The book “The life of Muhammad” has been authored by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui. He is considered an authority in the religious studies and he has written numerous books regarding Islam. In this book, the writer has attempted to give a brief but profound insight into the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) encompassing almost all notable aspects. Author himself claims that this book is a modest attempt on a mighty subject. He has published it for the very first time in July 1969 through Islamic Publications Ltd. Lahore.
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The theme of the book revolves around the life of the Holy Prophet (PB UH) and his noble mission. It is an attempt to provide a chronology of the life span of the final prophet. It is essentially liked with the evolution of Islam from its dawn in Arabia to its rapid expansion and remarkable hold in a few decades. It depicts the personality traits and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) which are for all the worlds. The successful culmination marks the accomplishment of the goal of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to educate the purpose of life to the ignorant humanity and guide them to the path of salvation and eternal bliss. Traditionally, it is an account of events, yet coupled with due appreciation of the purpose of prophetic mission. What’s more is the overall impact of the teachings of holy Prophet form one of the main parts of the book. The steadfastness and consistent carrying out of the divine mission is the demonstration of the perfect nature of the personality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Author’s Thesis:
Chapter one begins with the geography of Arabia followed by the character of Arabs before the advent of Islam. They were generous in tongue, eloquent in utterances, ardent lovers of poetry, confident yet self-centered and self-reliant. Then, a picture of social life is portrayed which shows excessive drinking, illicit relations, gambling, sensual pleasures and female infanticide. At the same time, the writer has described the impact of Islamic teachings which transformed the whole Arabian Society. Next in line is a description of economic life of Arabs mainly consisting of trade. It was corrupted with the system of Riba. Arabs did also have an idea of religion that there was a supreme controlling power but it was adulterated with idolatry turning them into polytheists.
Chapter two emphasizes the fulfillment of the promise of the foretold birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH. It narrates the life span from the early infancy to the youth and subsequently his marriage with Hazrat Khadija (R.A.). It also involves the removal of some misconceptions and allegations by the orientalists.
Chapter three explains the quest for truth on the part of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and finally the revelation of Divine Message assigned him the task of spreading Islam. He had to face hostile opposition that was visible during his visit Ta’if and also when he was confined to the cave of Abi Talib with his family and companions. He had to face even life threats.
Chapter four underlines various allegations levelled against Holy Prophet (PBUH) both by the old and modern critics. Then there is another gropu which demanded miracles from. All these clains were defeated and the holy Quran vindicates the fact that Allah himself became witness of the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
Chapter five is discussion about the last years of Prophet’s stay at Makkah. It was during this period Islam was strengthened with the acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Umar (R.A.). Later, there is a brief commentary on the Holy ascent of Holy Prophet (PBUH) through heavens known as Mi’raj. It ends with the historic migration from Makkah to Madina.
Chapter six witnesses the turning of Madina as a stronghold Muslims Universal Brotherhood is established and great charter of Madina is signed to ensure peace among Muslims and Non Muslims of Madina. A brief touch is given to Prophet’s marital life followed by the emphasis on prayer, fasting and pillars of Islam. Later change of Qiblah was ordered. Then a thorough analysis of Jihad is given with the allegations of westerners and the reply to their false claims.
Chapter seven is a record of major battles fought under the command of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to defeat the veil forces. These lay down the international principles of warfare.
Chapter eight embodies the Holy marriages and justifications for polygamy. Then is discusses the historic Treaty of Hudybiyah. It also tells the dispatch of letters to foreign rulers as a call to accept Islam. The end of this chapter witnesses conquest of Makkah and the results general amnesty.
Last chapter deals with battles of Hunayn and Tabuk, and then last sermon during Pilgrimage has been discussed at length. Lastly the last days of Holy Prophet (PBUH) have been narrated following a general estimate of his personality and lifestyle.
Analysis:
The biography of Holy Prophet (PBUH) undoubtedly manifests a comprehensive embodiment of the exalted divine message that he conveyed so as to deliver the human race from the quagmire of darkness and polytheism to the highways of light and monotheism. Keeping in consideration, the writer has rendered his utmost effort to write this biography. Perhaps the most striking portion is the reply to the baseless and misleading allegations on the personality of Holy Prophet (PBUH) by the orientalists whose views are fabricated. A similar narrative of the chronicles of Holy Prophet (PBUH) life is attributed to Muhammad Husayn Haykal in the form of his book titled as The Life of Muhammad. He writes, “Whoever studies honestly and without prejudice the history of Muhammad and his preaching and the culture which is built on this foundation will finally come to the conclusion that Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest man the history has known.”
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Holy Prophet (PBUH) was perfect in his personality and disposition. A nature so pure, so tender, and yet so heroic, inspires not only reverence, but love. The book also reveals that Islam has laid down glaring principles of warfare that are applied all over the world. The last sermon, in a real sense, forms the basic of Declatation of Human Rights. It was he through whom Allah pronounced the saving of one Human life as tantamount to the saving of humanity.
Fourteen centuries have been elapsed since he delivered his message but time has made no difference in the devotion he inspired. I believe that the writher has one justice to a great extent as per his capabilities and faculties. It is also relevant to mention here that the editors of Encyclopedia Britannica to exclaim, Muhammad (PBUH) to be—the most successful of all religious personalities.
Historians are of the view that Allah indeed put before him the keys to the treasure of the whole universe but he refused it.
Be as a teacher a father, be as a commander or an administrator, the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been accurately portrayed in the book. Modesty and mercy, patience and humility, generosity and compassion made part of his conduct and held the affection of all around him
Recommendations:
I suggest this book to everyone whosoever wants to know about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and early Islam. This is equally informative for a layman as well as a student of religions. This treatise is an excellent record of the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) which adds in the intellect and faith of its readers. The book is well-researched consisting of nine chapters including footnotes and bibliography.
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