Scholar Underlines Need for Returning to Quran, Prophet’s Progeny
Hojat-ol-Islam Jafar Fakhr Azar, a researcher in the history of Shia Islam, wrote this in an article provided to IQNA on the occasion of the last days of the month of Safar and the demise anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His article is as follows:
The death of the Prophet (PBUH) was a turning point in Islamic history, having both emotional and political and social dimensions. A careful examination of this event and reflection on the Prophet's (PBUH) moral, humanitarian, and justice-oriented character can be a guiding light for Muslims today.
A return to the principles promoted by the Prophet (PBUH), including unity, social justice, and attention to people’s rights, can lead Islamic societies toward progress and solidarity.
According to reliable historical sources such as the Sirah of Ibn Hisham and Tabaqat al-Kubra, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gradually lost his ability to be present among the people in the month of Safar, 11th year after Hijra, as his illness worsened. However, what stands out more than anything in those days was his unparalleled morality.
Even in his illness, the Prophet (PBUH) treated his relatives and friends with kindness and humility, and he never neglected to pay attention to the needs of the Ummah for a moment.
It is noteworthy that the great Prophet of Islam did not abandon the responsibility of leading the society until his last moments. Even in his illness, he issued important orders regarding the army of Osama and some government affairs, which showed his deep commitment to social justice and protecting the rights of the people.
The Prophet (PBUH) always emphasized equality and eliminating discrimination, and during these times, he also provided an unparalleled model of democracy by recommending the preservation of the dignity of various groups in society, including the weak and the poor.
The final days of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life were filled with wise sermons and advice. In these critical moments, he not only paid attention to government issues, but also sowed the seeds of harmony and empathy in society by emphasizing the unity of Muslims and respecting each other’s rights. His wills regarding Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), the Holy Quran, and maintaining the unity of the nation show the depth of his vision for creating a united and justice-oriented society.
The Prophet (PBUH) had won hearts with his generous behavior and attention to the material and spiritual needs of the people.
On the morning of Safar 28, when the news of the Prophet’s (PBUH) passing away was announced, the community of Medina was in a state of shock. Some companions could not believe this news at first, and this indicated the depth of the people’s emotional bond with the Prophet (PBUH) and the result of his years of patronage and unwavering love for the nation.
The depth of the tragedy of the passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) for the family of the Prophet was such that Hazrat Ali (AS had to support Hazrat Zahra (SA) in those difficult days, in addition to taking care of the burial matters. However, Hazrat Ali’s (AS) behavior in these moments, which continued the Prophet’s (PBUH) path of patience, tolerance, and maintaining unity, showed the profound influence of the Prophet’s (PBUH) moral teachings on his close companions.
The incident of Saqifa Bani Sa’idah, which occurred very shortly after the Prophet’s (PBUH) death, indicated the depth of the succession crisis. This assembly was formed while the body of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had not yet been buried. This incident was the beginning of major challenges that arose in the absence of the Prophet (PBUH) due to deviation from the principles of social justice and unity.
Read More:
A comparative study of the sources of the sects shows that the usurpation of Fadak and some other incidents all occurred very soon after his death, which requires historical rereading. These events show some distancing themselves from the justice-oriented character of the Prophet (PBUH), who always emphasized respecting the rights of all individuals, including women and the disadvantaged.
The Prophet (PBUH) provided a practical model of a just society during his lifetime by establishing justice in the distribution of resources and eliminating oppression.
Today, we must learn important lessons from this historical event. First, it is essential to maintain Islamic unity based on the Prophet’s (PBUH) final advice.
He repeatedly emphasized empathy and avoiding division, and this will can be a key to resolving differences in the Islamic world today. Secondly, we should take his example in crisis management. The Prophet (PBUH) acted with wisdom, patience, and morality in dealing with problems, and this approach is the best model for today’s societies.
Another important point is the need to return to the Quran and the progeny, which the Prophet (PBUH) introduced as the two pillars. These two are the gems that can save the Islamic nation from the abyss of division. Also, the Prophet’s (PBUH) example of paying attention to the rights of people, including the weak, women, and the poor, should be at the forefront of social policy-making.
By creating a just and empathetic atmosphere, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated that social justice and harmony are the keys to a society's prosperity.
4300657
