In the recent days, I came across the book The Life of the Last Prophet by Yusuf Islam. Starting from the author’s note and the ways he writes, I was already engrossed in the outset.
The British-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Cat Stevens who is commonly known as Yusuf Islam, after a near-death drowning experience, remains one of the most highly celebrated authors of all times.
Yusuf wrote many books and compiled many song albums.
After converting to Islam, he quit writing and compiling songs and turned to dedicating and devoting his complete life for philanthropic and educational activities for Muslims.
Having written and becoming a light for peace, he was honoured with two honorary doctorates for the work he did in promoting peace.
Though, he moved to the world of music, but his written words, be it in the shape of books and songs has inspired and pleased many.
The book revolves around the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Indeed, he was the most handsome of men, with black hair and his teeth shone white when he smiled and it was his character and exceptional conduct that made the greatest impression.
As per as the writer, the people in ancient Arabia were men of great quality, i.e, they were loyal, generous and brave but they did not have any pity on the poor, weak and shed blood on trivial matters. Owing to the importance and significance dispensed to the sons, most of the parents opted for the evil practice of burying their daughters alive after birth.
But after the advent of Islam, the corrupt and evil customs of the Arabs were shaken and revised by the words of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The book revolves around the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Indeed, he was the most handsome of men, with black hair and his teeth shone white when he smiled and it was his character and exceptional conduct that made the greatest impression
After the Prophet got the revelation, he started to preach but many from his own family distracted the true words and pelted and hurled bad words and stones at the Messiah but he didn’t say a single word in return. According to him, “He who believes in Allah and the last day, should be good to his guest. He who believes in Allah and the last day, should honour his neighbours. And he who believes in Allah and the last day, should say what is good or be silent.”
My favourite lines that capture the essence of the story are, “He said, ‘support your brother whether he is wrong or has been wronged’. A man enquired, ‘O messenger of Allah! I can help him if he has been wronged, but how can I support him if he is doing wrong?’ He said, “Prevent him from doing wrong: that is how you support him’. How befitting and profound he was.”
Whilst Gandhi wrote, “I become more than ever convinced that it wasn’t the sword that won a place for Islam in those days. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers and his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”
And after 16 centuries of his demise, his influence is still pervasive.
Indeed, from the borders of India to the Atlantic Ocean, there extends a whole chain of Arab nations who are not only unified by their belief in Allah, but by their language, culture, traditions and exceptional norms and values, the largest empire the world has ever witnessed.
The book is compiled in such a way that all the stories relating the Prophet were explained in a smooth way, i.e, the orphan but the blessed, the young and honest businessman, the truth-seeker, the greatest father and husband, the prophet, the oppressed, commander in chief and the transformer of the Arabian Peninsula and the world.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, February 22nd 2019.