Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and UNC Universities’ Supplemental Essay By Mehdy Hazheer Option 1 - Tell us about a person who has influenced you in a significant way. As an American, I encountered George Washington and Christopher Columbus at an early age. Growing up I heard stories of Washington and his cherry tree, as well as Columbus and the journeys of the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. However, as a Muslim American, my exposure to Prophet Muhammad had always been limited, having only heard minor details about him and his journey through life. Thus, while still studying traditional American historical figures as a 9th grader, I began to learn more about the character of Muhammad at my Muslim Cultural Center. I was astonished at how much I missed in my childhood. The profound, meaningful stories of his struggle to introduce a serene and fulfilling way of life to an intolerant Arabia inspired me to begin studying the particulars of his character and message. It was fascinating to learn that Muhammad only began disseminating his message to the people of his hometown after it was established and known by all that his character was virtuous, trustworthy and honest. I was inspired to learn that basic human goodness and tolerance were such a powerful set of values, that if present at the core of any human being would only result in improved human relations and the advancement of society. After ten years in exile, Muhammad reentered the city of Mecca after defeating his enemies at the hands of whom he had lost many relatives and close companions, but who had also tried relentlessly during that time to end his life. He entered peacefully only to pardon and give amnesty to all those who had persecuted him and his followers, not even reclaiming the homes that were seized ten years earlier when he and his followers fled for their lives. This form of tolerance is difficult to say the least, particularly in a world where people view retaliation as the only solution to the violence inflicted upon them or their loved ones. I felt enlightened to the fact that this sort of humanity is needed in our world and that reactionary tendencies only foment hatred and violence. To a narrow-minded and male-dominated region, Muhammad introduced feminism and equal rights, environmentalism, and egalitarianism, which eventually even contributed to the renaissance and enlightenment in Europe. He stood up for those who were politically oppressed, socially degraded, and economically exploited to demonstrate that peace and justice not only truly benefits the powerless, but also those in power. In fact, if one wants to sense the impact of his character, one need just read the magnificent poetry of Rumi,

Hafiz, Saa’di, and Omar Khayyam. His support for science, and knowledge in general, led to broad-scoped, scientific revolutions of Avicenna and Averroes. The lessons derived from the moments of his life are still being taught and felt in the academic circles of the East and the West. It is amazing to me how with such subtlety the portrait of this revered man and the way of life he espoused can be twisted and maligned. Aside from being sensationalistic, it is detrimental to us as a nation. Nowadays, the tendency of so many is to use the actions of a few radical and disenfranchised individuals to summarily label an entire people or religion. I intently followed the recent New York City Muslim Cultural Center issue. Although I remember how embarrassed I once was to be a Muslim, the reason why many people are fearful and intolerant of Muslims is because their perception of Islam is misinformed. They see an Islam painted as extremist and hateful, a motif that is constantly reinforced; but not the Islam that Muhammad truly lived. When I studied Muhammad, I learned truly what it meant to be a Muslim. I found that devotion to God and the service of humanity are the responsibilities of a Muslim. I saw that education and reason are the tools to a Muslim’s success. And I experienced that the message of Muhammad was not just for Muslims or about religion, it was for all of humanity and our journey towards justice and equality. Muhammad once said, “Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.” As Americans and members of society, Muslims adhere to the strong sense of equality and tolerance which are the foundation of this great nation. It reinforces our loyalty and dedication to America’s core values. My parents come from a part of the world where the human and social toll of violence and perceived hatred is still too high, where too many lives are being destroyed. As Americans, we need to impart tolerance and exemplify the understanding that was characteristic of not only Muhammad, but all the great unifiers of history.