Islam: The Message of Peace

http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=32538

The Prophet's most important task was to bring peace to the world. To
this end, he urged people to accept the fact that, regardless of skin
colour, language, lifestyle or dwelling place, they were all blood
brothers and sisters. Only if they saw each other in this light could
there be mutual love and respect.

To his followers he would say, "You are all Adam's children, and Adam
was made of clay," and, asking them to live in peace, would add, "A
true believer is one with whom others feel secure - one who returns
love for hatred." He taught believers that returning love only when
love was given was base human conduct. The true believer causes no
harm to those who mistreated him, but chose rather to work for their
good.

The Prophet  himself led the way with his common sense, kindness,
gentleness, humility, and good humour. He greatly loved all people and
even animals.

The Prophet  was a leader, yet, believing he was no greater or better
than others, he never made people feel small, unwanted or embarrassed.
He urged his followers to behave kindly and humbly, to release slaves
whenever possible and to give alms, especially to very poor people,
orphans and prisoners - with no thought of reward.

He was the soul of goodness, so that even if people harmed him, he
would pray for them, remaining unruffled, no matter how badly he was
treated. In setting this example, he encouraged people to turn to
Allah, as a Being of surpassing greatness.

He wanted all men and women to be unworldly and to have such great
peace of mind that nothing could disturb them. Then, with no grudges
to bear, they would seek no revenge, but would merely turn all events,
whether material or spiritual, into food for thought.

Throughout the first thirteen years of his prophethood, the Prophet
Muhammad  preached in Makkah, although the Makkans bitterly opposed
this. When things became impossible, he left for Madinah.

Wars were waged against him, but he convinced his enemies that peace
had greater power than war, as was shown by the peace treaty of
Hudaybiyyah. In this the Prophet  agreed to every demand of his
enemies, on the assurance that, in return, peace would necessarily
ensue.

His life went through various stages of well-being and extreme
hardship, yet never once did he stray from the path of moderation.

At all times, and right till the end, he remained the patient and
grateful servant of the Almighty, bringing His message of peace and
tolerance to all mankind.

[From: Tell Me about the Prophet Muhammad]

Wednesday : 03/03/2004