By Aisha Stacey
A very insightful person once said that if we want to establish the
truth of the religion Muhammad bought to all humankind , we should first gather
all the reliable sources, namely the Quran and then authentic traditions; after
a thorough study and evaluation what is left, is Islam. In our series of
articles we have so far learned that asking logical questions leads us to
logical answers. By doing this we have discovered the miraculous nature of the
Quran, including the advanced scientific knowledge contained therein and the
sublime linguistic nature of Quran. We also discovered that the words of Quran
have remained unchanged, from the moment they were revealed to the Prophet
Muhammad almost 1500 years ago, until now. Thus logic tells us that Quran, one
of the two primary sources of Islam was written by no earthly source. We will
now look at the other primary source of Islam, the Sunnah, or the authentic
traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
The first question that needs
careful contemplation is whether or not Prophet Muhammad was a prophet of God.
More than 1.5 billion Muslims, believe without doubt that he was, however those
searching for evidence of the truth of Islam may need proof. The most obvious
place to find proof is in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, known as
the Sunnah. The sayings, actions, habits and silent approvals of one of
history’s most observed men.
Many people have claimed that
Muhammad declared himself a Prophet for fame and glory. If we look into the
authentic traditions, meticulously recorded for posterity, we find that Prophet
Muhammad’s call to Islam actually stripped him of the fame and glory he already
possessed. Before the Quran was revealed to him, and before he became God’s
messenger Muhammad was a member of the most influential tribe in Mecca. In his
own right he was known in Mecca and surrounds as the most trustworthy man among
all the tribes. After announcing his Prophethood Muhammad and his followers
became social outcasts.
In authentic traditions and
biographies we learn that Prophet Muhammad and the new Muslim community were
persecuted and even tortured. Sanctions were enforced and families disowned
their own sons and daughters, leaving many to be beaten and starved by the more
aggressive members of Meccan society. Muhammad’s followers came from all social
ranks, from slaves to wealthy traders and entrepreneurs. Within a short space
of time many people including Prophet Muhammad, had lost respect, status and
wealth. Muhammad’s claim to Prophethood was not for fame or glory. Prophet
Muhammad said, “By God, if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in
my left hand to leave this matter i would not leave it, until God makes it
apparent or until I am killed calling people to it”.[1]
Nor was it for status or wealth.
The Meccan elders offered Prophet Muhammad money and prestige to renounce his
call to Islam. They even offered to make him the leader of all the tribes and
clans yet he consistently refused even when they said, “If you are doing all
this with a view to getting wealth, we will join together to give you greater
riches than any Quraishite has possessed. If ambition moves you, we will make
you our chief. If you desire kingship we will readily offer you that”.[2] Muhammad’s claim to prophet hood was not
for wealth or status. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad give us
an insight into his life. We are able to see and understand the life of
a man of God. Every moment of his life was a preparation for his coming prophet
hood and this is obvious to all those who believe in God.
Researching the miracles of
Prophet Muhammad in both the traditions and the Quran, is a logical step that
often convinces those from a Christian or Jewish background of the truth of
Islam. Prophet Muhammad is the last in a long line of recognisable prophets.
Noah, Abraham Moses, and Jesus are all Prophets of Islam and a Muslim is
required to believe in all of them. God gave Prophet Muhammad to the world to
complete His message not destroy it. For many Islam fills in the gaps and
reawakens faith.
“I am the nearest of all the
people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there
has been no prophet between me and him (Jesus).” Prophet Muhammad.[3]
“Those to whom We gave the Scripture
(Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad) as they recognise their sons.”
(Quran 2:146)
God supported His Prophets with
miracles that are observable and they serve as a sign of a true Prophet. At the time of Jesus, the Israelites were very knowledgeable in the
field of medicine. Consequently, the miracles Jesus performed (by the
permission of God) were of this nature and included returning sight to the
blind, healing lepers and raising the dead. Prophet Muhammad’s major miracle
was the Quran. As mentioned earlier, even those who did not believe in
Muhammad’s message knew the Quran to be literature beyond compare. The
traditions of Prophet Muhammad contain many other miracles including water
flowing from his fingers and trees deliberating shading him. Researching these
events is certainly one way to confirm the truth of Islam.
Perhaps, finding clear evidence
is not quite so easy for those from non monotheistic faiths or with no religious
inclinations at all. However, following our suggested methodology, asking
logical questions, and expecting and searching for logical answers may reveal
some unexpected truths. The Quran invites humankind to ponder and contemplate.
God invites all of humankind, those with and without religious or spiritual
convictions, to search for the truth. One should read, research, ponder and
question, then reach a logical conclusion. God’s message to humankind is not
hidden. It is out there within everybody’s grasp.
“(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We
have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses,
and that men of understanding may remember.” (Quran 38:29)
Footnotes:
[1] Ibn Hisham
[2] Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum
THE SEALED NECTAR by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri. Dar-us-Salam Publishers and
Distributors Saudi Arabia.
[3] Saheeh
Al-Bukhari
Previous: Researching Islam –
Suggested Methodology (part 2 of 4): Logical Steps Lead to Logical Conclusions
Next: Researching Islam –
Suggested Methodology (part 4 of 4): God’s Wisdom is Sometimes beyond Our
Understanding
Parts of This Article
Researching
Islam – Suggested Methodology (part 1 of 4): Looking for Proof? Start with Logic
Researching
Islam – Suggested Methodology (part 2 of 4): Logical Steps Lead to Logical
Conclusions
Islam – Suggested Methodology (part 4 of 4): God’s Wisdom is Sometimes beyond
Our Understanding
View all parts
together
http://www.islamreligion.com/videos/5108/
http://www.islamreligion.com/videos/5109/
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