by Dr. Ali Shehata
Relevance of the Prophet Muhammad Today
In today’s modern and secular society, we see many advances that demonstrate the advancement of civilization. More efficient cars, faster airplanes, taller buildings, the genetic engineering of everything from foods to babies … indeed one could legitimately wonder what a man living in the desert fourteen hundred years ago could contribute to such a society. Yet, beneath the advanced technology and neon lit streets of today’s world teems a world which seems only to be going backwards in regards to moral integrity, societal equality, environmental protection and general kindness and respect to one another.
Our world today experiences more and more corruption and vice, where the strong devour the weak. Advancement was supposed to bring an end to racism, murder, theft, rape and all such evils, yet sadly, the secular experiment hasn’t been able to do much of that. This is not to say that many of our advances as a civilization are without benefit. On the contrary, they are great tools by which we can serve one another and by which we can make our world a better place to live. Yet, there is one critical ingredient that continuously seems to be missing, and that is the spiritual dimension. The world today is in dire need of mercy, love and peace – all of which stem from God alone.
The Prophet Muhammad pbuh was, is and will always be an embodiment of these excellent values, amongst many others. When his mission began, the world around him was struggling with many of the same vices of injustice, oppression, poverty, petty wars, infanticide, and racism amongst others. In twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad pbuh sparked a revolution that would alter world history and spread the message of peace, justice and mercy throughout many nations.
The message of the God, as delivered and lived by the Prophet Muhammad pbuh, continues today to guide millions upon millions of people to improve not only their own lives, but the lives of those around them. It encourages one to remember that this life is a life of testing and not the ultimate goal which we should be seeking. That there will be a day when true and complete justice will be meted out, and where one will find the fruit of their labor.
There is a distinct difference in the life of one who follows in the footsteps of the great men and women of faith before them, as opposed to the one who denies any reason or purpose to life. As you read through this book and see the impact of the teachings of Muhammad pbuh on entire societies and nations, as well as his specific instructions to individuals, you will gain the best appreciation for the true relevance of this man in today’s world. Muslims already know this relevance because they know that Muhammad pbuh is relevant to the human race, and so long as we continue to be members of that race, his teachings will always be valid and practical.
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