Muhammad: The Ideal Character
MUHAMMAD The Ideal Character
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how people who injured their Prophet were ever to
find salvation. This observation was displeasing to
God and Gabriel was sent with the revelation: “You
have no authority over matters. It is for God to
guide them to repentance for their conduct and to
punish them as oppressors.” This admonition was
enough to make the Prophet’s anger subside.
Wiping away the blood which was gushing from
his wounds, he prayed for the people: “O God!
Forgive my people for they know not what they
do!”
Such incidents abound in the traditions of the
Prophet which have been handed down to
posterity. They demonstrate the exemplary qualities
of his exalted character, at the same time showing
that man is unconditionally God’s servant, and
must remain so at all times and in all circumstances.
The relationship of God and man is that which is
ideally based on man’s constant fear of God and his
awareness of the Hereafter. Every single thing in
the universe should serve to remind him of God. He
should recognize his signs in every particle that
exists. In all worldly matters he should never forget
that God is the final arbiter. Fear of hell should
