Birth Anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as)


 
 
On the auspicious date of 17 Rabiul Awwal, the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL) congratulates the Imam of our time, and the whole world on the birth anniversary of the last Prophet, the Mercy to the Universe, the Seal of Prophet hood, the most perfect human to walk the earth, Muhammad the Messenger, peace be upon him and his holy progeny. WABIL also congratulates the world on the birth of Imam Jafar as-Sadiq, the sixth infallible Imam and descendant of the Prophet.
 
The Prophet was born in the common era 570 into the noble Banu Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe. As an orphan, he was raised by his grandfather Abdul Mutallib, his mother Aminah and his uncle Abu Talib, the father of his cousin and successor Ali. It is impossible to describe the nobility, compassion, humility, mercy, justice, and charisma of the Prophet. However, it is testament enough that before the open declaration of his prophet hood at the age of forty, he was already known as the Trustworthy, the Truthful, by both friend and foe.
 
The Prophet Muhammad came amongst a most ignorant, oppressive and superstitious people, but single handedly transformed their state from darkness to enlightenment. His legacy of godliness, human equality and kindness have been unparalleled in human history.
 
George Bernard Shaw said of him:
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing face of existence which 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 saviour of humanity.”
 
The Reverend Bosworth Smith said of the Prophet:
“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 Divine right, it was Muhammad, for he had all the power without the instruments and without its supports.”
 
These testimonials give us a glimpse into the sheer humility yet greatness of the Prophet, who for us is indeed the most perfect example of a servant of Allah.
 
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq also graced the earth with his birth on this same date, in 700 CE. The sixth Imam was the son of Imam Muhammad Baqir, and like his father, he is known for spreading the faith, codifying the laws, and teaching thousands of prominent students including the Sunni ulama Abu Hanifa and Malik ibn Anas, founders of two of the sunni schools of law. The Imam’s legacy on points of law is so tremendous that indeed the Shia Imami school of law is known as the Jafari fiqh.
 
The Prophet has left us a tremendous legacy of teachings covering every conceivable aspect of life: one profound instruction he left was that, ‘To acquire knowledge is binding upon all Muslims, whether make or female.’
 
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as) said that, ‘The most perfect of men in intellect is the best of them in ethics.’

These teachings to this day guide and shape the daily lives and ethics of Muslims world over. Nowhere do we find teachings of compassion and peace as we do in the example of the Prophet and his Holy Progeny.
 
On this most holy, blessed and auspicious of days, WABIL congratulates the entire universe on the birth anniversary of the two Truthful Ones, the Prophet and his descendant Imam Jafar. May their legacy, teachings and life examples be a guiding light for all humanity. As the heavens and the earth rejoice, WABIL extends its warmest wishes to you all.
 
 
Sayed Mohammad Al-Musawi
World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League
London, UK 

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