“We sent thee [O
Muhammad] not but as a Mercy to all creatures.” (al-Anbiya 21:107)
Yasmina:
Not bound
by time, not limited to a group, not restricted to humans; this short verse describes
the prophet of Islam [Peace and Blessings be upon him] as a Mercy that is manifested in the Book he was given and
in his example, which Muslims seek to emulate.
The occasion of his day of birth more than 1,400 years ago is an opportunity to
contemplate the meanings of that mercy. Misunderstood
by many today, his teachings challenged the modes of conduct fourteen centuries
ago; but the issues he condemned and the actions he praised are still relevant today.
Among these issues are the treatment of women and stewardship of the
environment. From the beginning, he stressed to the men of his time that “The
best among you is the one who is best to his wife”1 and
reinforced the need for stewardship of the earth through the teachings of the
Quran. When asked, “Messenger of God, will we have a reward on account of
animals? He answered: “There is a reward on account of every living thing.”2 Most of
all, his emphasis was on the importance of good character, clearly indicating
that dealing with people in an honorable manner is a means
for acquiring the Mercy of God: “God will not show mercy to a person who does
not show mercy to other people.”3
1 Muslim: Hadith 3466
2 Bukhari: Hadith 378
3 Bukhari: Hadith 375
