Abstract

The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the perfect model for humanity. His example is both Uswah Hasanah (excellent morals) and Uswah Kamilah (complete guidance). Seerah offers timeless lessons for personal, social, political, and spiritual life. In the modern age of dishonesty, corruption, materialism, and family breakdown, his teachings bring peace, justice, and balance. The Prophet’s honesty, compassion, and leadership remain unmatched in history. His Seerah addresses global challenges—moral decline, inequality, conflict, and spiritual emptiness. For today’s youth, studying Seerah builds character, wisdom, and purpose. Truly, the Prophet’s life is a universal guide for all times.
The life and character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and his noble and perfect example (Uswah Hasanah and Uswah Kamilah), are both practical and worthy of being followed by all of humanity. The study of the Prophet’s Seerah (biography) is such a fascinating subject that it not only enlightens the heart and mind, but also refreshes the soul and brings true joy. Human history itself bears witness that every event and every aspect of the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is clear, pure, and radiant.
Whether it was his childhood, his youth, or his life after Prophethood, Seerah scholars have written that there was never any incident that cast doubt upon his character. Therefore, it can be confidently said that the example of the Prophet (PBUH) is both Hasanah (excellent) and Kamilah (complete). In the history of the world, no other great personality can be found whose life combined both qualities to such perfection. This distinction belongs only to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It is important, then, to understand what Uswah Hasanah and Uswah Kamilah mean. The Arabic word Uswah means model, example, way, or method of guidance. In Islamic terminology, it refers to a practical model presented for the guidance and reform of humankind. The Qur’an and the Sunnah clearly declare the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the best and most complete model for humanity.
Uswah Hasanah means a righteous example — a way of life that embodies goodness, piety, justice, and noble morals in their highest form.
Uswah Kamilah means a comprehensive and complete example — one that guides every aspect of human life without deficiency or flaw. This perfect model exists only in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as his life covers worship, transactions, ethics, politics, society, economy, education, and the mission of da‘wah (calling to God) in the most complete way.
Humanity must remember that the Prophet (pbuh) was chosen by Allah as the sole source of guidance, both Hasanah and Kamilah. To call his example Hasanah is correct, but it is equally necessary to recognise that it is Kamilah as well. Together, these two terms define the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH).
In recent times, some writers have accepted the Prophet’s example as Hasanah but not as Kamilah. For instance, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, in his book Mutala‘ah Seerat ( مطالعہ سیرت)(Study of the Seerah), acknowledged it as Hasanah but did not consider it Kamilah. Some so-called “modern thinkers” have also taken the same approach. On the other hand, scholars like Qazi Sulayman Mansurpuri, in his famous book Rahmatullil-‘Alameen, ( رحمة اللعالمین)affirmed that the Prophet’s example is both Hasanah and Kamilah. Similarly, Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi, in his Khutbat-e-Madras, ( خطبات مدراس)highlighted four unique qualities of the Prophet’s life: completeness, ( کاملیت)practicality, ( عملیت)historicity, ( تاریخیت)and Comprehensiveness.( جامعیت )Likewise, Professor Muhammad Saud Alam Qasmi in his work Uswah-e-Rasool ki ‘Asri Ma‘nawiyat اسوہ رسول کی عصری معنویت)proved that the Prophet’s example is indeed both Hasanah and Kamilah for all humankind.
History shows us that very few personalities can provide guidance for every era and every society. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was divinely chosen for this very purpose, so that his life may be the perfect model for all of humanity. The Qur’an declares:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah there is for you an excellent example” (Al-Ahzab: 21).
This verse clearly shows that the Prophet’s example is not just for the past but for every age — timeless and universal.

Uswah Hasanah in the Modern Context

Uswah Hasanah( اسوہ حسنہ)essentially represents the highest standard of ethics and morality. In today’s world, humanity is facing a severe moral crisis: dishonesty, corruption, injustice, prejudice, selfishness, and moral insensitivity are eating away at societies. The Prophet’s example teaches us honesty, integrity, justice, and patience. In an era where division and hatred are often fuelled by differences, his Uswah Hasanah teaches us tolerance, mutual respect, and brotherhood.
Modern problems such as broken families, youth misguidance, materialism, and lack of inner peace also find solutions in his example. The Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated that true success lies not in wealth or power but in noble character. This message brings peace and direction to today’s restless and fragmented humanity.
Uswah Kamilah in the Modern Context:
The unique feature of Uswah Kamilah( اسوہ کاملہ)is that it is not limited to moral guidance but provides a complete system of life. Today, technological advancements and modern inventions bring both opportunities and challenges. Humanity needs a comprehensive guide that covers both private and public life. That light is found in the Prophet’s perfect example.
Whether it be worship, social life, politics, economics, education, justice, or war and peace — his Seerah provides complete guidance. In an age dominated by materialism and capitalism, where people are enslaved by self-interest, the Prophet’s example directs us towards purpose, balance, and spirituality. Modern sciences and international laws may offer partial or temporary solutions, but only his Uswah Kamilah provides enduring and universal guidance.
From Uswah Hasanah, humanity gains moral and spiritual strength. From Uswah Kamilah, it gains complete solutions for life’s challenges — moral crises, family breakdown, global conflicts, and economic inequality. Thus, even in today’s advanced age of science and technology, true peace and success depend on following the Prophet’s Seerah.
The Importance of Studying the Seerah:
Studying the Seerah itself holds immense value. Today’s youth spend much of their precious time on social media, often at the expense of serious study. This weakens their intellectual growth and deprives society of their potential. To shape a strong community and benefit the Ummah, young people must dedicate time to studying the Seerah.
The study of the Seerah is not simply turning the pages of history, but discovering timeless lessons for life. The Prophet’s life contains guidance that offers salvation and peace of heart for every generation. Although science and technology have advanced, moral decline, spiritual emptiness, social unrest, and global insecurity continue to weaken humanity.
The most urgent issue today is moral collapse.dishonesty, deceit,corruption, and injustice are extensive. Yet the Prophet (PBUH) was known as “Al-Sadiq” ( صادق)(the truthful) and “Al-Amin” ( امین )(the trustworthy) even before Prophethood. These qualities show that true success is based on moral excellence, not wealth or power. If today’s youth adopt his example, they can become people of exemplary character.
Similarly, in family life, the Prophet (PBUH) taught kindness, love, and respect. He treated his wives with compassion, cared for children, and emphasised respect for parents. These teachings can restore harmony to today’s fractured homes.
In politics, his leadership in Madinah established a state where justice prevailed equally for all, and even the weakest were given their rights. In economics, he introduced systems like zakat and charity to ensure fair distribution of wealth. In international relations, his Constitution of Madinah( میثاق مدینہ)was a pioneering example of peaceful coexistence between different religious and ethnic groups — a model for today’s world seeking interfaith harmony and global peace.
On a personal level, his life reminds us that real peace is found in remembering God and living for His pleasure. At a time when technology and media bring comfort but also stress and confusion, the Prophet’s Seerah shows us how to balance worldly life with spiritual purpose.

Conclusion

The contemporary relevance of studying the Seerah is clear: it provides guidance at every level of life. It offers a cure for moral decline, solutions for family and social issues, pathways to global peace, principles for economic justice, models of just leadership, and a source of spiritual tranquillity.
The Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a living, universal guide — a light for all of humanity in every era. If the world embraces this guidance, it can indeed become a place of peace, justice, love, and serenity.

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