Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last and final messenger of Allah, who was sent to guide humanity to the right path. He was not only a preacher of Islam, but also a role model for all Muslims. His life, actions, and words are full of wisdom and inspiration for us to follow. Here are some of the top 10 life lessons that we can learn from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
Always speak the truth: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as al-Sadiq (the truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy) even before he received his prophethood. He never lied or cheated in his dealings with anyone. He taught his followers to always be honest and truthful, as lying is a sign of hypocrisy and a major sin in Islam. He said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar."
Think beyond narrow borders: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a universal messenger, who came with a message for all mankind. He did not discriminate between people based on their race, color, language, or nationality. He taught his followers to respect and appreciate the diversity of Allah’s creation, and to treat everyone with justice and kindness. He said, "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."
Wish good for others: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a compassionate and generous person, who always wished good for others and prayed for their well-being. He taught his followers to love for others what they love for themselves, and to avoid harming or envying anyone. He said, "None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." He also said, “The believer does not slander, curse, or speak in an obscene or foul manner.”
Help and strengthen one another: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a leader who united his followers under the banner of Islam. He taught them to cooperate and support one another in times of difficulty and ease. He encouraged them to help the poor, the needy, the oppressed, and the oppressed. He said, “The believers are like one body; if any part of it aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” He also said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.”
Do not be unfair: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a just and fair person, who never oppressed or wronged anyone. He taught his followers to uphold justice and fairness in all their affairs, and to stand up against injustice and oppression. He said, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”
Treat neighbours with kindness: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a good neighbour who treated his neighbours with kindness and respect. He taught his followers to be good neighbours as well, and to fulfill their rights and duties towards them. He said, “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct.” He also said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour.”
Be kind to every living being: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a merciful person who showed kindness to every living being, including animals and plants. He taught his followers to be merciful as well, and to avoid harming or abusing any creature of Allah. He said, “There is a reward for serving any animate (living being).” He also said, “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause , Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment.”
Do not criticize others: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a modest person who avoided criticizing or mocking others. He taught his followers to refrain from backbiting, gossiping, or slandering others, as these are sins that damage the reputation and honor of people. He said, “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.”
Seek, learn and question: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a seeker of knowledge who always asked questions and learned from others. He taught his followers to seek knowledge and wisdom from every possible source, and to never stop learning and questioning. He said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” He also said, “Ask questions, for asking questions is the cure for ignorance.”
Do good deeds (and smile): Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a doer of good deeds who always smiled and spread happiness. He taught his followers to do good deeds as well, and to smile and be cheerful with others. He said, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger.” He also said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.”
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