Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
5. Lessons of the Prophet’s Life
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their own personal opinions—to act in unity with
others despite their disagreements. This is the only
foundation on which a community of individuals
can be formed; it is as necessary to the foundation
of human society as bricks are to the foundation of a
building.
During the year A.H. 8, an expedition was made to
Muta. Part of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari’s
description of the expedition runs like this:
Abu Qatadah tells us that the Prophet sent an
army to Muta. He appointed Zayd ibn
Harithah as commander; if he was martyred
then Ja’far ibn Abu Talib was to take over;
and if he in turn was killed in action the
choice should fall on ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah.
Ja’far jumped up when he heard the Prophet’s
decision, and said that he would not serve
under Zayd. The Prophet told him to go
along, “for you do not know what is best for
you.” Then the army set off.
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A believer is no angel; he is a mortal human being
like any other. Still, there is an enormous difference
between a believer and any other human being.
