The Ideal Teacher

The Ideal Teacher

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
hudaqasmi@gmail.com
Editor: The Light (Magazine)

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came to this world as an ideal teacher and a benefactor of the whole humanity. Within a short span of time, not only the Arabian Peninsula but the entire world witnessed sea-change thanks to the comprehensive teaching and training of the last prophet. He lit the light of guidance and consciousness across the globe with the help of his true message of peace, justice, and satisfaction in the life of the desperate people. It was the miracle of his teachings that wholly transformed the Arabian dessert into a civilized and cultured society. The uncultured became a beacon of guidance that led the world to a new glory. Those, who always got ready to take life of other, became brothers of each other. The society, fighting for no reason, became peaceful and nonviolent. The deep-rooted oppression and cruelty in the society came to an end. Justice and peace prevailed in general public. The prophetic teachings groomed them well to take over the great kingdoms of Persia and Rome and the entire world experienced their peace-loving and fair-dealing nature. The human history never witnessed such an unprecedented ideal teacher and reformer in the world.

An in-depth study reveals some distinguished qualities of the prophet that attracted the people towards him and caused a great change in them are worth-mentioning. The most significant attributes among them were kindness, compassion, gentleness and sympathy to all. He never thought ill of anyone but, putting his life at stake, always thought and strived for the betterment of the humanity. The Quran proclaims saying: "So, (O Prophet) it is through mercy from Allah that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you." (3:159)

The examples of compassion and kindness are spread over the entire life of the prophet. He underwent sever hardships but never thought of taking revenge on anyone, instead, he ever thought of the betterment of one and all. The prophet was stoned to bleed in Taef but did not utter a word against the offenders, instead he prayed for them to Allah. On one occasion, a young man entered the court of the prophethood and openly asked the consent to committing rape, a heinous crime, condemned in all societies and religions. The prophet did not get annoyed and displeased with him but seated him close by and gently asked him if he could tolerate such heinous crime with his mother and sister. His answer was in negative. The prophet said: no one wishes his mother and sister be humiliated and deflowered by others but likes what you like with your own loved ones. In the end, the prophet prayed to Allah for him instead of rebuking and using harsh words for the young comer. The prophet possessed such a sublime moral that changed the life of Arabian Peninsula.

The second most significant approach that the prophet adopted to educate and train the companions was the policy of "Practice What You Preach," and it proved to be the most effective and persuasive one. He was the first to act upon the commandments if he passed any to the companions to execute it. At the time of Ahzab battle, the prophet himself, taking spade, along with companions led the campaign to dig the trench to defend the City, Madinah, and when the companions tied stone to their stomach due the severe hunger, upon checking the prophet, they found two stones tied to the true leader's belly. He believed in practice rather than passing mere commands and directions. We, therefore, find the practical sayings more in number than the verbal ones.

Today, our teachings, speeches, sermons and all efforts to reform the society seem to be bearing no fruits despite all powerful and latest resources used, only because our practices do not match our words. Our theories are beautifully polished with appealing words and charming expressions but are void of true spirit of practice in our life. Such theories and vocalizations do not conquer the hearts but prove to be temporal entertainment to the audiences. It's an utter nonsense to expect revolution in the life of common people without putting the things into our own life. May Allah enable us to follow the life of the prophet and perceive the secret of this fact!  Ameen