Goals of Islam

 

 A - Worshipping Allah Alone:

This is the reason for which Allah created all that exists: Angels, Jinn, mankind, heavens, earth and animals etc. Allah created everything only to worship Him Alone. He Said, (what means): "Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills." [Quran 22:18]

Allah also said about the Angels, (what means): “Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate..” [Quran 7:206].

Allah further Says (what means): "The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving. " [Quran17:44]

There are many other verses with this meaning.

Allah sent the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, and sent down revelations to them for the above reasons. He said, (what means): "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid aghut." [Quran 16:36]

Prophet Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, (may Allah exalt his mention), was the last Messenger sent by Allah to all nations, with the goal of worshipping Allah Alone. He commanded people to worship Allah Alone, taking no partners with Him in worship.

B - Establishing Allah's Proof:

The most important role for the Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is to warn the disbelievers and rebellious Muslims. Allah Says, (what means): "Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And we revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech. [We sent] messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise." [Quran 4:163-165]

What Allah meant by (what means): "so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers." is that, on the Day of Judgment, they will not be able to use the excuse of not having a warner from Allah during their lifetimes. This excuse will not justify their continuing disbelief. The fact that Allah has sent the Messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, will invalidate all excuses that the disbelievers may use on the Day of Resurrection.

Allah says to His Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention, (what means):"Your duty is to convey (the Message)." [Quran 42:48]. And (what means): "The Messenger's duty is but to convey the Message." [Quran 5:99] This applies to the Message of the Prophet  to the disbelievers. He only had to deliver the Message that Allah sent him with, explain to them their obligations to Allah and warn them of eternal torment if they insisted on rebellion and disbelief.

Allah says, (what means): "Say, "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification." [Quran 24:54]

This Ayah (verse) explains the goals of the Message, the essence of what it contains and the role of the Messenger, sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam, and the community he was sent to. The role of the Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was to deliver the Message, and the role of those receiving the Message was to hurry to the obedience of Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; if they refused then Allah's punishment will be justly theirs.

Allah Says, (what means): " Say, "What would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication?" For you [disbelievers] have denied, so your denial is going to be adherent." [Quran 25:77] This means that the punishment of Allah will certainly be felt by those who reject the Message of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, after being aware of them.

C - Establishing a Muslim Nation:

Allah Says, (what means): "It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before in clear error" [Quran 62:2]

The Message of Prophet Muhammad  was a fulfillment of the prayers of Ibraaheem (Abraham) and Ismaa'eel (may Allah exalt their mention. They said, while raising the building of the Kaa'bah in Makkah (what means): "Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise." [Quran 2:129]

Allah accepted their prayer and sent this honorable Prophet Muhammad, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and established for him the best nation ever, as Allah Himself proclaimed (what means): "You (true believers in Islam) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah." [Quran 3:110]

Allah praised the Prophet's companions, may Allah be pleased with them, in many verses in the Quran, (which mean) : "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward." [Quran 48:29]

D - Making Islam (The Message Of Allah) Dominant:

The fourth reason for sending Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is to establish Islam as the dominant religion above all, till the Day of Judgment. Allah Says, (what means): "It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness." [Quran 48:28]

Allah also Says (what means): “It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it." [Quran 9:33]

To establish Islam means to make its domination clear above all religions. Allah made this promise a reality whenever the Muslims sought victory, equipped with the right belief. A look at the past will show that Muslims conquered all the powers and religions of the world by using their reasoning first, and then using the sword. - islamweb.net

Why the world needs Islam today

 

These are some of the distinct features of Islam, which make it necessary for modern man to seek his salvation through this ideology:

First, it must be well understood that Islam is not a mere ideological vision. It is a practical system of life that fully appreciates all the genuine needs of humankind and tries to realize them.

Second, in trying to meet the genuine requirements of man, Islam effects perfect balance between all areas of life and activity. It starts with the individual maintaining a balance between the requirements of body and soul, reason and spirit and in no case allows one side to dominate the other. It does not suppress the human instincts in order to make the soul ascend the higher planes, nor does it allow man, in his efforts to fulfill his bodily desires, to stoop down to the low level of animalism and hedonism. On the contrary, it makes them both meet on a single higher plane, doing away with all the internal psychological conflicts that threaten the human soul or set a part of it against the other parts.

In the social sphere, it proceeds to achieve equilibrium between the needs of the individual and those of the community. It does not allow an individual to transgress against other individuals, or against the community. Nor does it allow the community to commit transgression against individuals. It also does not approve of one class or group of people to enslave another class or group of people. Islam exercises a beneficent constraint on all these mutually opposed forces, prevents them from coming into collision with one another, and harnesses them all to co-operate for the general good of humankind as a whole. 

Thus, Islam strikes a balance between different sectors of society and between different aspects of existence, spiritual as well as material. Unlike Communism, it does not believe that economic factors, i.e. the material aspect alone, dominate human existence. Nor does it contribute to what the pure spiritualists or idealists say, claiming that spiritual factors or high ideals alone are sufficient to organize human life. Rather, Islam holds that all these diverse elements put together, form what is called human society; and that the best code of life is that which takes note of all these, making full allowance for body as well as reason and spirit, arranging them all in the framework of a harmonious whole.

Third, it must always be kept in mind that Islam has an altogether independent existence of its own as a social philosophy and an economic system. Some of its outward manifestations may on the surface appear to resemble those of Capitalism or Socialism, but in fact, it is far from being the one or the other. It retains all the good characteristics of these systems, yet is free from their shortcomings and perversions. It does not extol individualism to that loathful extent which is the characteristic of the modern West. It was from this germ that modern Capitalism sprang and institutionalized that concept of individual freedom, where man is allowed to exploit other individuals and the community only to serve his personal gain. Islam guarantees personal freedom and provides opportunities for individual enterprise, but not at the cost of society or ideals of social justice. 

The reaction to Capitalism has appeared in the form of Socialism. It idolizes the social basis to an extent that the individual is reduced to an insignificant part of the social machine with no existence of his own. Therefore, the community alone enjoys freedom as well as power, the individual has no right to question its authority or demand his rights. The tragedy of Socialism and its variants is that they assign to the State absolute powers to shape the lives of the individuals. 

Islam strikes a balance between the two extremes of Capitalism and Socialism. Being appreciative of their role, Islam harmonizes the individuals and the State in such a way that individuals have the freedom necessary to develop their potentialities and not to encroach upon the rights of their fellowmen. It also gives the community and the State adequate powers to regulate and control the socio-economic relationships to guard and maintain this harmony in human life. The basis of this whole structure as visualized by Islam is the reciprocity of love between individuals and groups; it is not erected on the basis of hatred and class conflict, as is the case with Socialism. 

It may also be pointed out here that this unique system of life as visualized by Islam, did not originate as a result of any economic pressure, nor was it an outcome of some mutually conflicting interests of antagonistic groups of people. It was revealed to the world as the ordained system of life, at a time when men attached no particular importance to economic factors, nor did they know anything about social justice in the sense we know it in modern times. Both Socialism and Capitalism are much later developments. Islam presented its scheme of social reform much before any of the social movements of our times. It guaranteed the basic needs of man – food, housing and sexual satisfaction – more than 1400 years ago. The Noble Prophet  (may Allah exalt his mention) said: ‘Whosoever acts as a public officer for us (i.e. the Islamic State) and has no wife, he shall have a wife; if he has no house, he shall be given a house to live in; if he has no servant, he shall have one; and if he has no animal (a conveyance), he shall be provided with one. Anyone who takes more than this has exaggerated (i.e. taken more than he deserves).’ [Ahmad]

This historical announcement of fundamental human rights not only contains those rights voiced by many a revolutionary in our times, it adds to them some more as well, without necessitating any inter-class hatred, bloody revolutions, and without rejecting all those human elements in life that do not fall under the above three heads: food, housing and family. 

These are some of the salient features of the Islamic code of life. They are sufficient to show that a religion with such laws and principles, that is comprehensive and includes the complete human existence, emotions, thoughts, actions, worship, economic dealings, social relationships, instructive urges and spiritual aspirations – all arranged in the framework of a single harmonious but unique system of life, can never lose its usefulness for mankind. Nor can such a religion ever become obsolete, as its objectives are the same as those of life itself and therefore, destined to live on so long as there is life on this planet. 

Considering the existing state of affairs in the contemporary world, humankind cannot reasonably afford to turn its back upon Islam or reject its system of life. Humankind is still afflicted with the most savage and odious forms of racial prejudices. Surely, the world in the twentieth century has yet a great deal to learn from Islam. Long ago, Islam freed humanity from all racial prejudices. It did not content itself with the presentation of a beautiful vision of equality alone, but it achieved in practice an unprecedented state of equality between all people, black, white or yellow, declaring that none enjoyed any superiority over the others except in virtue and piety. 

It not only freed the black from slavery, but also fully recognized their rights to aspire even to the highest seat of authority in the Islamic State. They could become the heads of the Islamic State. The Prophet  said: ‘Listen and obey even if a black slave be appointed as your superior, so long as he should enforce amongst you the Law of Allah (God).’ 

How can also the world of today ignore the message of Islam, stricken as it is with the evils of imperialism and tyranny with all their barbarous attributes? Islam alone can help humankind shake off these chains. It is opposed to imperialism and all forms of exploitation. The way Islam treated the people of the countries it conquered was so generous, just and sublime that the eyes of ‘civilized’ Europe can hardly penetrate those heights. We may in this regard cite the famous decision of the Caliph ’Umar, may Allah be pleased with him,  to whip the son of ’Amr bin Al-‘Aas, the victorious general and honored governor of Egypt, as he had beaten an Egyptian Copt without any legal justification. This shows the social liberty and human rights that were enjoyed by the subjects of the Islamic State. 

Then there is the evil of Capitalism that has poisoned all life. Its abolition and the need to rid humanity of its evil consequences again call for Islam.

Fourth, Islam prohibits usury and hoarding which, taken together, form the mainstay of the Capitalist economy. This, in other words, means that Islam alone can effectively check the evils of Capitalism as it did check them 1400 years ago.

Finally, the world with the shadows of war still hanging over it cannot but turn towards Islam – the only way to establish and maintain real peace on this earth. The era of Islam has in a way just started, not ended; it is not a spent force, but a living dynamic force, its future is as bright as its great historical past is glorious, when it illumined the face of earth at a time when Europe was still groping its way in the dark recesses of Medievalism. - islamweb.net

THE FAMILY IN ISLAM IN BRIEF

 

The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating.  Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium.  It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the framework of a well-organized family system.  The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members.  A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children. - islamreligion.com

LET THERE BE NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION

 

One of the fundamental truths established by the sacred texts is that no one can be compelled to accept Islam.  It is the duty of Muslims to establish the proof of Islam to the people so that truth can be made clear from falsehood.  After that, whoever wishes to accept Islam may do so and whoever wishes to continue upon unbelief may do so.  No one should be threatened or harmed in any way if he does not wish to accept Islam.

Among the many decisive pieces of evidence in this regard are the following.  God says:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion.  Truth has been made clear from error.  Whoever rejects false worship and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks.  And God hears and knows all things.” (Quran 2:256)

God says:

“If it had been your Lord’s will, all of the people on Earth would have believed.  Would you then compel the people so to have them believe?” (Quran 10:99)

God says:

“So if they dispute with you, say ‘I have submitted my whole self to God, and so have those who follow me.’  And say to the People of the Scripture and to the unlearned: ‘Do you also submit yourselves?’  If they do, then they are on right guidance.  But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message.  And in God’s sight are all of His servants.” (Quran 3:20)

God says:

“The Messenger’s duty is but to proclaim the Message.” (Quran 5:99)

It is important to note that these last two verses were revealed in Medina.  This is significant, since it shows that the ruling they gave was not just contingent on the Muslims being in Mecca in a state of weakness.

Some people might be wondering that if Islam indeed advocates such an approach, then what is all this we hear about jihad?  How can we explain the warfare that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and his Companions waged against the pagans?  The answer to this is that jihad in Islamic Law can be waged for a number of reasons, but compelling people to accept Islam is simply not one of them.  As for conversion, this is to be done peacefully by disseminating the Message with the written and spoken word.  There is no place for the use of weapons to compel people to accept Islam.

The Prophet, said in his letter to the Roman governor Heraclius:

“I invite you to accept Islam.  If you accept Islam, you will find safety.  If you accept Islam, God will give you a double reward.  However, if you turn away, upon you will be the sin of your subjects.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

Once people have heard the Message without obstruction or hindrance and the proof has been established upon them, then the duty of the Muslims is done.  Those who wish to believe are free to do so and those who prefer to disbelieve are likewise free to do so.

Even when the Muslims are compelled to fight and then, as a consequence, subdue the land, their duty thereafter is to establish God’s law in the land and uphold justice for all people, Muslim and non-Muslim.  It is not their right to coerce their subjects to accept Islam against their will.  Non-Muslims under Muslim rule must be allowed to remain on their own faith and must be allowed to practice the rights of their faith, though they will be expected to respect the laws of the land.

Had the purpose of jihad been to force the unbelievers to accept Islam, the Prophet would never have commanded the Muslims to refrain from hostilities if the enemy relented.  He would not have prohibited the killing of women and children.  However, this is exactly what he did.

During a battle, the Prophet saw people gathered together.  He dispatched a man to find out why they were gathered.  The man returned and said: “They are gathered around a slain woman.”  So God’s Messenger said:

“She should not have been attacked!”  Khalid b. al-Walid was leading the forces, so he dispatched a man to him saying: “Tell Khalid not to kill women or laborers”. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Therefore, even in the heat of battle against a hostile enemy, the only people who may be attacked are those who are actually participating in the fighting.

Had the purpose of jihad been to force the unbelievers to accept Islam, the rightly guided Caliphs would not have prohibited the killing of priests and monks who refrained from fighting.  However, this is exactly what they did.  When the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, sent an army to Syria to fight the aggressive Roman legions, he went out to give them words of encouragement.  He said: “You are going to find a group of people who have devoted themselves to the worship of God (i.e. monks), so leave them to what they are doing.” - islamreligion.com

I Was Bullied by Other Muslim Girls

 

In September 2012, I began my first day of secondary school. I was excited to meet different students, see new teachers, and above all, make new friends.

My morning was going great until I entered my new classroom and saw girls whom I knew very well because they used to bully me at primary school.

My fear of school resurfaced. All the bad memories of being bullied rushed back.

I am now 18 years old. Bullying is a topic that is very dear to my heart, so I would like to share my journey through this tough time with you.

It Starts Young

Since the age of ten, I have been a victim of bullying.

It occurred continuously for four whole years (two years in primary school and two in secondary).

The bullying started off with small groups forming of girls in my class, leaving me out. Day by day, it started to get worse.

As they entered the class, the girls had already positioned themselves into seats. I would ask: “Who will sit next to me?” They would say: “No, we’re not sitting next to her…” to each other.

This happened almost everyday. During breaks and lunchtimes, little groups were always formed, leaving me out.

I realized after a while that they didn’t want to be around me because to them I was just a “prissy sensitive girl.”

I wasn’t someone who always spoke about boy bands, music, movies, or trash talk so that a dirty joke could form a bit of banter.

One day, one of the girls in my class decided to explain to me how my parents had me and my five siblings.

She joked that “…oh your parents have done it six times!” She told another girl to open up the dictionary and show me the meaning of this “act” while bystanders laughed.

The other girls joked, “We have now broken her innocence” as they watched my face go paler and paler.

The sad thing was that all of this took place in a mosque, where salah (prayer) was performed on a regular basis, as my school was on top of this building.

Creating Doubts in My Faith

My mum thought that she would never have to tell me about the talk so early in my childhood.

Knowing all the parents and teachers in the school, she trusted everyone there.

She never considered that by sending her daughter to an Islamic girls’ school she could be exposed to any of this.

I was constantly in doubt and confused as I wasn’t able to fully comprehend if this was the same religion my parents always taught me about.

Telling them what they were talking about was wrong and useless. I would also tell the teachers when I was upset, but the girls would say, “She is too sensitive and weak.”

I was a goody-two-shoes to them. Sadly, the teachers never understood what I was going through.

Eventually, it led me to feel betrayed and, to an extent, even bullied by the teachers’ comments. I was told by one teacher to “Grow up…”

I was starting to believe I was in the wrong place. I thought that there was no point in fighting anymore.

I wouldn’t be heard, instead, I would be blamed. I felt as if I was a burden to the teachers. Finally, I thought to myself,if I can’t beat them, I’ll join them.

I Tried A New, Horrible Approach

I slowly started to become a part of the girls’ group; doing all the things they wanted me to.

I was giving importance to things that were never before important to me, I was becoming someone I never wanted to be.

Slowly, I started to hate school. My days were never happy. I was nervous all the time. My anxiety worsened and never I felt like I was a part of my class.

I knew that they would never accept me no matter what I did, they would put on a friendly act in front of teachers, and talk behind my back once the teachers leave. They used me as a scapegoat whenever they wanted to.

All of this led to behavioral changes. I was constantly crying when I was alone in my room, always thinking about the way I was always treated.

I had extreme depression and many mood swings in my family. The bullying led me to stop eating well.

Those cruel words, disapproving faces, attitudes, bitterness, lying and betrayal from the girls were always with me. The bullying was slowly eating me up. 

After having regular conversations with my parents about my issues at school, I decided to ask Allah (SWT) to help me decide as to what I should do with my education.

During the following weeks, my parents and I decided that the best thing for me to do was to be homeschooled.

This seemed like my only option. I was a little shaky and a bit hesitant to go forward with such a thing, yet it seemed like it was the right thing to do.

Relief

With Allah’s mercy, I am now 18 years old, enjoying home-schooling with my siblings and not being pressured by fellow peers and teachers.  

I would like to humbly advise those who experience any form of bullying to never feel they cannot talk to anyone. The first thing you should do is speak up!

Always maintain a good relationship with your parents and loved ones so that you can speak about your worries with them.

And above all, build a strong relationship with Allah (SWT). He is your creator, and He knows you better than anyone.

If “He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” As Allah so beautifully says in the Quran:

“Verily after every hardship comes ease” (Al-Inshirah 94:5)

I pray Allah (SWT) helps those of you who are experiencing any form of bullying.

May Allah give you the strength and ability to make the right decisions and get you through it. Ameen. 

This article is from our archive, originally published on an earlier date and highlighted here for its importance.

About Isra Arfeen Ali

Isra Arfeen Ali is 18 years and has been a freelance writer for various different magazines, such as Fitra Journal and Little Explorers. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and baking as well as spending time with her family and friends.

-aboutislam.net

Prophethood: the perception of realities

 

Everyone who desires the dominance of Islam and who strives for that cause, should realize the importance of the prophethood of Muhammad  (may Allah exalt his mention) and the decisive role it has to play in today’s  conflict of civilizations. They should address the issue by re-determining priorities and strategies. The following factors should be kept in mind while evaluating the situation:

1- The perception of eternal finality

We must understand the present social milieu in which we are striving for the practice and dominance of Islam. It is definitely different and 1400 years away from the time of the Prophet  despite the fact that the efforts being made are a continuation of the same prophetic mission.

Muslims must understand that Muhammad  was not appointed a prophet for any particular nation or era. Rather, he was sent to humanity as a whole, irrespective of time and place. From the 6th  century to the 21st century CE and even beyond, until the Day of Judgment, Muhammad  will remain the only prophet. This statement, although simple, has far-reaching connotations. It is obligatory that the message of Muhammad  be continuously delivered in the manner done in his time.

2- The perception of an immortal message 

We should concede that the example of Muhammad  is still present amongst us. This is because the Divine Book that he  brought is still intact, and the minutest details of his life are preserved in the Sunnah (Prophetic traditions), and his Deen (Divine way of life) has spread all over the world through his followers.

Consequently, it is incumbent on Muslims to continue with the mission launched by him, considering it a responsibility bestowed by Allah.

3- The true perception of prophethood

Muslims must recognize that to combat the Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period of ignorance) during the era of the Prophet  it was important to demand commitment towards his prophethood. Although faith in Allah comes first and is the essence of the Islamic way of life, yet faith in the Prophet   is equally important and decisive. Belief in God is the basic premise of all Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, and cradles the purpose of prophethood; yet, it is only by believing in a prophet that one can yield to the concept of Allah. Thus, only that belief and concept of Allah is acceptable which is based on the declaration and description provided by the Prophet Muhammad .

Just as the Quran is believed to be the revealed Word of Allah without any reservations, similarly, the prophethood of Muhammad  is also beyond any doubt. These two facts have to be taken as granted, otherwise, there cannot be a rational and sound interpretation of the concepts of Halaal and Haraam (lawful and unlawful), Waajibaat and Manhiyyaat (obligations and prohibitions), Athaab and Thawaab (penalty and reward). Practically then, faith and obedience to the Prophet   is equivalent to the obedience of Allah and is the only way to seek the pleasure and proximity of  Allah.

4- Importance of the belief in prophethood

Belief in the prophethood should be given due importance and priority in all our efforts of Da’wah and Jihaad (striving for the supremacy of Allah’s injunctions). Otherwise, mere belief in Allah would become meaningless, because the Jews and Christians too claimed to be believers of one God, and the Quran itself has praised the excellence of Ibaadah (worship) and Akhlaaq (moral dignity) of some of them, yet they incurred Allah’s wrath simply because they denied belief in the prophethood.

5- Belief in prophethood is a source of Allah’s help

Belief in prophethood is decisive because the promise of Allah’s help, salvation and victory is with the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, and with those who truly believe in the prophethood, sincerely follow prophetic teachings, become helpers in their mission and struggle to establish Allah’s Deen (code of life). The Quran says (what means): “And verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for our slaves, -- the Messengers, that they verily would be made triumphant. And that Our hosts would be victors.” [Quran 35: 171-173]

6- The message of love and peace

The eternal struggle of the prophetic mission against the mischief of unbelievers, which has now taken the shape of a conflict between Islam and the West, is, in fact, a struggle for winning over the hearts and minds of people. Winning over the hearts of people would result in the supremacy and dominance of Islam -- the true religion of Allah. Force can conquer land, acquire money and goods, seize political power but it cannot win people’s minds and hearts. Similarly, argument can earn support but it can never secure commitment, devotion and readiness to face sacrifices in life. There is only one way to win over hearts: a firm belief in the prophethood of Muhammad  full devotion to his mission, love and reverence for him and complete obedience and commitment to follow him in all aspects of life. This is how people’s hearts have been won in the past and will be won in the future.

We should strive to prove that Islam is the true religion which presents a complete code of life; warn people about the curse of interest or usury and the dangers of un-Islamic economic systems, and highlight the beauty of the Islamic social, political, economic and family system. However, we should never forget that the purpose of all these pursuits is to create favorable conditions and a conducive environment for upholding the cause of Truth.

If people admit all Islamic values but refuse to believe in the prophethood of Muhammad  the way to achieve success in the war of civilizations will remain obstructed. There are many people who praise Islam, eulogize Islamic arts and architecture, applaud Islamic spiritualism and mysticism but, still, are not ready to follow the Prophet Muhammad  as they do not believe in his prophethood! Such people, therefore, can never be regarded as aides and supporters of the prophetic mission.

Similarly, even if we supply ample proof that Islam ensures human rights more than any other ideology; that it not only upholds women’s rights but has given them a status which was inconceivable earlier, even in the West; and that the penal code of Islam is not cruel, but sympathetic and compassionate to the people and society, it would still not enhance the prospects of winning over people’s hearts. Arguments of logic and intellect cannot serve the purpose either. What is needed is a firm and unshakable belief in the prophethood of Muhammad  and a pure flow of love for him more than anything else.

Thus, the biggest objective before us should be to give top priority to the Da’wah towards the prophethood of Muhammad . It does not mean that we start telling people that they are infidels or transgressors if they do not believe that Muhammad  is the true prophet of Allah.

By this we mean:
 

• Employing all the possible means -- especially modern means of communication -- to tell the world about the unparalleled beauty of the Prophet’s character, pleasing features of his personality, his mercy, compassion, love and deep affection towards Allah’s creation, which make him the best example for humankind. We should do this repeatedly, especially before those who are his staunch enemies and in their own language. It is an undeniable fact that the companions of the Prophet  loved him because of his tender and loving heart and his former enemies became loyal and humble followers due to his excellent morals and behavior.
• All Muslims -- especially those who are striving for the supremacy of the Prophetic mission all over the world -- should adopt and follow his model of character. Books, speeches and videos are not enough to present the Prophet’s life, our very lives should reflect his exemplary values. Our homes, public places and mosques must become the sources of disseminating the luminous life and message of the Prophet . Our mosques should welcome opponents in the manner that the Prophet  welcomed the delegations of Najraan and Thaqeef. This is possible only when our lives begin to resonate with the life of the Prophet, as the poet Iqbaal has said: “Every heart is in harmony with his call and in every chest there is a piece of his heart.”
• We should adopt such a manner of presenting the life and message of the Prophet  that without getting involved in lengthy debates we should be able to successfully rebut and diffuse the allegations raised against him.
• The real task before us is to struggle for the supremacy of Islam and translate into action the teachings and the message brought by the Prophet . Imaam Muslim  has recorded a Hadeeth on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet  said: “I swear by Allah in whose hands lies the life of Muhammad, whoever from amongst this Ummah, be he a Jew or a Christian, hears about me but dies without having belief in what I have brought, will go to hellfire.”
  According to Imaam Nawawi  Ummah here means the "Ummah of Da’wah" (the people who are addressed by the Da’wah) i.e. all the people on this earth from the onset of the prophethood of Muhammad  until the Day of Resurrection. Imaam Ghazaali  has made a significant point: What does ‘hearing’ mean? Does it mean merely to hear about the Prophet  through one’s ears? According to Imaam Ghazaali : “Hearing means, to hear about the Prophet  his life and mission in such a way that is essential to convince one’s heart and mind.
• Today a vast majority of infidels have not even heard the name of Muhammad  and those who have, have heard it only cursorily. In fact, the people who have been properly conveyed the message of the Prophet  are very few. Are not we responsible for the billions of people who have no knowledge and, consequently, no belief in the prophethood of Muhammad  and his being the seal of all Prophets?

The Prophet Muhammad  had sent emissaries to different countries during his lifetime to proclaim the message of Islam. Today, there are emissaries in every nook and corner of the globe -- over one billion Muslims -- who have his message with them. Muslims who realize their responsibility should stand up with sincerity and devotion, to work towards bringing people close to the Prophet  and his mission. An equal amount of time and resources must be spent in disseminating the teachings of Islam, and highlighting the personality, life, character and moral excellence of the Prophet .

Those who get closer to the source of illumination will automatically find their minds and hearts opening in the warmth and light. The more the people believe in the prophethood of Muhammad  the stronger will be their devotion to his life and mission, and the greater will be the chances of the Prophetic message emerging victorious in the conflict of civilizations.
As Muslims, this is a debt that we owe to the world, and each one of us should come forward to repay his share of the debt.  - islamweb.net