Social Reformation from the Perspective of the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad Pbuh: Part 3

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 17 April 2023 Examining Areas Of Social Reformation In the Light Of Sirat Al-Nabi Main Points: 1. Islam has outlined clear principles of social justice. The establishment of a legal system has inspired people to defend their rights. 2. Islam has elevated humans to the highest level. This promotes equality and appeals to harmony and unity. It holds that there is no superiority based on ancestry, caste, or colour. In the line of justice, everyone is equal. 3. The last sermon of the Prophet PBUH, which was intended for all humanity as the core of social transformation, is very succinct and unambiguous. ------- Islam has outlined clear principles of social justice. The establishment of a legal system has inspired people to defend their rights. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) once said: "A person who is oppressed and killed while defending himself is on the rank of a martyr." (Al-Sunan Al-Kubara 3/455) Almighty Allah has also commanded us to treat other people with justice, as He says in the Quran: “Indeed, Allah commands to do justice and be good, and give relatives (their due), and forbids from shameless acts, evil deeds and transgression. He exhorts you so that you may be receptive to advice” (16:90) This verse, which is the most complete verse in the Holy Quran, contains the essence of the full spectrum of Islamic teachings in a few words. The tradition of reciting this line at the conclusion of the special sermon for Friday and the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) has therefore persisted since the blessed time of the most righteous elders up until the present day. According to Sayyiduna 'Abdullaah ibn Masud, the verse "Indeed, Allah commands to do justice and be good" is the most comprehensive verse in the Holy Quran. According to tradition, Aktham Ibn Saifi, a companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), adopted Islam as a result of this verse. Abu Ya'la's book Maarifatus Sahaaba narrates: Aktham ibn Saifi served as the leader of his people. He made the decision to physically meet the Holy Prophet after learning about him, his claim to prophethood, and his efforts to advance Islam. But his followers advised him against going there personally because he was their leader and the most significant individual in the group. Then Aktham suggested that they select two tribal members to visit there, examine the situation, and then return with a report for him. These two people said they had come from Aktham ibn Saifi to know two things when they came before the Holy Prophet: "Who are you and what are you?" In response to the first query, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "I am Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah, and in response to the second query, “I am a servant of Allah and His Messenger." Then he recited verse 16:90, which starts with the words "Truly, Allah commands to do justice and do good..." He was requested to repeat those statements to them. The verse was repeatedly read out to them until they had learned it by heart. The emissaries informed Aktham when they arrived back that they had intended to learn his ancestry by asking the first inquiry. He did not, however, pay any attention to this. He just felt it was enough to say his father's name. But when they asked others about his ancestry, they learned that he was of very high pedigree and nobility. The verse that the Prophet recited in front of them was also brought up to the notice of Aktham, who immediately responded, "This tells us that he bids morals which are high and forbids morals which are low. Please embrace his faith as soon as you can to keep ahead of the people and avoid falling behind as camp followers." (Abu Ya’la, Maarifatus Sahaaba) Similarly, Uthman ibn Maz'un says, "I initially adopted Islam because others around me told me to. Islam had not, however, become ingrained in my heart. Then there came a day when I was there in the Holy Prophet's fortunate company. After some weird events, he said: "The emissary of Allah came to me and this verse was revealed upon me." Suddenly, indicators related to the descent of revelation on him became clear.” According to Uthman ibn Maz'un, after witnessing this incident and hearing this verse, his faith was strengthened and solidified in his heart, and his love for the Prophet of Allah eventually found a permanent home there. After hearing this verse, Walid ibn Mughirah also went to share his impression with his people, the Quraish of Makkah, saying: "By God, in it, there is a special sweetness and, above it, there is a unique hallow of light, and leaves are going to sprout out from its roots and fruits are going to show up on its branches - and this can never be the speech of any human being." Allah says in the Quran, "When you speak, be just, even if there be a relative, and fulfil the covenant of Allah." (6:152) Islam has elevated humans to the highest level. This promotes equality and appeals for harmony and unity. It holds that there is no superiority based on ancestry, caste, or colour. In the line of justice, everyone is equal. Islam considers the unjust killing of a person to be the murder of all humanity. Allah says in the Quran: “Whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.” (5:32) Islam forbids discrimination on the grounds of race, nation, tribe, religion, or creed. Allah says in the Quran: “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13) On the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his final sermon, 10 years after Hijrah, in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat. His message, which was intended for all humanity as the core of social transformation, was very succinct and unambiguous. He praised and thanked Allah and then said: “O People, please pay close attention, as I don't know if I'll ever see you again after this year. As a result, pay close attention to what I am saying and convey it to everyone who is unable to attend today. “O people, just as you hold this month, this day, and this city in high respect, hold each Muslim's life and possessions in the same high esteem. Return the items to their respective owners that were given to you. Do no harm so that no one may do you harm. Keep in mind that you will meet your Lord and that He will account for your actions. You are no longer required to pay any interest because Allah forbade you from receiving usury (interest)... “O people, although you do have some rights in relation to your ladies, they also have rights in relation to you. Keep in mind that you have only taken them as your wife with Allah's faith and approval. They have the right to be fed and clothed with love if they uphold your right. Women are your partners and devoted helpers, so treat them with respect and kindness. Additionally, it is within your rights for them to never be unchaste and to not make friends with anyone you disapprove of. O people, pay attention to what I say, worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers (Salat), observe Ramadan's fast, and offer your Zakat. If you have the means, perform the Hajj. “Since everyone on earth descended from Adam and Eve, neither an Arab nor a non-Arab is superior to the other. Similarly, neither a white person nor a black person is superior to the other, with the exception of piety (taqwa) and good deed. Recognise that all Muslims are related to one another as brothers and that they form a single brotherhood. Nothing belonging to a fellow Muslim shall be legitimate to a Muslim unless it was given voluntarily. Therefore, don't treat yourself unfairly. “Keep in mind that you will one day give an account of your actions to Allah. Therefore, take care to stay on the righteous path when I am gone. Therefore, O people, use good judgement and pay attention to what I say. The Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah, are the two things I leave behind, and if you abide by them, you will never go astray.” References: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith numbers 1623, 1626, and 6361. In Hadith number 98, the Sahih of Imam Muslim also makes reference to this sermon. Imam Tirmidhi mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, and 2085. The longest and maybe most comprehensive account of this sermon has been provided by Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal in his Masnud (Hadith no. 19774) ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. 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