Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
Sub-editor of Eastern Crescent and Lecturer at MMERC, Mumbai
The love story of Laila and Majnu is cherished by both young and old. This tale, like many others, highlights the central role of love in human life. Love underpins the world’s functioning, fostering sympathy and fraternity. Parents love their children, children love their parents, spouses love each other, and this love ensures the smooth running of society.
Love is undeniably a remedy for numerous conflicts. We often hear stories from our grandparents about its transformative power. One such story involves a family living in a forest. This family was unhappy until one day, Love and Wealth appeared before them, asking the family to choose between the two. After a family meeting, they decided to choose Love, guided by the daughter-in-law’s suggestion. When she expressed their choice, Love informed them that by choosing Love, Wealth would also enter their lives, as Love always brings Wealth along. This story illustrates the profound importance of love within a family.
People are often willing to sacrifice everything for love, though sacrificing one’s life is a rare commitment. Many may be beloved within their family, village, or nation, but there is one personality who is the most beloved in all hearts: Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam). Even before his birth, he was known and loved because he was special. The Creator of the worlds informed humanity of his coming. Muhammad’s impact was so profound that people left their own loved ones for him, and even his enemies praised him.
During the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) recounts seeing Talha bin Ubaidullah (may Allah be pleased with him) gravely injured and unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, Talha’s first concern was for the well-being of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). This concern reflects the deep love and respect the companions had for Muhammad.
Why is Muhammad the most beloved of hearts? He never lied, committed unethical acts, and was known for his soft-hearted, sociable, and affable nature. He was honest, truthful, and trustworthy, earning the titles Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) from the people of Makkah even before his prophethood. They entrusted their valuables to him, confident in his integrity. No other personality in human history has matched his exemplary character.
When the first revelation descended upon Muhammad (peace be upon him), he shared his distress with his wife, Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). She reassured him, highlighting his virtues: maintaining good relations with relatives, helping the destitute, serving guests generously, and assisting those in calamities. Such qualities made him the most beloved of all hearts.
The companions of Muhammad sacrificed themselves for him and followed his every word. His moral character was so high that even his enemies, after scrutinizing his life, were inspired rather than critical. Michael Hart, in “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History,” places Muhammad at the top of the list, noting his extraordinary success in both religious and secular realms. Hart argued that Muhammad’s influence on Islam was greater than Jesus’ on Christianity, with much of Christianity’s development attributed to St. Paul.
Even the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, expressed his profound admiration for Prophet Muhammad:
“I wanted to know the best of one who holds today’s undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, 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 trouble.”
— Mahatma Gandhi, “Young India, 1924-1926” (p. 276)
This quote highlights Gandhi’s deep respect and recognition of the noble qualities and moral leadership of Prophet Muhammad.
However, indeed, Prophet Muhammad’s life is a testament to the power of love, honesty, and good character. He left an everlasting mark on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire millions today.
