On 12th of Rabiul Awwal each year in the Islamic calendar, (corresponding to 8-9 October this year) more than 1.8 billion Muslims of the world celebrate birth anniversary of Islam’s last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (s).
To these Muslims, irrespective of their sectarian, cultural geographical and political differences, Prophet Muhammad (s) is regarded as Allah’s greatest creation, noblest personality, saviour of humanity and mercy for whole mankind.
These Muslims do not require any survey, research, credentials or certificates to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of faith, firm and absolute belief that Muhammad (s) is the greatest and noblest personality among all humans.
This is the firm and absolute belief of Muslims. What about non-Muslims?
It is fact that over the centuries ago, many eminent and renowned non-Muslim writers, historians, philosophers, intellectuals and political leaders have rated Muhammad (s) most highly personality and given him due recognition to his greatness and his noblest character.
Michael H Hart, a Christian American lawyer and scientist, after extensive research, has published a biography of 100 most influential personalities of all time. He has ranked with explanations describing the careers of religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, historians, philosophers, scientists, artists etc.
From this research, which included most influential personalities such as Jesus Christ, Moses, Caesar, Wright brothers, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Columbus etc., this author Michael H. Hart has rated Muhammad (s) as Number One.
Michael H. Hart, in his book “The 100 – A ranking of the most influential persons in history”, gives his reason of choosing Muhammad (s) as Number One in these words on page 33: “It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence, which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history. My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history, who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels
Almighty Allah, in the Holy Quarn, has given greatest tribute to Islam’s Last Messenger, as under:
“And We have not sent you, (O Messenger), but as a mercy for all the mankind.” (21:107)
“And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character.” (68:4)
“Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah, an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the judgment day and remembers Allah much.” (33:21)
Prophet Muhammad (s) had delivered Khutba-tul-Widah (Last Sermon) on 9 Zilhajj 10 Hijra at Mount Arafat in Mecca. Khutba-tul-Widah, even today, is considered as a document of basic human rights.
Some important quotations from Khutaba-tul-Widah:
“Regard the lives and property of all amongst you as sacred.”
“You are each others’ brothers and are all equal. An Arab has no supremacy over a non-Arab. A non-Arab has no supremacy over an Arab. A white man has no supremacy over a black man. A black man has no supremacy over a white man.”
“Follow Quran and my tradition, and you will never go astray.”
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