Since childhood, the Prophet was raised by his father's slave, Ummu Aiman. His first foster mother was Suwaibah, the slave of Abu Lahab. However, Halimah As-Sa'diah, who is more famous as the Prophet's foster mother, was his second foster mother.
Prophet Muhammad saw. was sent by Allah SWT with a mission. Among his missions was to perfect morals. The Prophet saw. said :
إنما بعثت لأتمم مكارم الأخلاق
"I have been sent to perfect good character." (Narrated by Ahmad)
In this hadith, we understand that the Prophet was sent to perfect noble morals. This means that not all Arabs during the time of ignorance were ignorant and corrupt in character. In fact, there were still people with noble morals, such as bravery, loyalty, generosity, and so on. And the Prophet saw. was sent to perfect these morals.
In addition to perfecting morals, Prophet Muhammad saw. was also sent by Allah SWT to be a mercy to the universe. In this regard, Prophet Muhammad was not sent to spread goodness only to his followers. Instead, he was sent to spread love and compassion to people of other faiths as well. The Prophet's mission is stated in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107 :
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
"And We have not sent you, [Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds." (Q.S Al-Anbiya: 107)
From the above verse, it is clear that the Prophet was sent to spread mercy to the entire universe. This mercy is universal, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. Prophet Muhammad saw. serves as a mirror for Islam that is friendly, peaceful, and tolerant. He did not teach hatred and hostility, not only to Muslims but also to non-Muslims. Thus, those who claim to be Muslims but act forcefully in their preaching do not reflect the character of the Prophet saw. The Prophet preached in a good and wise manner. His method aligns with Surah An-Nahl, verse 125 :
ادْعُ
إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ
وَجَادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ
بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ ۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." (Q.S An-Nahl: 125)
In summary, the mission of Prophet Muhammad saw. is to perfect noble morals and spread mercy to the universe. It is not to Islamize the entire world, as advocated by radical Islamic groups. They use and hide behind the guise of religion in their preaching, resorting to violence and coercion. However, this is not in line with the teachings exemplified by Prophet Muhammad saw. The Prophet saw. preached with kindness and wisdom. His method reflects Surah An-Nahl, verse 125. May we emulate the character of the Prophet saw. to the best of our abilities. And Allah knows best.
Mushpih Kawakibil Hijaj, writers on shariavest.
