The Last Prophet - Muhammad: Life and Legacy

By Larz Trent

This book narrates in detail the trajectory of the prophet Muhammad and the extraordinary events that led to the emergence of Islam in 7th-century Arabia. Exploring historical sources, the author reconstructs the childhood and youth of Muhammad, his marriage to the wealthy merchant Khadija, his spiritual quest, and the transcendent revelations he received, giving birth to the Quran. The book recounts the immense challenges faced by Muhammad in spreading the new faith amid the resistance of the leaders of Mecca, the migrations to Abyssinia and Medina, the first battles fought by the early Muslims, and the diplomatic and military conquests of the prophet who, with remarkable political skill, unified and consolidated Islam in Arabia. The work also delves into the early compilation of the Quran, the dilemmas of the early caliphs after Muhammad's death, and the gradual acceptance of Islam among the Bedouin tribes. A meticulous and eloquent account of the extraordinary events and influential figures that shaped the birth of Islam and its historical course.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AHZURIA PUBLISHING
• Release date: Oct 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223266068

Book preview

Prologue

Allah's sending of Muhammad as the last prophet is intrinsically linked to the revelation of concepts such as Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam), which were not widely established in the pre-Islamic Arabian peninsula. The Prophet Muhammad played a crucial role in transmitting these beliefs and consolidating a unified Islamic worldview.

The concept of Allah, or God, already existed in the pre-Islamic Arabian peninsula, but the understanding of the fate of the soul after death was varied and often fragmented. The Arab tribes had diverse beliefs about life after death, with some of them adhering to the idea of resurrection and others not. However, there was no unified and clearly defined theological system regarding Paradise, Hell, the purpose of human life and divine accountability.

Muhammad's role as the last prophet was to consolidate and unify these beliefs and teachings. He brought the divine message, recorded in the Qur'an, which provided clear guidelines on the afterlife, divine justice, Paradise and Hell. The Qur'an is considered the literal word of Allah and contains detailed guidance on how to live life according to Islamic principles and how to prepare the fate of the soul after death.

Muhammad also played an important role in promoting personal responsibility and emphasizing the importance of repentance and Allah's mercy. He unified the belief in one God, in an afterlife, and in accountability on the Day of Judgment, providing a clear and coherent framework for the Islamic faith.

In Islam, the belief in the fate of the soul after death plays a fundamental role in the faith of Muslims. This belief is central to understanding the purpose of life according to this faith. Muslims believe that life on earth is a test of faith and action, preparing them for what will come after death.

This belief in the afterlife is intrinsically linked to Islam's understanding of Paradise and Hell. It is through understanding these concepts that Muslims find motivation to live according to Islamic principles, seeking rewards in the afterlife and avoiding punishment.

To understand these concepts, we first need to understand what Islam is. Islam is a global monotheistic religion based on the belief in one God, Allah, and follows the teachings revealed in the Koran, the holy book. Allah is the Arabic term for God, the followers of Islam, known as Muslims, adhere to a series of moral and ethical principles that include the worship of Allah, the practice of charity, the pursuit of justice and obedience to the divine commandments contained in the Holy Book. Islam is a faith that covers all areas of life, from spiritual matters to social and political aspects, with a central focus on submission to Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

Life on earth, according to the Islamic faith, is seen as a period of trial. Muslims believe that each individual is placed in this world for a definite purpose: to serve Allah, the One God. The purpose of life on earth is therefore a fundamental element in understanding the fate of the soul after death. During this life, human beings have free will to make moral choices, these choices define who they are and their actions and intentions are evaluated to establish the fate of their souls.

Islam teaches that human beings have a responsibility to live according to the commandments of Allah and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Mohammed). This responsibility includes ethical conduct, the practice of justice, the pursuit of righteousness and obedience. Every action, choice and intention in daily life is considered part of this test, and individuals are encouraged to act in a just, compassionate and moral manner.

This emphasis on human responsibility reflects the belief that human beings have free will to make correct choices or not. Life on earth is therefore seen as an opportunity to demonstrate devotion to Allah and fulfill divine purposes by acting in accordance with Islamic principles.

In this context, life on earth is not just a transitory stage, but a test that determines the fate of the soul after death. Human responsibility to live according to Allah's will is the basis on which the Islamic faith builds its understanding of judgment on the Day of Judgment. This belief in personal responsibility directly influences the way Muslims perceive their lives and the importance of their actions.

Islam (submission or surrender in Arabic) teaches that life on earth is a temporary journey, and the final fate of the human soul is determined on the Day of Judgment, known as Yawm al-Qiyamah. This is an extremely important event in the Islamic faith, in which all souls will be resurrected and appear before Allah to account for their deeds.

The Day of Judgment is a fundamental belief that serves as a constant reminder to Muslims that all actions and intentions are observed by Allah. It is on this day that actions and decisions made during life on earth will be revealed and scrutinized. There will be no secrets and no escape from the consequences of one's actions. On this day, Allah's divine justice will be applied impartially. Each soul will be rewarded or punished according to their actions. Those who lived according to Islamic principles and practiced justice, compassion and obedience to Allah will be rewarded with entry into Paradise (Jannah (جنة), while those who transgressed divine commandments will face the possibility of punishment in Hell (Jahannam (جهنم).

The Day of Judgement is a time of accountability and divine justice, it is a constant reminder of individual responsibility and the importance of actions in earthly life. Muslims see this day as the culmination of the test that is life on earth and as the reward or punishment for the way they have chosen to live their lives.

Belief in the Day of Judgement motivates Muslims to live according to Islamic principles, seeking eternal reward in Paradise and avoiding eternal punishment in Hell. It is a constant reminder that the fate of the soul after death is intrinsically linked to the choices made during life.

In Islam, Paradise, known as Jannah, is one of the most significant concepts regarding the fate of the soul after death. Jannah is the place of eternal reward and happiness for the virtuous who have lived according to Islamic principles and passed the test of life on earth. The description of Jannah in Islamic scripture is full of lush imagery and promises of supreme pleasures. This is the place where Muslims will find rewards that far surpass earthly joys.

The gardens of Jannah are described as places of incomparable beauty, full of fruit trees and lush vegetation. Muslims will be able to enjoy the shade of its trees and the delicious fruit they produce, it is also a place of abundance, where they will have access to rivers of milk, honey and even wine similar to sagra (سَقْرًا). These symbolic descriptions represent Allah's generosity.

One of the most significant characteristics of Jannah is the complete absence of suffering, pain and sorrow; Muslims will live in a state of eternal bliss, where there will be no worries or afflictions. The virtuous will be granted luxurious dwellings in Jannah, where they can live in comfort and luxury.

Those who enter Jannah can be reunited with their loved ones and enjoy each other's company. In addition to physical pleasures, Jannah is also a place of spiritual peace and closeness to Allah, where Muslims enjoy the divine presence and spiritual joy.

Jannah is seen as the final reward for those who have lived in righteousness and obedience to Allah. It serves as an incentive for Muslims to follow Islamic principles, seek justice and compassion and fulfill their responsibility to serve Allah. The promise of Jannah is a constant reminder of Allah's generosity and mercy in rewarding those who serve Him sincerely and virtuously, it is the destination of the soul after death that all Muslims long to reach.

Just as Paradise (Jannah) is a significant part of the Islamic belief about the fate of the soul after death, Hell, called Jahannam, plays an equally important role. Jahannam is the place of eternal punishment for those who have disobeyed Allah and do not pass the test of life on earth.

The concept of Jahannam is described in an intense and terrifying way in Islamic scripture. It is a place of intense suffering and torment, designed to serve as a warning of the consequences of disobeying divine commandments.

Jahannam is often described as a place of intense flames and devouring fire. Those who are condemned to this place experience a searing heat that causes indescribable pain and suffering.

Islamic scriptures mention a variety of punishments in Jahannam (Hell), including the consumption of scalding water and bitter foods that cause terrible pain. The damned suffer endless physical and mental punishments.

In Jahannam, darkness and shadows prevail, adding an additional element of despair and fear to the suffering, it is the fate of those who have disobeyed Allah and committed grave sins without repentance. Acts that lead to condemnation to Jahannam include disbelief, injustice, tyranny and disobedience to divine commands.

Jahannam serves as a constant warning to Muslims about the grave consequences of disobedience to Allah and the importance of living in accordance with Islamic principles. Belief in Jahannam is a reminder that Allah's divine justice is relentless and that all actions have significant consequences.

Belief in divine justice is a central pillar