declaration of human rights in history. Last Sermon of Prophet people! Listen to me, for I do not know if I shall meet you again after this year in this place. ”Your blood, your property, and your honour are sacred, like the sanctity of this day, this month, and this city.” “All practices of ignorance are abolished under my feet. Blood feuds and usury are forbidden. ”Fear Allah concerning women. You have rights over them and they have rights over you. ”All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black over a white — except by piety and good deeds.” “I leave with you two things; if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” The Prophet then asked: “Have I conveyed the message?” The people replied: “Yes. “He raised his finger to the sky and said three times: “O Allah, bear witness.” As stated earlier Qur’an and Hadith including the last sermon make it absolutely clear that Prophet Muhammad was not sent for a particular tribe, nation, or religion, but as a mercy and guide for all mankind and even for all creation. Western thinkers and philosophers also acknowledge this universal mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They admit that the realities and principles which he presented 1,400 years ago are valid for all humanity and are not confined to Muslims alone. The following testimonies show that the universality of Prophet Muhammad was acknowledged beyond the Muslim world — by historians, philosophers, reformers, and writers. His impact was seen as extending to all humanity, not confined to the Arabian Peninsula or the Muslim community alone. Western Scholars on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islam Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje (Netherlands, 1857–1936) said: “Islam, which was born in the barren deserts, created such a powerful movement that united humanity in the bonds of brotherhood, elevated the principles of life, and guided nations to the path of unity and worship of the One God. Its existence is an everlasting testimony to Divine Oneness and a struggle for human solidarity.” Thomas Carlyle (UK, Scotland, 1795–1881) said: “The Messenger of Islam (peace be upon him) was a great man who, with extraordinary patience and steadfastness, bore immense hardships. He was endowed with a heart full of sincerity and sympathy for mankind.” Edward Gibbon (UK, England, 1737–1794) wrote: “The life of Muhammad (peace be upon him) has given mankind great moral strength, and his teachings are based on ethical values.” Alphonse de Lamartine (France, 1790–1869) said: “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad (peace be upon him)? He preached unity, founded a spiritual empire, and established a vast dominion.” George Bernard Shaw (Ireland/UK, 1856–1950) said: “The world needs Muhammad (peace be upon him) today… If a man like him were to assume charge of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems and ensuring peace and happiness. “Annie Besant (United Kingdom, 1847–1933) wrote: “It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia to feel anything but reverence for him, one of the greatest messengers of the Most High.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Germany, 1749–1832) declared: “We, the people of Europe, with all our concepts, have not yet reached the level of Muhammad. No one has yet surpassed him. Indeed, no one has equalled him. How can someone who is great in so many aspects be surpassed?” Michael H. Hart (United States, 1941–2016) wrote in The 100: “My choice of Muhammad (peace be upon him) to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels.” Rev. Bosworth Smith (UK, England, 1839–1908) said: “By the sword he won his kingdom, and by the same sword he defended it. Yet he gave freedom to all; his rule was just, and his government merciful.” John William Draper (England/United States, 1811–1882) wrote: “During the 5th and 6th centuries, a great personality appeared. More than half of mankind reveres him to this day.” Karen Armstrong (United Kingdom, b. 1944) said: “Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a brilliant visionary who laid the foundations for a new and just social order. His teachings reshaped society and gave dignity to the downtrodden.” Philip Khuri Hitti (Lebanon/United States, 1886–1978) said: “Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the man who changed the course of history. His advent was one of the most significant events in the history of mankind.” H.J. Denison (United States, 1866–1952) wrote: “Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave to mankind a faith which has made people brothers and has given dignity to life. “ Leo Tolstoy (Russia, 1828–1910) said: “Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a man who guided people by the truth, established peace, and laid down such principles that can ensure the welfare of mankind.” Max Meyerhof (Germany/Egypt, 1874–1945) said: “Without the work of Muslim scholars, the European Renaissance could never have taken place. “Robert Briffault (France/UK, 1876–1948) said: “What we call science today is in reality the outcome of the investigations of Muslim scholars. Modern science owes its very existence to Islamic civilization. “ George Sarton (Belgium/United States, 1884–1956) said: “The greatest historian of the Middle Ages was not a Christian, but a Muslim. In fact, Muslims created the very foundations upon which modern science and philosophy rest. “ DE Lacy O’Leary (Ireland/UK, 1872–1957) stated: “History makes it clear that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword is one of the most fantastically absurd myths historians have ever repeated. “Edward Granville Browne (UK, England, 1862–1926) said: “The science and culture that Muslims created were the most brilliant of their time, and their books and libraries were unparalleled treasures of knowledge.” Hans Köchler (Austria, b. 1948) said: “The Islamic concept of tolerance set an example for humanity. Islam offered not only religious guidance but also political stability and coexistence.” W. Montgomery Watt (UK, Scotland, 1909–2006) said: “Of all the world’s great men, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was supremely successful. To call him the greatest of prophets is no exaggeration. Barack Hussein Obama (United States, b. 1961) said on June 4, 2009 (Cairo University speech): “Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. Islam carried the light of learning through many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. Muslims built great universities, preserved and translated ancient texts, and helped lay the foundation for modern science and mathematics.” ----- Dr. Muhammad Iqtedar Hussain Farooqi, Deputy Director/Scientist -in -Charge (Retired) Plant Chemistry Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Govt. of India, Lucknow, India URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/mission-prophet-muhammad-western-scholars/d/136826 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism