Allah the Exalted states: َفَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَآ اُمِرْتَ ,i.e. become upright and free yourselves of all forms of evil action and crookedness, then shall I be pleased with you; become upright yourself and make others the same. How difficult was it for the Arabs to make people upright. When the people asked, the Holy Prophetsa said that Surah Hud had made him old, because this injunction placed a very heavy responsibility upon him.
As far as a person’s own being is concerned, it is possible for an individual to make themselves upright and fully obey the commandments of Allah Almighty. However, it is not easy to mould others in this way. This demonstrates the lofty grandeur and the spiritual power of the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. How wonderfully did the Holy Prophetsa fulfil this commandment. He produced a pious community of noble companions to whom it was said:
کُنۡتُمۡ خَیۡرَ اُمَّۃٍ اُخۡرِجَتۡ لِلنَّاسِ
“You are the best people raised for the good of mankind.”
Then, these same people were given the glad tiding:
رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ
“Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him.”
Before the Holy Prophetsa passed away, no hypocrite was left in Medina, the Holy City. Hence, the Holy Prophetsa received such success that its parallel cannot be found in the life accounts of any other Prophet. By this, the purpose of Allah the Almighty was to teach that one must not remain limited to mere words and statements. For if we remain confined to mere words, statements and outward display, then what will differentiate us from others and how shall we be any better? You ought to exhibit a shining practical example that others find acceptable, because until your example possesses a true radiance, others will never accept it.
Can anyone be attracted to a dirty and filthy thing? If even one stain is evident on a person’s clothes, they do not look appealing. Similarly, until your inner-state is pure and shining, no one will hold you in esteem. Everyone admires things of fine quality and in the same manner, until your morals are of a high standing, you shall not be able to achieve anything.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 187-188)