His role in lifting the bohemian Arabs, steeped in superstition, hedonism and blood feuds to the heights of spirituality and purposeful living, could have earned him an exalted place in the annals as a social reformer. But that is not where his greatness stops; for, his teachings of monotheism imparted in Mecca and Medina were to spread far and wide within 23 years of the Revelation and his attainment of Prophethood.

This year we are observing Eid-e-Miladunnabi amidst a host of negative tidings. Adversities are being encountered at home and abroad. Domestically, one is distraught with the tendency of using religion for political purposes. Sectarian orthodoxy receiving, to some degree, patronisation of the powerful, is breathing fire into society and violating minority rights which is repugnant to the true spirit of Islam.

The prophet of Islam is known for having never preached anything he did not himself practise. In today's cacophony of rhetoric, exhortation and pontification, it is that synchronisation between words and deeds which we need the most.

With the world dividing in a geometric progression after 9/11, Afghan war and Iraq war, Muslims have been subjected to a certain stereo-typing by powerful quarters in the international arena. At a time like this, the true tenets of Islam will have to be refocused and recharged with healthy modernity so as to forge a powerful and convincing response to attempts at stigmatisation.