Prophet Came to Free Humanity from Servitude to Servants: Scholar

IQNA – Head of Lebanon’s Muslim Scholars Association marked the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with a call to reflect on his universal mission of mercy, justice, and human dignity.

Addressing an IQNA-organized international webinar titled “15 Centuries of Following the Messenger of Light and Mercy,” Sheikh Ghazi Hanina said the Prophet’s life and message were meant not just for Muslims but for all people and even all creation. Citing verses from the Quran, he stressed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as “a mercy to the worlds” and a model of noble character.

“The Prophet came to free humanity from servitude to servants and guide them to servitude to God alone,” Sheikh Hanina said, emphasizing that true freedom lies in worshiping the Creator rather than being subjected to oppression or exploitation.

He explained that the Prophet’s message sought to elevate human beings, granting them dignity, independence, and sovereignty, regardless of race or background. “No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white over a black, except through piety,” he noted, recalling the Prophet’s words.

Hanina linked these teachings to present struggles, arguing that today’s global conflicts reflect two competing projects: one that aims to enslave humanity under “the American-Zionist-Western project,” and another that seeks to restore human beings to the worship of God, as embodied in the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

He said the Prophet’s mission was also about defending the oppressed. “Islam wants to grant honor and dignity to the downtrodden whom America and Zionism want to enslave and turn into mere consumers,” he said.

The sheikh reminded Muslims that the Prophet dedicated his life to guiding people to faith, facing resistance in Mecca from tribal leaders and later in Medina from hypocrites. He drew parallels between those historical challenges and what Muslim nations face today.

Marking the Prophet’s birthday, Hanina urged believers to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and moral responsibility.

He concluded by underscoring that servitude to God alone is the essence of freedom. “Servitude for God means complete freedom on earth,” he said. “Islam is the religion of freedom, dignity, sovereignty, greatness, honor, and power.”

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