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Below is the speech by Imam Najeeb ur Rehman that was given during the event against offense on Friday, September 21st at Youngstorget.
The character of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
One of the most important aspects for all human societies is social interaction and interpersonal contact. This contact results in new relationships between people. Good character or good morals are about living up to one’s part of the responsibility in relation to these relationships in the best possible way. Furthermore, there are several stages of this awareness of responsibility. Some limit moral responsibility to their own family, some believe it is only the fatherland that deserves their goodness, others are content only with satisfying their own desires and guarding their personal interests.
But world history has also witnessed a noble personality who considered the entire human society as one unit, one family and one tribe. The one who granted the children of Adam their valid and natural rights regardless of their skin color or ethnicity. In his eyes, the distinction between Arab and non-Arab, dark skin and light skin had never been of significance. This noble, holy and beloved personality is the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
What made the greatest impression on most people throughout the Prophet’s life was his good character and excellent social temperance. It is with reference to this that the Quran establishes the Prophet’s unparalleled success as a result of his gentleness:
By the grace of Allah, you were gentle towards them. Had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. (Chapter 3, verse 159)
This and several other verses in the Quran emphasize the fact that love for one’s neighbor, mercy, forbearance, forgiveness and kindness were at the core of the entire life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Both before and after he declared himself as a prophet, we see in his personality good morals and beautiful character at its best.
His dear wife Khadija al-Kubra (may Allah be pleased with her) said about him: The prophet always showed sympathy to the poor, needy and helpless, showed care for the wayfarers, helped widows and the weak, and supported them financially, even before he declared himself as a prophet (al-Bukhari).
One can get a glimpse of the extraordinary mercy and love he had in his heart for others by reflecting on his definition of religion as “benevolence towards others” when he said: الدین النصحیۃ.
It was against the background of this unique desire for the benevolence of others that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was always deeply troubled and anxious for those who did not accept Allah’s message. The Quran renders this in the following way:
Would you then destroy yourself with grief sorrowing after them, if they believe not in this message? (18:6)
It is of course not possible to address all the details of his life, nor is it appropriate on this brief occasion. However, I present a couple of examples of his attractive character and wonderful morals.
Modern societies are unfortunately witnessing racism, bullying, offense, oppression and hatred. This can be overcome by following in the footsteps of the Prophet. The honorable, beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say:
High morality is not to show kindness to those who show kindness to you, and to do evil to those who do evil to you. On the contrary, good morality is to show kindness to every person regardless of their behavior towards you.
Therefore, he described piety and righteousness as good character, i.e., benevolence towards others. He said:
البر حسن الخلق Righteousness is good character. (al-Nawawi: 60)
In another narration he says: The one who has the most perfect faith among Muslims is the one who has the most beautiful character.
Not only that, but he wanted to see this good character and behavior dominating in the entire society. He said: None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. (al-Nawawi: p. 32)
It is because of this exemplary morality of the Prophet that the Quran confirms:
وانک لعلی خلق عظیم And indeed, you are of a great moral character. (68:4)
In conclusion, I would like to say that we as religious people acknowledge that there is religious extremism, but today we unfortunately see that secular forces in society do not show the same self-insight. We admit that abuse of religion is a reality, but will non-religious forces admit that they also have extremists among them?
Society today acknowledges that racism is offensive. But why will one not acknowledge that offense based on ethnicity is far less offensive than meaningless mockery of our religion?
A society where nothing is sacred is not beneficial to anyone, neither the minority nor the majority. The right to express, voice one’s opinion, criticize and disagree is not synonymous with offending others.
[Concluded with prayer].
