There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah-for the one who has hope in Allah and the last Day, and (who) remembers Allah profusely". (Al-Ahzab,verse21)
In this Quranic verse, Allah Almighty has declared Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ to be the loftiest example to follow.
Since he was, as per a Hadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari, (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Manaqib, Chapter, Khatimun Nabieen, Hadith no.3342)۔ The last brick fitted to complete the otherwise nicely built house of Prophethood, he came with a message that was universal and perfect, covering all possible aspects of human life. The life and teachings of the Rasool ﷺ, therefore, can serve as a beacon for those who seek success and perfection in this life and hereafter.
Islam has attached extraordinary value and importance to youth and the young age. The Rasool (PBUH) had a high esteem for youth. He valued them and reposed a strong confidence in them. In preparation for the battle of Uhud, for instance, the Rasool , in reverence to the passions and emotions of the youth, went even against his own opinion and decided to face the enemy outside the city in an open field. Similarly, he preferred a teenager Osama bin Zaid even over the most respected elders like Abu Baker and Umar ibn Al-khattab to lead the military expedition to avenge upon the losses of the Muslim army in the battle of Mu'tah in Syria. This much love and confidence shown towards the youth necessitates that they must take the Rasool as their role model and mould their lives in accordance with his teachings and practices.
Rasool spent his youth in a dignified and sublime way. Even before his accession to the position of prophethood, he never indulged himself in vices that were prevalent in those days. During his youth, his nobility of soul, purity of heart, his strict adherence to truth and honesty and his stern sense of duty earned him the titles of "Al-Amin"-the trustworthy-and, Al-Sadiq-the true. Thus, he set an example for the youth of the coming generations to follow the path of rectitude in all circumstances and always to lead a pious and pure life.
Question 1: Who is described as the loftiest example to follow in the Quranic verse mentioned?
Answer: Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
Question 2: According to the passage, what message did Hazrat Muhammad bring?
Answer: A universal and perfect message covering all aspects of human life.
Question 3: How did the Rasool (PBUH) demonstrate his esteem for youth, as mentioned in the passage?
Answer: He valued them, reposed strong confidence in them, and considered their passions and emotions in decision-making.
Question 4: What title was given to Hazrat Muhammad before his accession to the position of prophethood?
Answer: "Al-Amin" - the trustworthy, and "Al-Sadiq" - the truth.
Question 5: In what way did Hazrat Muhammad spend his youth, according to the passage?
Answer: He lived a dignified and sublime life, avoiding prevalent vices, adhering strictly to truth and honesty, and maintaining a stern sense of duty.
Question 6: Why is it emphasized that youth should take Hazrat Muhammad as their role model?
Answer: Youth should take Hazrat Muhammad as their role model because of the love, confidence, and preference shown towards youth by Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ, encouraging them to mould their lives according to his teachings and practices.
