In the wake of the Charlie killings, one question kept whirling
in my mind. How prophet Mohammed (SAW) would have reacted to the Charlie
caricatures and the many insults thrown at him by people with no idea of who he
was? I know him and I can tell you for sure that every aggression would have
been repaid in kindness and compassion. He was patient and tolerant. He has
been insulted, hated, ostracized and caused bodily harm. He was called a mad
man, a witch and a camel’s placenta placed on his head while he prostrated in prayer.
He was called saadiq and amen (Truthful and trustworthy) before his prophet
hood but was later called a liar by those who did not believe in him. Some
people made it their business to irritate and harm him on a daily basis.
How would he have responded to the current hate and
ridicule? Let us explore a few examples from his life.
A neighbor of the Prophet tried her best to irritate him by
throwing garbage in his way every day. One day, when he walked out of his home
there was no garbage. This made the Prophet inquire about the old woman. He
came to know that she was sick. The Prophet went to visit her and offer any
assistance she might need. The old woman was extremely touched and humbled and
at the same time ashamed of her actions. She planned to harm him but he showed
concern and love for her.
