Mohammad, the Orphan Who Adopted the World

This year, 2013, on January 24^th falls the 12^th of Rabea Al-Awal (First Spring) of the Arabic lunar calendar. It is the birth date of Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him (PBUH). This article is an “Ice Breaker” to introduce Prophet Mohammad to the American people. You will know about his birth, lineage, childhood, youth, life prior to his ministry, how he looked like, his personality, his family life, his message, a sample of mentioning of Mohammad’s forthcoming in previous scriptures, as well as what others said about him.

This article goes in parallel with the thread posts of “People Who Made a Difference”, for the American readers to see some aspects of the integral personality of Mohammad and connect with people they can relate to. It contrasts with “Bigots to People are as Vaccines to the Body” to refute false allegations of fanatics. It links to “As Jesus, the Son of Mary Said to the Disciples” to indicate the oneness of the divine message to mankind that people deviated from, as well as envision the unity of humanity and its mainstream path throughout history that many either tend to forget, unaware of, or don’t even think about.

Mohammad, born orphan to his father, then mother, then grandfather left to the world a role model manifested in an exalted character that summons that of the previous prophets before him, an example of integrity and high spirituality, an example to follow in all aspects of human life in the personal and public arenas, and the capstone of the divine message, completing the mission of the Messengers before him to all mankind. A character and a message full of mercy and compassion to every creature on earth, that, as he prophesized, will enter every household on earth. As such, he is indeed “The Orphan who Adopted the World”[1].

With this introduction, I hope it will enable the American people to connect with Prophet Mohammad’s persona, beyond the media propaganda. I trust it would broaden the foundations of religious tolerance, as well as the establishment of legislations that exercising the rights of free speech does not mean the freedom to smear religions, and mock beliefs. Rather, to ground the understanding that the respect of people’s convictions—regardless a monotheist, polytheist, or atheist—is a God given right to mankind whether they believed in Him or not. To Him is their return, judging them for what they differed about.

This post is available in pdf format in the Documents page. A subset, previously developed by Lucent college Amgad Saleh, is available in pps, and ppt format.

1 Who is Mohammad

Who knows better but the creator of this world? In the Quran[2], God’s final message to mankind, says, “Mohammad is the Messenger of God,” [48:29][3]. He further expanded upon that saying, “Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of God[4] (Allah in Arabic) and last of the prophets. And ever is God, of all things, Knowing,” [33:40]. The picture to the left is of the seal of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The words, from top to bottom, are translated as “God (Allah), Messenger, Mohammad,” and is read name and title, “Mohammad, the Messenger of God.”

Mohammad introduced himself, saying, “I am the Master of the sons of Adam, no pride. In my hand is the banner of praise, on the Day of Judgment, no pride. I am the first whom the earth will split asunder [on the Day of Judgment]. I am the first intercessor, and the first whose intercession is accepted. I am the first to cross the Path[5], and with me is my nation.”

He also said, “Before God, I am inscribed as the seal of the prophets, while Adam is still lying down in his clay. I will apprise you of my beginning: the prayer of Abraham, the Glad Tidings of Jesus, and the vision of my mother when she gave birth to me[6], where a light emitted from her which illuminated, to her, the Palaces of the Levant[7].”

Mohammad PBUH counted his names, saying, “I have five names,

1. I am Mohammad [The Praiseworthy: people admire him for great deeds], and

2. I am Ahmad [The most to sing the praise of God], and

3. I am Al-Mahy [The Eliminator: the one who eliminates disbelieve in God. Before him, when a prophet dies, people turn away from faith], and

4. I am Al-Hasher [The Gatherer: at his foot steps people are gathered, on the Day of Judgment], and

5. I am Al-Aqeb [The Final/Last: there is no prophet coming after him].”

2 Making of the Prophet

God’s complete care, perfect nourishment, utmost protection, and love have encompassed Prophet Mohammad. The Quran [52:48 ]states, “And be patient, [O Muhammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes.” This is in contrast with Moses, when God revealed to his mother to cast him into the chest and cast him into the river, “… there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him. And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye,” [20:39].

A note taken here that as Muslims, we differentiate NOT between messengers and we give them the utmost respect. Nevertheless, before God, “Those messengers – some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom God spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the Son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit (Gabriel),” [2:253].

2.1 Mohammad’s Genealogy

Prophet Mohammad said about his lineage, “God fashioned the creations. He made me amongst their best group. Then chose from the tribes, and made me amongst their best tribe. Then chose the houses [families], and made me amongst their best house. I am their best soul, and from their best house [family].”

Mohammad’s mother, Aminah bent[12] Wahb, meets in lineage with Mohammad’s father, in Abd Manaf. Qusay, number 5 in the list above, was a younger brother to Zahra, from which Aminah’s branch is. Her side of the family was known of gentleness, calmness, forethought, and prosperity. Mohammad’s father side of the family where characterized by strength, toughness, glorification of status, honor of ancestry, leadership, giving, sensitivity, and sharp intuition.

As you can see, Prophet Mohammad has a very impressive family tree with a long history in society that traces its root back to the well know prophet patriarch Abraham (PBUH). There is no doubt this heritage had an impact on the personality of the prophet. The figure below shows the relationship of Prophet Mohammad with respect to the other prophets. Looking at this tree, one can see the guide path of humanity from the beginning of time, from an Islamic teaching perspective. It is hard to believe that the People of the House of Prophethood, the House of Abraham, would disseminate contradicting message about whom He send them, i.e. God, as Messengers to people. It is people, the followers thereafter, “ … those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves,” [3:19] “And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord (God) until a specified time, the matter would have been settled between them (those how divided, in the past)” [42:14]. Up till in our times, those who were granted inheritance of the Scripture, concerning it, are still in disquieting doubt.

Figure 1 Diagram showing where propjet Mohammad is with respect to Prophets mentioned in the Quran

This is one of the branches of the tree the spawned off of Noah. They lived in the Middle East, where I was born and raised. It does not mean the other sons of Noah’s, whom spread in other parts of the world, would follow a different path. Rather, the same pattern would apply. This concludes with the need to revive the unity of humanity, at least as a common denominator in multicultural societies. It alerts of the oneness of the divine message and the path of guidance, the necessity of a day of accountability, and accordingly, the importance of individual choices in the matter of faith and actions.

2.2 Birth and Childhood

On Gregorian calendar, the Prophet Mohammad PBUH was born on Monday the 20^th or 22^nd of April 571 CE (On Lunar calendar, the 12^th of Rabei Al-Awal of the first year, of an event called in Arabian history as, the Year of the Elephant[13].) He was born an orphan to his father, then mother, then grandfather. This early childhood deprivation form parents inherited him compassion, mercy, softness, and tenderness.

The orphan prophet spent the first four years of his life in the desert prairie, which impact his development. He grew physically strong, bold, sharp minded, eloquent in speech, mastered horseback riding as well as swimming. He reported that he was moving stones with other boys from his tribe (Quraish) as part of their games. Even more important, seeing the signs of God in the universe before hearing it in the Quran. The first verse in book of existence was through nature, the beauty of the universe, away from idols (and idol-ogy: my term for rigid, closed scope, desire wrapped mindsets).

2.3 Teen Years and Youth

At the age of twelve, Mohammad travelled with his uncle, Abu Taleb, in a trade caravan, from Mecca to the Levant⁷. Were he had the opportunity to get exposed to other communities customs, beliefs and social life. Furthermore, in a rest stop, along their way, he heard a Christian monk talk, to his uncle, of the signs of prophethood he had seen in Mohammad. That Mohammad is the prophet of the end of time, and the monk advice to Abu Taleb to safeguard him from those who wouldn’t dare to kill a prophet, if they would know.

Mohammad provided provisional support to his uncles in a war between his tribe and it ally (Kenanah) against the tribe of Qais Elan. The latter breached the sanctity of the sacred months. He also took part in witnessing the Pact of Virtues where the tribes pledged to support the oppressed in Mecca, regardless whether the oppressed is local or from out of town. All of these events contributed new dimensions to his development at early age.

As all prophets before him, Mohammad worked as a shepherd for the people of Mecca. Thus earning for himself, from a suitable work for his age at that time, learning the caring and compassion to creatures one can’t communicate with, and connection with the universe. A note worth mentioning here is this job brought him for a second time to the outdoors life. Which is repeated at a later age when he used to meditate in the Cave of Hira, where it was his first encounter with Archangel Gabriel and his reception to the first few verses of the message (Quran).

Prophet Mohammad grew up in a society with traits of ignorance are not much different from what we have nowadays. People used to circumambulate around the sacred house in Mecca, naked. This was in a house of worship, not a nude beach. Now you can imagine how twisted the minds were. Red flags were waving on the tents of prostitutes. This is in Mecca, where the first of house to worship God was established to mankind [3:96]—the Inviolable Place of Worship (Al-Masjid Al-Haram). Drinking wine, gambling, obscene language and partying were the lifestyle of the Meccan people. This environment was not in so much aberration from the norms of the cultures we live in today; it is just a different flavor, though. Despite of this, while was not charged with his mission, Mohammad wanted to and lived a dignified life. He was guarded from coming close to anything that would pollute his heart or mind. This is in contrast of what some families who let their young adults partying as everyone else does, surfing down the waves of the culture of looks and desire. This is not to suppress people’s need for social and pleasant time or natural inclinations, rather to warn against following trends without knowing what is appropriate from what could bring moral harm, on the long run. Being aware of moral illness is different from witnessing it. The latter would bring individual moral respect down, and dim the light within one’s heart.

God has guarded Mohammad senses. As any youth would wanted, he intended to attend a wedding party in Mecca. You would expect in such gathering the attendees would entertain music, dance and drink. On his way to the party, Mohammad heard sweet chanting that attracted him. He sat down to listen. He never felt that he slept until he was awakened by the heat of the sun, the next morning. In the Quran, God mentioned His guarding of Mohammad to receive the message into a heart and mind that were save from social and moral impurities. He guarded his mind, saying, “Your companion [Mohammad] is neither astray, nor being misled.” He guarded his tong, “Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) desire.” He guarded his heart, “The heart is no way falsified that which he saw.” He guarded his sight, “His sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong.” He praised his teacher (Gabriel), “He was taught by the mighty in power,” [53: 1-17]. He praised his character, “And you [Mohammad] (stand) on an exalted standard of character,” [68: 1-4].

3 How Does Mohammad Look Like?

“God knows better, as to where to place His message,” [Quran chapter 6: verse 124]. Beyond the inner beauty of the prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as we’ll see in some examples given later in this article, is his appearance. His companions described him that he had the most handsome constitution. His face shone like the moon. He had a large symmetrical head and a broad forehead. His eyebrows were thick, slanted, and parted in the middle with a vein protruding between them that becomes more prominent in anger.

Prophet Mohammad’s complexion was neither white like lime, nor tanned but brown with whiteness prominent. Someone described it as white and bright, another as white and reddish. He had black eyes with long eyelashes, and a moderately wide mouth (signs of beauty in Arab culture). He had white teeth with separation between the two top fronts. He had a full thick beard, thick and slightly curly hair that sometimes touches his earlobes or reaches down to his shoulders.

His body didn’t have much hair except of a line running from the chest to the navel, and some on the shoulders, arms and upper chest. Prophet Mohammad’s body was well built. The bones joining the limbs were large and strong. His chest was broad and evens out with his abdomen. His abdomen was not protruding. The width between his shoulders was more than usual. He has big hands, wide and fleshy palms yet they were soft and smooth. He was neither very tall, nor excessively short, but a man of a medium height. His calves were not fleshy, by symmetrical. His feet were fleshy, with lower parts of it having a little hollow. His feet were so smooth that they would not retain water. He had very little flesh on the heels. His feet (from footprints) were similar to those of Prophet Abraham (PBUH), when compared to Abraham footprint on the stone at the station of Abraham nearby Kaaba (The well-known cubical building in Mecca, where pilgrims circumambulate around during Hajj).

Between his shoulders was the seal of prophethood. It looked like a crescent in the size or shape of a pigeon egg having black, red and green colors. Mohammad (PBUH) described his own looks as the closets to Prophet Abraham compared to any other of his descendents.

4 Mohammad’s Personality

Prior to his ministry, the pagan Arabs of Mecca were rebuilding the Kaaba. At the final touches of the construction, they disputed on whom would carry and place the capstone, one of the original stones of the building, called the “Black Stone”. They were about to fight on whom should perform the task. They decided to have the first man who enters from one of the gates, of the sacred mosque, to judge among them and resolve the dispute. The man was Mohammad, “The truthful and the trustworthy,” they said in sigh of relief to all, without hesitation in accepting his resolution. Mohammad spread his garment, put the stone on it, each of the tribesmen picked a side of the garment, they all carried the stone and Mohammad then left it with his hands and placed it where it should be.

Over a span of forty (40) years, prior to receiving the first revelation of the divine message, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) earned the highest respect among his people. They summed up his qualities in a two word title, the Truthful and the Trustworthy. This section delves in some aspect of Mohammad’s innate qualities.

4.1 Character

Prophet Mohammad PBUH exemplary character has been a testimony by the Creator in the Quran, “And you [Mohammad] stand on an exalted standard of character,” [68:4]. He combined the best in all prophets’ characters, “Those were the (prophets) who received God’s Guidance: follow the guidance they received” [6:90]. Therefore, you will find Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) combined the piety and youth of Joseph, the firmness and strength of Moses, the patience and mercy of Abraham, the nobleness and peace of Jesus, as well as the patience and taking account in God as Job.

Caring, mercy, forgiveness, sharing and trust in God were overarching characteristics of Mohammad that drove his mission and attracted people around him. “Now has come unto you a messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that you should perish: Ardently anxious is he over you: to the believers is he most kind and merciful,” [9:128]. “It is part of the mercy of Allah (God) that you did deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted they would have broken away from around you. So pass over (their faults), and ask for Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in affairs of the moment. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust in Him” [3:159].

4.2 Approach

Mohammad’s approach revolves around understanding human tendency to err, sensitivity to embracement. Thus dealing with it requires a big heart and an ever-expanding chest to absorb these shortcomings and channel people’s energy in the right direction smoothly, by creating a non-threatening environment that promotes personal growth and character of excellence. Below are some aspects of his approach:

1. Rationale, lenient, not-violent

• Patience when dealing with people, rationale in actions, and changing people’s mind by persuasion resulted that the idol worshipers were the same people who pulled the idols down at the conquest of Mecca.

2. Love to people and their guidance

• After the battle of “Uhud”, Mohammad was injured and significant numbers of Muslims were killed, yet he prayed for the guidance of the Meccans who fought him, saying, “Oh Allah (God): give guidance to my people, they lack knowledge.”

3. Recognizing People’s Shortcomings

• A man came to Prophet Muhammad admitting being drunk and requesting to be punished for violating the law. The Prophet asked the man to wait after the prayer. After the prayer the man repeated his request. The prophet recognized his repentance and answered “Haven’t you just prayed with us?” and sent him away. This demystifies the widespread misunderstanding of the application of the Limits (Hudud), i.e., punishment for breaking the laws. At the same time one needs to understand the scope and impact of the fault, whether it is limited to an individual, or inflicting damage to the society, at large.

4. Balanced Emotions

• Softness at the time of leniency, and caring for non-humans who share the earth with us. One time he was asking a young boy about his sick little bird “Abu-Omair (the boy’s name): how is Al-Noghair (the bird) doing.”
• Seriousness and toughness when justice needs to be served. When a rich woman stole, one of the companions interceded to avoid the application of the law of theft on her, in consideration of her social status. Mohammad made it clear that God’s rights are not voided because of the status or class of people, saying, “If Fatima the daughter of Muhammad did steel, Muhammad would have cut her hand.” Note: the Limit (Hadd in Arabic), is punishment for one of a seven major crimes, is qualified when certain requirements are met. For theft, the punishment is amputating the hand of the thief.

5. Insightful

• Mohammad and his companions travelled from Medina to Mecca to perform “Umrah” (a subset of Pilgrimage/Hajj). However, the return of the companion negotiating with the pagans of Mecca, to permit them to enter the city and perform the right of Hajj, was delayed for a long time. A rumor spread that he was killed. The plan changed to fight the Meccans for violating the assumed killing of Mohammad’s envoy to them. It was not long after that when the envoy retuned back, and a delegate from Mecca came asking to for a peace treaty and postponing the Umrah to the following year. Mohammad did accept the agreement terms, although it appeared unfair to his companions. Since he had the insight that peace is the best environment for people to rationalize his message in an unthreatening atmosphere. During the peace time, many has entered in the folds of Islam much more than those who entered during conflicts.
• In another incident, Mohammad ordered to avoid fighting during the conquest of Mecca. He took an additional pragmatic approach for peaceful conquest and winning his archenemies by recognizing the prominent Meccan leader social status. He said, “Whoever enters his house is safe, whoever enters the Kaaba is safe, and whoever enters Abu-Sufian’s (a Meccan leader) house is safe.”

6. Forbearing and Non-Confrontational

• He listened to people’s requests and restrained himself with requestors’ improper approach, and confrontational attitude. A man came to him asking for money, saying, “O Muhammad give me (money) from what God has given you, it is neither yours nor your father’s.” Mohammad smiled, and gave the man more than what he asked for.

7. Humbleness and Politeness

• Towards God, he was asked, “Why do you stand all night praying while God has forgiven your sins?” He replied, “Shouldn’t I be a grateful servant?”
• Towards People, when travelling with his companions, he chose the most undesirable task to perform. He gathered wood, in the desert, to kindle fire.

8. Communication and Information

• Dealing with Misinformation, Mohammad (PBUH) worked very hard to disseminate and educate the misinformed communities about his message, by meeting delegates in his Mosque in Medina, as well as sending envoys and educators to areas around.

9. Team Building and Consultation

• He always consulted his companions and made decisions based on consensus. During the battle of the Ditch (Al-Khandaq), his city was under siege. He wanted to negotiate with the pagans a deal to relief his companions from the hardship. When he consulted with his companions, they refused to give away part of the city crops to their enemy to left the siege and leave. He followed the consensus of his companions to continue in the battle, and did not to make any compromise.

10. Scope and Priorities

• In Mecca, an immoral society at that time, Mohammad goal was explaining the right and wrong, as well as providing keys to the highest level of human morality.
• In Medina, a new Muslim society, he emphasized the importance of family relations and values, strengthened social ties, stressed on unity and diversity, built the economy, established relationship with other communities in the form of treaties.

11. Integrating a Diverse Society

• Integrating and establishing unity in a society (Medina) that was diverse in both conviction and traditions. Mohammad united between two longtime rival Arab tribes, the Aus and the Khazraj. He built relations with the Jewish tribes as an inclusive part of the bigger community of Medina, as well as with the surrounding communities. He established political and economical systems to regulate governing and running the new state.

5 The Family Man

Because of his excellent character, trustworthiness, and what he demonstrated in running the trading business of Khadija, the most respected woman in Quraish, she sent one of her friends to inquire about Mohammad’s interest in marrying her. Khadija was a widow at the age of 40, when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), at the age of 25, married her. They were joined together for 25 years until she died. They had four daughters and two sons; the boys died at early age. These were the only children Prophet Mohammad had. He didn’t have other wives with Khadija during the prime time of his youth, where men have the most desire in women. The table below list Mohammad’s close family members.

Name	Spouses	Uncles	Aunts	Daughters	Sons in Law	Grand Children
Mohammad	Khadija bent Khuwaylid	Abdel Kaaba	Umayma	Zainab	Abu El-Aas ibn Al-Rabie	Ali	Umama
Ibn Abd Allah	Sawda bent Zamah	Qatham	Burra
Ibn Abd Al-Muttalib	Aesha bent Abu Bakr	Al-Moqawem	Um-Hakeem	Fatima	Ali ibn Abi Taleb	Al-Hassan	Al-Hussein
Ibn Hashim	Hafsa bent Omar	Drar	Safya			Mohsen	Zainab
Ibn Abd Manaf	Zainab bent Khuzaimah	Al-Zubair	Arwa			Um-Kulthoum
Ibn Qusay	Hend bent Huzaifah	Hajl	Ateka	Ruqaya	Uthman ibn Affan	Abu Allah
Ibn Klab	Zainab bent Jahsh	Abu Lahab		Um-Kulthoum	Uthman ibn Affan	No Children
Ibn Murrah	Jewairia bent Al-Hareth	Hamza	Sons	Al-Qasem	Abd Allah	Ibrahim
Ibn Kaab	Safiya bent Huyay	Abu Taleb	Mother	Amenah bent Wahb Ibn Abd-Manaf ibn Zahra ibn Kelab
Ibn Luay	Ramla bent Abu Sufyan	Al-Ghaydaq	Nursed by	Haleema bent Abi-Zuayb Al-Sadya
Ibn Ghaleb	Maymona bent Al-Hareth	Al-Hareth	Birth	Monday 12 of Rabie Awal, Year of the Elephant, Mecca
Ibn Fahr (Quraish)	Maria bent Shamoun	Al-Abbas	Death	Monday 12 of Rabie Awal, age of 63, Medina

 

5.1 The Husband

As a husband, the Prophet was enjoyable to live with; always cheerful, courting his wives, was gentle and easy, generous in spending on them, and enjoys a laughter with his women.

Mohammad loved his wives. He said, “It has been made beloved to me, of this world, women (meaning his spouses), and perfume. Prayer has been made the apple of my eye.” One of his companions, Amr ibn El-Aas, asked him, “Of people, who is the most beloved to you?” He said, “Aesha”, one of his wives. “And from men?” He replied, “Her father[14].”

Besides love, the general outlines of Mohammad’s relationship with his spouses revolve around the following:

1. Fairness in housing, expenditure, clothing, sleep over, visit, and time irrespective of differences in their age and beauty

Aesha said, “He never prefer some over the others, when it comes to staying with us. Rarely a day passes except he visits all of us. He comes close with every woman, without consummating relationship, until he reaches the one the day is hers, and stays overnight at her (residence).” She also said, “If he is traveling, he polled among his women. The one, whose ballot comes out, accompanies him.”

This was in the matters that he have control over, but for inclination towards one of them over others, as mentioned above, he would ask God to pardon him for what he has no control over—his heart.

2. Human equivalence between women and the men.

As in the Quran, they have the same rights as responsibilities. And men are one rank above as of their build difference and spending. He didn’t prevent them from discussing issues. He consulted them and follows their suggestions. If he proposed to a woman, marriage happens if she wills.

When Mohammad and his companions travelled from Median to Mecca to perform Hajj[15], the Meccan leaders didn’t permit them in. They negotiated an agreement and signed the Hudaybya pact with terms that requires them to terminate the rights of hajj and return back the following year. The terms were hard on the companions. Mohammad ordered them to end the rights by having their hair cut, and slaughtering their sacrifice (animal given to the poor and needy in charity as part of the Hajj). They stood still. He entered the tent of Um-Salama, his wife who accompanied him in this trip, and said, “The people have perished. They didn’t do what I commanded them to do.” She told him to go out, slaughter you sacrifice and have his haircut. He followed her suggestion, and the people followed his actions.

Omar ibn Al-Khattab, the second close companion and the second Khalifa (successor/leader) after Mohammad passed away, gets nervous on his wife, one day, and denied her to question him (the custom of the people of Quraish which was different from that of Madina). She objected to his approach saying that the Prophet spouses discusses matters with him to the point that some of them would turn away from him the whole day till the night.

As for his wife Safya, who was short in height, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to carry her mantel and walk behind her. Then sits by his camel and sets his knee for her to step up on it to ride the camel. This is long before the medieval Knights era where, supposedly, women were treated better than they used to be before, in Europe.

3. Beautifies himself for his wives, over and above his natural beauty.

“Wash your clothing, trim you hair, brush your teeth, adorn yourselves, and clean up,” is what Mohammad commanded his companions to look like.

4. He was the most gentle of people, always cheerful and smiling.

Aesha, when young, used to play with dolls with her friends. When the Prophet comes in, her friends hide. So, he brings them out, one by one to play with her. Note: the Prophet didn’t marry Aesha when she was a child, as some Islamophobes claim, since it is prohibited in Islam. Determination of the exact age in an illiterate nation, where a calendar was not established, is what causes the fuss. Some researchers say it would be in her teens or early twenties. The bottom-line here is she married at an age appropriate in their society, not in violation with divine laws, which would fall with the common sense of people.

“He was my cover,” said Aesha, “when I was looking at the Abyssinians playing in the mosque.” She had her chin over his shoulder looking, until she had enough of entertainment. When Omar arrived to the mosque, seeing the activities, he shouted at the Abyssinians to stop they are doing in the Mosque of the Prophet. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) calmed the atmosphere, and said to the Abyssinians you are safe.

Mohammad used to have a conversation before going to sleep with this family, socializing with them. He used to say to his companions, “The best amongst you are those who are best to their spouses. And I am the best of you to his spouses.”

He used to run with his wife Aesha, racing together, as being gentle and having fun with her. Given all consideration of his highly esteemed status, it manifests his kindness and good living style.

During her menses, when Aesha drinks, she gives her cup to the Prophet to drink too. He puts his lips where hers were, and sips from what is left.

5. Patience and self-control with his wives, good management and development.

Mohammad’s spouses were jealous of each other. He was forbearing this jealousy unless is crosses the modest line.

“I have never seen a cook as good as Safya (another spouse of the Prophet),” said Aesha. “She prepared food for the Messenger of God, while he was staying in my house. I got goosebumps, shivered from extreme jealousy, and I broke the dish. Then, I regretted and asked the Prophet what is the expiation of what I have done?” He replied, “A dish similar to a dish, and food similar to food.”

Mohammad’s spouses talked freely, but he responded and pruned, when the limits where crossed. The Prophet was loyal to his first wife Khadija. She is the mother of his children, the one whom he spent most of his time without having other spouses with, until she died. After she passed away, he continued to do good to all her friends. Aesha, the youngest of all his wives, never have been jealous of a woman as she was of Khadija. One day she said, “Khadija, Khadija! As if there are no women on earth but Khadija! What do you remember of a red cheeked, old woman that God replaced you with one better than her!” He stopped her there saying, “By God, He never replaced me with someone better than her. She believed in me, when people rejected me. She sported me with her money, when people deprived me. He (God) has given me children from her, and deprived me from other (spouses) than her.”

6. Elevating them to the prophethood character.

At one point in time, the spouses of the Prophet were asking to increase his expenditures beyond what they have. A Quran was reveled given them the choice “O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire God and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter – then indeed, God has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.”” [3:28-29]

When Mohammad informed Aesha about the choices and asked her to consult with her parents. She replied, “Would I consult my parents in this matter (in denial)? Verily I want God, His Messenger and the Hereafter.” Then she continued, “May I ask you not to mention to any of your other spouses what I have chosen.” He responded, “God has not sent me to make it hard or be stubborn, but sent me educating and simplifying. Any one of them asks me, I will tell her.”

5.2 The Father

“I have never seen a person similar to the Prophet, in his talk, speech, or sitting other than Fatima (his daughter),” reported Aesha. When Mohammad sees his daughter coming, he welcomes her, stands up walking towards her, kisses her, takes his hand, walks back and let her sit in his place. When Mohammad visits his daughter, she welcomes him, stands and kisses him. When Aesha was asked which of women was most beloved to the Prophet, she replied, “Fatima (his daughter).” “And from men?” She replied, “Her husband (Ali) as he regularly fasts, and prays at night.”

While married to Fatima, Ali proposed to the daughter of Abu Jahl (one of the Prophet Uncles who gave him hard time and lead the feud camp). Fatima was so upset with what her husband did. She went to her father, the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and said, “Your people are saying you don’t get angry for what happens to your daughters. Ali is going to marry the daughter of Abi Jahl.” For this unpleasant situation, the Prophet addressed the people saying, “The clan of Hisham ibn Al-Mughiera (clan where Abu Jahl is from) asked me to permit them to marry their daughter to the son of Abi Taleb (Ali). I give no permission, and will give no permission, and will give no permission unless the son of Abi Taleb divorces my daughter and marries their daughter. She is a piece of me, what doubts her doubts me, and what hurts her hurts me.”

Zainab, another daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), migrated to Medina as most of the capable companions did to flee the persecution of the Meccan leaders. She left behind her husband, Aba Al-Aas, who was separated from her due to being on paganism. After the Prophet settled in Medina, armed conflicts started. In one of the major expeditions, Badr, Zainab’s husband reached out to Zainb, asking for protection. She did offer him. After a congregational prayer in the Mosque, she raised her voice announcing that she offered protection to her ex-husband. The Prophet asked the people around him, “Have you heard what I heard?” The companions replied, “Yes.” He declared that “We grant protection to whom you granted protection.” Zainab went even further to ask the Prophet to release Aba Al-Aas, and return his money that was confiscated. The Prophet did so without anything in return. Aba Al-Aas returned back to Mecca, and when he arrived, he declared the creed of entering Islam. He embraced the religion of Mohammad as of what he has seen of good treatment. Aba Al-Aas did not declare his new religion in Medina rather in Mecca so none would say he became a Muslim out of fear for his life and to get back his money.

5.3 The Grand Parent

Anas Ibn Malik, a companion who was in Prophet service for quite some time, said he had never seen anyone who is more merciful with children other than the Messenger of God, Mohammad. When his grandchildren, form Fatima and Ali, were born, their father wanted to one of them “Harb” meaning “War”. However, the Prophet choose for one of his grandchildren “Al-Hassan”, meaning “The Nice”, and the other one “Al-Husain”, to promote better naming of children.

When Husain was born, he whispered the call to prayer in his ears, and slaughters a sheep or lamb to feed the poor, family and friends. All of these to make the forthcoming of the child in this world with a remembrance of God, and good social relations which are the top main emphasis in Islamic teaching.

Gentle guidance of his grandchild by preventing him from taking from the unlawful. One of his grandchildren picked a date from a pile that was collected for charitable distribution. When Mohammad saw that, he said, “Kukh, Kukh” (an expression of disgust as in yuck, yuck). He explained, “Didn’t you know the family of Mohammad doesn’t eat from charity?”

Omar ibn Al-Khattab, saw Hassan and Hussein riding on the shoulders of the Prophet. He said, “What a good horse underneath you!” The Prophet noted, “What good horsemen they are!” The little boys used to ride Mohammad’s back as a camel. He walked on four, as they rode his back. He carried Al-Hassan on his shoulder, walking out of the house. They would sometimes one may ride his back while he is prostrating in the prayer. He stays in prostration for long time, until the young boy comes down, fearing that he may hasten the boy to come off of his back. Mohammad also did similar thing with his granddaughter, not just the boys, by holding her on his shoulder while praying.

Not only his own children, but Mohammad would line up children of his uncle, Al-Abbas, to race towards him, saying, “Who comes to me first would have such and such.” They ran towards him and fall on his chest and back. He would kiss them. He would put them on his front and behind, when riding his mount.

The Prophet was at ease with his companion, who were visiting him and having a meal together. He saw Husain playing with other kids in the street, he ran towards his grandson in front of the people, reaching out with his hands to take him. The little boy was running away, escaping here and there, until he got hold of him. He had one of his hands on his chin and the other between his head and ears, then kissed him, then said, “Husain is from me and I am from him. May God love who loves him. Hassan and Husain are two tribes of the Tribes.”

5.4 With His Servants

Anas Ibn Malik served the Prophet for ten years. He said, “He (Mohammad) never said to me “Uff—an expression of displeasure,” and never said for something I have done, why you have done it. And never said for something I should have done, why you haven’t done it.”

6 Mohammad’s Mission

6.1 Beginning of the Revelation

After Prophet Mohammad’s marriage, he lived his life as any usual family man in his community. Trading in the business of his wealthy spouse. Short before the age of forty, he longed back to the place most beloved to him in his childhood and youth, the outdoors. He used to have regular trips to mediate in a cave called the Cave of Hira, at the top of one of the mountains overlooking Mecca. It has become regular that any vision he sees in his sleep, comes true as the daybreak. Until one night, he encountered the angle Gabriel who revealed the first few verses of Quran “Read, in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot like leach. Read and your Lord is the one with the most bounties, who taught with the pen, taught man what he knew not,” [96:1-5]

From the shock of the event, Mohammad ran back to his wife, fearing for his life. But the fifteen years of living together with Khadija brings out what is hidden on her tong. She said, “By no means, God will ever put you in shame. Indeed, you connect with kith and kin, bring truth to the talk, carry who need help, earn for the poor, entertain the guest, and support against injustice.”

Therefore, the beginning of Mohammad’s mission was the laying the foundation through instructional education, “Read.” Then followed by spiritual and physical development, “O you folded in garments, stand to pray the night, but not all,” [73:1-6]. Then proclamation of the message, “O you is wrapped (in a mantle) arise and deliver your warning,” [74:1-3].

6.2 The Message

Prophet Mohammad’s message was the culmination, and capstone of God’s one message to mankind. It is a wholesome course for reformation of humanities path. To achieve their optimum benefit of their time on earth, a reformation from the grassroots was required starting with beliefs, ideology, to conduct.

Mohammad’s call was, “Say [Mohammad], O Mankind, I am the Messenger of God to you all, the one to whom belongs the heavens and earth. There is no God but He. He is the one who cause [to] live and cause [to] die. So believe in God and His Messenger, the illiterate Prophet who believes in God and His Words. And follow him that you indeed will be guided,” [7:158].

“Your lord is God (Allah in Arabic) who created the heavens and earth in six days then established Himself on the Throne, manages the affairs; none shall intercede without his permission. This is indeed God (Allah) your lord; worship Him. Do you have no rational? To Him all shall return; a promise of God, true. He begins the creation and resurrects it. To reward those who believed and did righteousness, with perfection. As for those who reject the truth [disbelieve] is a draughts of boiling fluids and a penalty grievous as for what they rejected,” [10:3-4]. “The rule is for none but God (Allah). He commanded not to serve except Him. This is the valued way of life [Religion], but most people know not,” [12:40].

With the arrival of the message to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), a turning point began in human history. To his contemporaries, he was a living model of the good man they would like to be. The elaborate documentation, traceable and authenticated accounts of Mohammad’s life, as well as the preservation of the divine message he received, the Quran, surpasses, by all mean, any human effort towards any other scripture, or person. It is beyond the scope of this article to present all aspects of Mohammad’s personality. The Prophet was a model for reformers, family men, social leader, statesman, and the human as loved by God. “Indeed, it was for you in the Messenger of God a perfect example to those who are looking for God and the last day, and remembered God in abundance,” [33:21].

7 Sample of Mohammad’s Forthcoming in Previous Scripture

This a prolonged subject that many researchers wrote about, and analyzed that the readers may easily found online. I just want to make one point of connection, in one sample of books, the illiterate prophet who verbally communicated the revelation. In the Quran (the revelation), after Mosses rose up from the earth quake that seized him and his party of seventy of his chosen people who went to for appointment with God, the Almighty informed Moses that His mercy is decreed for “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong, ….” [7:157].

The illiterate Prophet Mohammad, was mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:18, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee [Moses], and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” In the book of Isaiah chapter 29:12: “And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned;” this is pretty much the exact dialogue of the first encounter of Mohammad with Angel Gabrial, reported in Islamic history. In the Song of Solomon [5:16], he is mentioned in the Hebrew text by name, “Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem.” Meaning, “His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” English translator were not off from the word meaning of Mohammad, altogether lovely.

8 In the Eyes of Others

The life and accomplishments of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have been reflected upon by prominent non-Muslim researchers and leaders. Michael H. Hart (1978) in his book, “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History[16]“, justified selecting Mohammad to be on top of the list saying,

“My Choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the World’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level.”

George Bernard Shaw (1935) said, “I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving the problems in a way that would bring the much needed peace and happiness. Europe is beginning to be enamored of the creed of Muhammad. In the next century it may go further in recognizing the utility of that creed in solving its problems.”

Lamartine (1855) said, “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could claim to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?”

Gandhi (1922) said, “I become more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers and his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”

9 Conclusion

What has been presented here does not even scratch the surface about what Prophet Mohammad has will his legacy continue to offer. I wouldn’t be able to say it better than the Quran, “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of God an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in God and the Last Day and [who] remembers God often,” [33:21].

Another take-away point is life is a test. It is about choices and options, but there is a call and there is accountability “…. Had God willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To God is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” [5:48]. A day will come, where the one message of all prophets will be in everyone’s home.

10 References

1. “The Nobel Qur’an”, Translations of the meanings by Yousef Ali, Picthal, and Shaker.

2. “Sahih Bukhari”, Prophet Muhammad Sayings. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/

3. Fiqh-U-Seerah: Understanding the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), by Muhammad Al-Ghazali

4. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, by Michael Hart

5. “Muhammad: The Seal of the Prophets, A mercy to mankind,” a power point presentation by Amgad Saleh, 2003.

---

[1] The title “Mohammad, the Orphan Who Adopted the World” is attributed to MAS youth of Cincinnati, OH, March 2006.

[2] See the PPT presentation in my post “The Quran Speaks about Itself” for better understanding of what Quran is.

[3] Numbers put between square brackets point to verses quoted from Quran as [Chapter: Verse]

[4] God/Allah are used interchangeably in my writings, as they refer to the same thing in English/Arabic

[5] In Islamic teachings, the Path is a bridge that crosses over Hell Fire to the Gardens of Eden. It falls under what is called “the matters of the unseen (future).” People are brought to account before their Creator, on the Day of Judgment. Each is questioned for choices and actions in this life. Absolute justice is served. Each walks to destiny though the Path; either drop in or pass over.

[6] Prophet Mohammad PBUH was born in Mecca

[7] The Levant (Bilad Al-Sham, in Arabic) is the Eastern Mediterranean littoral region between Egypt and Anatolia.

[8] The meanings of the Arabic words are: ibn=son, Abd=servant, Allah=God

[9] Zamzam Well: a well dug at the feet of baby Ishmael, by angle Gabriel, after prophet Abraham put him and his mother Hagar in the area to be, Mecca, and she ran out of water

[10] The cubical building in Mecca, pilgrims circumambulate around in Hajj

[11] Pulverize means Hashama in Arabic, where the name Hashim came from. It comes in superlative form indicative of generosity. Abundance giving of food during hard time to people, and add to that during Hajj, where people are away from their homes, is indeed a sign of a great leader

[12] Bent is the Arabic word for “daughter of”

[13] Aam El-fîl: “the Year of the Elephant” is an event where an Ethiopian Christian viceroy, Abraha, launched an expedition to demolish Kaaba in Mecca. The army front was led by a white elephant. The army was defeated by a cloud of birds that bombarded the army with rocks carried in their beaks.

[14] Aesha’s father, Abu Bakr (titled Al-Siddiq, i.e. the Truthful) is the closest companion to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

[15] Pilgrimage to Mecca, as Prophet Abraham called to perform long time before

[16] New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p.33.