Prophet Muhammad (SM) in the Eyes of Non-Muslim Scholars

 

Prophet Muhammad (SM) in the Eyes of Non-Muslim Scholars

In the history of the world many prophets have been sent to show the right path to the people who have gone astray. Almost all of them were sent after being nominated for certain areas or time. Muhammad (PBUH) is the only prophet who has been sent for the enlightenment of the people of the whole world until the day of judgement.

The knowledge, wisdom, farsightedness, honesty, sincerity and ideal of Prophet Muhammad(SM) have enthralled many scholars at all ages. There is no way but to recognise the influence of his towering personality, noblest honour and best qualities after a neutral analysis done by any individual. In every sphere of prosperous stages of human civilisation, the Great Prophet (PBUH) has kept his mark of incomparable greatness and quality.

Not only the Muslims, but also many Non-Muslim scholars have evaluated the ideals of the Noble Prophet (PBUH). Followings are a few examples of such evaluation:

Michael H Hart in his world famous book ‘The 100 : A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History’ has written that many readers might be astonished for keeping                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on top of the list of most influential personalities of all time. It may also raise a question in the minds of many others. But he is the lone personality who succeeded most in every sphere, both secular and religious affairs. Probably, the influence of Muhammad (PBUH) on Islam is comparatively greater than the collective influence of Jesus and Saint Paul on Christianity. In my opinion, Muhammad (PBUH) is the most fittest person who has brought a rare coordination in both religious and secular affairs. As to why, he has emerged as the lone and most influential personality in the history of mankind.

The first ‘Man of Letter’ and ‘Father of Literature’ of the USA, Washington Irving, wrote on the 20th page of his historical book ‘Muhammad’ that the Great Lord has bestowed upon him all the qualities which are required to become a totally honest and righteous person. Because of his purity in nature, he was known as ‘Al Amin’ to everyone. Tremendous self-confidence and rare modesty have placed him on the seat of judge and mediator.

On pages 192 and 193 of his book, Mr Irving wrote that the intellectual qualities of Muhammad (PBUH) were undoubtedly astonishing and super-humanitarian. He possessed the power of prompt realisation, easy recollection, energetic imaginative power and creative genius….

Later, on Page-199, he wrote that the Prophet (SM) never took pride in military conquests, nor boasted of it. Moreover, he never conducted military operation for his own sake. Amidst great adversity and poverty, the touch of simplicity was felt in his character. Likewise, his character did not change a bit during periods of victory.

An author of many books, Mr James A Michener, wrote in an article titled: ‘Islam the Misunderstood Religion’ which was published on Page-79 of the June-1955 issue of Reader’s Digest that no other religion spread so fast across the globe like that of Islam. During the lifetime of Muhammad (SM), Islam ruled a large part of Arabia. Afterwards, it conducted victorious operations to Syria, Palestine, Egypt, lands close to the border of modern Russia, middle of North Africa and the wall of Spain. It has been possible due to Muhammad’s (PBUH) unique nature and super-humanitarian attitude.  

Mahatma Gandhi, the father of modern India, said: “I wanted to learn the life of the best one from among all lives. He has now taken place in the hearts of crores of people. I am too sure from any other time that that Islam did not take a place in the lifestyle of people of those days through sword. As reasons of fast spread of Islam he mentioned about firm simplicity of the Prophet (PBUH) who portrayed himself non-valuable and his cautious thinking ability about future as well as his spirit of sacrifice for friends and loyalists and his firm bravery. All of these qualities helped overcome the hurdles faced by Muslims.

Finally, I shall tell that we are lucky enough to become the disciple of this Prophet (PBUH). Even many prophets of bygone days expressed their keenness to become the follower of the last Prophet (PBUH). May All Merciful Allah grant us the ability to live according to the ideal and path shown by Great Prophet (PBUH). Ameen.