The Sunnah: The Best Example

by Compilation

All too often we hear Muslims and non-Muslims pointing a finger at
what a Muslim has done or has not done that may not be in accordance
with Islam (Qur'aan & Sunnah) or that is morally questionable. In the
case of a non-Muslim, the finger-pointing is done as an attempt to
discredit Islam based on that Muslim(s) action, and with an underlying
motive aimed at not accepting the teachings of Islam. For the Muslim,
this finger-pointing is done because of one's lack of knowledge or a
weakness of faith and committment. In either case, both have severe
applications on the Day of Judgment, and the informed Muslim must be
ready to fully educate those individuals that the best example for the
correct practices of Islam in today's society is to follow Prophet
Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam).

Surely, if we are talking to non-Muslims, the simple reply to those who
point to the failings of Muslims would be that people are not perfect,
and that there are also Christians and Jews who are not following the
teachings of their religion. Basically, this argument is true and
irrefutable and can be pointed out even to Muslims. However, taking this
position does not lead the Muslim to fulfilling one of the most
important duties, and that is calling people to or spreading the
knowledge of Islam.

Four Important Issues

As Muslims we must know - May Allah show us mercy! - that it is
incumbent upon us to continue to strive to master four issues that will
provide us the ability to intelligently counter this kind of talk by a
non-Muslim and to strengthen uneducated Muslims. The first is knowledge.
Namely, the knowledge of Allah, of His Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa
sallam) and of the religion of Islam along with acquisition of it by
evidence. The second is implementation of knowledge; The third is the
call to or spread of knowledge The fourth is perseverance in all these
tasks despite all mental, physical or social hindrances.

The evidence that such issues must be conquered is found in Allah's
following words:
By the token of time! Man is indeed in peril, except those who have
faith, do the righteous works, and counsel each other to uphold the
truth and to stand firm in patience. (Suratul-Asr 103:1-3).

In this day and time, when most people, including many Muslims, blindly
live only for themselves, constantly influenced by the West to attain
material gains and to involve themselves in un-Islamic acts and
behaviors, the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has provided
comfort in this regard to Muslims who are looking for the last best role
model by saying: I have been sent to complete the best morals. (Al-Hakim
and Adh-Dhahabi). That is to say, the morals, sayings and practices
(Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) are the best
and only example we must follow, and likewise we must convey this to the
Muslims and non-Muslims.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) As The Model

The Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has no doubt demonstrated the
best qualities of a human being. Allah the Exalted said: Indeed in the
Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow....(Qur'an 33:21).
The Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was not sent merely to
deliver the word of Allah, but also to explain the divine Book, to
interpret it, to expound it, to demonstrate the ways of its application,
to present a practical example of its contents, to teach it and to train
people to run their lives in accordance with its requirements. The
Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) delivered the Message in the best
way and demonstrated the religion as it should be. He counseled the
Ummah for the better and unified their thoughts. He also succeeded with
his Companions (radiallahu 'anhum) in opening their hearts to Tawheed
(see Vol.1 Issue 1). Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: I
have left among you two things: you will never go astray as long as you
hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah. (Al-Hakim)

Holding fast to the Qur'aan and Sunnah can only begin when we have
enough faith and knowledge to implement the hadeeth of the Prophet
(sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) that says: Whoever observes something
wrong should change it with his hands. If he is unable to do so, then he
should speak against it with his tongue. If he is unable to do even
that, then he should at least hate it in his heart - and this is the
lowest level of faith. (Muslim) This hadeeth also indicates that we must
be knowledgeable in our religion so that we can properly implement the
Qur'aan and Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) to
change and educate others, and to grow in our own faith. Without the
knowledge that we must follow the example of the Prophet (sallallahu
'alaihi wa sallam), we will be susceptible to losing hold of the rope of
Islam. We pray for the Muslims who have committed and are commiting
wrong doings, Aameen.

Having the practical knowledge of our Rabb Allah, of the Prophet
(sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and of our religion, Muslims are
armed with the necessary tools to sufficiently reform ourselves or
inform others who are pointing a finger at Muslims and using that
person's poor behavior or actions as an indictment of the whole of
Islam. In educating ourselves in the Deen, we will be enlightened to
the fact that Islam should not be held against the Muslim. The Muslim
should be held against Islam, and the best Islam is that of the
Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam).

Complied from: Islamic Guidelines - Muhammad bin Jamil Zino, The
Authority of Sunnah - Justice Muhammad Taqi Usmani, and Three Essays
on Tawhid - Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab.