THE 100

FOREWORD

Muhammad (PBUH) the Greatest

To every Muslim on this planet, irrespective of cultural, geographical and political differences, Muhammad (PBUH) is Allah’s greatest creation and was sent as a mercy for all mankind. A thousand million Muslims however, do not require any surveys, lists or research to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of faith that Muhammad (PBUH) is the greatest.

BUT WHAT OF THE NON-MUSLIMS?

Surprisingly, over the centuries many an eminent non-Muslim has rated Muhammad (PBUH) most highly and given due recognition to his greatness. A selection of their quotations appear later.

Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer, chess master and scientist, after extensive research, published an incisive biography of the 100 most influential people of all time. The biographical rankings with explanations describes the careers of religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, scientists and artists. From this research, which included illustrious personalities such as Jesus Christ, Moses, Caesar, the Wright brothers, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Columbus and Michaelangelo; Michael Hart rated Muhammad (PBUH) as number one. He concluded the biography with the words “It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

By special arrangement, we are privileged to present to you the entire chapter on Muhammad (PBUH) from Michael Hart’s “The 100?. We have also included a summary of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) farewell sermon delivered at Mount Arafat in the 10th year after Hijra (632 CE).

In an era when the world was awash in rivers of blind prejudices and nonsensical ignorances, the Prophet’s (PBUH) divine message and glorious teachings became the purging torrents of spiritual enlightenment. The farewell sermon is an embodiment of the dynamics of Islam. May Allah exalt Muhammad (PBUH), his family, his companions and all the believers. Insha-Allah!

AHMED DEEDAT (Servant of Islam)