Mohammad is the Ideal Example

"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah."

- From USC's Compendium of Muslim Texts

"He demonstrated good examples in all aspects of life, Allah says: 'You have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day and who engages much in the praise of Allah.' (Qur'an, 33:21)."

- From the Nigerian Muslim's Network

It is a basic principle of Islam that a Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet Mohammad. This is stated in the Quran (Islam's holiest book) no less than 91 times.

How does a Muslim know how to be a Muslim? By following Mohammad as an example. A Muslim cannot read the Quran and discover how to be a Muslim. Not one of the "five pillars of Islam" is in the Quran. So it is almost impossible for someone to be a Muslim but not consider Mohammad an example to emulate.

What kind of example was Mohammad? He was kind to his fellow Muslims, and he was often cruel to non-Muslims, especially if they criticized Islam or hindered its expansion. He was perhaps a typical seventh-century warlord — ordering assassinations of his enemies, torturing people for information, owning slaves, and killing enemies in mass executions — but his example is preserved in writing, and so is the Quranic encouragement to all devout, present-day Muslims to follow his example.