Such Was His Message

Much has been written on the life of this legendary man Mohammed. Born 1400 years ago in the wilderness of Arabia who changed the outlook of history and the world he lived , leaving an everlasting impression which can be felt even today. But as Lessely Hazleton says “the Prophet of Islam is not well known. Generally he is perceived as the founder of a faith yet if we look closely he was much more than that.”A man who challenged the established social orders with his new vision of social justice. It is important to have an eye on the world which Muhammad revolutionized. It was a time when arabia was at the peak of ignorance and immorality. Gods were commoditized to business trade and political power. Tribal warfare, family rivalry, slavery & racism were ramphant wherein the rich exploited the poor, except the aristocratic women, the rest were treated as lesser humans animals having no self-respect and basic rights.

In such an environment Muhammed transforms the society at every level. A careful observation will make it clear that the divine revelation and inspiration actually confirmed the universal principle of justice and humanity. His message was very simple yet revolutionary. “One God!!!” Simple as it appears yet it demands drastic social changes. One God meant one humanity, it meant equality before God, rich or poor, men or women. No one is superior to any one in the sight of God except by higher conscience of righteousness and noble character. It meant no man shall be slave to any other man. Giving oneself in the servitude of One God meant true liberation from all forms of man-made shackles which was the alarming call for the oppressors who were aristocratic chieftains & priestly class whose dominance is still present.

With untiring commitment to mankind, Muhammed continues to influence the society in many ways. The ignorant became civilized, people started to see the brighter side of life with humane values. In the zenith of his power in Arabian peninsula he lived a humble austerity life.Luxury enjoyed by Mohammed was the floor laid with sand unfit to sleep and occasional dates to eat.

Bosworth Smith quotes : “he was Caesar and Pope in one, but he was Pope without Pope’s pretensions & Caesar without the legion of Caesar. Without a standing army, without a body guard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by right divine, He was Muhammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports.”