YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad)
The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey.
What is Hadith?
The collection of sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammed is called Hadith. The Quran and Hadith constitute the most authentic source of Islamic scriptures. Through the Hadith, we get a glimpse of the man Muhammed was, how he conducted himself and his practical demonstration of Quranic guidance. The Quran constitutes important basic principles but does not go into details. The Hadith, on the contrary, provides explanations for Quranic teachings. For example, in the Quran, God enjoins us to be steadfast in prayer (salah). It is through the Hadith we know how it should be performed, number of units to be offered each time, the different duas to be recited in different parts of the prayer, etc.
What are the different books of Hadith?
Some important books of Hadith are: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Al Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad, etc.
What does the Prophet say about seeking knowledge?
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge throughout life. He stated, “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China,” indicating that the pursuit of knowledge should be relentless and without boundaries. This reflects the belief that knowledge is not limited to religious studies but encompasses all forms of wisdom beneficial to humanity.
The Prophet also remarked that “it is the duty of every Muslim, man or woman, to acquire knowledge.” This highlights the quest for knowledge as an obligation for all believers. Education in Islam is seen as a means to realize God and understand the world more deeply.
Furthermore, the Prophet conveyed that “good questioning is the half of knowledge,” encouraging individuals to engage actively with their learning process. He taught that knowledge should be pursued not just for personal gain but as a means to develop a well-rounded character and contribute positively to society.
Additionally, the Prophet mentioned that “the worship performed by a learned man is a thousand times better than that performed by the ignorant worshipper,” suggesting that knowledge enhances one’s spiritual practice and understanding of faith. This interrelationship between knowledge and worship is crucial in Islamic teachings, fostering a deeper connection with God and the universe.
What was the character of the Prophet really like?
The character of the Prophet Muhammad is described as having a ‘sublime character’, which is a central aspect of his Prophethood. His noble character was not only a reflection of his personal virtues but also served as a testament to his claim of being a prophet. Those who interacted with him often remarked on his impressive and dignified personality, which grew more admirable with age. The Quran emphasizes the importance of the Prophet’s character, stating that it was through God’s mercy that he was lenient and compassionate towards others, which allowed him to win their hearts.
His character was consistent with the principles he preached, demonstrating that he was a man of high moral standards and integrity. This is further supported by the testimony of his wife Aisha, who noted that the Prophet’s character was essentially a living embodiment of the Quran. Even in the face of adversity, the Prophet maintained a stance of forgiveness and compassion, famously praying for the guidance of his enemies rather than wishing them harm. This ability to embody mercy and kindness was a significant factor in shaping people’s perception of Islam and the acceptance of his message by many. The character of the Prophet Muhammad was marked by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the truth, which not only defined his personal life but also shaped the foundation of Islamic teachings.
