Donny Syofyan, Jakarta Post:

We are grateful that we will be able to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is an event that will be remembered until the end of time, and one that will continue to inspire Muslims and the world, provided that Muslims emulate him and follow his teachings and conduct.

In a world faced with continuous turbulence, we recall Muhammad as an incomparable savior, one that managed to bring the world and all within it to peace and prosperity. His contribution in this matter can never be denied. This is indeed due to do his leadership style, which managed to save his followers by, among others, making people brothers in Islam regardless of their skin color or race.

Aysha, Allah’s messenger wife was asked about his character prayer and peace upon him, she said: “His character was the Quran”.

If this leadership style is adopted, Muslims will never be in conflict or at war among themselves, as has happened in the Arab world. Their unity would grow stronger and prosperity would be easily secured.

Muhammad’s leadership and morals should be referred to as a lesson, as otherwise it is meaningless to only celebrate his birthday but ignore his teachings. Some of Muhammad’s exemplary character traits include patience, mercifulness and gratefulness.

His patience can be observed by how he controlled his temper, pain and sufferings from the Quraish in his earliest mission of propagation. In spite of strong opposition, the Prophet Muhammad remained patient and managed to spread Islam. Muhammad was also very forgiving and not someone who was vengeful. He did not harbor grievances despite the agony he was put through.

Although Muhammad was a compassionate ruler and spiritual leader, many do not know that he had an extraordinary sense of humor. Indeed, the Prophet laughed and joked.

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