The Messenger is the good example for the believers

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most valuable leader ever and the most honorable man. He was the master of Prophets, the noblest Prophet, the best guide, the best caller to Allah and reformer, and he was the model example for those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day. Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Indeed, in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad peace be upon him) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much." [Surat Al Ahzab: 21].

Ayahs which speak about him are numerous, of which are the following:

Allah says: "Say (O Muhammad peace be upon him to mankind): If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. * Say (O Muhammad peace be upon him): Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him). But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers." [Surat Al `Imran: 31 - 32].

Allah says: "He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him), has indeed obeyed Allâh, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) as a watcher over them." [Surat An-Nisa': 80].

Allah says: "Say: "Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (peace be upon him), but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."" [Surat An-Nur: 54].

Allah says: "And perform As-Salât (Iqamat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and obey the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh)." [Surat An-Nur: 56].

Those who want to follow the example of the Messenger and obey him must know his beautiful biography which generations transmitted because they admired the life of its owner (peace be upon him) or at least they must know the general features of this biography which gathered his sayings, actions, and approvals and disapprovals.

The biography of that great Prophet (peace be upon him) was a guide to show the Companions the way of truth and deliver them safely to the honorable level which man can expect.

We have the right to boast of this great biography that was recorded in details and came to us to narrate the entire life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) without leaving out a single situation.

I believe that history did not know a man whose companions narrated all his news and situations accurately and sincerely as the Companions and the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) did with the Prophet. Then scholars recorded them in the books of biography and Sunnah and spread them among people.

The Glorious book of Allah recorded multiple aspects of the Prophet's life regarding calling his people, Jihad, battles, his relationship with his family, friends, and wives, and with his Companions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was an example to follow that must be sought and followed inclusively and precisely.

Indeed, following and obeying the Prophet (peace be upon him) are obligatory upon Muslims because of the mentioned Ayahs. It is a great honor for the Muslim nation to have a model example like the master of the universe and the most perfect person on earth.

We can make our wish come true and to look at the example which embodied integrity, highness, self-esteem, right and might, piety and justice, reason and wisdom, manner and humbleness, asceticism and altruism, courage, eloquence, patience and benevolence and follow it.

What praisers and describers can say about the greatness of this great Prophet after Allah had praised him in His Saying: "And verily, you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) are on an exalted standard of character." [Surat Al Qalam: 4].

Ibn Hazm said: "Whoever wants the goodness of the Hereafter, the wisdom of the world, good biography, and all virtues and merits should follow Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and must depend on his manners and biography as much as possible."[1]

This following to the Prophet (peace be upon him) is easy and can achieve happiness to those who follow it in the world and to salvation and Paradise in the Day of Recompense.

Knowing this was as mentioned earlier is found in the book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The duty of the scholars is to think in a method to present the Prophet's biography in an interesting way that tempts the reader and listener to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) because fans like to follow their heroes.

This purified Sunnah has remained vivid in the minds of many people and consciousness which preachers and teachers have narrated in masjids and societies, and parents and children narrate to their children. Some poets wrote it in poems, and modern writers in novels, however spreading it needs more creativity and mastery.

Scholars of Hadith have a special situation toward the Prophet's biography, so out of their concern that people would transmit the news of the biography to people to follow, they were not harsh in accepting the news of the Prophet's battles as they did with Hadiths. This situation has some positive and negative impacts.

Of the famous examples to obedience of the Companions to the commands of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the Companions after returning from the Battle of the Confederates: "No one is to offer the `Asr Salah but at Banu Qurayzah. To some of us the `Asr Salah was due on the way. Some of us decided not to pray but at Banu Qurayzah, while some others decided to pray on the spot and said that the intention of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was not what the former party had understood. And when that was told to the Prophet (peace be upon him) he did not blame anyone of them." [Reported by Al Bukhari No. 4119 and Muslim No. 177 And see: Sirat Ibn Hisham (3/244 246), and Zad Al Ma`ad 3/129 and Nour Al Yaqin (166 - 167)].

Of the examples indicating the imitation of the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) to the actions and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are the following:

- Imam Malik, Al Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhy, Ibn Majah, and An-Nasa'y reported on the authority of Sa`id ibn Yasar who said: "I was going to Makkah in the company of `Abdullah ibn `Umar and when I apprehended the approaching dawn, I dismounted and offered the Witr Salah and then joined him. `Abdullah ibn `Umar said: "Where have you been?" I replied: "I apprehended the approaching dawn so I dismounted and prayed the Witr Salah." `Abdullah said: "Is not it sufficient for you to follow the good example of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him)?" I replied: "Yes, by Allah." He said: "Allah's Messenger used to pray Witr on the back of the camel (while on a journey)."" [2]

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[1] Mudawat An-Nufus Watahdhib Al Akhlaq of Ibn Hazm, p. 13 .

[2] Ad-Dur Al Manthur 5/189.