.: The Islamic Association of Australia

Muhammad's Influence
(Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

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Using these examples from the five pillars of Islam, we begin to comprehend what kind of understanding Islam has of Muhammad and the things he brought with him. From the five pillars of Islam, only three have been discussed, yet the influence of Muhammad on just these three pillars is quiet clearly indispensable. Likewise, Muhammad's influence was extremely strong on the women of Islam as well. Through the hadith we see how Muhammad gave advice to many different women, including his wives, to tackle the issues that only females must face.

The Prophet said, "When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child's mother." (Bukhari Hadith 1.675)

To follow Muhammad's teachings as a woman might seem somewhat problematic. However, the hadith tell Muslims about different situations where women have come for guidance to Muhammad. These particular hadith have helped modern Muslim women in understanding and knowing how to deal with matters such as divorce, inheritance, childbirth, duties and menstruation. Muhammad's wives are also examples for Muslim women, since they are the ones who continued the Sunnah for Muhammad, where he could not continue it himself, due to the barriers of sex. How does a Muslim woman pray? How does she dress? What can she do and what is she told not to do? If we look at the tradition of Muhammad's wives, we get to understand what is permitted for Muslim women, and what is prohibited.

Sauda Bint Zama, one of the Prophet's wives, went out one night to answer the call of nature. Umar, one of the Prophet's companions, saw her and recognised her. He said, "By God, Sauda, why do you not hide yourself from us?" She went back to the Prophet and told him about what had happened while he was having supper in her room. He said, "It is permitted by God for women to go out for their needs." (Bukhari Hadith 6.318)

In his last sermon, Muhammad is reported to have said, "I leave behind me two things. The Koran and my example, the Sunnah. And if you follow these, you will never go astray." This runs hand in hand with a Muslims declaration of faith. In the Shahadah, Muslims must declare that Muhammad is God's servant and messenger. And to follow Islam correctly, Muhammad says that Muslims should follow what the Koran says, and his Sunnah. Although there are many other factors which show the Islamic understanding of Muhammad's role in Islam, these are the components which best illustrate this understanding. Muhammad is not just a role model for Muslims. He is not just an example of the most perfect human being for Muslims. But his very actions themselves are considered to be a part of the rapidly expanding religion known as Islam!

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