Muhammad’s speech in the Quran. Part 7
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful
Exhortation
Muhammad
The history of pantheism is based on the empowering of the “created” objects with certain supernatural powers and abilities. The former precedents of the “deification” of people predetermined the accentuated positioning of Muhammad as a simple man, with ordinary human capabilities.
Say, “I possess not for myself any harm or benefit except what God should will. For every headship is a term. When their time has come, then they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede!” (10:49)
Say, “I am only a man like you to whom it has been suggested that your god is but one God! So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness!” (41:6)
Human nature of Muhammad was strengthened by his marital status. The messenger had a family and children, which once again emphasized his “similarity” with his fellow tribesmen. The only difference from all was his status – a prophet. Accordingly, because of this fact, the behaviour of his wives imposed additional responsibility and predetermined the appeal to them.
O prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire God and His messenger and the home of the hereafter – then indeed, God has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward!” (33:28-29)
Muhammad’s main task was to deliver the divine information, both to fellow tribesmen and to other nations.
Say, “I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except God, the One, the Prevailing. Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver.”
Say, “It is great message from which you turn away. I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly when they were disputing! It has not been suggested to me except that I am a clear warner!” (38:65-70)
The arguments were simple and logical, addressed to the mind.
Say, “I only exhort you of one – that you stand for God, in pairs and individually, and then give thought!” (34:46)
This was justified not by the messenger’s whim, but by the mission entrusted to him.
Say, “If God had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it. Then will you not reason?”
(10:16)
The preaching of the proper way of life was accompanied by Muhammad’s examples from his own life.
Say, “If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord suggests to me. Indeed, He is Hearing, Intimate!” (34:50)
Say, “I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone!”
Say, “Indeed, I do not possess for you harm or right direction!”
Say, “Indeed, there will never protect me from God anyone! (72:20-22)
As in our time, the prophet’s opponents suspected him of the desire for material profit from the system he propagated. But his real behaviour and the declaration denied all the accusations.
Say, “I do not ask of you for it any payment – only that whoever wills might take to his Lord a way.” (25:57)
Say, “I do not ask you any payment, and I am not of the pretentious. It is but a reminder to the worlds. And you will surely know message about it after a time!” (38:86-88)
The obedience was required only for the benefit of the people themselves. After all, following certain rules and norms presupposes order and discipline.
Say, “If you should love God, then follow me, [so] God will love you and forgive you your trespasses. And God is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Say, “Obey God and the messenger.” But if they turn away – then indeed, God does not like the closed ones! (3:31-32)
Say, “O mankind! Indeed I am the messenger of God to you all, to whom belongs the kingship of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him! He gives life and causes death!”
So believe God and His messenger, the unsophisticated prophet, who believes God and His words. Follow him that you may be guided! (7:158)
On the contrary, people who seek benefit from any situation are plenty in number at all times. Hypocrisy required populism in statements, but the messenger required practice.
They swore by God with strongest of the oaths that if you ordered them, they would go forth.
Say, “Do not swear! Obedience is approved. Indeed, God is acquainted with that which you do.”
Say, “Obey God and obey the messenger; but if you turn away – then upon him is only that with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged! And if you obey him, you will be guided! And there is not upon the messenger except the clear notification!” (24:53-54)
Practice should be expressed in the real service to God, about which the prophet was notified.
Say, “Indeed, I have been commanded to serve God, being sincere to Him in duty!” (39:11)
This order was immediately executed by Muhammad.
Say, “Indeed, I serve God, being sincere to Him in duty! So serve what you will besides Him!” (39:14)
The messenger’s fear of the Lord facilitated successful implementation of the prescriptions of the Creator
Say, “Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.” He from whom it is averted that Day – God has granted him mercy. And that is the clear attainment!” (6:15-16)