In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad

CHAPTER ONE

Encounter with the Sacred

Islamic monotheism has always stood in continuity with the sacred histo-
ry of prophethood. From the beginning, the One God sent humankind
prophets and messengers entrusted with the message, the reminder of
His presence, I-lis commands, His love, and His hope. From Adam, the
first prophet, to Muhammad, the Last Messenger, Muslim tradition rec-
ognizes and identifies with the whole cycle of prophethood, ranging from
the most famous messengers (Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, etc.) to the
lesser known, as well as others who remain unknown to us. T he One has
forever been accompanying us, His creation, from our beginnings to our
end. This is the very meaning of tawhid (the Oneness of God) and of the
Qutanic formula that refers to humankind's destiny as well as to that of
each individual: "To God we belong and to Him we return."]

A Lineage, a Place

Of all messengers, the most important figure in the Last Prophet's line-
age is undoubtedly Abraham. T here are many reasons for this, but from
the outset, the Quean points to this particular link with Abraham through
the insistent and continuous expression of pure monotheism, of human
consciousness's adherence to the divine project, of the heart's access to
His recognition and to His peace through self-giving. This is the meaning
of th e word Islam, which is too often translated quickly by the mere idea
of submission but which also contains the twofold meaning of "peace"
and "wholehearted self-giving." Thus a Muslim is a human being who,

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