Who is Muhammad?

George Bernard Shaw a famous writer and a co-founder of London School of Economics once wrote about Muhammad (peace be upon him).
"I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness" [Genuine Islam, Vol. I, No. 8].
Human beings always look for a role model, a guide, a guru or a saint as an ideal to follow in their life, therefore God Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) sent several prophets and messengers on the face of the earth like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Moses, Jesus (May peace be upon them all) and he gave the Scriptures and revelation to some of them. Finally Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) sent the last and final messenger prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the last and final message ‘the Glorious Qur’an’ for the entire humanity and made his life as an example to be followed till eternity in every sphere of life be it personal or political, social or legal, spiritual or worldly.

Read the Top 10 Reasons Why Muhammad (peace be upon him) is The Ultimate Role Model for Humanity

Messenger of God
Human beings lack complete knowledge and wisdom no matter how hard we try we would never be able to define the best way of life that is practical and which can be followed by entire humanity. This is the reason why God almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) the Most Wise has shown us the perfect way of life by sending prophets with the message of Islam. It is not a new message in fact all the prophets sent by Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) came with the same message of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as the last and final messenger as an example to be followed by the entire humanity.

Final Prophet of God
God Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) sent several prophets and messengers on the face of the earth like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Moses, Jesus (May peace be upon them all) and he gave the Scriptures and revelation to some of them, however their message was for the people of their time and for the place where they were sent as a prophet. Finally Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) sent the last and final Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the last and final message 'the Glorious Qur’an’ for the entire humanity. The Glorious Qur’an is the ultimate beacon of guidance and a culmination of the message sent to all the previous prophets of God.

Noble Character
Character in life is what makes people believe in you and is essential both for individual success and for society to function successfully. It is one of the important things based on which people are judged. Character is who you are even when no one is looking. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a person with noble character, he was well known among his people even before his prophetic mission started as ‘Al Amin’ meaning the trustworthy and as ‘As Sadiq’ meaning the truthful. He was never reported to have spoken a lie or betray any one. The Glorious Qur’an mentions about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "And indeed, you are of a great moral character. [Surah Qalam 68:4]

Obedient Servant of God
A Muslim is a person who completely submits his will to the will of his creator Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala). Submission implies full compliance, and being obedient to one’s Lord and avoiding His prohibitions, depending on Him, seeking His help and support, seeking refuge in Him from evil, and repenting to Him with feelings of love, fear and hope. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a perfect embodiment of an obedient servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) who never fell short in his servitude to his creator.

Ever Helpful to the Poor and Needy
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would never let go any opportunity to help the poor and the needy and when he could not find anything, he would ask his companions to help. He is reported to have said, “The best of deeds is that which brings happiness to a believer’s heart, whether you clothe his body, fill his belly or provide for his need.” [ Sahih Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]

Forgiving and Merciful
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was always forgiving and merciful with everyone even to his enemies. The disbelievers of his time persecuted him, mocked at him, abused him not just verbally but physically as well, yet he remained merciful towards them in spite of all the hardships. A classic example of his forgiveness was during the time when he became triumphant and conquered Makkah, he declared general amnesty to all his enemies including those who plotted to kill him [ Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum]. The Glorious Qur’an says, “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. [Surah Ambiya 21:107]

Always Just and Fair
As a leader of the believers Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never deviated away from being just and fair. He made no distinction between Muslims and people who followed other faiths, friends and foes, rich and poor while implementing the laws of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala). On one occasion a woman of the Makhzoom family with good connections was found guilty of theft. For the prestige of the Quraish, some prominent people interceded to save her from punishment. The Prophet refused and expressed displeasure saying, "What destroyed the nations preceding you, was that if a noble amongst them stole, they would forgive him, and if a poor person amongst them stole, they would inflict Allah’s Legal punishment on him. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut off her hand.” [Bukhari]

Brave and Courageous
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was brave and had great courage. He faced many dangers but never showed weakness or timidity. He always showed unshakable determination to fight for a just cause. Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) a companion of the Prophet reported that, ‘"When the battle used to become fierce and the eyes seemed to be coming out of the sockets, we used to look for the Prophet in order to find a refuge behind him. This was how it happened in the battle of Badr; we were taking shelter behind the Prophet who was the strongest one amongst us.” [Musnad Ahmad]