How did Muhammad become a prophet? After spending a great part of his life in such a pure and civilized manner there comes a revolution in his being. He has had enough of the darkness and ignorance around him. He wants to swim clear of the horrible sea of corruption, immorality, idolatry and disorder which surrounds him. He finds society out of harmony with his soul. He withdraws alone to the hills, spending days and nights in total seclusion ad meditation. He fasts so that his soul and his heart may become still purer and nobler. Suddenly, the angel Jebreel brings the prophethood to him, and his heart is illuminated with the Divine light giving him the power he has yearned for. He comes out of the confinement of his cave, goes to the people, and addresses them thus: "The idols which you worship are a sham. Stop worshipping them from now on. No mortal being, no star, no tree, no stone, no spirit is worthy of human worship. Therefore bow not your heads in worship before them. The entire universe, and everyhting contains, belongs to God Almighty. He alone is the Creater, the Nourisher, the Sustainer and, consequently, the real Soverign before whom all should bow down and to whom all should pray and render obedience. Thus worship Him alone and obey only His commands. "Look, plunder, murder and rape, injustice and cruelty - all the vices in which you indulge - are crimes in the eyes of God . Leave your evil ways. He hates them all. Speak the truth. Do not kill anyone. "You are human beings and all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. None is born with the slur of shame on his face; nor has anyone come into the world with the mantle of honour hung around his neck. "There is an appointed day after your death when you shall have to appear before your Lord. You shall be called to account for all your deeds, good or bad, and then you shall not be able to hide anything. The whole record of your life shall be an open book to Him.
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