The Study Of Seerah
Enables Us To Follow The Best Example
Allamah Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) says whoever seeks the preeminence of the hereafter, the wisdom of this life, just purpose, and the embodiment of morality and character, let him follow Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the Prophet of Allah. So Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the embodiment of “Khuluq”- The Perfect Character and by studying his Seerah, we will be more able to follow his way.
“Indeed, in the messenger of Allah, a ‘good example (uswatun hasanah)’ has been set for the one who seeks Allah and the Last Day and thinks constantly about Allah.” (Surah Ahzab: Verse 21)
In this Quranic verse, Allah clearly tells mankind that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent as a model for mankind to follow and the success in this life and the hereafter depends on following him.
“Indeed you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character.” (Surah Qalam: Verse 4)
Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was so calm, so dignified, and so peaceful that no one could single him out as the leader of all of mankind. Children and youth could approach him to receive a warm greeting or to ask this great, yet humble, man a question or some advice. In quiet prayer he looked like any other simple man. There was no sign here of the great warrior, the skillful negotiator in times of war and peace, the statesman. There was no sign either that this was the man, from among all men, who was chosen to receive the Creator’s final message to mankind.
In his person, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was a mercy to all the people on earth. One so kind, so pious, so devout in prayer and obedience to the will of Allah, had been chosen as the guide for mankind.
We should ask ourselves, how closely are we living our lives according to the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). If we are living in his way, then no problem will be too great to overcome, our future will appear clear before us, and the challenges of this world will seem small. Indeed, Allah opens the way for those who sincerely obey Him and His Messenger.
In the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) we see that it is possible for us to dedicate all our lives to Allah and to live under His guidance, yet live in the midst of this life. Not divine, but human like us, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) showed us by his life and example that Islam is the perfect way of life and that it is possible to achieve happiness by following this way.
(Adapted from Imam Anwar Awlaki)
