Muhammad Ibn Abdullah: Good or Bad? You Decide

Many centuries ago, a very significant event in the Muslim tradition occurred.   More specifically, this occasion occurred in the later part of the mid sixth century.   In about the year 570 AD, Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in Mecca.   Just six weeks before his birth, his father had passed away.   He continued to live in Mecca where he was cared for by his foster mother; a Bedouin woman named Halimah.   Unfortunately, she died when Muhammad was only six years old.   He then went to live with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, whom also died just two years later.   Finally, he went to live with his uncle Abu Talib, a merchant.   These tragic losses made him a very sensitive person who would always emphasize the need to be especially kind to orphans, women, and the weak in society.   These are also a few of the basic building blocks of the Islamic faith, which would eventually become the second largest religion (in numbers of followers) due to its beliefs and its founder, Muhammad ibn Abdullah.   This religion, although very popular and rapidly growing in size, would turn out to be forced on people more so than allowing them to adopt the beliefs for themselves.

When Muhammad was in his youth, religion meant numerous gods and goddesses that were often worshipped through trees and stones.   Also, the tribal code encouraged the notion of muruwwa, manhood, which was the glorification of tribal chivalry.   Female infanticide was also very common among these times.   The society in which Muhammad lived in was very unstable and on the verge of anarchy and disorder.   This rough period for him and many others was known as Jahiliyya, or, the age of ignorance.

Muhammad ibn Abdullah was a very unique and incredible man.   He was not a mythological or semi-divine figure, but instead, lived just like other people.   He had such gentleness, compassion, and piety which would help explain why for Muslims, that he is simply called insan-i-kamil; the perfect person.   This is most...