One of the commonest sneers at Islam in the West is that it teaches that women have no souls. Servicer remarks, “Muhammad sought to make himself the champion of women whose position he tried to ameliorate. Before his reform women and children could not inherit what was worse, the nearest relation of the deceased took possession of the women and their property in the same way as he took over his slaves with their savings. Muhammad gave the women the right to inherit; and often insisted in their favour. His last sermon at Makkah contained these memorable words:” Treat your women well, they are your helpers. He well knew that if a woman is a slave by day, by night, she is a queen and her influence is at all times worthy of consideration.”

Because of its democratic nature, freedom, equality, toleration and justice, Islam spread throughout the whole world. The expansion of Islam is the most miraculous of all miracles. Being inspired by the light of Islam, the medieval Arabs conquered most of the then civilized world in less than a century, whereas the Roman Empire of Augustus was won over a period of 700 years. “Within a century after their rise these people became the masters of an empire extending from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the confines of China, an empire greater than that of Rome at its Zenith,” wrote Philip K. Hitti in his well-known book History of the Arabs. Islam has been and still is a living force from Morocco to Indonesia and a way of life to more than a billion of the human race.

Prophet Muhammad established a civilization wherein there was peace, harmony and cooperation. Arrogance, haughtiness and conceit were hated. Modesty, humbleness and simplicity were praised and appreciated. All forms of extremism, violence and aggression were prohibited. Islam is a message of peace and stands for freedom and equality which, as a matter of fact, had long been forgotten in all the lands of the degenerated ancient civilizations. The people throughout the world welcomed this religion because of its message of peace. Mr. Finday in his book History of the Roman Empire, writes, “The inhabitants of Syria welcomed the followers of Muhammad; the Copts of Egypt contributed the place their country under the domination of the Arabs.”

Islam establishes a brotherhood among all Muslims. It is a religion of peace and toleration. The dominant feature of Islam, as its very name implies, is the making of peace. A Muslim is one who has made peace with God and man; peace with God implies complete submission to His Will and obedience to the laws of creation. Peace with mankind implies the doing of good to one’s fellow creatures.

The Prophet of Islam was a very great man. His honesty and probity as a poor young man earned him the social title of Al-Amin: the Just. His immense contribution to civilization remains an outstanding and astounding fact of history. Howsoever we may judge, the character of this man is a precious heritage for Humanism. He was always very abstemious in his habits and contented himself with simple food, clothes and lodging. He was entirely free from avarice. The Prophet was an exemplar of patience and forebearance to the proud hot tempered Arab. His sweet patience was indeed his great virtue. His boundless charity and generosity to all flowed from his unworldly heart like a fountain in the Arabian desert.

Bernard Shaw wrote in his book the Genius of Islam, “He (Muhammad) is a Saviour of Humanity.” Mr. Shaw asserts in the same book and says, “I believe that if a man like him to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.” Bernard Shaw has truly acknowledged, “Muhammad was a saviour of Humanity, the Mercy for all men, a blessing for men and an exemplar in every age.”

We must send blessings to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the Qurán says, “Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe! Send your blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.” (33:56)