There is a timeless saying in spiritual traditions that you do not search for a guru; when you are truly ready, the guru finds you. This idea, at first, seems paradoxical. Human nature is restless, always seeking answers, striving to reach the divine or the higher power, whatever name one gives it. Yet, the wisdom of the ages suggests that the ultimate encounter is not a result of relentless searching, but of readiness—a state of inner preparation where the seeker becomes the sought. The metaphor of the prey caught in the mouth of a tiger is striking. Once the guru, or the divine, claims you, escape is impossible; your life is transformed forever.
This leads to a profound question: if it is not man who finds God, but God who finds man, then whom does God choose? What makes a person worthy of such a calling? The life of Prophet Muhammad offers a powerful answer to this question. His story is not just one of spiritual revelation, but of unwavering integrity, trustworthiness, and a character so pure that even those closest to him, and those most opposed to him, could not find fault with his honesty.
Before he became a prophet, Muhammad was known throughout Mecca as Al-Amin—the trustworthy. People from all walks of life, including the wealthy and the influential, entrusted him with their possessions. His reputation was such that even his enemies would leave their valuables in his care, confident that he would never betray their trust. His wife, Khadijah, a successful businesswoman, not only trusted him with her business but ultimately with her life. This level of trust is rare, especially when it comes from those who know you intimately. Usually, those who see us up close, who witness our flaws and weaknesses, are the first to point out our shortcomings. Yet, in Muhammad’s case, even those closest to him could only attest to his honesty and uprightness.
There is another group whose opinion is even harder to win: one’s enemies. An enemy, by definition, seeks to undermine and discredit. They look for the smallest crack in your character to exploit. Yet, even Muhammad’s staunchest opponents could not accuse him of dishonesty or betrayal. They might have disagreed with his message, even fought against it, but they never doubted his integrity. This is a rare phenomenon in human history. Most great figures have detractors who question their motives or actions, but the Prophet’s moral stature was so unassailable that even his adversaries acknowledged it.
When Muhammad received the first revelation at the age of forty, it was not an accident or a random event. It was the culmination of a life lived in truthfulness, humility, and service. The divine message came to a vessel that was already refined, already prepared. When he shared his experience with the people of Mecca, their immediate reaction was not skepticism, but trust. There is a famous incident where he called the people to the hilltop and asked if they would believe him if he said that enemies were approaching. Without hesitation, they replied that they would believe him, for he had never lied to them. This level of credibility is not built overnight; it is the result of decades of consistent, principled living.
Even at the most critical juncture, when his life was in danger and he was about to leave Mecca for Medina, Muhammad refused to leave hastily. He insisted on returning all the possessions entrusted to him, despite the fact that many of their owners were now his enemies. On the very night he was to leave Mecca, rather than depart in haste, he instructed his cousin Ali to stay behind and return every single item that had been left with him for safekeeping, ensuring that not a single trust was betrayed even for those who sought his harm. This act was not just a gesture of honesty, but a profound declaration that true character is measured not by convenience or circumstance, but by steadfast adherence to principle. It is in such moments, when integrity is tested under fire, that the worthiness of a soul is revealed and the reason for divine selection becomes clear. This act alone speaks volumes about his sense of responsibility and his unwavering commitment to justice. He did not let personal danger or animosity cloud his moral judgment.
The lesson here is profound. The divine does not choose arbitrarily. The ones who are chosen are those who have demonstrated, through their actions and character, that they are worthy vessels for a higher purpose. It is not about outward rituals or displays of piety, but about the inner quality of truthfulness, trustworthiness, and selfless service. The life of Prophet Muhammad shows that when a person embodies these qualities, the divine finds them, just as the guru finds the prepared disciple.
In a world where cynicism is rampant and trust is in short supply, the story of Muhammad’s life is a reminder that true greatness is rooted in character. The respect he commanded was not due to wealth, power, or lineage, but because he lived by principles that transcended personal gain. Even those who opposed his message could not deny his honesty. This is the ultimate testament to the power of integrity.
There is also a subtle message about the nature of spiritual readiness. It is not about seeking extraordinary experiences or chasing after the mystical. It is about living each day with sincerity, fulfilling one’s responsibilities, and treating others with fairness and compassion. When these qualities become second nature, the higher power, or God, recognizes the readiness of the individual and bestows upon them a greater role.
The metaphor of the prey and the tiger captures the irreversible nature of this encounter. Once the divine claims you, your life is no longer your own. You are carried along a path that you did not choose, but for which you have been prepared. The transformation is total, and there is no turning back.
In reflecting on the life of Prophet Muhammad, one sees a blueprint for spiritual preparedness. It is not about withdrawing from the world, but about engaging with it fully, with honesty and integrity. It is about being trustworthy in small things, so that when the moment of destiny arrives, you are ready for the larger task. The divine chooses those who have already chosen the path of truth, often long before they realize it themselves.
Ultimately, the story of the Prophet is not just a chapter in religious history, but a universal lesson. It challenges each of us to ask: are we living in such a way that, if the higher power were to seek a messenger, we could be chosen? Are we trustworthy, not just in the eyes of strangers, but in the eyes of those who know us best and even in the eyes of our enemies? The answer to whom God chooses lies not in mystery, but in the quiet, consistent practice of integrity and truthfulness, day after day, year after year.
Justice N.Anand Venkatesh Judge High Court Madras
