Diwan Chand Sharma (born 1896) was member of 1st Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur (Lok Sabha constituency) in Punjab State, India. Though a Hindu himself, Diwan Chand Sharma derived valuable inspiration from the shining record of the noble life of Prophet Muhammad and wanted the Indian people to experience the same influence for a better understanding between the different communities that inhabit India.
He was of the opinion that by enabling the people to understand the great personality of Prophet Muhammad, it will enable them to understand the Muslims better.
Such an understanding is bound to dispel those prejudices which are born of ignorance. The result will be sympathy and tolerance and a deeper comprehension of the essentials and unity of life.
Diwan Chand Shrama has immensely praised Prophet Muhammad in his book, ‘The Prophets of the East’. Lets see what he has to say on this matter.
Simplicity of Prophet Muhammad
Diwan Chand Sharma writes:
“Muhammad was the soul of simplicity and sincerity. He was respected by everyone. He was not ashamed to do the humblest kind of work.
He milked his goats, patched his clothes and mended his own shoes. He loved his camel and tended it very carefully.
He was good to the poor, and no one ever appealed to him for help in vain. ”
Humbleness of Prophet Muhammad
Diwan Chand Sharma says:
“He was the Emperor of all Arabia, but greatness did not turn his head, and when he went out in the company of other people, he would not have them follow him at a respectful distance, as servants do with their masters.
He would always mix freely with them, as if he were one of them, and avoided everything which might draw attention to himself. He said that he was a humble creature of God, in no way different from his fellow-men.
Wealth and fame and other worldly things held no attractions for him in a world which was, for him, only a temporary resting place. “I am as a mounted wayfarer who rests at noon under the shade of a tree”, he once said, “and then proceeds on his way”.
Muhammad was frugal in his habits, and preferred simple food such as dates, barley, wheat, meat and milk. If his host served him with an elaborate meal, he partook of it gladly, but never forgot to remind him politely that he preferred a meal with only one course.
His dress was always simple. He did not like to put on silken clothes because he thought they were a sign of effeminacy, and never minded if his garments were patched, so long as they were clean. ”
Friendships of Prophet Muhammad
The author further says:
“The Prophet’s relations with his friends are well-known. Amongst his friends he behaved as if he were one of them, and did not allow them to think that he was their superior.
Above all he was sincere and kindly in his treatment of others. When he shook hands with any one, there was friendship in the clasp of his hand.
He had a smile for everyone and received people in a gracious manner. In the company of his friends he unbent himself, and indulged in innocent jokes.
He would never allow an ill word to be spoken of an absent friend, and wished everybody to think well of other. Such conduct on his part ensured for him the friendship and confidence of many people.
Abu Bakr would have given up everything that he possessed rather than lose his friendship, so greatly was he attached to him.
Zaid, the slave whom he had freed, was so devoted to him that he preferred to stay with him rather than go away with his father. With many other people, too, he formed the closest and most abiding friendships. ”
Generosity of Prophet Muhammad
Diwan Chand Sharma writes further:
“Generosity was the keynote of all his dealings. He was generous in small things as well as great.
He never rebuked his servants, even when they had committed an offence.
He forgave his enemies readily, for he believed that it was only by forgiveness that a man could win them ever.
It is said of Muhammad that at his death he prayed to God to forgive one of his enemies, who had spent his whole life plotting to destroy Islam and inciting others to do the same thing.
It has been told how the inhabitants of Mecca who had been so bitter towards him, received the most generous treatment at his hands when he finally conquered the city. ”
Mercy and Compassion of Prophet Muhammad
The author writes:
“He was never known to send away a beggar empty handed from his door. When he had no money to give, he gave something else, and he often sacrificed his own comfort to provide for others.
He regarded it as his duty to feed the hungry and to help the poor, and his sympathy was not for men only but extended also to animals.
Once he was told about a man who had drawn water from a well for a thirsty dog at great personal discomfort, and he said that the man would go to heaven for his kindness to an animal in distress.
The Arabs have always been noted for their hospitality, and Muhammad was the most hospitable of them all. He was very particular that his guests should have every care, and more often than not, he attended to their comforts himself.
He was the friend and protector of widows and orphans and found it hard to forgive anyone who had wronged them.
He enjoined upon everybody the necessity of taking care of the sick, and regarded it as the duty of every Muslim to pay his last respects to the dead by attending the funeral. ”
Honesty and Justice of Prophet Muhammad
“His reputation for honesty and impartiality was so well known throughout Arabia that people came to him to have their disputes settled, irrespective of the religion they professed.
When it was a case of a dispute between a Jew and a Muslim, neither had any advantage over the other, because of his religion. The people had such great belief in his honesty that he was called ‘The Trustworthy.’ ”
Bravery and Courage of Prophet Muhammad
Diwan Chand Sharma says:
“His courage was always equal to the occasion, and even at the most critical times it never deserted him. Those around him may have been depressed and dejected, but he remained as firm and self-confident as ever.
Once, during a journey, he was resting alone under a tree, when one of his enemies came upon him with a drawn sword in his hand. Finding him in this helpless condition, the man beamed with delight and asked him with a sneer, ‘Who will save you now?’
‘God,’ confidently replied the Prophet, without showing any trace of fear or anxiety.
The would-be murderer lost his nerve and the sword fell from his hands.
Such was Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam.”