As a result of the great revolution brought about by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him), a new man was born. We have before us histories of numerous movements of reform, uplift and revolution, but each one of them accepted man as he was and concentrated only on external change. Such changes were superficial and totally failed in solving the problems of life. The most striking achievement of the Prophet was that man was changed from within and completely transformed.
The self-seeking animal which existed in the shape of man was totally effaced by the power of truth and in his place emerged a God-fearing and principled man. If you look at the mesmeric spell of this man, you will stand wonder-struck. A young drunkard of Makkah like Umar was transformed and to what great heights he rose! Fuzala was elevated and to what greatness! Look at Zul Bajadain! How he spurned wealth and comforts and took to the life of simplicity! Look at Abu Zarr and his revolutionary spirit that challenged the unbelievers at the Ka’aba and suffered much beating at their hands. Look at the character of Ka’ab bin Malik and condition of Abu Khaisma and at the revolutionary courage and determination of the maidservants like Lubaina and Summaiyya and also see Ma’iz bin Malik Aslami and Ghamidiya. Take a lesson from the boldness of Jafar at the court of Negus and the independent spirit of Rabie’ bin Amir at the court of the Iranian commander-in-chief. And who among the galaxy of heroes does not display the courage of his conviction!
These personalities formed the society, and so great leaders and workers were produced to run the organisation of truth that when the prohibition of wine was proclaimed the cups raised to the lips were promptly thrown away and the casks of the best of wines were emptied on the streets.
When women were ordered to cover their heads and bosoms, immediately scarfs were prepared. When the call to Jihad was made, children stood on their tiptoes to increase their heights so that they might not be disqualified. When donation was called forth, rich merchants like Usman presented a long line of camels laden with wealth and the devoted companions like Abu Bakr placed all their belongings at the feet of the Prophet. Similarly, even the labourer surrendered the dates earned as the day’s wages and kept nothing for himself. When the Ansar were called to rehabilitate the Muhajirin they equally divided their property, their houses, corn-fields and orchards and gave evidence of exemplary brotherliness.
When officers were called for civil service, the world found for the first time governors working on the token salary of just one dirham a month. When the spoils of war were ordered to be deposited with the army commander, even needles were brought before the commander and it will be recorded in history in its brightest page that a soldier named Amir came with a large treasure of Madain and before anybody could discover it, he carried it in the darkness of the night and quietly deposited it with the commander.
These were the people who introduced an era of righteousness, where crimes became rare and during the 10 years of Prophet’s life at Medina only a few cases came to the court. The conditions were so ideal that there was no need for the crime investigating body. The conscience of the people was sufficient as their guard and guide.
This was the revolution which while changing the external order also changed the mind and heart of man and produced a new character. It succeeded in solving the basic problems of life and thus the salvation of the prevailing crisis. (Concluded)
[Extracted by Aijaz Ahmed from Nayeem Siddiqi’s “Muhammad The Benefactor of Humanity (Muhsin-e-Insaniyat]