Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood is unparalleled, as his teachings and example cover every aspect of life, making him without equal in history. His honesty, compassion, wisdom, and integrity distinguished him as the ideal role model for all—scholars, worshippers, businessmen, warriors, and beyond. Whether leading in battle, conducting trade with fairness, or worshipping with deep devotion, his life establishes a timeless standard. Indeed, there is truly no one like him, and his guidance continues to inspire people across all walks of life to strive for excellence in character and purpose.
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUP) itself is one of the greatest signs of his prophethood. His character, his teachings, his actions, the religion he brought, and even the community that followed him—all of these are among the clear proofs that he was truly a messenger from God.
When we reflect on his story—from his birth until his mission began, and from his mission until his passing—we see an unbroken chain of remarkable signs. His family lineage was among the noblest on earth. He descended directly from Ibrahim (AS) through Ismael (AS), the son whom Ibrahim (AS) prayed for, asking God to raise from his descendants a messenger who would guide them. That prayer was answered in Muhammad (PBUP), who was born in Mecca, the sacred city where Ibrahim (AS) built the Kaʿbah and called people to pilgrimage—a place honored by prophets and mentioned in earlier scriptures.
His Early Life and Character
Muhammad (PBUH) grew up with the finest upbringing. Even before prophethood, he was universally known for his honesty, fairness, and purity. He never engaged in immorality, injustice, or falsehood, and no one could point to a single fault in his words, actions, or character. Those who believed in him and even those who rejected him agreed on his truthfulness and noble manners.
His appearance and conduct were signs of perfection, combining dignity with humility. Remarkably, he was unlettered, belonging to a people with no tradition of scripture or advanced knowledge, yet at the age of forty he came forth with teachings and words of unparalleled wisdom and beauty. He revealed truths no one in his time or region knew, and no one before or after has brought forth a message so complete, so transformative, or so dominant over all other beliefs.
His Mission and Struggles
At first, the weak and humble of society were the ones who followed him. The powerful leaders opposed him fiercely, mocking him, plotting against him, and persecuting his followers. Yet those who believed in him did so not for wealth or political gain—for he had neither to offer—but out of the sweetness of faith and the certainty of his message. They endured cruelty and hardship with patience and steadfastness.
During the pilgrimage seasons in Mecca, Muhammad (PBUH) would call the gathered tribes to worship God alone. Most rejected him harshly, but when he reached the people of Yathrib (later Medina), who had already heard from Jewish neighbors about a coming prophet, they recognized him as the awaited Messenger. They accepted his call, supported him, and welcomed him and his companions to their city.
In Medina, the community of migrants and helpers formed a society based not on worldly motives but on sincere belief. He was eventually permitted to fight those who attacked them, and in war as in peace, he showed perfect justice, honesty, and faithfulness. He never broke a promise, never betrayed an ally, and remained the most truthful and upright of men, whether in times of poverty or prosperity, weakness or power.
Transformation of a People
Through his message, the Arabian Peninsula—once sunk in idol worship, tribal bloodshed, and ignorance of the afterlife—was completely transformed. His followers became the most knowledgeable, devout, and just people of their time. Even Christians who met them remarked that the companions of Muhammad resembled, if not surpassed, the disciples of Jesus in their dedication.
Despite gaining obedience and love from entire nations, the Prophet (PBUH) lived humbly. He left behind no wealth, no gold or silver. He owned only his mule, weapons, and a piece of armor that was pawned for food. Whatever property he had, he spent for the needs of the Muslim community. His family inherited nothing of worldly value, for his mission was never about personal gain.
His Teachings
Muhammad (PBUH) brought guidance that was complete and balanced. He commanded every good that reason recognizes as good, and forbade every evil that intellect sees as harmful. Nothing he prescribed was regrettable, and nothing he prohibited was something people truly needed. Unlike previous laws that at times forbade wholesome things or allowed corrupt practices, his law permitted all that is pure and beneficial and prohibited only what is harmful.
His teachings contained the finest truths about God, the angels, the Last Day, and the unseen, presented with unmatched clarity. He preserved every virtue mentioned in earlier scriptures like the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, and added to them what completed and perfected them. His laws of worship, justice, and ethics surpassed those of all nations.
His Nation
His community became the best among nations, excelling in knowledge, worship, courage, generosity, and sacrifice. Their learning outshined that of other peoples. Their devotion to God was deeper, their bravery and endurance in His cause greater, and their generosity unmatched. And all of this was due to the Prophet’s teaching, guidance, and example.
Unlike the followers of Jesus, who built upon previous scriptures, Muhammad’s companions had no prior scripture of their own. Through him alone they came to believe not only in him but in all prophets and scriptures before him. He commanded them to respect all messengers and not to distinguish between them in faith.
“An English adaptation of Ibn Taymiyah’s Arabic work, extracted from Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s book ‘Mukhtarat’.
About Allamah Ibn Taymiyah:
This reflection comes from “Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah” (661–728 AH / 1263–1328 CE), a scholar renowned for his vast knowledge, sharp memory, and deep understanding of both transmitted and rational sciences. He wrote extensively, taught widely, gave legal opinions, and surpassed many of his contemporaries.”
Ahmad Suhaib Nadvi
Al-Emam Gazette
Email: al.emam.education@gmail.com
Al-Emam Al-Nadwi Education & Awakening Center
New Delhi, India
