Muslim faithful during prayers /EMBASSY OF IRANAs the world commemorates 1,500 years since the birth of Prophet Mohammad, his enduring message of justice, peace and mercy offers vital guidance for today’s global challenges – from climate change and inequality to conflict and division.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi extends heartfelt congratulations on this historic occasion. This anniversary is not merely a religious observance but a profound opportunity to revisit the teachings of a man described in the Holy Quran as “a Mercy to all the worlds.” In an age of uncertainty and unrest, the Prophet’s life offers a comprehensive framework for human dignity, environmental stewardship and peaceful coexistence.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s unanimous decision – initiated by Iran – to commemorate this milestone highlights its universal relevance. For Kenya, a nation celebrated for its religious harmony and vibrant Muslim community, the Prophet’s legacy resonates deeply. Kenya’s model of interfaith dialogue and tribal cohesion reflects the Prophetic ideal: strength through unity and mutual respect.
Vision of radical equality
and social justice
Born into seventh century Arabia – a society fractured by tribal warfare and extreme disparity –Prophet Mohammad emerged as a revolutionary force for social reform. His core message dismantled the very foundations of the existing social order. He famously proclaimed that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and no white person is superior to a black person, except through piety and good character. This was a radical declaration of human equality in a world where tribal lineage was paramount.
His economic philosophy was rooted in fairness and ethics. He was known as Al-Amin, the trustworthy, a title earned through his impeccable honesty in commerce. As a leader, he established principles that are still relevant today: he mandated the prompt payment of fair wages, instructing, "Pay the worker his wages before his sweat dries." He prohibited hoarding and market manipulation to ensure that the economy served the people, not just the powerful. This emphasis on economic justice and the rights of labourers provides a powerful critique of modern systems where executive pay skyrockets while workers struggle, offering an alternative model based on equity and shared prosperity.
Architect of peace and pluralistic governance
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of the Prophet's life is his approach to conflict. While forced to defend his community, he consistently preferred peace over war. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah stands as a masterclass in strategic patience and peacebuilding. By accepting terms that appeared disadvantageous, he secured a truce that ultimately led to the peaceful conquest of Mecca. His conduct in victory was even more remarkable: instead of seeking revenge, he granted a general amnesty, telling his former persecutors, "There is no reproach against you today; go, for you are all free."
His most enduring political legacy is the Charter of Medina, arguably the first written constitution in history. This remarkable document established a pluralistic state, recognising the Muslims, Jews and polytheists as a single nation, guaranteeing their religious freedom and obliging them to defend the city-state collectively. It was a groundbreaking model of citizenship based on shared social responsibility rather than religious identity – a model that finds an echo in successful modern multicultural societies and offers a powerful antidote to sectarianism.
Pioneer of environmentalism and women’s rights
Long before the modern environmental movement, the Prophet taught a deep reverence for nature. He declared planting a tree an act of continuous charity, urging his followers to do so even if the Day of Judgment were to dawn. He prohibited the wasteful use of water and laid down strict rules of engagement that forbade the destruction of crops, trees and livestock, even in wartime. In an age confronting a climate crisis, this eco-conscious theology provides a spiritual imperative for conservation and sustainable living that all humanity can embrace.
Similarly, his reforms concerning women were revolutionary. In a society that practised female infanticide and denied women basic rights, he elevated their status profoundly. He recognised their rights to inherit, own property, choose a spouse and seek an education. His first wife, Khadijah, was a successful and wealthy merchant who proposed to him, a fact that shatters stereotypical narratives. Another wife, Aisha, became one of the most renowned scholars of Islamic law and tradition, teaching men and women alike. The Prophet's directive that "the best of you are those who are best to your women" established a standard for marital conduct that remains both a challenge and an inspiration.
Clarion call for our times
This anniversary cannot be celebrated without acknowledging the profound suffering that contradicts the Prophet's message in the very land he walked. The ongoing tragedy in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, represents a brutal negation of every principle the Prophet stood for: justice, mercy and the sanctity of life. The sight of children orphaned and hospitals destroyed is a stark reminder of the work yet to be done. Defending the rights of the oppressed is not a partisan issue but a human obligation, a direct command from the Prophetic tradition that demands we speak truth to power.
The commemoration of this 1500th anniversary is therefore a call to action. It is a challenge to Muslims worldwide to reclaim the narrative of their faith from extremists. The true Seerah is a story of mercy, not brutality; of inclusion, not exclusion; of wisdom, not fanaticism.
For the entire world, the teachings of Prophet Mohammad are not a relic of the past but a guide for the future. They offer a path away from the cliff-edge of climate disaster, a blueprint for building economies that are both prosperous and just, and a model for societies where difference is not merely tolerated but celebrated.
As the Quran verse reminds us, he was sent as a mercy "to
all the worlds." "And we have not sent you except as a mercy to
the worlds." (Holy Quran 21:107)
On this milestone anniversary, the greatest tribute we can pay is to embody that mercy in our own lives, our communities and our world, working tirelessly to build the peace, justice and compassion he championed. The message from Mecca 1,500 years ago has never been more urgent. It is time the world listened.
The writer is the Iranian ambassador
