( Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 53, No. 392)
Many noted politicians have gone on record with statements that honor Muhammad and praise Islam as a religion of peace. Many see Muhammad as a "role model" that people should emulate. The PBS Network even produced a very positive documentary for national television about the legacy of Muhammad that was funded in part by Islamic benefactors.
The following examples should be considered and examined closely in regard to selecting a role model:
Muhammad allows women and children of polytheists to be killed:
"It is reported on the authority of Sa'b
b. Jaththama that the Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him), when
asked about the women and children of the polytheists being killed
during the night raid, said: They are from them.."
( Sahih Muslim,
Book 019, No. 4321 )
Muhammad ordered the stoning death of a woman for being pregnant out of wedlock - but allowed her to first give birth to the child:
"Be good to her, and when she bears a child, bring her (to me). When she gave birth to the child, he brought her (to him). The Prophet gave orders regarding her, and her clothes were tied to her. He then commanded regarding her and she was stoned to death..."
(Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 38, No. 4426)
It appears Muhammad may have approved of selling slaves:
"We sold slave-mothers during the time of the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and of Abu Bakr..." (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 29, No. 3943)
"A man amongst us declared that his slave would be freed after his death. The Prophet called for that slave and sold him. The slave died the same year." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 46, Number 711)