Muhammad The Great Exemplar — Page 6
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad 6 proper fulfilment of human requirements is the physical manifestation of this state, without which a model [of conduct] cannot be perfected. Prophets do not come to change human nature. Instead, they are sent to practically instruct us on how best to fulfil human needs. Though it may be possible for the general run of people to defy the demands of [human] nature, this is not possible for the prophets as they are a model for their followers. The more of these requisites they neglect, the more their status is diminished. A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR MANKIND When the Holy Prophet sa is viewed in this light, one can see he was, in equal measure, the perfect man and the perfect prophet. His essential duties did not divest him of his human emotions. Rather, alongside his work, he fulfilled his human obligations in such a way as to set a perfect example for all people to follow. Many who are ignorant of the highest human excellences, consider the consumption of fine foods a trait of beasts which defies the transcendent stages of spirituality. But this view contradicts the natural state of humans as created by God. A close symbiosis exists between a person’s character and the food they eat. Different forms of nourishment affect our dispositions accordingly. Here we find that while the Holy Prophet sa