A member of the faculty at the Institute for Culture and Islamic Thought said: Despite possessing great power and capability, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) was known for his forgiveness and generosity.
This duality (power and kindness) needs to be explained. He always took the side of the weak and oppressed and was a man of justice and fairness. These are traits that human nature naturally gravitates toward.
Hojjatul-Islam Qasem Tarkhan, a member of the faculty at the Institute for Culture and Islamic Thought, in an interview with Shafaqna on the anniversary of the passing of the noble Prophet of Islam (PBUH), described him not only as the savior of humanity but also as an ever-shining beacon of guidance.
He stated: If we wish to present an accurate image of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we must emphasize a number of his characteristics. The Prophet, the great figure of Islam, possessed many moral virtues, and the modern world is thirsty for spirituality and ethical values. If the Prophet’s ethical conduct is properly explained, people, who are naturally inclined toward morality, will be drawn to it.
Even if widespread anti-Islamic propaganda is spread, it will not be able to dim the light of this shining sun. The Quran refers to the Prophet (PBUH) as “an excellent example”: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (SWT), you have an excellent example.” We must use various tools and methods to portray the moral dimensions of the Prophet (PBUH) to the world.
He added: The Quran says: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” . But what is this great character that we must introduce? One of the key points to highlight is that the Prophet (PBUH) was a model in all aspects of life—worship, ethics, social relationships, personal and family life, and even financial and economic matters.
Unfortunately, some people focus only on one part of his life, such as his worship, while the Prophet (PBUH) was a role model in every sphere of life. Referring to other remarkable qualities of the Prophet (PBUH), he said: In today’s world, we must emphasize these qualities—his humility and modesty, his kindness and compassion even toward slaves and subordinates.
The Quran says: “There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; he is concerned over you and is kind and merciful to the believers” . While this mercy was especially for the believers, it was not limited to them, for the Prophet was “a mercy to the worlds” . These are concepts that need to be clarified to the people of the world.
Hojjatul-Islam Tarkhan continued: In a narration from Lady Fatimah Zahra (SA), it is mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS) are the “fathers of the ummah (nation).” How compassionate is a father toward his children? All his efforts are directed at correcting their wrongs and saving them from painful punishment.
If the ummah follows the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS), this mercy will encompass them. Just as a father is lovingly concerned for his children, so too was the Prophet for his nation. This universal mercy of the Prophet (PBUH) toward all of humanity and his special mercy toward the believers are points that need to be clarified for the world.
He further stated: Despite his power and strength, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) was a man of forgiveness and mercy. This duality (power and kindness) must be explained. He always stood by the weak and the oppressed and was a man of justice and fairness. These are the traits that human nature is naturally drawn to.
