| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Medieval Islamic Civilization |
| Subtitle of host publication | An Encyclopdia |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
The last in the line of Abrahamic prophets- or the Seal of Prophets, as the Qur'an calls him Muhammad was a descendant of Ishmael, son of Abraham. He fought against polytheism and revived monotheism, a legacy that quickly spread around the world after his demise. In the Qur'an, he is named a mercy to the worlds, a bringer of glad tidings, a warner, a lamp spreading light, a universal messenger, and a witness.
He is described as compassionate, having a tender heart, and embodying an exalted standard of charac-ter, neither seeking reward from the people nor speaking according to his own desires.
The Qur'an explains that Muhammad's mission is not to bring a doctrine that is new among the Messengers of God but whose sole duty instead is to proclaim the divine message, to confirm that which was brought by the Messengers before him, and, through this, to confront religious hypocrisy. The Qur'an stresses that Muslims must obey him as the Messenger of God and greet him each time bis name is mentioned by saying, "God's blessings and peace be
upon him." Bearing witness that Muhammad is a servant and Messenger of God is a major pillar of faith in Islam, second only to faith in the oneness of God.
He is described as compassionate, having a tender heart, and embodying an exalted standard of charac-ter, neither seeking reward from the people nor speaking according to his own desires.
The Qur'an explains that Muhammad's mission is not to bring a doctrine that is new among the Messengers of God but whose sole duty instead is to proclaim the divine message, to confirm that which was brought by the Messengers before him, and, through this, to confront religious hypocrisy. The Qur'an stresses that Muslims must obey him as the Messenger of God and greet him each time bis name is mentioned by saying, "God's blessings and peace be
upon him." Bearing witness that Muhammad is a servant and Messenger of God is a major pillar of faith in Islam, second only to faith in the oneness of God.