Huffington Post likens "Prophet Muhammad" to George Washington

by Robert Spencer

You remember when George Washington made the British line up beside a trench and beheaded 900 of them, don't you? And when he consummated his marriage with John Adams' nine-year-old daughter?

I had to laugh: "Huff Po Off the Rails: Touts 'Connection' between 'Prophet Muhammad' and George Washington," by Pamela Geller at Atlas Shrugs, January 12:

I've pointed out many times here at Atlas how compromised and pro-jihad the Huff Po is, but this is ridiculous, starting with the "Prophet" Muhammad reference in the headline. He ain't my prophet. It's to vomit. Muhammad and George Washington are polar opposites. A man of honor who respected human life and refused the title of king and a bloody warlord who preached conquest, subjugation and slavery.
An Unlikely Connection Between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington Puff Ho 01/10/2013 2:55 pm

In seventh century Arabia, a middle-aged man had a vision to create a new religious and social order for a largely pagan and tribal society. The man, Muhammad, told his band of followers to behave wisely and civilly. "The best among you," he said, "are those who have the best manners and character." More than 1,000 years later, Muhammad's wisdom would be echoed again, this time in the British colony of Virginia, by a 13-year-old schoolboy jotting down a lengthy set of behavioral rules that would later be published as "Rules of Civility." The schoolboy was none other than George Washington, who would one day become the first president of the United States of America.

"Some people from `Uraina tribe came to Medina and its climate did not suit them, so Allah's Apostle (pbuh) allowed them to go to the herd of camels (given as Zakat) and they drank their milk and urine (as medicine) but they killed the shepherd and drove away all the camels. So Allah's Apostle sent (men) in their pursuit to catch them, and they were brought, and he had their hands and feet cut, and their eyes were branded with heated pieces of iron and they were left in the Harra (a stony place at Medina) biting the stones." (Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 24, Number 577)

Muhammad and Washington may seem like an unlikely connection, but in fact, they share strikingly similar biographies. Muhammad and Washington were students of history, restorers of justice and fierce warriors who led their respective nations through successful revolutions. Both men united a large swath of political territory and served as the founding father for two unprecedented social movements -- Islam and the United States of America -- whose universal ideals would both spread throughout the world respectively.

"The Prophet wrote the (marriage contract) with 'Aisha while she was six years old and consummated his marriage with her while she was nine years old and she remained with him for nine years (i.e. till his death)." (Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 88)

Washington's contemporary, Richard Henry Lee, once said that he was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Washington's nemesis, Britain's King George III, said that Washington was "placed in a light the most distinguished of any man living" and had "the greatest character of the age." Similarly, Muslims worldwide see Muhammad as the perfect human being. In "The Prophet of Islam," Professor K.S. Rao said we witnessed "the union of the theorist, the organizer and the leader" in him. Even a non-Muslim, such as Mohatma Gandhi, called Muhammad "a treasure of wisdom not only for Muslims but for all mankind."

"Narrated Abu Huraira: 'Allah's Apostle said, "If anyone of you performs ablution he should put water in his nose and then blow it out and whoever cleans his private parts with stones should do so with odd numbers. And whoever wakes up from his sleep should wash his hands before putting them in the water for ablution, because nobody knows where his hands were during sleep."'" (Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 163)

The connection between Muhammad and Washington can be explored further in the Holy Quran, the Islamic Scripture which documents God's revelations to Muhammad, and "Rules of Civility," a book which outlines Washington's advice for the proper conduct of young American gentlemen. For Muslims, the Holy Quran is the literal word of God, while "Rules of Civility" is less concerned with religious affairs and more focused on social rules and behavior. The Holy Quran and "Rules of Civility" have different frames, but both texts -- in a wider sense -- offer guidance toward achieving a more peaceful and noble life.

"Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: 'Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.' "'" (Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Number 176)
"Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued." (Qur'an 9:29)

Muhammad and Washington advised their peers to keep their mouths free of foul language. In the Holy Quran, offensive name-calling is forbidden: "Let not some men among you laugh at others ... Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connecting wickedness" (49:11). In "Rules of Civility," Washington said "[u]se no reproachful language against anyone, neither curse nor revile" (Rule 49). He added: "[s]peak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest" and "[s]coff at no one, although they give occasion" (Rule 65). Muhammad and Washington taught their peers to improve relations with others by using kindness and positive words. Both men hoped that using civil language would help groups avoid misunderstandings and create a more harmonious society.

"Many are the Jinns and men we have made for Hell: They have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle, nay more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning)." (Qur'an 7:179)

Along with his affinity for modest language, Washington also wrote about the importance of a modest appearance. "In your apparel, be modest and endeavor to accommodate nature rather than to procure admiration" (Rule 52), he wrote. "Keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly, with respect to times and places" (Rule 52). Modesty is also a theme in the Holy Quran: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity; in this they will be more considerate for their own well-being and purity..." (24:30-31). The Holy Quran requests that women "not display the charms of their bodies beyond what may be apparent thereof; hence, let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms" (24:31). Muhammad and Washington wanted their peers to dress appropriately because a modest and clean appearance is an indication of healthy inner feelings and humble attitudes.

"Alqama and Aswad reported: A person stayed in the house of A'isha and in the morning began to wash his garment. A'isha said: In case you saw it (i. e. drop of semen), it would have served the purpose (of purifying the garment) if you had simply washed that spot; and in case you did not see it, it would have been enough to sprinkle water around it, for when I saw that on the garment of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). I simply scraped it off and he offered prayer, while putting that on." (Muslim, Book 2, Number 566)

Muhammad and Washington also believed in the virtue of humility. The Holy Qur'an states that "(t)he servants of the Merciful are those who walk on the earth in humility" (25:63) and that the "(s)uccessful indeed are the believers who humble themselves in their prayers" (23:02). In Islam, there is even the term ujb, which warns mankind of arrogance and the danger of exaggerating one's accomplishments. Comparatively, Washington believed that "a man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities, his riches, his titles, his virtue or his kindred" (Rule 63). The humility of Muhammad and Washington was crucial to the early success of their fledgling nations. The direction of the Arab and American society could have had a much different history if Muhammad and Washington were egotistical and presumptuous leaders.

"Abu Huraira reported many ahadith from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and one is that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: I am most close to Jesus, son of Mary, among the whole of mankind in this worldly life and the next life. They said: Allah's Messenger how is it? Thereupon he said: Prophets are brothers in faith, having different mothers. Their religion is, however, one and there is no Apostle between us (between I and Jesus Christ)." (Muslim, Book 30, Number 5836)

Respect, especially for one's parents, is also mentioned in the Holy Quran and "Rules of Civility." Washington wrote that people should "[h]onor and obey" our natural parents, "although they may be poor" (Rule 108). Similarly, the Holy Quran calls for "good treatment" of parents: "Whether one of both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] 'oof' [i.e., an expression of irritation] and do not repel them but speak to them a nobel word" (17:23-24). Muhammad and Washington understood the correlation between high character and respect. Both men realized that the key to a strong society is for people, especially families, to treat each other how they wished to be treated.

"Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: 'Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever, until you believe in Allah Alone.'" (Qur'an 60:4)

While it may appear as an obscure similarity, Muhammad and Washington also cared a great deal about good hygiene. The Holy Quran, for example, states that, "Allah ... loves those who keep themselves pure and clean" (2:22). Similarly, in "Rules of Civility," Washington wrote that people should keep their "nails clean and short, and your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any concern for them" (Rule 15). Washington added that people should wear clean clothing: "Wear not your clothes foul, ripped or dusty ... and take heed that you approach not to any uncleaness" (Rule 51). Both Muhammad and Washington stressed the importance of maintaining a clean, well-presented physical appearance. They believed that good hygiene was a projection of a positive body image, which, in turn, reflected a healthy mind.

"Narrated 'Aisha: 'I used to wash the traces of Janaba (semen) from the clothes of the Prophet and he used to go for prayers while traces of water were still on it (water spots were still visible).'" (Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 229)

Ultimately, Muhammad and Washington were gentlemen of the highest degree. This is no more evident than in the connection between them in the Holy Quran and "Rules of Civility." Perhaps Muslims worldwide and American could forge better relations if each group adhered to the advice Muhammad and Washington provided.

Ultimately, the PuffHo is dhimmi asshattery of the highest degree. This is no more evident than in this article.

Robert Spencer

Source: http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/01/huffington-post-likens-prophet-muhammad-to-george-washington.html

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