Answer
Salam dear brother,
Thank you for contacting Ask About Islam with your question about Prophet Muhammad.
You mention that you are a revert. This is a great blessing alhamdulilaah. May Allah accept your endeavors and ease your path.
Prophet Muhammad’s Status in the Quran
It seems from the formulation of your question that you are struggling to accept the status of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set by Allah Almighty:
{Allaah has sent down to you the book (the Quran), and Al‑Hikmah (Islamic laws, knowledge of legal and illegal things, i.e. the Prophet’s Sunnah — legal ways), and taught you that which you knew not. And Ever Great is the Grace of Allaah unto you (O Muhammad} (Al-Nisa’ 4:113)
{And you are truly ˹a man˺ of outstanding character.} (Al-ahzaab 68:4)
Prophet Muhammad’s Status in the Sunnah
Muslim (4223) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said: “I will be the leader of the sons of Adam on the Day of Resurrection, and the first one for whom the grave is opened, and the first one to intercede and the first one whose intercession will be accepted.”
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets”. (Bukhari)
Best of Men?
While I am not sure from where your struggle to accept Prophet Muhammad’s status as the best of men stems from. That, as well as challenging it; I will gladly help you navigate this.
Do you perhaps inevitably as a revert to Islam compare Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to other prophets? Prophets such as Jesus or Moses? Deeming them in a higher stance?
Also, let’s look into what the notion of best of men could perhaps mean to you. Is it a monogamous man? A man who does not oppress women? Not involved in warfare?
Prophet Muhammad vs other Prophets
As a Muslim you do not stop revering Prophets Jesus and Moses. Did you know that they are among the best 5 Prophets in Islam; coined ulu alazm (those endowed with resolve)? The other 3 are Prophet Muhammad as well as Ibrahim and Nuh (Noah) (peace be upon them all).
A covenant and pledge were taken from previous messengers, especially Moses and Jesus (and hence from their true followers) that they should believe in, follow and support Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his sealing message:
{And as Allah took compact with the Prophets [that], “Indeed, whatever I bring you of Book and Wisdom, thereafter a Messenger comes to you sincerely verifying what is with you, indeed you shall definitely believe in him, and indeed you shall definitely vindicate him.” He said, “Do you ratify [that]? And do you take My obligation on those [conditions]?” They said, “We have ratified [that].” He said, “Then, bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”} (Al-Baqarah 2:81–82)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) even said:
“By Allah, if my brother Musa were alive, and witnessed my Prophethood, he would have no choice but to follow me” (Ad-Darimi).
Prophet Muhammad’s 11 marriages
For the shortage of space I will quickly skim through this topic. But, I can say it is sufficient to note that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was monogamously married to his first wife Khadijah for 25 years until she passed away.
Allah Almighty wanted His Prophet’s 11 marriages after that to be for valid reasons. Ones such as strengthening the ties with his companions, spreading the message of islam to other tribes, etc.
Did Prophet Muhammad Oppress Women?
Let me ask you this, would a man who married his female boss (Khadijah) and later one of the most knowledgeable women in this world (Aisha), oppress women?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was all for women’s rights and he took great care of them: Umar reported:
“We did not have much regard for women in Makkah; however, they were better treated in Madinah. The Prophet established women’s rights through his sayings and commands, which strengthened their position and status”. (Mishkat ul Masabih)
Prophet Muhammad in the Battlefield
Contrary to what is unfortunately claimed by many orientalists, Islam was not spread by the sword. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was on a mission to bring people together and not disperse them. Yet, when military defense was necessary he always made sure to protect the elders, as well as the women and children. Moreover, he would make sure not to destroy any homes, trees, etc.
{Fight against them ˹if they persecute you˺ until there is no more persecution, and ˹your˺ devotion will be to Allah ˹alone˺. If they stop ˹persecuting you˺, let there be no hostility except against the aggressors.} (Al-Baqarah 2:193)
Last Words
So, rest assured, that in you embracing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the best of men, you not only get a reward for this as you follow the Sunnah. But, furthermore you complete your iman (faith) as a Muslim.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind” (Al-Bukhari).
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