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Contributing to World Peace - an Examination of the Life of Prophet Muhammad As a Leader

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Contributing to World Peace - an Examination of the Life of Prophet Muhammad As a Leader Sociology and Anthropology 3(1): 37-44, 2015 http://www.hrpub.org DOI: 10.13189/sa.2015.030105 Contributing to World Peace - An Examination of the Life of Prophet Muhammad as a Leader Recep Dogan Centre for Islamic Sciences & Civilization (CISAC), Faculty of Arts, Charles Sturt University *Corresponding Author: [email protected] Copyright © 2015 Horizon Research Publishing All rights reserved. Abstract The purpose of this study is to closely 1. Introduction examine the life and leadership skills of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in order to discover conflict resolution Since the dawn of human civilization, arguably there has strategies adopted by the leading figure of Islam and been two categorical currents – that of social cohesion and evaluate those lessons to ascertain possible solutions to the harmony and arguably a larger part of discord, disharmony contemporary global problems and challenges across the through mass destructions and weaponry. With the speedy globe. Understanding is the catalyst for peace. This paper advent of technology as well as science propelled with also aims to contribute to world peace and interfaith modern means of communication the increasingly shrinking dialogue albeit its limited capacity in scope through the global village has witnessed at least couple of centuries’ illustration of the exemplary character of this well-known bloody wars, conflict, mass killings and ongoing violations th persona who is not otherwise very well understood in of universal principles. Just the 20 century bore two major largely the non-Muslim world but also within the Muslim and most destructive of bloodiest world wars alone. world. Particular attention is paid to the identification of Considering that religions continue to have many adherents, key attributes of a successful leader in the light of if people adhering to religious beliefs and those with Muhammad (pbuh)’s success. A cross-examination of the cultural values of harmony and concord came together and evidence available to us, it is strongly noteworthy that established a platform for dialogue – an authentic level of Muhammad (pbuh) showed great respect for other faiths, understanding amongst these different traditions can be cultures and ideas; even when he did not agree on certain fostered which can lead to higher levels of collaboration matters, he listened and engaged with tolerance and and mutual understanding. The vacuum that sensitive care. His service of what he ardently believed to misunderstanding or lack of engagement creates becomes be the truth and his style and approach in dealing with an attractive zone for myriad of assumptions which leads to would oppose those beliefs provides an acute insight on the conflict and ‘fear of the unknown’. Undoubtedly what the character of this leading figure of Islam whose success in world needs today are religious leaders who are well versed overcoming almost impossible barriers and conflicts at in their own traditional values and brings forth inspiration many layers of society becomes a strong case-study for to their adherents to follow suit the essence of their faith. modeling conflict resolutions beyond its theoretical This paper will argue the inherent capacity of Islam as a frameworks and examine this applied science in the art of faith tradition to instill a reconciliatory and peaceful spirit leadership and peace building. This paper would then in its adherents through the model of its leading religions conclude that one of the greatest legacies of Prophet figure – Muhammad (pbuh) as the prototype of peace in the Muhammad (pbuh) is the essential appreciation of the midst of diversity and conflict. dignity of all living beings irrespective of their gender, race To associate Islam with terrorism is a great historical or societal status; with Muhammad’s followers from diverse mistake. Ensuing discussion will explore this argument socio-cultural and socio-lingual backgrounds, ethnicities, against fanaticism. Such is the premise of Qur’an towards civilizational development – this essential attribute becomes justice: “Let not the hatred of others to you make you 1 noteworthy to examine closely the veracity of his swerve to wrong and depart from justice.” Greeting and appreciation, respect and dignity afforded to all. wishing safety and security upon others is considered one of the most beneficial acts in Islam.2 Islamicly, peace is of Keywords Interfaith Dialogue, World Peace, utmost importance to Islam. How such a theoretical Leadership of Muhammad,Respect to Other Faiths, Conflict Resolution 1 Ali Ünal, The Qur'an with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English, 1 vols. (New Jersey, USA: The Light, Inc., 2008). 2 Abu Dāwud Sulayman ibn al-Ash ath, Sunan Abū Dāwud, Imara 33 (Lahore Sh. M. Ashraf 1984). 142. ̄ ̄ ʻ 38 Contributing to World Peace - An Examination of the Life of Prophet Muhammad as a Leader framework was modeled in practice becomes our focus. To his decision. They all accepted this offer and after a short elucidate the topic under discussion, I will endeavor to time, the Prophet appeared at the gate. When they saw the mention some of the essential characteristics of Prophet Prophet, they said, ‘The trustworthy one has come!’ a name Muhammad as well as cite some relevant occasions that he was already known by, before he claimed and announced exemplify each attribute in relation to conflict resolution. his Prophethood. The Quraysh leaders then explained the problem and solicited a solution from him. There upon the Prophet asked them to bring a piece of cloth. When it was 2. Characteristics of Leadership of provided, he spread it on the ground and he placed the Prophet Muhammad Black Stone on it. After that, he invited each tribe leader to hold the cloth from each corner. They lifted it to the level of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) most noteworthy legacies the slot where the Black Stone would be placed and then is his leadership in transforming a society otherwise Muhammad pushed it into its place. The imminent 6 immersed in centuries of feudal conflicts and disarray. This intertribal war was prevented by a wise and rapid decision. change from an otherwise destructive and fragile social Addressing the needs of humanity, these universal values relationships towards a strongly cohesive nation and afforded them real happiness whilst coexisting peacefully “ummah” a constructive society serves as a remarkable due to the acceptance of people of differing races, religious 7 case-study. Before Islam, Arabia historically and socially backgrounds, intellectual levels, ages and all walks of life. was considered one of the most backward regions of the To be an effective leader requires enduing relationships world, in terms of its cultural, intellectual and moral life and facilitating an intrinsic motivation within followers to standards. Limited by time and means, Prophet Muhammad cooperate and themselves proactively engage in eradicated all kinds of barbarism and savagery in the peace-seeking method when overcoming conflict, (achieves Arabian Peninsula and then embedded praiseworthy virtues the love and reliance of their people and is supported in as in their hearts.3 much as they solve their problems and the challenges and One key trait with the Prophet (pbuh) was his problems can be individual, social, private or public political, 8 consultative and authentic approach towards people and economic or social affairs. Throughout history, despotic issues. The Prophet established this principle among his rulers have been found to resort to power, oppression, followers by counselling them even about his personal censorship, prohibitions, punishments, and torture to solve affairs, The Prophet said; “whoever takes counsel, does not their problems. However, such solutions have only regret it in the end.” 4He consulted with his Companions short-term benefits, whilst additionally creating more before Badr, their first major battle. The Muslim forces widespread problems and disarray in the long term. Once, consisted of 305 or 313 soldiers, whilst the Meccan army Husayn, an eloquent speaker famous for his convincing and was around1000 men. Representatives from the Emigrants effective speech, came to the Prophet and tried to defeat him and the Helpers declared their obedience to follow the in a debate. Muhammad (pbuh) listened respectfully to the Prophet wherever he led them. Despite this, the Prophet arguments put forward by Husayn and after he asked the consulted with them about the battle at Badr.5 following questions to him: In developing universal values compatible to human - Husayn, how many gods do you worship? nature; he sought not only the happiness of his followers - Eight; one in the Heavens and the others on Earth. exclusively, but happiness to all of humanity in all time and - Which one do you call upon when misfortune befalls place. The following example from the pre-prophetic life of you? Muhammad explains this attribute clearly; The Ka‘ba was - The one in the Heavens. partly damaged by rain and floods at a time when - Which one do you call upon when your wealth and Muhammad (pbuh) had not announced his prophethood yet. property are gone? The Quraysh wanted to renovate it and each tribe took the - The one in the Heavens. responsibility of repairing some part of the Ka’ba. However, - Which one do you call upon when there is no rain? an intertribal conflict almost broke out over the issue of - The one in the Heavens. who would put the sacred Black Stone back to its proper - Which one do you call upon when there is
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