Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 868 [Read full issue]
Worldly Affairs
The first Muslim community lived around the Prophet (peace be upon him) who was both the Messenger and the reference. He directed Believers, answered their questions and, thus, calmed and soothed their hearts and minds. His was the path of wisdom, knowledge and science. Initially, in his presence, there was no need to determine different domains of knowledge or to think of any kind of specialisation within the strict religious field. The teaching was unique, global, and affected all areas of human life but the Prophet made it clear that he was only a man and that as regards world affairs he could be wrong or wronged. For instance, when the Prophet arrived in Madina, he found the people grafting their date-palm trees. He said: “Perhaps it would be better if you did not do that.”The Ansar subsequently abandoned this practice but the yield from the date-palms became less: they informed the Prophet of this and he answered: “I am a human being. So when I tell you to do something pertaining to Religion, accept it, but when I tell you something from my personal opinion, bear in mind that I am a human being. You have better knowledge in the affairs of this world.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
Many other situations like this were reported, all of which confirm the Prophet’s status as a depository of Divine norm (furqan) and, as such, a reference for everything religious, yet a fallible human being in all other matters. This distinction was clear for the Companions and the Prophet variously consulted them in order to take a decision according to the majority opinion. This first distinction is very important not only because it clarifies the role of the Messenger as such, but also because it sheds new light on the Prophet’s encouragement to his Companions to make legal rulings. Just as he did his best concerning world affairs, so they had to do their utmost with both matters religious and legal rulings all the while remaining true to their Faith, the Islamic practice and the right path.
Compiled From:
"To Be A European Muslim" - Tariq Ramadan