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Document Details : Title: The Prophet as Example Author(s): OKUMUŞ, Fatih Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Date: 2008 Pages: 82-95 DOI: 10.2143/SID.18.1.2031612 Abstract : As the Messenger-Apostle of God (rasul Allah), the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, is the example par excellence for Muslims. His lifestyle is a pattern of conduct because he is seen as «the walking Qur’an.» Muslims read the Qur’an in the light of the sunna, i.e. the words, acts and silence of the Prophet. If a prophet is mistaken or makes an error, this is clearly revealed; he is corrected immediately by a revelation. The Prophet can be followed as a model and this role can be translated into the here and now in line with his companions (sahaba) because they were the first generation of Muslims and the immediate students of the revelation in both forms, i.e. that of the Qur’an and the sunna. The contemporary Islamic community still has the Qur’an and hadith texts but is far from the living example. This can be dangerous because reading the sources in the absence of a guide and example can lead to extreme interpretations. |
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