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Prophet of peace

CHENNAI : Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) was born in the year 571 A.D. on the 12th of Rabi-al-awwal (April 11 this year), the third month of the lunar calendar. He is the only prophet who was born in the full light of history. He never claimed any divinity for himself. The Quran declared him no more than a mortal (18:110; 41:6), but a messenger of Allah and mercy to the entire mankind, not to a particular race or religion. His sayings and doings and his tacit approval of actions done in front of him, are all recorded in the Hadith literature.

The Quran testifies to his life and character. The letters he wrote to the various rulers of his time are preserved. It was he who gave the world its first written constitution in history, which is the world's first human rights charter too. It is comparable to any of the constitutions of the most modern democracies of the world.

The salient features of the Constitution of the city state of Madinah signed in 622 A.D. are: both Muslims and non-Muslim allies formed the nation of Madinah(Article 3); tribal laws of pre-Islamic days regarding payment of blood money were retained (Articles 4-12); all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law; no concession granted to any class or category of the citizens (Article 14); non-Muslim minorities (Jews) have the same right to life protection (like Muslims) (Article 20); no poll tax imposed, but proportionate liability is shared by non-Muslim citizens (the Jews) in bearing the war expenses (Article No. 29); guarantee of freedom of religion for both the Muslims and the non-Muslim minorities (the Jews) ensured (Article No.30); equal constitutional status for all the basic constitutional members and their associates (Article 58).

In 628 A.D. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) granted a charter of privileges to the Christian monks of the St. Catherine Monastery of Mt. Sinai, covering all human rights, including freedom to practice their religion, appointing their own judges, exemption from military service, protection of life and property in case of war, freedom of movement in the country, respect to be paid to their churches. Books on the life of the Prophet provide more information on him and the message he brought to the humanity.

Syed Ali Hashmi,

Hyderabad

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