RENAISSANCE FEBRUARY 2020

39 Monthly Renaissance February 2020 Biography The Unlettered Prophet (52) Khalid Masud Obligations and Responsibilities of the Prophet (sws) If one casts an eye over the predictions of other prophets about Mu ḥ ammad (sws) and his own 23 year long struggle, it is not difficult to understand his obligations and responsibilities. In spite of this, let alone among non Muslims, very little knowledge exists within Muslims themselves. This is understandable in the case of non-Muslims, in that if they were to accept the Prophet (sws) as the harbinger of the message from God, they would have to give a second thought to every deed and word of theirs. Thus, until and unless they prove flaws and mistakes in his character, they remain uncomfortable. But not finding the right understanding of the Prophet (sws)’s status among Muslims is no less than a tragedy. A large group among Muslims believes that a prophet belongs to pious people of society. Therefore, the Prophet (sws) was a very pious person who was born 1400 years ago in Arabia, took up the purpose of social reforms according to his times and was highly successful in his efforts. The times today have progressed hugely from the past and the ideals and requirements of people have changed drastically. Hence, due to the Prophet (sws)’s piety, we should respect and honour him but practically, he has little to offer us. Another group that believes that messengers of God are appointed to communicate messages from God to His servants is of the view that the Prophet (sws)’s status was the same as that of a postman. Whatever message he received from God, he communicated it onward to his followers. After this, he had