'The merits of Muhammad as a complete leader of the people'
AB - Complete leader because established things which still stand today.
Muhammad as a religious and moral leader established key parts of Muslim/Islamic identity which still form a key part today.
e.g. The Ummah, Mosque are still the centre of Islam, The first mosque was the heartbeat of Madinah and mosques all over the world are the heartbeats of the Muslim community.
For example mosques till this day are still used for prayer, learning, support showing he is a complete leader as his establishments stand many years later.
C - Not a complete leader because of his initial doubt
Muhammad initially doubted the revelation, he needed reassurance from his wife Khadija.
He had doubt/suicidal thoughts - ‘‘He was afraid and did not know whether he had a devilish vision or whether he was simply possessed.’’
Previous prophets did not react this way, Moses remained calm after hearing Gods voice in the dark through the burning bushes.
A complete leader shouldn’t ‘be ready to commit suicide on hearing the revelation’ as it shows his ‘security’ and ‘serenity’ is limited.
C - Complete leader because of all of his roles - comprehensive religion.
He wasn’t just a Prophet/religious leader, he was also a political and military leader.
For example the people of Madinah made 2 pledges - the second pledge was where they agreed to accept Muhammad as their political leader as well as their prophet.
Ensures that Islam became a comprehensive religion + gives him authority, and a role model.
And his role as a leader ensured the safekeeping of his followers and the religion.
Clearly a complete leader because he had authority in all aspects.
D - Muhammad is a complete leader of the people
While his response on the night of power can be questionable, his impact on the Islamic community till this day cannot be questioned and definitely portrays him as a complete leader.
AB - Not a complete leader because he wasn’t able to revert his uncle Abu Talib to Islam.
Muhammad was not able to convince his uncle and protector Abu Talib to revert to Islam.
During this time kinship was important - failing to revert a close family member shows limits in Muhammad’s leadership and influence.
A complete leader would inspire transformation in people especially those this close to them.
Muhmmad was dedicated, for example after repeated attempts he even tried to convince him on his deathbed but it did not work.
Shows he is not a complete leader as there are key limits in his persuasion/ leadership - should be easier to revert close family.
C - Complete leader because he eradicated Jahiliya
Muhammad eradicated pre-Islamic Arabian/Jahiliya practices.
He got rid of the idols and shrines in the Ka’ba which ensured people returned back to the belief in Tawhid without any doubt.
To add on the Ka’ba also was transformed into a key pilgrimage spot for Muslims and is visited by millions for Hajj and Umrah.
Clearly he is a complete leader as he transformed a community that was on ‘the brink of an abyss of fire’ to be monotheistic.
C - Not a complete leader because of Quranism followers
Quranism followers don’t follow Muhammad’s example, they believe that only the Quran is a complete and sufficient source of guidance.
This shows the only complete leader is the Quran and not Muhammad.
Clearly for some Muslims Muhammad’s leadership is secondary and he is not seen as the perfect role model.
This undermines the idea that he is a complete leader as if he was all Muslims would follow it but this group intentionally does not.
D - A complete leader
Even though he couldn’t revert his uncle he is still a complete leader because it shows him as accepting as there is ‘no compulsion in religion’
Moreover his ability to eradicate Jahiliya and transform a community has stayed and grown till today showing his impact as a complete leader.
AB - Complete leader because his whole life is an example of why he was known as the seal of prophets.
His whole life is a perfect example of why he was known as the seal of the prophets.
His reputation even before prophethood - ‘as-Sadiq al ameen’ truthful and trustworthy. - Showing his natural leadership qualities.
His compassion towards the poor, his loyalty towards the aims of Islam.
His life served as a living interpretation of the Quran - Aisha said ‘his character was the Quran’
Evidently he is the model for humanity and the final and most complete leader.
C - Not a complete leader because of people who believe in Muhammadism
There are people who believe in Muhammadism who elevate him to a near divine status.
This goes against the belief in Tawhid and is considered a form of shirk as it is associating partners with God.
These practices contradict his own teachings as Muhammad warned people in ‘not exaggerating’ in ‘praising’ him.
And if parts of the Ummah have misunderstood this, his success in leading people to pure monotheism can be questioned.
This can show him as not being a complete leader as it shows a limitation in his leadership.
D - Not a complete leader
While he is the seal of prophets and has a good reputation it still doesn’t explain why his teachings have been misunderstood and caused people to fall into shirk directly concerning him.