Introduction
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) occupies a highly respectful position in the hearts of all Muslims because he was the last Messenger of Allah and a perfect model of mercy and justice. However, throughout history, some critics have tried to level malicious propaganda against his character and actions. This article will provide the correct information in simple words without any bias that serves as evidence to prove that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was really a perfect example of compassion and justice.
Understanding Blasphemy: What Does It Mean?
Blasphemy: in the most basic definition, an act where an individual shows disrespect or even contempt to that which may be regarded as holy. Within the context of the Islamic community, it would connote derogatory proclamations regarding the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or the religion.
Why Do People Make False Claims?
Many of the negative claims against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arise from three main reasons:
Misunderstanding History: The critics tend to refer to misleading or inaccurate historical sources while developing their arguments, which seem to produce wrong conclusions.
Cultural Differences: The lifestyle and the traditions of 7th-century Arabia are vastly different from what we have today. The errors associated with the previous judgment based on current thoughts without knowing any historical cause are often confusing.
Taking Things Out of Context: Many people cherry-pick quotes and stories without knowing the bigger picture; hence, there is much distortion in regard to the true meaning of the events.
Refuting Common Misconceptions
“The Sword Spread Islam”
Some individuals claim that Islam spread with force and coercion. How far from the truth that could be. The Quran itself stresses, “There is no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256), or nobody could be forced into becoming a Muslim. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority accepted Islam with all their hearts because they were attracted by the character of the Prophet (PBUH) and the righteousness of Islamic teachings. History declares that the Prophet (PBUH) fought defensive wars only, and he created very harsh conditions to prevent civilians from facing harm and injustice.
A prominent American historian and author, Washington Irving, wrote in “Mahomet and His Successors”:
“His military triumphs awakened no pride nor vainglory, as they would have done had they been effected for selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power, he maintained the same simplicity of manners and appearance as in the days of his adversity. So far from affecting regal state, he was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonial of respect was shown to him.”
“The Prophet (SAW) did not refuse to be with the poor, sit with them, and listen to their needs. He was humble and approachable, not considering himself superior to anyone.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6006
A 19th-century Christian scholar, Reverend Bosworth Smith, in his book “Muhammad and Muhammadanism”, highlights the dual role of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“He was Caesar and Pope in one, but he was Pope without the Pope’s pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar. Without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue, if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and its supports.”
These quotations exemplify the Prophet’s (PBUH) exclusive leadership, humbleness, and honourable authority without resorting to power or intimidation, discrediting the perception that Islam spread by the sword.
“The Prophet (SAW) was Intolerant Towards Non-Muslims”
Now, this argument can easily be disproved by looking at the manner in which the Prophet (PBUH) treated the non-Muslims respectfully. He made treaties with other tribes comprising Jews and Christians and established the famous Constitution of Medina. This constitution assured religious freedom and equal treatment for all, irrespective of the religion followed. His behaviour towards the Christians of Najran and the Jews of Khaybar adequately proves that he was a man committed to fairness and justice.
One of the sturdiest proofs stands in the shape of Medina’s Constitution (Sahifah al-Madina)-the oldest known historical document in which, under the leadership of the Prophet, rights and duties were placed on an equal footing for all citizens, Muslim as well as non-Muslim.
“The Jews of Banu ‘Awf are one community with the Muslims. The Jews have their religion, and the Muslims have theirs, their freedmen and their persons except those who commit oppression and sin, for they hurt but themselves and their families.”
— Constitution of Medina, Article 25
An influential Irish playwright and critic, George Bernard Shaw, articulated his appreciation for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in “The Genuine Islam” (1936):
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion that appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence that can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him—the wonderful man—and in my opinion, far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity.”
Shaw’s admiration stems from the Prophet’s (PBUH) universal teachings and the adaptability of his messages across time, denying the biased interpretation in some Western narratives.
Prophet (SAW) humanely treated the prisoners of war, more particularly after the Battle of Badr, 624 CE. When Quraysh men captured during the battle were presented before the Prophet (PBUH), instead of killing them or enslaving them, which was the common practice during that time, he treated them with dignity.
The historian Al-Waqidi reports that the Prophet (PBUH) said to the companions to treat the prisoners respectably, stating: “Treat them kindly, feed them, and do not harm them.” Some of the prisoners were even freed without ransom.
The Orientalist scholar Sir John Bagot Glubb, in his book “The Life and Times of Muhammad,” wrote: “In his day and among his people, Muhammad’s treatment of his enemies was incomparably generous.” This big-heartedness towards prisoners exemplifies the Prophet’s (PBUH) commitment to fairness and forgiveness.
The Prophet’s (SAW) Letter to the Monks of St. Catherine
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) wrote a letter to the monks of the Monastery of St. Catherine in Mount Sinai in 628 CE. It has been well-preserved until now and shows how much emphasis the Prophet (SAW) gave to freedom to practice religion and protection for non-Muslims.
The letter stated: “This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily, I defend them, by myself, the servants, the helpers, and my followers, because Christians are my citizens and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.”
“The Prophet (SAW) Married Aisha (RA) When She Was Too Young”
Such claims arise repeatedly, but they are based on ignorance of history. In the 7th century Arabia, it was completely normal for people to get married at an age younger than what we consider acceptable today. Moreover, Aisha (PBUH) proved to be an outstanding scholar and a leader in the Muslim world, and she is known for her intellect and perception. Her marriage established a respectful and loving relationship between families and tribes. A well-known scholar of Islamic history and law, Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, discusses the question from a cultural and historical point of view. As he puts in his book “Introduction to Islam”, he remarks that Ayesha (RA) matured quite early, and even in today’s era, mental and physical maturity are not consistent; it would be very hard to apply the standard of contemporary age retroactively. William Montgomery Watt explains in his book “Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman” that marrying Ayesha (RA) also carried with it social and political connotations since it sealed the ties with Abu Bakr (RA), one of the Prophet’s closest friends. In general, modern arguments on marriage totally disregard the general customs prevailing at the time and the social implications of the unions in question.
The Prophet’s (SAW) Response to Insults
Perhaps the best examples of the true character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be found in how he reacted to those who insulted him or attacked him. When they mocked and even tried to harm him, he did not act with anger or revenge but had patience, forgave them, and prayed for their guidance. An example is when he was hurt and humiliated by the townspeople of Taif. Instead of cursing them, he prayed: “O Allah, guide my people, for they do not know.” This level of mercy and kindness is something that no baseless claim can undermine. Another clearly recorded incident is the Conquest of Mecca, in which the Prophet (PBUH) proved his character. The Prophet (SAW) entered Mecca with a mighty army and many years of torture and war, but he proved himself to be the most excellent source of mercy and forgiveness. According to Ibn Kathir in “Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya”, the Prophet (PBUH) forgave all his enemies as well as those who plotted his murder. He pronounced: “Go, for you are free.” This unparalleled gesture of forgiveness is considered to have been recorded by religious as well as non-religious documents of Islamic and non-Islamic traditions in regard to his great mercy.
Karen Armstrong, a British writer on the topic of comparative religion, has written much on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She writes in her book “Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time”.
“Muhammad was no man of blood. We must approach his life in a spirit of reverence, for he is one of those rare human beings who have altered the very course of history solely by the sheer force of their personality, character, and vision.”
Armstrong underlines that it was the character of the Prophet (PBUH) and not force which played the crucial role in spreading Islam, dispelling the myth that Islam has been spread with violence.
Conclusion
Often, such allegations against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) seem to have been drawn from incorrect assumptions, misquoted context, or driven by people with an agenda of bias. If we analyze the actual record of history and acts of the Prophet (PBUH), such accusations prove to be entirely unfounded. Muslims need to reply to such allegations effectively by having knowledge and patience and showing the actual teachings and examples of the Prophet (PBUH). This not only defends his honour but also helps other people understand the beauty of his message. In a world rife with misinformation, it is essential to stand up against such blasphemous claims with authentic proof and respectful dialogue. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a figure of immense importance, and defending his honour is not just a duty but a testament to our faith. Fight ignorance with understanding, constructive conversations, and actual knowledge to build a much more civilized and respectful world. Next time you hear a blaspheming claim, remember knowledge can be your best ally. Prepare and use the correct facts; approach with compassion, and the truth will shine through.
