Leadership of a Prophet Muhammad - Essay Example

Fourteen hundred years ago, a humble, illiterate orphan named Muhammad, went on to become a rich merchant and changed the face of Arabia. This young man lived at a time when violence was the norm and through his work became a beacon of peace in the region. He traveled extensively for work, listening and learning on his travels about the customs, faiths, and problems of people. He realized that the people needed to bond to be able to live peacefully. His reliance on observation and contemplation was his greatest strength. His open-minded approach to problems, his humility, compassion, and humaneness that taught people to return to old tribal values of helping the poor and downtrodden; endeared him to his people then, as they do today so many centuries later. His life is a shining example of a wise leader.

His policy of bringing the community of Medina together regardless of faith or tribe shows a remarkable understanding of the power of unity in the face of external threats. His statesmanship is revealed in his exhortation to the people to create a just and decent society whereby by each member of the community took up the responsibility of maintaining peace and harmony. His emphasis on equality for all is enshrined in his farewell sermon as he reminds his people that “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action” (Prophet Muhammad, “Farewell Sermon”) The qualities of justice, compassion a willingness to learn and treat people of all denominations as equals are the hallmarks of a great leader. Prophet Muhammad displayed these abundantly. In a world riven by strife and violence, Prophet Muhammad’s guidance is sorely needed to heal the divisions between man and man, and hence he is indispensable as a role model for today’s youth.