The Prophet's most important task was to bring peace to the world. To this end, he urged people to accept the fact that, regardless of skin colour, language, lifestyle or dwelling place, they were all blood brothers and sisters. Only if they saw each other in this light could there be mutual love and respect.
To his followers he would say, "You are all Adam's children, and Adam was made of clay," and, asking them to live in peace, would add, "A true believer is one with whom others feel secure - one who returns love for hatred." He taught believers that returning love only when love was given was base human conduct. The true believer causes no harm to those who mistreated him, but chose rather to work for their good.
The Prophet (SAWS) himself led the way with his common sense, kindness, gentleness, humility, and good humour. He greatly loved all people and even animals.
The Prophet (SAWS) was a leader, yet, believing he was no greater or better than others, he never made people feel small, unwanted or embarrassed. He urged his followers to behave kindly and humbly, to release slaves whenever possible and to give alms, especially to very poor people, orphans and prisoners - with no thought of reward.
He was the soul of goodness, so that even if people harmed him, he would pray for them, remaining unruffled, no matter how badly he was treated. In setting this example, he encouraged people to turn to Allah, as a Being of surpassing greatness.
He wanted all men and women to be unworldly and to have such great peace of mind that nothing could disturb them. Then, with no grudges to bear, they would seek no revenge, but would merely turn all events, whether material or spiritual, into food for thought.
Throughout the first thirteen years of his prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) preached in Makkah, although the Makkans bitterly opposed this. When things became impossible, he left for Madinah. Wars were waged against him, but he convinced his enemies that peace had greater power than war, as was shown by the peace treaty of Hudaybiyyah. In this the Prophet (SAWS) agreed to every demand of his enemies, on the assurance that, in return, peace would necessarily ensue.
His life went through various stages of well-being and extreme hardship, yet never once did he stray from the path of moderation. At all times, and right till the end, he remained the patient and grateful servant of the Almighty, bringing his message of peace and tolerance to all mankind.
