Following the Prophet's ideals will prevent violence in society

Islam is a religion of peace. Its core teachings are tolerance, humanity and justice. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the best example of this peace and humanity. With his good character, patience and generosity, he transformed the barbaric society of the then Arabs into a just society.

In today's context, when religious divisions and politically motivated violence are increasing day by day, it has become necessary to highlight the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the true message of Islam. The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a unique example of humanity. In the life of the Prophet, we see countless examples that are instructive not only for Muslims, but for the entire mankind. I am mentioning such behavior as an example of the Prophet's extraordinary tolerance. In one narration, it is found that once a polytheist accepted the hospitality of the Prophet and defecated on the Prophet's cloak out of hatred and ran away. The Prophet did not get angry on seeing this, but cleaned it with his own hands. When he met him later, the Prophet said, 'Brother, if you had told me about your night sickness, I could have helped you. You left without telling me, and I was hurt by it.'

There are also examples of tolerance in the life of the Prophet in the event of indecent behavior in the mosque. The hadith is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim Sharif. When a Bedouin man urinated in the mosque, the companions went to stop him. The Prophet said, ‘Do not stop him, let him finish. Then pour water on him and clean it.’ This shows that he used to correct people’s mistakes not through harshness but through kindness and wisdom. We all know the incident of the great example of patience in Taif. Even children threw stones at the Prophet in the field of Taif, causing him to bleed. Yet the Prophet did not curse, but prayed, ‘O Allah, guide them, they are treating me like this without knowing it.’ This hadith has also been reported in Bukhari and Muslim.

An example of patience in a difficult moment in Mecca has been reported in Bukhari. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was praying in Mecca. At that time, the infidels threw the entrails of a camel on the Prophet’s back, but the Prophet remained patient with a smile and did not retaliate. The basic principles of Islam are equality and security. Islam never supports violence or attacks on places of worship of other religions. Rather, Islam asks to ensure the safety of every follower of religion. Allah says, ‘There is no compulsion in religion.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 256).

In another verse, Allah says, ‘Allah commands you to justice and good conduct.’ (Surah An-Nahl, 90). The ideals of the Messenger were best embodied by his companions. Therefore, there are numerous examples of such generosity in the biography of the companions. When the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar (RA), conquered Baytul Maqdis, he refrained from entering the church and offering prayers, so that Muslims would not convert the church into a mosque in the future. History testifies that Islam teaches such respectful behavior towards other religions. However, a new type of politics has developed in many countries of the world, including present-day Bangladesh, where Islam is used to gain political benefits. During elections, some leaders appear in mosques, madrasas or puja mandap with hats, beards, and prayer beads. But they are surrounded by corrupt, land grabbers, usurers, rapists, and terrorist groups. This hypocrisy not only creates confusion in society, but also creates a kind of negative mentality towards Islam among the common people. In fact, what we need to do is to follow the ideals of the Prophet, choose honest and trustworthy leadership, follow it without using religion for material interests. Ensure the safety of all religious followers, establish justice without patronizing the wrongdoers.

When we become true Muslims, people will be attracted to Islam when they see us. Then we will not have to stand on separate stages and promise development. Real development in society is possible only when individual character and leadership have principles and ideals.

Islam does not talk about class discrimination, but rather talks about peace and security for all people. Every chapter of the Prophet's life teaches us how to be a good person. Today, when confusion, violence and religious extremism are increasing in society, we should implement the ideals of the Prophet not only in words but also in life. The Prophet said, ‘The best among you is the one who has the best character.’ (Bukhari)