(Prophet SAW)

BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem

Islam’s proclamation of La Ilaaha Illallaah (there is not god but Allah) is not complete without Muhammad ar Rasulullah (Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger). That means that belief in Tawheed, Oneness of Allah (SWT) also requires us to believe in the last channel of communication between Allah and mankind, which is Allah’s last Prophet (SAW). Embracing Faith in Prophet (SAW) means to accept, obey, and practice all those commandments of Shari’ah, which Allah (SWT) sent through His last Messenger.

Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 21 of Surah Al-Ahzaab “You have indeed, in the life of Rasul Allah, the ‘Best Model’ for him whose hope is in Allah and the Day of the Hereafter, and who engages himself much in the remembrance of Allah.”

For the life of every Muslim, both the words and life style of Prophet (SAW) have been defined as the best sample and ideal model to follow. And following Prophet (SAW) is required, demanded and mandated. We can follow him in letter and spirit only if we are aware of Prophet (SAW)’s status in Allah’s sight. We can follow him only if we seek the blessings of Prophet (SAW)’s pleasure, and his displeasure hurts and agonizes us. We can follow him only if we know what Prophet (SAW) liked and what he disliked, what made him happy and pleased and what made him unhappy and displeased.

The love and attachment, which Sahaabah (Razi Allah-h-Ta’ala Anhuma) had with Prophet (SAW) has no parallel in world history. Allah (SWT) has told us through Sahabaa’s love with Prophet (SAW) how to love His last and great Prophet. The criterion of love with Prophet (SAW) is to see how much we follow that best model, how much we practice Prophet (SAW)’ Sunnah in our life. It is very easy to claim love with Prophet (SAW) in words and statements, it is also easy to express it through spending wealth, but it is very hard to translate that claim into action. This practical expression of love has been demanded from every Muslim, and this expression is the real measure of love.

Sahabaa’s life gives numerous examples of that selfless devotion and deeply ingrained love with Prophet (SAW). Think of that moment of Prophet’s migration to Yathrib later known as Madina. Prophet (SAW) made Sayyidina Ali (RA) to sleep in his bed and reached the house of Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). He told him Allah’s will and the details of migration. Having 20-year’s companionship with him, he spontaneously and impatiently asked a question: “Who will be your companion in this travel of Prophet of Allah? I aspire for that privilege.” Prophet (SAW) replied: “Yes, you will be my companion.” Pleasure of the acceptance of his request filled his eyes with tears. Ummul Momineen Sayyidina Aa’isha Siddiqa (Razi Allahu Anha) said that she realized for the first time in her life that pleasure could also bring tears to the eyes. Having explained the plan of migration, Prophet (SAW) and his loving companion embarked on their journey in the darkness of the night. While on their way, Prophet (SAW) noticed that Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) some times walked ahead of him and some times behind him.


When he was asked by Prophet (SAW) as to why he was changing his positions, Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA), the very personification of utmost love replied: “Ya Rasul Allah, when I suspect that the enemy may come from behind, I want to shield you from the back, and when I fear that the enemy may ambush from the front, I want to be in the fore front to protect you.” This brief statement reflects the true “Ishq” or devotional love of a Sahaabi with Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Siddique (RA) was putting his life on line so that no harm should be done to the beloved Messenger of Allah.

Before continuing their journey further to Yathrib, Prophet (SAW) and Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) took a break and shelter in a cave. It was a rocky, uneven uphill path leading to the cave of Thawr (Sor). This was difficult and hard. It caused injury and bleeding to the feet of Prophet (SAW). Sayyidina Abu Bakr could not afford to see that sight, so he lifted the Prophet (SW) up on his shoulders till he reached the cave. Endangering his life, he entered the cave, cleaned it, tore apart his garment to block the holes in the cave walls, and came out to escort the Prophet (SAW). He then suddenly recalled that a hole was still left uncovered. He went back in, covered it and then requested Prophet (SAW) to get in.

Imam Malik bin Anas (RA) was madly in love with Madina-tun-Nabi. He did not leave that lovely city even for the sake learning. In Hijrah 160, a famine struck the city and in that year Caliph Abbas Mehdi performed Hajj along with his sons and came to pay his respects to the resting place of Prophet (SAW). Imam Malik drew his attention to the calamity and told him that the inhabitants of the city were the children of Muhajireen and Ansaar. The Caliph gave 25 lakh Dirhams to him, which the Imam got distributed among the poor and the needy. Later the Caliph sent 3,000 Dinars to him through one of his confidents, and requested the Imam to visit Baghdad. Imam bin Malik told Caliph’s messenger that the dinar bags were still sealed to be taken back as he could not part with Madina-tun-Nabi.

These are just but a couple of examples telling us the standard and criterion of love with Prophet (SAW). We need to examine and evaluate our life to see if we are really following that model which Allah (SWT) has defined the best for us. We must see how Prophet (SAW) obeyed Allah’s commands, how did he carry out Allah’s orders? How Prophet (SAW) reacted to pleasure and pain? How he fulfilled his duties, and the regard, which he had for the rights of others upon him? How he treated his family members, elders, youngers, relatives, foes and friends? What was his attitude towards the poor and needy? What he said about extravagance and miserliness or stinginess. His life is an open book for us to read, to draw conclusions, and practice to become a Muslim which Allah (SWT) wants us to be.

One of Prophet (SAW)’s companions, whom he was much pleased with, requested him to pray that he may be with the Prophet in the Hereafter. Prophet (SAW) replied that you should strengthen my supplication with much “ibaadah” and “sajood”, which is prayers and prostration. Prophet (SAW) had strictly forbidden lying and committing backbiting. If we want to do justice with Prophet (SAW) love, we have to hold on to his Sunnah firmly and be steadfast to his practices in all aspects of life. Achieving success in both the worlds lies in following Prophet (SAW). May Allah enable us back our claim with actions and practices that we are Muslims. Aameen!