Shafaqna English– A faculty member of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought said: We Muslims have a duty to present a correct and comprehensive image of the Prophet (PBUH), and at the same time, we should heed the words of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS) who said: “O’ people, follow the lifestyle and traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) and walk in his footsteps.”
Hojjatul-Islam Safar Jebraeili, in an interview with Shafaqna congratulated the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stated: It is difficult to separate the teachings of the Prophet’s (PBUH) lifestyle (Seerah) from his traditions (Sunnah), but depending on the context, we can give more emphasis to certain aspects, whether broadly or in detail.
He added: Unfortunately, we Muslims and followers of the Ahlul-Bayt (AS) have not paid attention to human dignity in the way the Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Qur’an did. The Prophet (PBUH) gave scientific and practical importance to the issue of human dignity in all aspects of life and for all people.
He described “freedom” and “justice” as two invaluable gifts that the Prophet (PBUH) bestowed upon the society of his time and added: The Prophet (PBUH) saved people from slavery and from the grip of capitalists. Justice is also one of the primary missions of the prophets (AS), and the Prophet (PBUH) succeeded in this regard. If we act on these three principles—human dignity, freedom, and justice—from the Prophet’s (PBUH) lifestyle, even our economy and livelihoods will improve.
The faculty member of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought stated: If we are able to introduce the Prophet (PBUH) as he truly was, he will become a source of inspiration for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. History tells us that individuals from Christian, Jewish, and even polytheist backgrounds came and debated with the Prophet (PBUH), and he would respond to their questions. In Ihtijaj Al-Tabrisi, it is narrated that: ‘In one of his dialogues with the polytheists, the Prophet said: You know that I am wiser than all of you.’ And they confirmed it.
He continued: The Prophet (PBUH) lived peacefully with everyone. He had a Jewish neighbor who greatly harassed him during the early days of his mission, but the Prophet (PBUH) remained patient. In the Battle of Uhud, the polytheists wounded the Prophet (PBUH) and injured his face to the extent that one of his teeth was broken. It reached a point where the companions told him: ‘You are the Prophet of God, curse them!’ But the Prophet (PBUH) replied: ‘I was not sent to curse and damn people.’
Referring to the Quranic verse “firm against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves” (the Qur’an 48:29), he said: The Prophet (PBUH) was strong and firm, yet he was never violent. Therefore, sectarian, religious, and doctrinal violence has no place in the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).