“I would wash his [Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)] feet”….Heraclius (King/Ceaser of Byzantium) to Abu Sufyan (Leader of Quraish)….

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas:

Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) had truce with Abu Sufyan and the disbelievers of Quraish. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question said to them, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?” Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group).”

Heraclius said, “Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.” Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me.” Abu Sufyan added, “By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was:

‘What is his family status amongst you?’

I replied, ‘He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.’

Heraclius further asked, ‘Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?’

I replied, ‘No.’

He said, ‘Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?’

I replied, ‘No.’

Heraclius asked, ‘Do the nobles or the poor follow him?’

I replied, ‘It is the poor who follow him.’

He said, ‘Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?’

I replied, ‘They are increasing.’

He then asked, ‘Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?’

I replied, ‘No.’

Heraclius said, ‘Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?’

I replied, ‘No. ‘

Heraclius said, ‘Does he break his promises?’

I replied, ‘No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.’ I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.

Heraclius asked, ‘Have you ever had a war with him?’

I replied, ‘Yes.’

Then he said, ‘What was the outcome of the battles?’

I replied, ‘Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.’

Heraclius said, ‘What does he order you to do?’

I said, ‘He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our Kith and kin.’

Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man’s statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.

I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I, then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any thing along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.’ Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Rasulallah which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows:

In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

(This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Prophet to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine.

Peace be upon those, who follow the guidance. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your Arisiyin (peasants). (And I recite to you Allah’s Statement:)

‘O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).’ (3:64).

Abu Sufyan then added, “When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah guided me to it).”

The sub narrator adds, “Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of llya’ (Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting ilya’ (Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, ‘At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?’ The people replied, ‘Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews). ’Just issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.’

While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Rasullallah to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, ‘Arabs also practice circumcision.’

(After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the ‘Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs. (a town in Syrian and stayed there till he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet and the fact that he was a Prophet. On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, ‘O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).’

(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.

(When they returned) he said, ‘What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.’ The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius’s story (in connection with his faith).

Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 1, Number 6

 

“Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la…Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la…Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la…” Dying words of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

When the pangs of death started, `Aisha leant him against her. She used to say: It was a great Divine favor on me that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, died in my room, while I am still alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against me. Allah mixed his saliva with mine at his death.For ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn AbuBakr came in with a Siwak (tooth stick) in his hand, while the Prophet’s head was in my lap.I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak. So I asked him: “Would you like me to have it?” He nodded in the affirmative. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him again: “Shall I soften it for you?” Again, he nodded in the affirmative. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth). There was a water container available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said: “There is no god but Allah. Verily, death is full of agonies.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

As soon as he finished brushing his teeth with the Siwak, he raised his hand or his finger up, looking upwards to the ceiling he mumbled some words. So `Aishah listened attentively. A voice, as if coming from Paradise, could be heard reciting:“With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, with the Prophets and the Truthful Ones, the martyrs and the good doers. O Allah! Forgive me and have mercy on me and join me to the Companionship on high.”

Then he repeated the last words three times: Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la…Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la…Ar-Rafeeq Ul A’la… (The Most exalted companionship on high).

And at the same time, his (Saallahualayhi Wassalam) hand came down and indeed he joined the most exalted Companionship on high.

To Allah is our return and to Him we supplicate for help, and the last abode.

This event took place at high morning time on Monday, the twelfth of Rabi` Al-Awwal, in the eleventh year after the Hijrah.

 

The morals and manners of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

The morals and manners of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

“We sent you not (O Muhammad), but as a Mercy for all creatures.” [Al-Anbiya(21):107]

In order to understand the message of Islam, it is first necessary to acquaint ourselves with the prophet of Islam. You cannot, as the popular saying goes, separate the message from the messenger. It is therefore only natural to wish to study the life of Muhammad (SAW), his manners and his morals, and to see how Islam manifested itself in his person as a living example for all Muslims till the end of time.

Abu Hurairah(RA) described him as follows: “He was of medium build, closer to being tall. His skin was extremely white, his beard was black, his mouth was pleasant, his eyebrows were long, and his shoulders were wide”

Anas ibn Malik(RA) said: “I never touched silk or any soft fabric equal to the softness of his palm, and I never smelled a scent more pleasing than his.”

Hind ibn Abi Hala(Ra) (the son of Muhammad’s wife Kadijah) described Muhammad (SAW) as follows: “The Messenger of Allah was of consecutive sorrows, continuous thought, never finding rest, long in silence. He did not speak without cause. He spoke with his full mouth (was not arrogant), and spoke concisely. His speech was just, with neither excess nor deficiency. He was not pompous, nor denigrating. He exalted all blessings no matter how small and never belittled a single one. He would never praise his food nor criticize it. He was never angered by matters of this life nor that which was associated with it. However, if justice was transgressed nothing could stand up to his anger until justice was established. He never became angry for his own self nor sought retribution for himself. If he gestured, he did so with his whole palm. If he was amazed, he overturned it. If he spoke, he struck with his right palm the inside of his left thumb. If he became angry he turned away, and when he was happy he lowered his gaze. The majority of his laughter was [restricted to] smiling.”

Ali ibn abi Talib(RA) described Muhammad (SAW) as follows: “He was not vulgar nor did he condone vulgarity, and he was not one to shout in the market place. He did not reward evil with evil, rather, he would forgive and overlook. He never in his life struck anything with his hand except when he was fighting in the name of Allah. He never struck a servant nor a woman, and I never saw him taking revenge for an injustice dealt him, except if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed. For if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed he was among the strongest of them in anger. He was never given a choice between two matters but he chose the simplest of the two. If he entered into his home he was a man like any other; cleaning his own garment, milking his own goat, and serving himself.

He would guard his tongue from that which did not concern him. He would attract them (the people) and not repel them. He would ennoble the noble of the people and charge them with their affairs. He was wary of the people and guarded himself against them but without depriving them a warm smile or fitting conduct. He would inquire after his companions and would ask the people about their affairs. He would encourage that which was good and strengthen it, and he would discourage that which was evil and undermine it. He was balanced and consistent. He would never be neglectful that they would not learn neglect and grow indifferent. He had a provision for every occasion and he never fell short of justice nor exceeded it. The closest people to him were the best among them, and the best among them in his eyes were the most comprehensive in advice. The highest of them in stature with him was the best among them in looking after the people and assisting them. He would not rise nor sit down without praise [to God]. If he visited a gathering he would sit wherever the group ended (and not at their head) and he encouraged the same. He would give all those sitting with him their just due [to the extent that] they would each feel that none was more important to him than them. If someone were to sit with him or come in search of a favor he would be patient with them until they (the guest) would be the one to leave. Whoever came to him with a request was never turned away except with that which they had asked for or with a kind word. His cheerfulness and good manners encompassed them all such that he became a father to them and they all became equal in rights. His gatherings were those of knowledge, humbleness, patience, and integrity. In them there would be no raising of voices nor transgressions of prohibitions. They would not expose one-another’s errors, but would be equal, encouraging each-other in the fear of God. In them, they would respect their elders, be merciful to their children, give preference to those in need, and protect the stranger.”

He continues: “He was continually smiling, gentle in manners, soft in nature. He was not severe, harsh-hearted, loud, abusive, or miserly. He would disregard that which he disliked, and no one ever despaired of him. He never responded to disparagement or evil words. He forbade upon himself three things: Argument, arrogance, and that which did not concern him. And he relieved the people of three: He would not degrade any among them or abuse them, he would not search after their honor or private matters, and he would not speak except in matters which he hoped to be rewarded for. When he spoke his attendees would lower their heads as if birds had alighted upon them. Once he finished they would speak. They would not vie with one-another in his presence to speak, but when one would talk in his presence the rest would listen until he finished. Speech in his presence was that of the first among them. He would laugh with them, and wonder with them. He had patience with the strangers when they were gruff in speech and requests, to a degree that his companions would fetch them to him. He would say: ‘If you see someone in need, fetch him to me.’ He would not accept praise except from those who were balanced and not excessive. He would not interject into someone’s speech unless they transgressed, in which case he would either rebuke them or else leave.

He was the most generous of heart, truthful of tongue, softest in disposition, and noble in relationship. He who first set eyes upon him feared him, but he who associated with him loved him. Those who described him would say: ‘I have never seen before of after him anyone similar to him, peace be upon him’ “

With God

Whenever Muhammad (SAW) commanded his followers to observe a command or prohibition of God he was always found to be the most observant of this command or prohibition. He was the most devout in worship to God among them, and no one could equal him in worship, and in patience in the worship of God.

Al-Mugeerah ibn Shooba narrated: “The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to stand in prayer until his feet became swollen and cracked. He was then asked: ‘Hasn’t God forgiven you that which is before you and that which is behind you?’ He (Muhammad, SAW) replied: ‘Should I not be a thankful servant?’ ” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Aisha (Ra) narrated: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) used to fast till one would say: he never stops fasting, and he would abstain from fasting till one would say: he never fasts.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Anas(RA) said: “You would never like to see him standing in the middle of the night in prayer but you would, and never would you like to see him sleeping but you would” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

The companions narrated that when a hardship or trial befell him he would pray. He would say “My comfort has been placed in prayer” (Narrated by Al-Nissai)

With Life

Muhammad (SAW) was the most far removed among his people from the love of money or wealth. He encouraged his followers to be industrious, make an honest living and discouraged them from seeking charity. He did not condemn wealth and the wealthy, however, he feared for his followers and encouraged them to not allow it to corrupt them or obsess them.

Muhammad (SAW) himself could have been the most wealthy man in the history of Arabia, however, he preferred to live simply and use his wealth in that which pleased God. As the leader of the Islamic nation, he received great wealth, however, he hated for this wealth to remain in his home for more than a day without having distributed it in charity. At times he would distribute tens or hundreds of thousands of “dinars” at a time as soon as he received them. He lived according to his sayings:

“O my Lord, indeed, true life is only the afterlife” and “What have I to do with this life? The similitude of me and this life is as a traveler who stopped to take shelter in the shade of a tree and then arose and left it”

Urwah(RA) narrated that Aisha(Ra) (the wife of Muhammad, SAW) said to me, “O my nephew! We used to see the crescent, and then the crescent, and then the crescent, in this way we saw three crescents in two months and no fire (for cooking) used to be lit in the houses of Allah’s Messenger (SAW). I said, “O my aunt! Then what use to sustain you?” Aisha said, “[These two]: dates and water.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Abu Tharr narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, it would not please me that any of it should remain with me after three nights (i.e. I would spend all of it in Allah’s cause) except what I would keep for repaying debts.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated: “The messenger of Allah was never asked for something and then he said ‘no’ (he never refused a request)” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

With People

“By the grace of Allah, you are gentle towards the people; if you had been stern and harsh-hearted, they would have dispersed from round about you” [A'al-Umran(3):159]

Even with all of his concerns and obligations, Muhammad (SAW) never became unmindful of his people. He had a special place in his heart for each one of them and he was known among them for his soft-spokenness, his generosity, his tolerance, and his friendliness.

He would joke with his companions, sit and talk with them, play with their children and sit them on his knee. He would respond to the call of the free man or the slave, or the young girl or the poor. He would visit the sick on the opposite end of the city and he would attend their funerals. He would accept the people’s apologies and their excuses, and he was the most humble among them.

Abdullah ibn Al-Haritha(RA) narrated: “I have never seen anyone who smiled more continuously than the Messenger of Allah (SAW)” (Narrated by Al-Tirmathi)

Usamah ibn Zayd(RA) narrated: “The daughter of the Prophet (SAW) sent (a messenger) to the Prophet (SAW) requesting him to come as her child was dying. However, the Prophet (SAW) returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say: “Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives is for Him. Everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet (SAW) stood up, and so did Sa’id ibn Ubadah, Mu’ath ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka’ab , Zayd ibn Thabit and some other men. [When he arrived,] the child was brought to Allah’s Apostle (SAW), his chest heaving. On that the eyes of the Prophet (SAW) began shedding tears. Sa’d said, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is this?” He replied, “It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the hearts of His slaves, and Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful (to others).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Anas ibn Malik(RA) narrated that “the Prophet (SAW) used to mix with us (the children) to the extent that he would say to a younger brother of mine, ‘O abu-Umayr! What did the Nughayr (a kind of bird) do?’ ” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Abu Dawood narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) would say: “Let none of you transmit to me [evil news] about my companions, for I like to meet with you with a pure heart”

Ibn Masood(RA) narrated that Muhammad (SAW) said to a group he sent to teach and advise: “Be lenient and do not make [this religion] difficult. Bring glad tidings and do not repel”

AbuMalik al-Ash’ari (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘Cleanliness is half of faith, and [saying] ‘Praise be to God’ fills the scale, and [saying] ‘Glory be to God’ and ‘Praise be to God’ fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof [of one's faith], and patience is a brightness, and the Qur’an is a proof for or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, some setting themselves free and others destroying themselves.’ ” (Narrated by Muslim)

With His Family and Children:

Aisha(Ra), the wife of Muhammad (SAW) said: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) used to patch his sandals, sew his garment and conduct himself at home as anyone of you does in his house. He was a human being, searching his garment for lice, milking his sheep, and doing his own chores.” (Narrated by al-Tirmathi).

She also said: “He would patch his garments and sole his sandals” She was once asked: “How was he with his family?”, she responded: “He was in the service of his family until it was time for prayer, at which time he would go and pray”

Anas (RA) narrated: “I never saw anyone more merciful with children than the Messenger of Allah (SAW)” (Narrated by Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that: “The Messenger of Allah never denigrated any type of food; if he liked it he ate it, and if he disliked it he left it alone” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Generosity, Clemency and Conduct

Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) narrated:”Allah’s Messenger (SAW) neither spoke in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally. He used to say, ‘The most beloved to me among you is the one who has the best character and manners.’” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Abu Hurayrah(RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The most Perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Qatadah ibn Malik (RA) narrated that Zayd ibn Ilaqah related on the authority of his uncle, Qatadah ibn Malik(RA), that the Prophet (SAW) would supplicate: “O Allah, I seek Your protection against undesirable manners, acts, and desires.” (Transmitted by Al-Tirmithi.)

Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated: “I was walking with the messenger of Allah (SAW) and he was wearing a mantle of Najran with a thick border. A Bedouin met him and pulled the mantle so violently that I saw this violent pulling had left marks from it’s border on the skin of the neck of the Messenger of Allah (SAW). And he (the Bedouin) said: Muhammad!, command that I should be given out of the wealth of Allah which is at your disposal. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) turned to him and smiled, and then he ordered for him a provision.”

Anas (RA) narrated: “Eighty men from the men of Makkah descended upon the Messenger of Allah (SAW) from the mountain of Al-Taneem, in [full] armor, with the intent of doing battle with him. He (Muhammad, SAW) captured them peaceably and then did not kill them” (Narrated by Muslim)

A pagan by the name of Zaid ibn Sa’ana came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in order to collect a debt. When he drew near Muhammad (SAW) he wrenched him by his clothes violently, exposing his shoulder, and spoke rudely at him. Finally, he said: “You sons of AbdulMuttalib are all a procrastinating lot.” Immediately, Umar ibn Al-Khattab leapt at him chastising and rebuking him harshly, all the while the Messenger of Allah (SAW) looked on smiling. Then the Prophet (SAW) said to Umar: “He and I were in need of other than this O Umar; You should have commanded me to excel in my repayment, and have commanded him to excel in his request for repayment.” He (Muhammad, SAW) said: “There [still] remains in his term three [days]” He (Muhammad, SAW) then commanded Umar to see to his recompensation and to increase him twenty ‘saa’ (weights) as compensation for the terrorization he had endured (from Umar). This man later became a Muslim” (Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi, ibn Habban, and Al-Tabarani)

Anas ibn Malik (RA) said: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) had the best disposition amongst people. He sent me (when I was a child) on an errand one day, and I said: By Allah, I would not go. I had, however, this idea in my mind that I would do as Allah’s Apostle (SAW) had commanded me to do. I went out until I happened to come across children who had been playing in the street. In the meanwhile, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) came there and he caught me by the back of my neck from behind me. As I looked towards him I found him smiling and he said: Unays, did you go where I told you to go? I said: Allah’s Messenger, yes, I am going. Anas further said: I served him for nine years but I know not that he ever chastised me about a thing which I had done why I did that, or about a thing I had left as to why I had not done that.” (Narrated by Muslim)

In another narration, he said: “I served the Prophet (SAW) at Madinah for ten years. I was a boy. Every work that I did was not according to the desire of my master, but he never said to me: Fie!, nor did he say to me: Why did you do this? or Why did you not do this?” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Anas (RA) also said: “No one was more beloved to us than the Messenger of Allah (SAW), [however], if we saw him we would not stand up for him for we knew how much he disliked [for us to do so]. And on one occasion someone called to him saying: ‘O best of mankind …’ He replied: ‘That is Abraham, peace be upon him’ ” (Narrated by Muslim)

Adi ibn Hatim al-Ta’ee (RA) came to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to ask about Islam, so Muhammad (SAW) invited him to his home. When they sat down, a small girl brought a pillow to the Messenger of Allah (SAW), however, he placed it between him and Adi and sat on the ground. Adi later said: “[When I saw that] I knew that he was not a king”

It was also narrated that Muhammad (SAW) once said: “I am but a servant, I eat as the servant eats, and I sit as the servant sits”

Muhammad (SAW) would tie his own camel, feed his own animal, eat with the servants, knead dough with them, and carry his own groceries from the market.

With Parents

Abu Hurayrah(RA) narrated that a man came to Allah’s Messenger (SAW) and said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Who is the most deserving person of my good companionship?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Your mother.” The man said, “Who is next?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Your mother.” The man said, “Who is next?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Your father.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

A man came to AbudDarda and said, “I have a wife whom my mother commands me to divorce,” he replied to him that he had heard Allah’s Messenger (SAW) say, “A parent is the best of the gates of Paradise; so if you wish, keep to the gate, or lose it.” (Narrated in Mishkat Al-Masabih, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.)

Abu Bakrah said: The Prophet (SAW) said thrice, “Should I inform you about the greatest of the great sins?” They said, `Yes, O Allah’s Messenger!” He said, “To join others in worship with Allah and to be undutiful to one’s parents.” The Prophet (SAW) then sat up after he had been reclining (on a pillow) and said, “And I warn you against giving a false witness,” and he kept on repeating that warning till we thought he would not stop.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Anas ibn Malik(RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “The worst of Kaba’ir (the greatest sins) are: to join others as partners in worship with Allah, to murder a human being, to be undutiful to one’s parents and to make a false statement,” or said, “to bear false witness.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Defense of the Boundaries of the Religion

The day Ibraheem (the son of Muhammad, SAW) died, there was an eclipse of the sun. The people began to say: “The sun has eclipsed for the death of Ibraheem”, whereupon the messenger of Allah (SAW) became angry and chastised them saying:

“Verily, the sun and the moon are two signs of the signs of Allah, they do not eclipse for the death of anyone nor for his birth, so if you see that (an eclipse) then supplicate to God, reverence His name, pray and give charity” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

On another occasion, a man said: “God and You (O Muhammad) have willed this” regarding a certain matter. The Messenger of Allah then rebuked him saying: “Have you made me equal to God?” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

For the same reason, another time, a man was delivering a speech and said: “He who obeys God and His messenger is indeed wise, and he who disobeys Allah and his messenger has lost.” Upon hearing this, the Messenger of Allah said: “You are the most evil of speakers” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Note: Muhammad (SAW) did not want those listening to the speech to think that God and His messengers are in any way equal.

Muhammad (SAW) also used to say: “Do not over-praise me as the Christians over-praised [Jesus] the son of Mary. For I am only His servant, so say: ‘Allah’s servant and messenger’ ” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

His Bravery and Bashfulness

Many people believe bravery and bashfulness to be self-contradictory opposites of one-another, however, in Muhammad (SAW) we were given the example of a true balance between these two attributes. It was narrated that Muhammad (SAW) was the most bashful of all mankind, and if he disliked a matter we (the companions) would know that from his face (his expression). Aisha (SAW) narrated that whenever he was informed of an error committed by someone he would never say: “Why did ‘such’ the son of ‘such’ do such-and-such”, rather, he would say:

“Why do some people do (or say) such-and-such?”  In this manner he would caution them, but he would not mention the man by name. (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Regarding his bravery Ali ibn Abi-Talib(RA), one of the bravest young men in the Islamic nation said:”In the heat of battle, [when the passions burned strongest,] we would seek shelter behind the Messenger of Allah (SAW), for there was none closer to the enemy than him, and you had seen me on the day of Badr, battle of we were taking shelter behind the Prophet of Allah (SAW) and he was the closest among us to the enemy” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Al-Bukhari narrated upon the authority of Anas: “The Messenger of Allah was the best of mankind, and the most generous among mankind, and the bravest among mankind. The citizens of Al-Madinah awoke in a panic one night [to a sound], so they rode out towards the sound. On their way they met the Messenger of Allah (SAW) returning, having beat them to the sound, saying: ‘Do not worry, do not worry’ and he was riding a horse of Abi-Talha with no saddle (in his hurry to reach that sound), around his neck hung his sword.”

During the first hours of the battle of Hunain, when many of the Muslims forsook Muhammad (SAW) and fled the battle field, Muhammad (SAW) stood firm in the field of battle as if nothing had happened saying: “I am the Messenger, I lie not!. I am the son of Abdul-Muttalib.”

General Mercy

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated: “A man had laid down his sheep (in preparation to slaughter it) and then he went about sharpening his knife. Upon seeing this, the Messenger of Allah rebuked him saying: ‘Do you want to kill it twice? Wouldn’t it have been better for you to sharpen your knife before laying it down (so as not to terrorize it)?’ ” (Narrated by Al-Tabarani and Al-Hakim)

Shaddad ibn Aws (RA) said: “Two are the things which I remember Allah’s Messenger (SAW) having said: ‘Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything; so when you kill, kill in a good way and when you slaughter, slaughter in a good way. Every one of you should sharpen his knife, and let the slaughtered animal die comfortably.’ ” (Narrated by Muslim)

Muhammad (SAW) also used to command mercy for all animals such that they are fed well, watered well, not forced to carry too heavy a burden, and not tortured or maimed for one’s enjoyment.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘While a man was walking on a road he became very thirsty. He found a well, went into it, drank, and came out. [Upon exiting he met] a dog panting and eating the dirt out of thirst. The man said: ‘This dog has become stricken with the same degree of thirst which had stricken me.’ He went down into the well and filled his shoe and then held it in his mouth until he climbed out and gave the dog water to drink. Allah thanked him (for his good deed) and forgave him.’ They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, are we rewarded for taking care of beasts?’ He said, ‘There is a reward [for you] in every creature with a moist liver.’”(Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Malik)

Abu Hurayrah (RA) said: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘A woman was punished because of a cat. She neither provided it with food nor drink, nor set it free so that it might eat the insects of the earth.’ ” (Narrated by Muslim and Al-Bukhari).

Sahl ibn Amr (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah passed by a camel who’s stomach quite touched it’s back (from lack of food). Upon seeing this he said: ‘Fear God in these unspeaking animals! Ride them [while they are] in good health, and eat them [while they are] in good health’ ” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Regarding slaves, when Muhammad (SAW) became the messenger of Allah the people of his land had become accustomed to having countless slaves and usually treated them quite harshly. During the period of his prophethood he worked diligently to do what he could to cut down on their numbers. Islam closed most of the doors leading to slavery and encourages the freeing of slaves in many ways. For those people who continued to posses slaves they were encouraged to treat them fairly and with mercy.

AbuDharr said: “The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘Feed those of your slaves who please you from what you yourselves eat and clothe them with what you clothe yourselves, but sell those who do not please you and do not punish Allah’s creatures.’ ” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

Ma’rur narrated that: “I saw AbuDharr wearing a Burd (garment) and his slave too was wearing a Burd, so I said (to AbuDharr), ‘If you take this (Burd of your slave) and wear it (along with yours), you will have a nice suit and you may give him another garment.’ AbuDharr said, “There [once] was a quarrel between me and another man whose mother was a non-Arab and I called her bad names. The man complained about me to the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Did you abuse so-and-so?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘Did you call his mother bad names?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘You still have the traits of (the pre-Islamic period of) ignorance.’ I said, ‘(Do I still have ignorance) even now in my old age?’ He said, ‘Yes, they (slaves or servants) are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So the one under whose hand Allah has put his brother, should feed him from what he eats, and clothe him in what he wears, and should not ask him to do anything beyond his capacity. And if ever he asks him to do a hard task, he should help him with it.’” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Abdullah ibn Umar said: “An A’arabi (desert Arab) came to the Prophet of Allah (SAW) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, how many times should I forgive my slave every day?’ The Prophet (SAW) replied: ‘Seventy times.’ ” (Narrated by Al-Tirmathi and Abu-Dawood)

Abdullah ibn Umar also narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘Pay the worker his [due] wages before his sweat dries’ ” (Narrated by ibn Majah)

 

The Sahabah: Role Models for every time & place

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon His final Messenger, and upon his family and companions.

The Sahaba were the greatest generation to ever exist in human history. The comprehensive culmination of their unique, distinct, yet united and coexistent personalities brought forth the greatest single generation that ever existed at one time. Certainly, it is true that there were people who were better than them – namely the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, all of whom we ask Allah to send His peace and blessings upon. However, they did not all live during the same time period in the same location, but rather stretched across every nation of the earth. Therefore, although the Prophets were better people, more beloved to Allah, higher ranking in Jannah, and more pure in their Iman, they did not culminate in one era and location to form a single generation. However, the Companions of Muhammad, Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, who are the highest caliber believers after the Prophets, did live together in the same area during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, and this enabled them to be the greatest of generations with no rival.

“The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter…” Sahih Bukhari

But they were not all identical to one another. They did not all have the same exact personalities, backgrounds, mindsets, outlooks, and tastes. They were all unique in their own ways, but were united upon Islam and its implementation. The fact that they were different was a mercy of Allah to this Ummah, and the reason is simple. Had all of the Sahaba been identical, or even remarkably similar, then there would be no point in taking them all as role models. Rather, taking any of them would suffice, and no need would even exist to study them individually. However, when we see how they differed, we are able to take distinct lessons from each of them which we could not find in others. We learn from the experiences of some and acquire their different understandings of the areas of the religion in which flexibility and creativity is allowed, and in which each of them specialized more than others.

But most importantly, their individuality is critical to our Ummah because we as Muslims are all individuals – we are not all the same. We can find different Sahaba whose personalities matched our own more closely than others did, and it is they who should be made our role models. Allah and His Messenger Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam have declared their pleasure and satisfaction with the Sahaba, and in order to attain our highest objective, there is no generation more deserving of our admiration and humility towards than them.

The Prophet Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was ideally smooth, and balanced in every way, but the Sahaba were not the Prophet Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, so they typically had elements of their personalities which were accentuated, or which stood out and identified them, characterized them, and marked their individuality. These were the areas which they were most known for, and were specialists in.

For example, Abu Bakr was known for being the most well-rounded of the Sahaba. He had the most Iman, and was the first grown man to believe. He earned the title of “As-Siddeeq” when he stood up and believed the Prophet Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam in the miracle of Al-Israa’ Wal-Mi’raaj. The Prophet Muhammad Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that if weighed, the Iman of Abu Bakr would outweigh the rest of the Ummah. He was the most knowledgeable, and was the closest companion of the Messenger of Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. He excelled in every form of worship, and was therefore known as “As-Sabbaaq” – meaning the one who wins in every competition. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab one time famously donated half of his wealth to fund the Battle of Tabuk, hoping to outdo Abu Bakr, only to find that Abu Bakr donated his entire fortune. When asked by the Prophet Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam what he left for his family, he replied, “I left for them Allah and His Messenger!”

Umar was known for his power, and praiseworthy might. He used his vigorous strength, bold intellect, and far-sighted wisdom for the sake of Islam and for the empowerment of Muslims. He was therefore titled by the Messenger of Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, “Al-Faruq” – the Criterion between good and evil. If there was anyone known for bringing strength to the Ummah, it had to be Umar. When the Muslims were making Hijrah (migration) from Mecca to Medina out of oppression, they would do it in secret, except Umar. When his time came, he strapped his sword around his neck, marched to the Ka’aba in broad daylight, and performed Tawaf. He then stood up and announced, “I am about to make Hijrah to Medina. Whoever wants their mothers to be bereft of their son, their wives to be widowed, and their children to be orphaned, then meet me behind this mountain at such time.” The Sahaba said that no one dared to meet Umar except some of the fools of Mecca, and he taught them all very valuable lessons before he sent them back home.

A’isha was known for her scholarly mind, and her well-developed wisdom driven by her youthful curiosity. She was the young wife of Rasul Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, and daughter of his best companion Abu Bakr. Out of her curiosity, she would ask a plethora of questions, which allowed her to develop into a priceless  resource for knowledge and rulings. More than 2,000 hadith narrations trace back to her, ranking her amongst the highest hadith narrators. Due to her vast knowledge, she was a primary source for Ijtihad, or determining what is Halal or Haram based on evidences from Qur’an and Sunnah. Since she lived long after the death of the Prophet Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, she was able to teach the Muslims their religion for many long years before she returned to Allah.

When it came to business, and making money, the first to come to mind is Abdur-Rahman ibn Auf. He was known as the man of golden fingers. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold, as money poured in from any business he did. He would spend vast fortunes in the way of Allah. One time, the people of Medina felt the ground shaking, so they saw that Abdur-Rahman ibn Auf brought an entire caravan of wealth from Syria, and all of it was donated in way of Allah. At the time of his death, he owned an astonishing 1 Billion Dinar of purely Halal wealth. It was so much that part of it was divided amongst every living Sahabi who participated in the Battle of Badr.

If we speak of warriors, then few Sahaba could compete with Az-Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam. There were only two men from among the Sahaba who were known for being able to fight with two swords in both hands at the same time equally well, while steering their mount with their feet. They were Az-Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam and Khalid Ibn Waleed. One time, Abdullah, the son of Az-Zubair was trying to encourage his father to return to the Battle of the Camel, and challenged his bravery. Az-Zubair replied, “By Allah, there is not a hand-span on my body except that there is a wound there attained fighting in the sake of Allah next to the Messenger of Allah (Sal-Allahu Aklayhi wa Sallam)…even my private.”

These are just a fraction of the examples of greatness manifested in every positive attribute, highlighting every positive characteristic, which we can learn from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. One may just say that our example is the Messenger of Allah, Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, so why should we look beyond him to the Sahaba as role models? The answer is that the Messenger of Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was the greatest of all examples for us to follow, and no Muslim can deny this. However, that does not mean that we cannot follow those who he taught directly as well.

In fact, by following the Sahaba, we are following the Prophet Muhammad Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, because they did not learn or understand the religion from anyone other than him. They would not say anything about the religion except that he was the one who taught it to them. Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah arrived at our hands through their transmission, so they were the foremost eyewitnesses to both sources of primary revelation, and they were the ones who most deeply understood them after Allah and His Messenger Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. The Sahaba were present at the exact times of revelation, and were often the triggers for why parts of Islam were revealed when they were. Not only that, but if there were any questions, they would turn directly to the Messenger of Allah Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam to clarify any element of Islam, whatsoever. The Sahaba therefore had a greater, and more complete depth of understanding of the Deen than anyone who came after them. For these reasons, among many others, we take them as our role models.

 

Official Muslim Response to “Draw Muhammad Day”

 

Companions love for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Allah Almighty says about what the disbelievers said, this is an ayah in the Quran,

Why wasnt this Quran revealed on one of the great men of the two towns? (Surah Zuhkruf Verse 31)

Referring to Makkah and Taiíf. The disbelievers suggested two candidates for Prophet-hood because some of them were protesting the fact that Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah on him) was a Prophet!

But Allah Almighty says,

Allah knows best where to have Prophet-hood (Surah An’am Verse 124)

Anyway, one of these candidates, one of the men whom the Kuffar suggested was Urwah bin Masoud as-thaqafi, who was from Taif. Years later, the non-believers of Makkah would send Urwah bin Masoud as-Thaqafi on a mission as an envoy to meet with Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah on him) to negotiate with him a peace agreement, a truce, which was known as the Truce of Hudaibiyah. Even though he was not successful in reaching an agreement -the agreement was reached with a later envoy that was Suhail bin Amr- but Urwah bin Masoud when he visited the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) at the Muslims camp that was set in Hudaibiyah (south of Makkah, a days travel) he came to a different world!

Urwah bin Masoud may Allah be pleased with him- came in to meet the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) and he saw with his eyes, things that amazed him. When the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) would make Wudu, the Sahabah would jump, to grab the water that would drop off his body in order to rub it on their faces and hands to get the blessings from the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him)! When a hair would fall they would jump to take it! When he would give them an order, they would rush to fulfill it!

When Urwah bin Masoud was talking to the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him), there was a man covered with armor from head to toe, only his eyes could be seen. Whenever Urwah bin Masoud would extend his hand to hold on to the beard of the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) this man standing next to the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) would strike him with the butt of his sword and tell him Pull your hand away before it doesnít come back to you! So Urwah bin Masoud said I think that this man is the most wicked among you and the most rough, who is he? The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) smiled and said, This is your nephew, Al Mughirah ibn Shubah!

This was the nephew of Urwah bin Masoud! Now, because he was a Muslim, he was so devoted to the protection of the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah on him) that he would not allow his uncle to extend his hand and touch the beard of Rasullah (peace and blessing of Allah on him), Urwah was obviously shocked by this! Brothers and sisters, you might hear me say this again and again, whenever we talk about those stories, transport yourself to their society, put yourself in their shoes and try to think the way they used to think and try to understand the circumstances that were around them! This was the tribal society where the tribe and family ties were everything, and Urwah bin Masoud was obviously in

a shocked state to see how Islam has changed his own nephew al Mughirah ibn Shuíbah, and how he was dealing with him now.

Urwah bin Masoud went back to Quraysh and told them, O people of Quraysh, I have visited the kings of the world, and I have had audiences with Caesar and with Kisra -the Persian emperor, and with the Negus, and I have never seen the followers of a king so devoted to their leader like the Sahabah (the Companions) in their devotion to Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! And I have never seen any obedience amongst the followers of the kings like I have seen of the Sahabah with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Whenever he would give them a command they would rush to do it, and whenever he would speak they would be silent as if birds are on their heads, and whenever he would make Wudu they would rush to get the droplets of water falling off his body, whenever a hair would fall from him they would try to get it! So O people of Quraysh! Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has given you an offer, accept it, because I dont think that his followers will ever give him up!

 

How to Dream of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah.
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon the beloved Messenger (SAW) and upon his companions, his family, and all who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment

 

“A Man of Evident Splendor” – Description of The Prophet (Peace be upon him)

Bismillah (From this link here)

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam combined both outward and inward perfection. Allah ta’ala fashioned His Prophets to be morally and phsyically sound or kamaal. We are all familiar with the beautiful character of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, yet how many of us are aware of his physical beauty? We find in the seerah many beautiful descriptions from the Companions that describe the physical perfection of the Messenger of Allah alayhi salaatu wa salaam, inshaAllah a few instances will be shared here.

Moon vs Sun

Al Baraa ibn Malik radi Allahu anhu was asked, “Was the messenger of Allah’s face sword-like?” and he responded, “No, it was moon-like.” [Miskaat Al Masaabih 2/518]

We recognize the beauty in the sun, so why did the companion describe him as a moon, and not as the sun? The scholars say that although the sun is beautiful in nature, you cannot look at the sun directly because it is too bright and painful for your eyes. However with the beauty of the moon, you can stare at it the whole night without any pain. Such is the beauty of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam–there is no harm in staring at him. Another companion, Jabir bin Samurah radi Allahu anhu said, “I saw him at one full-moon night. I looked at him. He was dressed in a red garment. I compared him with the moon and found that — for me — he was better than the moon.” [Mishkat Al-Masabeeh 2/518]

Another point from this description is that Al-Baraa was asked if his face was ’sword-like’–a sword is thin while the moon is round, so from this we also learn that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam did not have a thin and lean face, rather he had a round face.