This one man taught the world how to read and write, even though he himself did not know either to read or to write. He gave the world education.
His name was Muhammad -- Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.
Just imagine how much the Educated World of today owes Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, in terms of everything it has.
And yet how ignorant and ill-informed, and uncaring, that world is about him.
Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, came into this world in early Seventh Century.
That was when reading and writing were generally forbidden for everyone except members of the royal family, the rich landlords and the most privileged few.
And of course the members of the clergy – the priests.
Those were the times when many people were put to the sword for daring to teach themselves or others how to read and write.
In such a climate, Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, came and offered the world a “Book” – Al-Kitaab.
And he called that book "The Reading" – Al-Qur’an.
And he issued a common command to the whole world – to all of humanity – “To Read!”
Just plain "Read!"
Then he said if any man or woman taught himself or herself one single passage of that Book, that Al-Kitaab, big or small, that would be more than 200 times better than worshiping God in other ways.
And he said that to Hazrat Abu Zarr, a close companion of his, who was a most devout and God-fearing individual, given to a great deal of worship.
He didn’t say “200 times better,” he said “More than 200 times better.”
His words were not only blessed, they were most carefully chosen. And they were closely monitored from above: by God Almighty himself.
Does the Educated World of today know anything about this man?
And does the Educated World of today know anything about this most amazing of miracles that he gave the world: the Miracle of Universal Education?
Do the Muslims know about this fact?
Do the non-Muslims know about this most miraculous fact?
What would it take for the Muslims to get out and share this fact with the rest of the world?
And what would it take for the non-Muslims of this world to inquire and find out about it?
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