Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Teaching of Universal Brotherhood the Best Answer to Hate, Communalism: Religious Leaders

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a missionary, a revolutionary, a ruler and also a social worker. He always practised what he preached and lived a very simple and pious life. His entire life is an example for all us and guidance to all mankind. We all should remember his teachings and the commandments of Allah that…

Written by

Mohd. Naushad Khan

Published on

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a missionary, a revolutionary, a ruler and also a social worker. He always practised what he preached and lived a very simple and pious life. His entire life is an example for all us and guidance to all mankind. We all should remember his teachings and the commandments of Allah that he brought for us.

Historically, every philosopher and reformer who has influenced the world through his teachings and deeds generally came from an affluent family or a prosperous civilization. But Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was as per this benchmark was unique. His father Abdullah had died before Muhammad ﷺ was born, and his mother Aamina also passed away when he was about 6 years. Thus he was orphaned at the age of 6.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always discouraged communalism which has today divided society, created hate-filled atmosphere and threat to peace and wellbeing of people and the nation at large. Once the Prophet ﷺ categorically said the noblest among the human beings in the sight of Allah is the one who is more pious. Once when he was asked about communalism, he said, an act can be called communal if a person supports his people in spite of being aware of the injustice they cause and the pain they inflict on others. It is very relevant today if we visualise the present atmosphere of hate and animosity against Muslims in particular and the minorities in general.

Today we can see how hatemongers are being aided, abetted and patronised, keeping on the backburner the damage it can do to the whole society, to peace and to tranquillity. The great teachings of universal brotherhood by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ can be the best strategy to counter communalism and hate mentality. If we follow this teaching then the entire world will become a good place for all of us to live in.

Goswami Sushilji Maharaj, National Convener of Bhartiya Sarv Dharm Sansad, said, “The great reformer of the world’s biggest religion Islam, Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ birthday is observed in India and the world with great enthusiasm and his teachings are remembered and people also try to follow and spread his teachings to all mankind. On this occasion I would like to recall Prophet Muhammad’sﷺ teaching of the rights of the people. The Prophet said if anyone in your neighbour is in problem and sad and if he is hungry then it becomes the duty of a Muslim to provide him with food and only then he can take his food. He also said that atrocities should not be committed against anyone. They should be treated with mercy, kindness and compassion.”

Goswamiji added, “The Prophet was sent to the world not for Muslims alone but for the entire humanity and to preach his message of humanity. It should be made clear to one and all that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was for the entire mankind and therefore his teachings was for the entire human beings and for the betterment of the people of the world. This message is also very important for India because of its diversity as his message was for all people irrespective of faith and religion. The Prophet also emphasised on the respect for women and if we don’t respect them then we cannot be said to be his followers. If we read the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Qur’ān, we will come across the message of brotherhood and togetherness. Let us together pledge to preach his message for mankind.”

Giani Ranjit Singh, head Priest of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, while sharing his perspective, argued, No doubt, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was for the benefit of mankind but what we need to introspect is whether we are following his teachings in letter and spirit. On the one hand Muslims talk of universal brotherhood and his teachings for benefit of the entire mankind but it is also true that Muslims, not all of them but some, call Non-Muslims kafir. Does the teachings of Prophet of Muhammad ﷺ and the message of the Qur’ān allow the Muslims to say so? The Muslims should avoid such notions to spread the real message of brotherhood as one of the best teachings of Prophet Muhammad. It is important for people of any faith or religion to avoid all such things which may come in the way of brotherhood.

Noted spiritual leader, Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj of the International Mahavir Jain Mission said, Prophet Muhammad said that Allah is the khalique (creator) of the entire world and all living beings on earth are the   creation of Allah. In the Qur’ān there is mention of Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Rahim? The meaning is, “In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful”. Allah is merciful towards all his creations. In the present times, the entire world is in the need of the Prophet’s ﷺ message of brotherhood and by following it we can establish peace in the world.

Dr M. D. Thomas, who is Founder Director of Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, New Delhi, said, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the benefactor of mankind par-excellence. According to one ayat in the Qur’ān, Allah has created human beings differently so that they may know each other, understand each other and live peacefully and with harmony with each other. This is a significant learning and the message from Prophet Muhammad.

He added, “We know that human society and the creation is so diverse and we are different from each other in different ways. But humanity is the same basis and we are sharing the same humanity, same divinity at the same time with many differences. In spite of all differences we need to learn from each other, learn to appreciate each other by understanding that we are sharing the same divinity and same humanity. The message from the Prophet ﷺ is that we are different but we are one. We have been created differently not for separating each other, fighting with each other and so on.

“But we should live with each other harmoniously because we are complimentary to one another. We are all children of Allah and are brothers and sisters to one another and by this logic we are one family. We are different but we are the members of the same family, same brotherhood, fraternity and this is the greatest teaching of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.”