Praise the Prophet, Glorify God
Praise the Prophet, Glorify God
M. Bakri Musa
The Sun Daily (Malaysia) May 7, 2005
On the occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulud al-Nabi) recently, our Imam reminded us that the best way to demonstrate our love for Allah is to emulate the sterling qualities of His Last Prophet s.a.w. (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam – Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
On this, all Muslims agree, buttressed by the Quranic verse (approximate translation), “Say, ‘if you love God, follow me [Muhammad s.a.w.], and God will love you and forgive you of your sins. God is most forgiving, most merciful.’”(3:31)
The Muslim world is diverse, and this diversity extends to the interpretation of the basics of the faith. Thus it is not surprising that even Maulud al-Nabi is controversial. Some believe that it is inappropriate or worse, a bida’a (an adulteration of the faith), to celebrate Maulud al-Nabi or to single it over any other day. As Muslims we are to remember our prophet s.a.w. every moment and every day of our life.
There is the fear that such celebrations could degenerate into yet another holiday. Today Christmas, to the lament of many Christians, is reduced to unbridled consumerism, with the original religious theme all but forgotten. Maulud al-Nabi in many countries is fast mimicking Christmas, with festive celebrations, fancy greeting cards, and lavish gift giving. Malaysia is not immune to this tendency as evident by the increasingly elaborate processions and celebrations.
To me Maulud al-Nabi is an occasion for honoring the prophet s.a.w., a celebration of his exemplary attributes and monumental achievements.
Many express their reverence for the Prophet s.a.w. through profuse praises to the point of deification. Thus there are references to his not casting any shadow and other rationale-defying elements. However, as the Arab journalist Abdul Salahi reminds us, we best demonstrate our love and veneration for our Prophet s.a.w. by following his teachings, not by endlessly singing his praises.
Others confuse the Prophet’s core qualities with his external appearances. Malays with gusto marry multiple wives, have unshaven facial hair, and wear thick overflowing robes. Conveniently forgotten are his modest lifestyle, generosity of spirit, and love of knowledge. Our leaders forget the prophet’s leadership through personal example (Quadrat hassanah). We are more into aping instead of emulating the Prophet s.a.w.
The Prophet’s respect for knowledge is encapsulated in this hadith, “Acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it performs an act of piety; he who speaks of knowledge, praises God; he who seeks it, adores God.” Judging by the number of books published and sold, and the academic performances of our students, not many heed this.
When he urged Muslims to seek knowledge even unto China, it was implicit that they would first have to learn Chinese. Our educators should take note of this.
Many eager young “martyrs” who senselessly blow off their precious God-given life obviously disregard the prophet’s other familiar hadith, “The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyr.”
Allah in His wisdom did not choose his prophets randomly. From Adam to the Last Prophet, they were all extraordinary mortals, but mortals nonetheless. On this, we differ from the Christians.
The beauty of Islam is that I do not have to suspend my rational sense to believe in my faith. Even though I am familiar with the concept of parthenogenesis (egg development without fertilization) in biology, I still have difficulty accepting Immaculate Conception, except of course to attribute it as a miracle.
My faith in Allah and the messages of His Prophets is not dependent on their miraculous ability to resurrect the dead, part the sea, or turn a staff into a serpent.
When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was asked by his detractors to prove his prophethood by performing miracles like other prophets before him, he answered, pointing to the Qur’an, “This is my miracle!”
The message is the miracle; it comes from the ultimate source, Allah. Its verity and wisdom is for all mankind at all times.
Let us commit to learn and benefit from this the greatest of all miracles. The best message is the message of Allah, and the best messenger is our beloved Muhammad s.a.w. Let us praise our Prophet and glorify God.
May Allah bless the soul of our Prophet s.a.w. and that of his family and Companions.