Do You Recognize This Man? ...

Do you really know who Muhammad is? (Alayhes salat o wassalam.) Muhammad is the man whose sweat was used as the best perfume you would come across. Muhammad is the man whose stool was more fragrant than the food he ingested - such was the effect of contact with his heavenly body. Muhammad is the man whose face radiated beauty like the full moon so that Mother Ayesha could locate her lost needle in the night. Subhanallah!

Oftentimes I hear people - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - speaking of the Holy Prophet, sallallah-o-alaihe-wassallam, never really knowing who they are talking about. But anywayz, who can dare know who Muhammad is? "The reality of your Prophet is known by God alone", so said the Prophet, upon whom be infinite blessings and peace. The glorious Qur'an reciprocated: "Wa Ma Muhammad Illa Rasool" ("And what is Muhammad but the Messenger?" - Qur'an, 3:144). I have always been struck by the fact that the Qur'an used the word Ma ("What") and not Man ("Who"). Subhanallah!

As we celebrate God's Gift to Mankind, let us take all the time to know more about who the Prophet is - sallallah-o-alaihe-wassallam. Death is just round the corner, and I can't wait for the time when they will ask me, "Do you recognize this man?", and - hopefully, hopefully, hopefully - I'll respond with the words, "Wa Ma Muhammad Illa Rasool".

Peace and blessings be upon you, O icon of beauty and wonder, and upon your family, your companions, and all those who love you.