Summary of the article by Prof. Naẓīr ˁAyyād, AIRA Secretary General, entitled: “Results of the Prophet’s Noble Birth”
(Al-Azhar Magazine, Rabiʽ Al-Awwal, 1443, AH/ October, November, 2021, AD, Part 3, Volume 95)
Prof. Naẓīr Muḥammad ˁAyyād, the Secretary General of Al-Azhar Islamic Research Academy (AIRA), opened his article by referring to the status of the Prophet (PBUH) in the world, past and present, showing that the world before the Prophet’s birth was like a jungle, where the strong assaulted the weak, injustice and vice spread, and ethics and values disappeared.
Dr. ˁAyyād added that before the birth of the Prophet (PBUH), the world was not in the order that Allah Almighty wanted it to be; man worshipped trees, stones and plants, and he did not only corrupt his relation with his Lord and with himself, but also with the whole society.
In this context, he referred to the big change that the Prophet’s birth brought about in the order and conditions of this world , showing that his message changed the world from a place that was incompatible with man’s nature to one that enabled man to achieve the purpose of his creation. He added that the message of the Prophet (PBUH) invites man to all that is good and helps him realize his relation to his Lord and his duty in life.
Dr. ˁAyyād then explained that the birth and the mission of the Prophet (PBUH) restored the world to guidance and brought humanity back to its true nature. In addition, they were a guide for man in his relation with his Creator, his fellow people, and his own self.
Regarding man’s relation to his Creator, Dr. ˁAyyād explained that the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) called upon man to have a direct relation with Allah Almighty, without any need for intermediaries, men or otherwise; for man should not be subservient to a fellow person nor resort to him for fulfilling his needs.
As for man’s relation with other people, Dr. ˁAyyād showed that the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) called for an objective approach that denounced racism, put an end to social discrimination, gave women their rights, and acknowledged their merits. Such an approach affirmed man’s responsibility towards the universe, showing that being a human is a burden not just an honor. Therefore, Allah has ordered man to preserve the universe and ensure its survival in order to avoid ill consequential outcomes.
Dr. ˁAyyād concluded his article by clarifying man’s relation with his own self, showing that the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) helped achieve a balance between religion and worldly life, as he called for fulfilling the demands of both the soul and body. In this respect, Dr. ˁAyyād confirmed that Islam rejects abandoning either faith or worldly needs.