Lastprophet.info investigates the place of the Sunnah in Egypt with an important interview. Ali Cuma, the current Mufti of Egypt, replied Lastprophet.info's questions for its readers.

What kind of criteria should we take into consideration in order to make an authentic research about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his life?

There are a number of unique features in the Seerah that make studying it a source of spiritual and intellectual pleasure. It is the most reliable account of the life of any Prophet or reformer. The biography of the Messenger of Allah has come to us via the most reliable academic methods and with a sound chain of evidence, leaving no room for doubt concerning the major events of the Prophet's life. These academic methods were the result of considerable efforts exerted by scholars of Islam, who documented all that had been reported about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This makes it easy for us to detect any fabricated accounts that were added at later times by ignorant minds; such people desired to add something of the extraordinary to the life of the Messenger of Allah, over and above that which Allah had decreed for his high status and great character. What is unique about the reliability of the Seerah is that it has been proven and there be no doubt about anything contained therein. The Seerah was reported by hadith scholars who are well-recognized in the Muslim world for their sincerity and trustworthiness. The Sunnah  is considered to be one of the main sources for the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad. From the books that record most of the life of the Prophet, including the events, wars and deeds that make up this life, we can form a comprehensive picture of Prophet Muhammad's life, even though it may not be complete or in chronological order. What makes such reports more reliable and allows us peace of mind about their origin is the fact that the reports were narrated in a continuous chain of narrators that stretches back to the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). These were people who lived with the Messenger and spent most of their time with him.

What is the place of women in İslamic world today?

Women had a vital role in spreading the message of God. Throughout Islamic history, women participated in the intellectual and political struggle and endured a variety of torture and oppression. They spoke boldly and called people to the true religion without worrying about any subsequent loss of power or wealth. Historically, many women played effective roles in the lives of other Prophets and their missions. This is illustrated in the story of Prophet Abraham, who struggled against his people in Babylon and Iraq, fighting Nimrod, and being saved from the fire by a miracle. Abraham migrated to Syria and then Egypt with his faithful wife and companion Sarah. The Qur'an describes this trip and tells us of the role that Hagar, Abraham's second wife, played when she came with him from Egypt to the Hejaz. Hagar is the symbol of a woman with deep faith and endless patience; she raised her son, Prophet Ishmael, the forefather of Prophet Muhammad, in a valley in the Hejaz. The Qur'an says: "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House" (Ibrahim: 37).

Khadijah's life is similar to the important roles played by women in the lives of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Khadijah, a noble and rich woman in Meccan society, was the first person to embrace Islam and she supported the Prophet throughout her life, enduring all forms of persecution and hardship. It is for this reason that Prophet Muhammad described the year in which she died as the Year of Grief. The Prophet mentioned Khadijah's role and his respect for her several times. He also mentions one of his other wives, Aisha, and his daughter Fatimah. These sayings reflect acknowledgement by both Prophet Muhammad and Islam of the importance of women for the human race. Islam respects women for the important role they played in protecting and supporting the Prophets, notably Abraham, Moses, Ishmael, Jesus and Muhammad.

The women who were taught by Prophet Muhammad, who migrated to Medina with him, and who strove to support Islam are mentioned in the Qur'an. There are many verses that mention women, such as: "The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil!" (Tevbe: 71).

"O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and (all) believing men and believing women: And to the wrongdoers grant Thou no increase but in Perdition! (Nuh: 28).

"One Day shall you see the believing men and the believing women; how their Light runs forward before them." (Hadid:12).

In these verses, women are exalted to the noblest position a human being can attain on earth or in the Hereafter. In Islam, men and women are considered to be equals of one another who collaborate in faith to reform society, combat vice and crime, and to promote virtue, peace and prosperity on earth.

The Qur'an describes the aura of glory that is found around all believers, men and women, on the Day of Judgment when they face their Lord and their reward for their deeds on earth.

A manifestation of the nobility of the position of women in Islam is the fact that the first martyr in Islam was a woman. Umm Ammar ibn Yassir, a Companion of Prophet Muhammad was the first to die for the faith. She was murdered by Abu Jahl, a polytheist leader. However, the oppressed and persecuted found protection of their human rights and liberation from ignorance and slavery in Islam. Many wronged women followed the Prophet's teachings from the onset of his mission. They endured hardship and persecution, having to flee to Abyssinia and Medina to follow their faith. They persisted in their belief in God and supported His Prophet.

Muslim women have not yet discovered their true position in Islam, nor does the Muslim man recognize the true value of women in Islam. Thus, this imbalance in relationships and attitude can be corrected only by going back to Qur'anic principles; these define the rights and responsibilities of men and women. It is only through Islam that the roles and rights of women can be valued and protected.

What is the best way to maintain the heritage of Prophet Muhammad as a role model?

There is one leader, still largely unknown to the West, who is an extraordinary role model for people of all backgrounds: Prophet Muhammad. The details of Prophet Muhammad's remarkable life have been carefully preserved and subjected to the scrutiny of historians, both in the East and the West. In contrast to others who have achieved fame for their accomplishments in a limited sphere of activity, Muhammad's achievements span all major areas of life. The historian Michael H. Hart wrote: "My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and be questioned by others, but he was the only man in the history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels."(Hart, Michael, the 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History)

Why does the average European or American know so little about a man whose life was so exceptional? Irrational fears and negative propaganda, dating back to the Crusades and exaggerated by the media, have created a ‘mental block' for many people against all things Arab or Islamic, and the two terms are often confused for one another.

Prophet Muhammad established laws that protect animals, trees and the environment. He encouraged free trade and ethical investments, securing the rights of workers and forbidding usury. He worked for peace, but defined the parameters of the judicious use of force, when needed. He convinced people to give up alcohol, drugs, prostitution and crime, and promoted healthy living. He condemned domestic violence, encouraged his wives to speak their minds, and granted Muslim women many rights not dreamed of in Europe until later centuries, including the right to own property, reject arranged marriages, and seek divorce due to incompatibility. And the Prophet encouraged his followers to seek beneficial knowledge wherever it could be found, with the result that Muslims never experienced a conflict between science and religion, and led the world in many fields of learning for centuries afterwards. Although his enduring legacy can be observed in everything, from art to politics, Prophet Muhammad's greatest achievement by far was the re-establishment of pure monotheism. As simple and straightforward to understand as the nucleus in the center of the atom, the concept of One God lies at the heart of Islamic culture. Muslims turn to their Creator for guidance, without any need for intermediaries, or the loss of dignity brought about by idolatry and superstition.

The Prophet accomplished all this through the strength of his character and personal example; he inspired in his own followers a love, devotion and sense of awe that was unparalleled. While other men would have been corrupted by the absolute power that he wielded in his later years, Prophet Muhammad remained humble, ever aware of the Source of his blessings.' I am just God's servant,' he said, and ‘I have only been sent as a teacher.'

Although he spent his days serving people and his nights in prayer, Prophet Muhammad preached religious moderation and balance; he forbade his followers from adopting a monastic lifestyle, preferring rather that they establish strong families and engage themselves in bettering the world around them, while remaining deeply conscious of God.

In the brief space of one generation, during his own lifetime, Prophet Muhammad successfully transformed the faith, mentality and culture of the people of Arabia; within 100 years his message had touched the hearts and lives of millions in Africa, Asia and parts of Europe. The Prophet foretold that each succeeding generation would be worse than the one before, and true to his prediction, Muslims have not always understood or honored his example. But Prophet Muhammad's teachings, speeches and customs were carefully recorded by his Companions, and compiled into books of authentic sayings, which today are available in translation. Along with the Qur'an, they form the holistic foundation of a satisfying way of life for practicing Muslims, while for others, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the heart and mind of an exceptional man and role model from whom much can be learned.

The Quran says:"You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much." (Surat al-Ahzab: 21)

Prophet Muhammad was a genuine role model for us as far as ethics, moral principles, values, behavior and character are concerned. These days, very few Muslims follow his lead, despite the fact that Prophet Muhammad possessed numerous virtues. 

Prophet Muhammad was the kindest and compassionate of men.  He was thoughtful, full of love and understanding. He took interest in the physical and spiritual problems of the people around him. All these features of Prophet Muhammad are examples for all of humanity. While Prophet Muhammad was very kind and polite, some of those who surrounded him were ill-mannered and rude; they were thoughtless and cruel people. Despite this behavior, Prophet Muhammad treated such people with the greatest of tolerance and patience.

His gentleness made him an excellent example for all believers. People, in particular Muslims, should try to follow the example and ethics of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims who follow the way of Prophet Muhammad should bring these values, behavior and qualities to the fore and invite others to adopt the same. Prophet Muhammad displayed great tolerance to the people around him throughout his life; he was always interested in helping people to put right their errors and to educate them in all matters.
Prophet Muhammad was a man of great justice. He asked people to be tolerant towards other religions, languages, races and tribes. He asked his followers not to discriminate between the rich and poor, but to treat everyone equally; Allah's Messenger, Prophet Muhammad is a great example for all of mankind. 

Significant Mosques Of Egypt

Egypt in Short Facts