More than 1400 years ago, a person paced the streets of Makkah full of mercy. His name was Muhammad (pbuh) - a name that continues to shine so bright. He was born in Arabia, but his message traversed deserts, mountains, and seas. Millions of lives he touched in life back than — and continues after death!!
This article is the answer to why Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) still matters today: not only for Muslims, but for anyone who cares about truth, charity, and justice.
The Message of Mercy
The Quran speaks of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in a single verse which is both brief, yet full of meaning:
“We have not sent you, O Muhammad, except as a mercy to all the worlds.”
(Qur’an 21:107)
He was not sent to just any one nation, tribe, or religion. He came for all people. His compassion touched the poor, wealthy, believer, and those who oppose him.
When the residents of Taif pelted him with stones until he bled, he did not curse them. He stretched out his hands and prayed:
“O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3477)
His heart is also made sublime in that prayer. He replied to harm with love.
Equality for All
Before Islam, society was divided. Rich men ruled. Slaves had no rights. Women were frequently considered property. And then came Muhammad (pbuh) — a man who stood for justice and equality.
He said in his last sermon:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab. The white has no superiority over the black, nor does the black have superiority over the white — except by piety and good action.”
(Sermon at Arafat, reported in Musnad Ahmad, 23489)
That was revolutionary. In a world in which people separated themselves by color, tribe, or status, he said everyone was equal before God.
Messages like this attracted people such as Bilal ibn Rabah, an African slave who’d later be considered one of the greatest early Muslims. Bilal was selected the first caller to prayer (Mu’azzin) — an emblem of honor and equality.
Kindness in Everyday Life
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) wasn’t just about talk of kindness. He lived it.
He mended his own clothes, milked his own goat, and pitched in with the household chores. He’d greet street childrens, and toe in with the poor, the weak.
He said:
“The best among you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best to my family.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3895)
He was also kind to the animals. Once he relayed the tale of a woman who, because she had given water to a thirsty dog, was absolved by God. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3321)
And for him, mercy wasn’t just reserved for people — it applied to all living things.
Justice That Knew No Fear
“Even if it is against your people, even in favour of other than them, be it ever so powerful, never forego justice!” Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He said:
“By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3475)
He was sending a message — that not even his family would be above the law.
He said:
“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.”
When people asked how to help an oppressor, he said:
“By stopping him from oppressing.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2444)
And that’s justice — protecting a victim from harm while also protecting a wrongdoer (and society) by interrupting the cycle of violence.
Simplicity and Humility
He led a life of simplicity though he was the leader, peace and blessings be upon him. He lay down on a bed of palm leaves. When Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.a.) took a glimpse of his side on the mat and saw marks seen there he wept.
The Prophet (pbuh) smiled and commented:
“What have I to do with this world? I am like a traveler who rests under a tree, then moves on.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2377)
He never built a palace. He didn’t amass gold or jewels. He had stored up riches in love, faith, and good works.
Forgiveness and Patience
Forgiveness is not easy one thing; but I think he just took it on.”
And now when he himself returned to Makkah as a victor, here they were - the very enemies who had waged a crusade against him. He could have taken revenge. Instead, he said:
“Go, for you are free.”
(Ibn Hisham, Seerah, Vol. 2, p. 412)
Forgiveness of this sort had been turning enemies into friends. Abu Sufyan, his most bitter enemy also became a Muslim.
He changed hearts with patience — not force, but empathy.
Caring for the Poor and Needy
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the importance for society to take care of the most vulnerable members of it. He said,
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.”
(Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi, 19049)
He was often giving away whatever he owned, sometimes leaving himself with nothing, and reminded people, that wealth is not the amount of stuff you own, but rather what is in your heart.
“Richness does not mean having many possessions, but richness is being content.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6446)
Honesty and Trust
Before he became a prophet, he was called Al-Amin, or "the trustworthy one".
One time unbelievers of Quraysh disagreed about who should put the Black Stone when rebuilding the Ka‘bah, and they asked Muhammad ﷺ to decide. He found a fair way to resolve the issue. He put the stone on cloth, and asked the leader of each tribe to pick it up and lift it together. Once they lifted it, he set it back in place himself.
There were no angry people, he resolved a dispute dealing with lots of tension and unruliness, a long time before he was even a prophet.
Respect for Women
In a patriarchal society that often dishonored women, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) raised their social standing.
He said:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3895)
He also said:
“Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 3104)
He granted women the right to inherit and own property, the right to pursue knowledge, and most importantly, the right to be treated with dignity. His example served as an inspiration for generations of Muslim women who became scholars, merchants, and leaders.
A Global Example of Peace
Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) teachings extend beyond the realm of religion. They establish peace between hearts. He taught:
“The believer is the one from whose tongue and hands people are safe.”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i, 4998)
He taught people to abstain from anger, slander, and hatred. His way of peace started from the heart and spread to the community. Even great minds outside of Islam recognized this.
George Bernard Shaw, the British playwright, said:
“He must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much-needed peace and happiness.”
(‘The Genuine Islam’, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936)
Message for Today’s World
What is the significance of Muhammad (pbuh) today? His world was not so different from our present world, for as you already know, people fought over power, race, and wealth at that time, just as people do today. He came to remind humanity of what truly matters: kindness, honesty, and justice.
In a time of division, his message gives rise to unity. In a time of greed, he embodied the principle of simplicity for his life. In a time of hate, he exemplified a loving detachment of mercy.
He said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 13)
This is the rule that might restore our world if we only lived by it.
The Light That Never Fades
Whenever Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left the world, his friends were devastated. Abu Bakr, who was his closest friend, stood and said:
“Whoever worshipped Muhammad, know that Muhammad is dead. But whoever worships Allah — Allah is Alive and never dies.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1241)
The man was gone but his light remained. That light guides millions to this day, not only Muslims but anyone who seeks the truth and compassion in the world.
His message is simple and profound.
Be kind.
Be honest.
Stand for justice.
Forgive others.
Love for all, hate for none.
From Arabia to the World
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) began in a little desert town with no wealth, no army, and no status. And even now, it is estimated that over a billion people use his name.
His message was not confined to a time and place. His message was universal: about the condition of the human heart and how that heart relates to the Creator.
He changed the world, not with weapons, but with faith and character.
“I was only sent to perfect good character.”
(Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 21301)
This is why it matters. The world still needs character.
Conclusion
The story of Muhammad's (pbuh) life began in Arabia, but it belongs to all of Humanity. He taught all Humanity how to live with intention, compassion, and peace.
His message transcended every border; time, language, race, and culture.
Whether you are a Muslim or not, his life has lessons for you:
Forgive even when it's difficult.
Respect everyone.
Speak the truth even when it is tough to say.
Love people for who they are, not where they are from.
So while the world continues to be noisy with anger and greed, I'm still listening to the calming voice of Muhammad (pbuh) whispering the same words that shaped history.
“Spread peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night while others sleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3251)
In short:
He was from the Arabian Peninsula.
He spoke to the hearts of people.
And his message of mercy, justice, and love is still relevant today.
Recommended Books to Deepen Your Understanding
Here are a few authentic and inspiring books you can read for free (PDF format):
The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq AI-Makhturn) Download pdf
Concept of Prophethood in Different Religions Download pdf
Muhammad The Prophet of Islam Download pdf
Towards Understanding Islam Download pdf
The Scientific Truths of The Quran Download pdf
Each book offers a new window into the compassion, justice, and humanity of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
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