PROPHET Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best teacher of humanity. He left behind him a legacy in the form of the Qur ‘an and the Sunnah. He stressed the urgent need to hold firmly to these two sources during his farewell speech in the valley of Arafat. If people hold fast to them, they will never go astray.

The teachings he left for us if put into practice in their true spirit and proper way will bring about a happy life in this world and in addition indubitable rewards in the life after death. In this sense, Islam is a religion which cares for the worldly affairs of humanity. The Hereafter is merely a continuation of the worldly life.

It is difficult to portend that man can be saved in the Hereafter without being saved in this world. The safe way is to follow the way shown to us by the Prophet (pbuh). When his wife, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), was asked by a companion about the Prophet ‘s daily conduct, she replied that the conduct of the Prophet (pbuh) was the Qur’an which is the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) was given authority and mission by Allah to interpret and implement it. That is why his conduct is the highest example of human conduct.

Islam as expounded and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is commonly misunderstood as a religion of rituals only like prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Thanks to the new developments in the world, Islam is now seen in a wider and proper perspective.

The increased interest in Islamic studies by Muslims and non-Muslims supported by the advanced printing technology and mass media has begun to open the eyes of the world about the true teachings and intrinsic values of Islam.