Re: Ifs and Buts in Sunnah
Muslims follow the way of Muhammad (pbuh) in what he did, how he did it, so we may become as pious as him. That is not worship. What muslims show for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is respect to the highest level.
Muslims do not bow to him because he doesn't have a "symbol" associated with him (i.e., cross for christianty). So there is no worship.
He can be set aside from all the rest because the was the best of mankind in what he did, how he preached the religion and most of all because he wasn't directed to preach to a group of humanity. Islam is meant for all people, of all colors.
Jesus (pbuh) was sent for Children of Israel and it is written in the bible:
Matthew
10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
10:6* But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.*
Matthew
15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
15:24 But he answered and said, *I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
*This universality of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) is most dearest to muslims. But ofcourse Islam recognizes all the other prophets as well, and states that their mission was the same, message was the same. They were sent for a specific time and to a specific people. Whereas Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the final and last messenger, sent for all the people and all times to follow.
The message has been delivered through him, whether people believe or not is entirely upto them. Just like not all the people accepted Christianity or Jesus(a.s.) as a prophet during or after his tme.
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