As-salamu alaykum - How can we explain that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the best of all people?

As-salamu alaykum. I have a sincere question I want to get clearer on - not just from faith, but from a philosophical and rational angle too. We as Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the best of all humankind, the most complete human being from Prophet Adam (A.S) up to the last person born before the Day of Judgment. But how would we explain or make that believable to a non-Muslim or an atheist who doesn’t accept prophethood from the start? Often the response is: “Our religion also teaches peace and justice,” or “Many leaders and thinkers taught compassion,” or “Previous prophets said similar things - so why is Muhammad ﷺ special?” So what are reasonable, thoughtful ways to show that Muhammad ﷺ stands out - not only by faith, but by wisdom, character, and historical effect? Some angles to think about: - Character and moral example: Look at the reports from his lifetime about his honesty, humility, patience, mercy, and how he settled disputes. You can point to consistent testimony from both Muslim and some non-Muslim sources about his personal conduct, and how a person’s character that shapes an entire community can be used as a philosophical marker of greatness. - Comprehensive message: The Qur’anic teaching combined law, spirituality, social justice, rights for the weak, and a practical system for daily life. You can argue that few teachers provided such a wide, practical framework that affected private belief and public institutions together. - Transformative historical impact: Consider the rapid and lasting reform in morals, social structures, treatment of women, orphans, slaves, and governance that followed his message. Showing measurable social change after his message can help make a case beyond mere claims. - Intellectual coherence and moral consistency: Some point to the coherence of the Qur’anic moral vision and the way the Prophet’s actions matched his teachings as an example of integrity that’s rare among founders of movements. - Universal appeal and longevity: The global spread and endurance of Islam, and the way many different cultures have been guided by the same core example, is an argument from historical success and adaptability. - Addressing the “other prophets said similar things” objection: Explain that similarity in moral teaching doesn’t negate uniqueness. The claim is that he was the final and complete exemplar who brought a full, preserved message and practical model that synthesized and perfected earlier teachings. Philosophically, you can compare a reformer who summarizes and implements prior wisdom into a coherent, complete system vs. those who taught parts of it. When explaining to non-Muslims, keep it respectful and evidence-oriented: cite historical reports, point to social changes, show consistency between teaching and practice, and acknowledge differences in worldview about miracles or revelation. For atheists you may focus more on character, social outcomes, and historical influence rather than miracles. I’m asking because I want answers that are thoughtful, respectful, and grounded - from theology, history, or philosophical reflection - that help convey this idea to people who don’t share our starting assumptions. May Allah increase us in knowledge and wisdom. Ameen.