Muhammad (pbuh) in the Eyes of the Non-Muslim Beholder

Opponents of Islam and its Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) are fondly leveraging current events around terrorism to hastily slander and defile the Holy Prophet. Their arguments, and several Hubs can be found with such, level the charge that the so-called Muslims who follow an ideology of violence and hate would have adopted it from the holy founder himself. They have a problem. God Almighty has a way of protecting the true legacy of his prophets, no matter how much people attempt to compromise it.

The right-minded student would take value from these respected non-Muslim personalities who greatly admired the Holy prophet of Islam. Read for yourself what they said . . .

It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty prophet, one of the great messengers of the supreme - Annie Besant

I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him--the wonderful man--and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity - Sir George Bernard Shaw

The more one reflects on the history of Muhammad and of early Islam, the more one is amazed at the vastness of his achievement. Circumstances presented him with an opportunity such as few men have had, but the man was fully matched with the hour. Had it not been for his gifts as a seer, statesman, and administrator and, behind these, his trust in God and firm belief that God had sent him, a notable chapter in the history of mankind would have remained unwritten. It is my hope that this study of his life may contribute to a fresh appraisal and appreciation of one of the greatest of the sons of Adam - William Montgomery in his book, Muhammad at Medina

I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won for Islam . . . It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges . . .his absolute trust in God and in his own mission - Mahatma Gandhi

Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of the rational dogmas, the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may ask, is there any man greater than he? - Alphonso De Lamartine

Michael Hart picked prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) to lead the list in his book "The 100: A Ranking Of The Most Influential Persons in History". Mr Hart writes . . .

"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world's great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive."

"The legislation of the Quran will spread all over the world, because it agrees with the mind, logic and wisdom"

Leo Tolstoy (from the treatise of the famous Russian writer on the holy prophet Muhammad)

Serious students of religion, history and even current affairs would take note of these sayings. It is not possible that someone who is being hastily and ignorantly painted in such negative light as regards to his nature and attributes holds such inestimable esteem in history.

Detractors of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will never offer you a window to history where the great contributions to humanity in astronomy, mathematics, architecture, chemistry, medicine, economics and other domains were conducted by Muslims. These Muslims were following the prophet Muhammad's great emphasis on education and learning. Muhammad (pbuh) is also credited with reportedly drafting the first formal constitution guaranteeing freedom of conscience and rights of minorities when he became the governor of Medina. The United States Supreme Court honors the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as one of the greatest law-givers and administrators of justice in history.

How can someone with such a great legend be given to any ideology of violence and hatred? Regrettably, opponents of Islam as well as some Muslims ignorant of the circumstances where wars were fought and punishment for treason was dealt, attribute certain ideologies and philosophies to him. Muhammad (pbuh) holds a great legend of forgiveness and reconciliation. When he finally made his bloodless conquest of Mecca (who gave up against an army much greater than they could hope to defend against) he never took revenge against those who slandered him, called him an impostor, and cruelly persecuted him for 13 years. He also never took revenge against the town of Taif who had stoned him out when he had gone there requesting to preach many years earlier.

That is the true legend. And the only true way is to read and study for yourself.