Two Supreme Attributes of the Final Divine Messenger
Today is the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet. I congratulate you on this blessed day.
Let us use this excellent opportunity to better understand the character of the Prophet.
The Prophet of God (peace be upon him) is not only the perfect human, but the most perfect of perfect humans and the Imam of all perfect humans. He is the supreme and noblest manifestation and display of all the Divine Names in the world, having reflected the Names and Attributes of the Lord in the finest and most complete manner. For this reason, he can be considered the "Greatest Manifestation" of the Truth.
All moral virtues and perfections are gathered in the being of the Prophet (pbuh) to the highest degree, so much so that we can attribute every virtue to him. His character is of such a rank that God has described it as great: "Indeed, you are of a great moral character" (Quran, 68:4). His personality is the embodiment of Quranic values, as it has been said: "His character was the Quran." The ethics of the Quran were completely realized in him. His morality is complete and whole, and he was sent to perfect and complete the morals of others and to bring noble morals to perfection.
Among all the unparalleled virtues of the Prophet (pbuh), two attributes hold particular prominence and importance: one in his relationship with God, and the other in his relationship with creation.
In relation to God, the most prominent attribute of the Prophet (pbuh) is his "Ubūdiyyah" (servitude/worship). God in the Quran refers to him with the description "His servant" ('Abduhu). Servitude is the highest station a creation can attain. All other perfections are obtained through the light of servitude and bondage to God.
The closer a being is to the station of servitude, the more they benefit from other perfections; without servitude, no true virtue is realized. The Prophet (pbuh) is the servant of God, His pure obedient, His lover and beloved, and His true worshipper. Even his prophethood as a mission he received from God is due to his obedience, and is itself an act of obedience to the Divine command.
In relation to creation, the distinguished attribute of the Prophet (pbuh) is his being a "Mercy to all the worlds" (Raḥmatun lil-'Ālamīn). He is the Prophet of mercy and the Messenger of kindness, and this kindness of his is universal and all-encompassing; it includes all humans and even all creatures.
He is the manifestation of God's all-encompassing (Ar-Raḥmān) and ever-merciful (Ar-Raḥīm) mercy. This outstanding attribute is, in fact, the product and result of that same station of servitude. Because he is the perfect servant of God, and because God is "The Most Gracious" and "The Most Merciful," the Prophet (pbuh), who is adorned with divine morals, is the complete manifestation of God's mercy. His mercy for all worlds is a reflection and fruit of that same servitude, and it is he who realizes this divine attribute in the world.
Thus, it can be said: The perfection of the Prophet (pbuh) has two aspects:
In relation to God, he is "‘Abd" (Servant).
And in relation to creation, he is "Raḥmatun lil-‘Alamin" (Mercy to the worlds).
It is fitting for us, who are his Ummah and his followers, to ask ourselves: what share do we have of his servitude and his mercy?
The lion cub resembles the lion.
What resemblance do you have to the Prophet?
A follower of the Prophet strives to resemble him, as he himself said: "The most similar of you to me are the best of you in character." Therefore, the hallmark of his true Ummah is to possess these two attributes: servitude and mercy.
Let me end my words with Hafiz:
In beauty, character, and loyalty, none can our Beloved's match ever be,
In this claim, you can find no denial, you'll agree.
Though many beauty-merchants with splendor have appeared,
None to the charm and beauty of our Beloved has neared.
By the right of long companionship, no confidant so true,
As our Beloved, in faithful service, ever kn ew.
A thousand forms from the pen of creation arise, yet none,
To the heart-winning image of our Beloved has won.
A thousand coins in the market of the universe they bring,
Not one to the coin of our Master Assayer can ever cling.
By Professor Mohammad Fanaei Eshkevari
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Quran News Agency.
