EID-E-MILAD
The vast universe which the humans have been sent to is so intriguing that they encounter wonderment on each and every step they take right after their appearance on this tiny speck of the cosmos called the earth. This appearance of humans on the earth is so spectacular but momentary that they, by and large, are unable to fathom the purpose behind both the cosmos as well as their own existence amidst it. Thus unable to find the purpose thereof, they either try to make conjectures vis-à-vis the underlying purpose or declare the whole existence as purposeless altogether. More often than not, it also happens that scores of inquisitive minds always remain in doubt regarding this purpose and consequently become agnostics!
The similitude of the whole humanity standing astounded and bewildered in the cosmos is like that individual who stands on crossroads asking every passer-by about the destination s/he is heading to. At such a juncture the individual’s forward march depends upon the person who shows some mercy on the lonely individual who is seeking guidance and advice which, if denied, will result in the traveller’s failure and loss.
Now, humanity’s sojourn on the earth is too serious to be taken lightly or for granted. This condition of humankind in the universe has been best explained by Hasan al-Basri (642 CE–728 CE), the renowned ascetic and great scholar of early Islam. To a question about this crucial issue, Hasan is said to have replied: “Imagine a people in a boat which has capsized and everybody is trying to save himself by clinging to broken pieces of wood. Such is the real position of man in this world!”
In such state of affairs, when seemingly uncertainty is staring at the face of every human being and at the face of humanity at large, God’s kind attention, His favour, His kindness and His mercy was needed so that humanity could find its way through this world to its destination to the world to come. Although the reason which humans have been bestowed with could have guided them but it was out of His boundless mercy that God, from the very outset, sent Messengers to enlighten and guide the humanity. So, from Adam (‘AS) to Muhammad (SA‘AS) countless Apostles were raised by God in every community and nation (Qur’an, 13:07).
And, when humanity entered into the age of “full light of history,” Muhammad (SA‘AS) was sent as the Final Prophet (SA‘AS), as God’s Final Favour and Mercy for the guidance of humanity. As the earlier Prophets (‘AS) had also guided humanity to eradicate their disputes regarding their position vis-à-vis the Creation as well as the Creator (Qur’an, 2:213), so the vocation of the Last Prophet (‘AS) was to complete and culminate the same purpose. In this regard, the Qur’an says: “Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion to His Servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures.” (Qur’an, 25:01) The Prophet himself has thus described his position and the position of earlier Prophets (‘AS) as: “My similitude in comparison with the (other) prophets before me is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Thus, it is enough clear that every Prophet (‘AS) of God has been unique in his own way as has been laid down in the Qur’an in unequivocal terms: “The Messengers were endowed with gifts, some above others: to one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour).” (Qur’an, 2:253) Therefore, we have been commanded not to differentiate between the Prophets (‘AS) as per our wishes and whims. The Qur’an, in this regard, has declared: “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Messengers.” (Qur’an, 2:285) Not only had the Prophets (‘AS) been introduced as the members of the same group/family/brotherhood (Qur’an, 23:52), but they had also been ordered to establish the same social order on the earth as has been put forth in the Qur’an as: “O you Messengers! Enjoy (all) things good and pure, and work righteousness.” (Qur’an, 23:51) Moreover, what has had been the common feature of the Prophets (‘AS) of God is that they have always been “quick in emulation in noble works” (Qur’an, 21:90) pertaining to both the Creator as well as the Creation.
However, the followers of almost all the Prophets (‘AS) had not been able to preserve the teachings which they had been taught by their Prophets (‘AS). Thus, they were neither able to follow these teachings in letter and spirit nor were they in a position to establish a socio-political order based on justice and equity as had been willed and initiated by the Prophets (‘AS) of God. This state of affairs has been hinted to in the Qur’an in different ways. Some of the people of the bygone age(s) “put their book(s) into shreds!” (Qur’an, 15:91) The Children of Israel (Jews and Christians) have been precisely informed that: “You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord” (Qur’an, 5:68) which they unfortunately didn’t do!
As such, the Mercy which God had continuously showered on the humanity was not embraced by it as it should have been embraced. So, God raised His Last Prophet, Muhammad (SA‘AS) in the “full light of history” so that not only could his teachings, primarily in the form of the Qur’an, be preserved to posterity but his precepts, explaining and elaborating the teachings thereof, could be kept intact so that these could be made available for all the people for all times to come. Thus the “preservation of the Qur’an” (Qur’an, 15:09) and the “preservation of the Prophet’s (SA‘AS) precepts” (Qur’an, 68:04) was a Divine Project to be brought to fruition by the Companions of the Prophet (SA‘AS) who were made available to him.
This whole Project was in no way any mysterious or supernatural enterprise. This was simply an academic and intellectual revolution brought forth by the Prophet (SA‘AS) himself. It began with the “process of knowledge” (read, iqra’), “instrument of knowledge” (pen, qalam) and “book of knowledge” (Qur’an, ‘ilm). However, the Educator (the Prophet, SA‘AS) and Education had been inseparable to such an extent that both have been together called “bayyinah” (the Clear Evidence, Qur’an, 98:1-2) For this system of guidance and education believers have been enjoined to “rejoice” (Qur’an, 10:58) for this system of instruction has the power to “heal the hearts.” (Qur’an, 10:57)
As such, the bewilderment of humans was eradicated by none other than the Prophets (‘AS) of God. All the Prophets (‘AS) had suffered for this Great Divine Cause. However, the Last Prophet (SA‘AS) suffered the most to universalize the guidance which had been sent to the humanity through the Prophets (‘AS). Since the Divine Guidance was universalized and eternalized by dint of the culmination of Prophethood on Muhammad (SA‘AS), therefore, he has been called “a Great Favour” (Qur’an, 3:164) for believers and “Mercy for all the Creation!” (Qur’an, 21:107)
(The author is Sr. Assistant Professor, Islamic Studies at GDC Sogam. Feedback: [email protected])
