Creation needs a good role model
Selections from the Book ‘’Lot (peace be upon him) and his Mission in Confronting Corruption and Sexual Deviance’’ …
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (10)
Allah perfected the prophets with noble character and protected them from doubts and worldly desires. They are the beacons of guidance and the lamps in the darkness, serving as examples for mankind to follow. People emulate their conduct and lives, walking in their footsteps until they reach the abode of peace and settle in the presence of the Lord of all beings.
The prophets and messengers are role models for their followers, setting a good example in worship, morals, conduct, and steadfastness on the path of Allah. One of the verses that emphasizes following the guidance of the prophets is Allah's statement: {There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, "Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone" - except for the saying of Abraham to his father, "I will surely ask forgiveness for you, but I have not [power to do] for you anything against Allah. Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination} [ Al-Mumtahanah: 4].
One of the verses that emphasizes following the guidance of the prophets is found in Surah Al-Fatiha, which is recited in every prayer. In it, we ask Allah to guide us to the straight path of the prophets, saying: {Guide us to the straight path – (6) The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor (7)} [Al-Fatihah: 6-7]. The first among those favoured are the prophets of Allah and their followers, as mentioned in Surah Maryam: {Those were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favor from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel [i.e., Jacob], and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping} [Maryam: 58].
The lives of the prophets (peace be upon them) are indeed impeccable, especially concerning matters of faith and the messages they were commanded to deliver. This is because Allah chose and selected them with knowledge and wisdom. Allah Almighty says: {and of those whom We guided and chose} [Maryam: 58]. Regarding Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (peace be upon them), Allah says: {Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter] (46) And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding (47)} [SAD: 46-47]. Concerning His prophet Moses (peace be upon him), Allah says: {that you would be brought up under My eye [i.e., observation and care]} [Taha: 39]. And Allah, in His knowledge of whom He chooses from among His messengers, says: {Allah is most knowing of where [i.e., with whom] He places His message} [Al-An'am: 124]. Allah also says: {Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people} [AL-Hajj: 75].
There are numerous verses indicating this, and the conclusion drawn from them is that those whom Allah has chosen and selected for His message are more deserving of being followed and emulated. This is because Allah has guarded them and protected them from errors and deviations. Even if they were to make a mistake, they would not persist in it. Therefore, it is imperative that those who possess these qualities be emulated, and their lives studied to understand their guidance. This ensures guidance and prevents deviation, given Allah's guidance and protection for them. Thus, those who emulate them can do so with utmost confidence in the correctness and safety of what they take from them, ensuring they do not deviate.
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, Lot (peace be upon him) and his Mission in Confronting Corruption and Sexual Deviance, pp. 55-57.
- Educational Pauses in the Light of the Holy Qur’an, Abdul Aziz Nasser Al-Jalil, Dar Taibah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2nd edition, 1419 AH - 1998 AD, 3/18.
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of ‘’Lot (peace be upon him) and his Mission in Confronting Corruption and Sexual Deviance’’ on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
