A Day in the House of the Messenger of Allaah

A Day in the House of the
Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
Produced By: Islamweb Staff
Editorial & Translation Department
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Most people today either exaggerate or are negligent in their love for the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. They exaggerate until they reach the degree of Shirk (polytheism) by supplicating him, seeking his refuge, and so on. On the other hand, we find that some people neglect the guidance of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and do not take him as his role model.
These few words are introduced with the aim of simplifying the biography and life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, so that the ordinary people may know him better. These few pages introduce excerpts and glimpses of the attributes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his virtues. All the attributes and virtues of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, are not mentioned here, but we have focused on the aspects that are absent from people’s life sufficing with two or three relevant Hadeeths (narrations) on each topic. The life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is a model for the entire Ummah (Muslim nation) and the optimal method of living.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was comprehensive example in his worship, obedience to Allaah The Almighty, noble morals, gentleness, and high status. It is enough to remember that Allaah the Almighty describes him Saying (what means): {And indeed, you are of a great moral character.} [Quran 68:4]
’Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa‘ah (the people of tradition and community) revere the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and respect him as we are commanded by Allaah The Almighty. They believe that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is the Slave of Allaah The Almighty, His Messenger and intimate friend.
They love him more than their children, parents and even themselves, yet they avoid exaggeration in praising him.
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We, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa‘ah, follow this moderate methodology; hence, we do not commit any religious innovation such as the celebrating the Mawlid (birth anniversary). Rather, we love him as he commanded us to do, obey his orders and avoid his prohibitions.
If we have missed out on seeing our beloved Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in this world, then we supplicate Allaah The Almighty to make us among those about whom the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “I wish to see my brothers.'' The Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, said, "O Messenger of Allaah! Are not we your brothers?'' He said: "You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not yet come (into the world).''
They said, "O Messenger of Allaah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who have not yet been born?'' He said: "Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?'' They said, "Certainly, O Messenger of Allaah!'' He said: "They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of ablution; and I will arrive at the Hawdh (Basin) ahead of them.” [Muslim]
I supplicate Allaah The Almighty to make us among those who follow the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and learn his Sunnah (tradition). I also ask Allaah The Almighty to join us with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in Paradise and to reward him in the best way.
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The Visit
Let us go back hundreds of centuries to read, contemplate, and visit the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in his house by means of written words and letters. We will enter his house to see how he behaves and how he talks. We will live just one day in the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to derive endless lessons through his actions and words. In recent times, the means of information have evolved leading to an increase in people’s knowledge and virtual travel between the East and the West through books, research, films, and documents.
Thus, we are more entitled to visit the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in a manner approved by the Sharee'ah (Islamic law) to observe him there with the sincere intention of applying what we hear and know. For the sake of conciseness, we will pay special attention to certain situations in the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, hoping to cultivate ourselves in their light and adopt them in our homes.
Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, We will not go back for centuries merely to enjoy reading about what we did not see; rather, we consider reading about the life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, following his Sunnah, and adopting his methodology as an act of worship. Allaah The Exalted commands us to love the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and the most important sign of this love is obeying his commands and consistently avoiding his forbiddances.
Allaah The Almighty commands us to follow the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and take him as a role model Saying (what means):
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{Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allaah, then follow me, [so] Allaah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allaah is Forgiving and Merciful."} [Quran 3:31]
Allaah The Almighty also Says (what means): {There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allaah often.} [Quran 33:21]
Allaah The Almighty mentions obedience to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and the obligation of following him in more than forty places in the Quran, confirming that one can never achieve happiness or safety in the Hereafter except through following the Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: {These are the limits [set by] Allaah , and whoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens [in Paradise] under which rivers flow, Abiding eternally therein; and that is the great attainment. * And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits - He Will Put him into the Fire to Abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment.} [Quran 4:13-14]
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also mentioned that loving him is one of the causes of experiencing the sweetness of faith saying: “There are three qualities and whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Imaan: To love Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, more than anyone else…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
He also said: “By Him in Whose Hands my life is (i.e. Allaah), none of you will have (complete) faith until he loves me more than his parents and children.” [Muslim]
The Seerah (biography) of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is pure, from which we must learn and follow its guidance.
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The Journey
Travelling to the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and seeing the details of his life and manner of dealing with his family is very interesting, especially if we do it seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty. This journey contains great lessons to be learned from our role model (Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).
However, this journey can be undertaken only through books and the narrations of the honorable Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them. This is because it is impermissible to actually travel with the aim of visiting the grave or house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, or any other place except the three mosques (Masjids) that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, mentioned when he said: “Do not set out on a journey (for religious worship) except for three Mosques, i.e. Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, the Mosque of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and Al-‘Aqsa Mosque.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
We must obey this Prophetic command of not going on a journey intended for religious worship except to these three mosques, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allaah; indeed, Allaah is Severe in penalty.} [Quran 59:7]
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We are forbidden from following the traces of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, as Ibn Wadhdhaah narrated, “‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, ordered that the tree beneath which the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was given the pledge of allegiance be cut down, because the people were going and praying beneath it, and he feared that they might fall into Fitnah (trial).” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said concerning the cave of Hiraa‘, The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to worship Allaah The Almighty in it before his Prophethood, and it is where the Revelation came to him for the first time. However, since the Revelation had started, neither he nor his Companions ascended it. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, spent more than ten years in Makkah after the Bi‘thah, but he never ascended it as did the believers in Makkah. Also, after the Hijrah (emigration), the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not go to the cave of Hiraa’ or visit it although he returned to Makkah many times; during the ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) of Al-Hudaybiyah, in the year of the conquest of Makkah where he spent about twenty days, and in the ‘Umrah of Al-Ji‘irraanah.
We are now approaching Madeenah and here is its most prominent landmark: the mountain of Uhud about which the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, “This mountain loves us and we love it.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
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Before entering the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and seeing its building and shape we should not be amazed when we see how small it is and how simple its furniture is, because the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the most ascetic person and he never sought worldly pleasures. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said,
- “The comfort of my eyes is in (performing) prayer.” [An-Nasaa’i]
- “What have I to do with the worldly life? I am like a rider on a summer's day who had sat under a tree for its shade for a while, then went away and left it.” [At-Tirmithi]
We are walking quickly through the roads of Madeenah and heading towards the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Now, the rooms of the wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, are coming into view; some rooms are built of palm-tree stalks and mud, while other rooms are built of piled stones. The roofs of all the rooms are made of palm-tree stalks.
Al-Hasan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “I used to enter the rooms of the wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, during the caliphate of ‘Uthmaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, and touch the roof with my hand.”
Indeed, it is a modest house comprising small rooms but it is full of faith, obedience to Allaah The Almighty and the Divine Revelation and Message.
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Description of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
We are now knocking on the door of the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; let our imagination go with those who actually saw the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to acquaint ourselves with his handsome appearance and smiling countenance:
- Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the handsomest of all the people, and had the best appearance. He was neither very tall nor short.” [Al-Bukhaari]
- He also narrated, “The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was of moderate height and had broad shoulders with (long) hair reaching his ear-lobes. Once, I saw him wearing a red cloak and I have never seen a more handsome man than him.” [Al-Bukhaari]
- Abu Is-haaq As-Sabee‘i, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, that Al-Bara', may Allaah be pleased with him, was asked, "Was the face of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, (as bright) as a sword?" He said, "No, but (as bright) as the moon.” [Al-Bukhaari]
- Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “I never touched any piece of velvet or silk softer than the palm of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, nor did I smell any fragrance more pleasant than the smell of Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.” [Al-
Bukhaari and Muslim]
- Modesty was among the most prominent attributes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was even shier than a virgin behind her veil. When he saw something which he disliked, we could perceive it on his face.” [Al-Bukhaari]
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These are very few examples of the beautiful physical and moral attributes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who was the most perfect human being.
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Speech of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
Let us now see how the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to speak. According to ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never spoke hastily and too much like you; rather, he used to speak clearly and in concise sentences so that the listeners could memorize what they had heard.” [Abu Daawood]
He was compassionate and lenient and he liked people to understand his words, and took into consideration individual differences and the degrees of their understanding and mental capabilities, which requires patience.
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam spoke in concise sentences so that whoever listened to his words understood him.” [Abu Daawood]
See to what extent the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was patient and forbearing while repeating his words so as to be understood.
Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to repeat his words thrice so that the listeners would correctly comprehend them.” [Al-Bukhaari]
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to pacify those who feared him. For example, Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “Once a man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to speak with him and he was trembling, thereupon the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to him, "Calm yourself!
Indeed, I am not a king. I am only the son of a woman who used to eat dried meat.” [Ibn Majaah]
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Inside the House
After having permission to enter the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, let us listen to the noble Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, who described this house from the inside as well as its furnishings.
We know that is prohibited to give full rein to our eyes to look into people’s houses, but the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is our role model, thus, we should know the description of his house in order to follow him. The foundation of this house is humbleness, and Faith is its capital. Do you not see that there is no picture of any living being on its walls, contrary to what some people usually do today?
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or images (i.e images of creatures that have souls).” [Al-Bukhaari]
Then, let us see some of the kitchenware that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used in his daily life.
Thaabit, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, took out a thick wooden cup fastened with an iron band for us and said, ‘O Thaabit, this is the cup of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.’” [At-Tirmithi]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to drink water, honey and milk in this cup. [At-Tirmithi]
Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, also said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to breathe thrice (outside the vessel in the course) of a drink.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also forbade breathing into the drinking vessel or blowing in it. [At-Tirmithi]
As for the iron armor that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to wear while performing Jihaad (armed struggle) and during battles, probably it is not there now because he has mortgaged it to a Jew for thirty Saa‘s of barley, as narrated by ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim], and he died while the armor was still mortgaged to the Jew.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never entered upon his wives, may Allaah be pleased with them, without their knowing of his coming and he never mistrusted them; rather, he used to enter upon them while they were expecting him and he would also greet them.
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Consider the following Prophetic Hadeeths carefully:
- “Happiness is due to whoever is guided to Islam and possesses provision that suffices him for his day and remains content.” [At-Tirmithi]
- “Whoever begins the day feeling secure and in good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world.” [At-Tirmithi]
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Relatives
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the best of all people in maintaining kinship ties to the extent that the disbelievers of the Quraysh called him As-Saadiq Al-Ameen (the truthful and the trustworthy) even before he received the Message. Khadeejah, may Allaah be pleased with her, described him saying, “…you maintain kinship ties…”
Let us see the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, while performing one of the greatest duties; that is, visiting the grave of his mother who died when he was seven years old. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “One day, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, visited the grave of his mother. He wept and this caused the people around him to weep. He said: 'I asked permission of my Lord to seek forgiveness for my mother, but I was not granted permission. I asked His permission to visit her grave, and He permitted me. Thus, visit the graves for they remind you of death." [Muslim]
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Consider how the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was keen on guiding his relatives and saving them from Hell regardless of the hardships he faced because of this.
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “When this Aayah (Verse) was revealed: {And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred.} [Quran 26:214], the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, called the Quraysh; when they gathered, he said to them: "O sons of `Abd Shams; O Banu Ka’b ibn Lu‘ay, save yourselves from Hell! O Banu Murrah ibn Ka’b, save yourselves from Hell! O Banu ‘Abd Manaaf, save yourselves from Hell! O Banu Haashim, save yourselves from Hell! O Banu ‘Abdul-
Muttaalib, save yourselves from Hell! O Faatimah, save yourself from Hell, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allaah in anything except that I would sustain my relationship with you.” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, kept inviting his uncle Abu Taalib persistently and repeatedly to embrace Islam even while he was dying.
When the time of the death of Abu Taalib approached, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, went to him and found Abu Jahl ibn Hishaam and ’Abdullaah ibn Abu Umayyah ibn Al-Mugheerah by his side. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to Abu Taalib: "O uncle! Say: No one is worthy of worship except Allaah, a sentence with
which I could intercede for you before Allaah." Abu Jahl and ’Abdullaah ibn Abu Umayyah said, "O Abu Taalib! Are you going to denounce the religion of Abdul Muttalib?" They (i.e. Abu Jahl and Abdullah) kept on repeating their statement until Abu Taalib said as his last statement that he was on the religion of Abdul Muttalib.
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Then The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "I will keep on asking forgiveness of Allaah for you unless I am forbidden by Allaah) to do so." So Allaah The Almighty revealed (what means):
• {It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire.} [Quran 9:113]
• {Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allaah guides whom He wills. And He is Most Knowing of the [rightly] guided.} [Quran 28:56] [Ahmad, Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, invited his uncle many times during his life and even on his deathbed and then started asking forgiveness of Allaah The Almighty for him until he was forbidden from doing so. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, complied with this command and stopped supplicating for his polytheist relatives introducing a great image of compassion and care for this Ummah on one side, and a form of disassociation from the disbelievers and the polytheists even if they were relatives.
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The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in His Home
One’s home represents the real state that shows his true manners and morals. It is the place where one’s good companionship and pure character appears. At home, one is behind walls and away from people’s eyes. However, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to treat his slaves, servants, and wives humbly and leniently without arrogance in spite of the fact that he was the master of this house and all those who are under his command were weak.
Let us contemplate how the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who is the leader of this Ummah and its teacher used to behave in his house. ‘Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was asked, “What did the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, do in his house? She said, ‘He was a human like other humans; he used to clean his clothes from any insects, milk the sheep and serve himself.” [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]
He was an example of humbleness and completely devoid of arrogance. He was noble in his helpful nature and he helped with the housework in spite of the fact that he is the best human being. In this house, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not often find the means of satisfying his hunger. An-Nu‘maan ibn Basheer, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “I saw your Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam while he did not find enough low quality dates to fill his stomach.” [Muslim]
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “A complete month would pass by during which we would not kindle a fire (for cooking), and our food used to be only dates and water.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Nonetheless, nothing distracted the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, from worship and obedience to Allaah The Almighty; thus, whenever he heard the Athaan (call for prayer), he would respond quickly leaving the whole world behind him.
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Al-Aswad ibn Yazeed, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “How did the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, behave in his house?”
She said, “He used to help his family, but once he heard the Athaan (call for prayer), he went out (for prayer).”
It was not reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, ever performed the obligatory prayers at home except when he got sick and feverish during the last illness before his death.
Although the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was so compassionate with his Ummah, he adopted an extremely harsh stand against those who do not perform prayers in congregation without an acceptable excuse. He said: “By Him in Whose hand my soul is (i.e. Allaah), I was about to order for firewood to be collected (fuel) and then order someone to pronounce the Athaan (call for prayer) for the prayer and then order someone to lead the prayer then I would go from behind and burn the houses of the men who did not come to the mosque to offer the (compulsory congregational) prayer. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This proves the extent to which the congregational prayer is important, as the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said: “He who hears the Athaan (call for prayer) and does not respond to it (by coming to the mosque to offer the prayer in congregation), his prayer (in his home) is not valid unless he has a valid excuse [i.e. fear or disease].” [Ibn Maajah and Ibn Hibbaan]
So, what are the excuses of those who intentionally refrain from going to the mosques to perform the congregational prayer?
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Guidance and Demeanor of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
One’s demeanor and behavior indicates his wisdom and represents a key to his heart. ‘Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, is the best person who knew the manners and all the conditions of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, whether in his manner of sleeping, while being awake, during his health or illness, and his anger or ease.
She said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was never unseemly or lewd, harsh nor a noisemaker in markets, and he never repaid evil with evil; but, he would forgive and pardon.” [Ahmad]
Al-Husayn, may Allaah be pleased with him, described some of the manners of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saying, I asked my father about the conduct of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, among those who were with him, and he said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was always cheerful, even-tempered and lenient; he was not rude, harsh, boisterous, foul, censorious or overly humorous.
He overlooked what he did not like and he did not disappoint a hopeful person nor blame him. He gave up three qualities of people: he did not disparage or rebuke anybody, nor did he track their faults. He only spoke about things for which he wished their reward, and whenever he talked, the attending people would listen attentively. When he talked, they would be silent; if he was silent, they would talk. They did not argue in his presence, and he laughed at what they laughed at and wondered about what they wondered about.
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He endured the coarseness of the stranger. He used to say that if you see a needy person, assist him. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not accept praise except from a good Muslim nor would he interrupt any person until he had finished or left.” [At-Tirmithi]
Contemplate the manners and behavior of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, one by one and endeavor to adhere to them because they are an embodiment of all that is good.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to teach those with him their religious affairs. The following are some examples:
- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever dies while invoking anything other than Allaah as a rival (to Him), will enter Hell.” [Al-Bukhaari]
- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhaajir (Emigrant) is the one who abandons what Allaah has forbidden.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosques in the darkness, for they will be given a perfect light on the Day of Resurrection.” [At-Tirmithi and Abu Daawood]
- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Strive against the polytheists with your wealth, lives and tongues.” [Abu Daawood]
- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “(It might happen that) a slave (of Allaah) utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without considering its repercussions), with which he falls into Hell farther than the distance between the east and the west.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
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- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “I have not been sent as an invoker of curse (upon people); rather, I have been sent as a mercy to them.” [Muslim]
- ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Maryam (Mary, may Allaah exalt her mention)…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
- Jundub ibn ‘Abdullaah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, five days before his death saying: ‘I stand acquitted before Allaah that I took anyone of you as an intimate friend, for Allaah has taken me as His intimate friend, as He took Ibraaheem (Abraham, may Allaah exalt his mention) as His intimate friend. Had I taken any one of my Ummah as an intimate friend, I would have taken Abu Bakr. Beware of those (nations) who preceded you as they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship, but you must not take graves as mosques; I forbid you from that.” [Muslim]
Consequently, performing prayer in the mosques where there is one grave or more is impermissible.
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Daughters of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
The day on which a female child was born was a disaster in the parents’ lives and even in the life of the entire family and tribe before the advent of Islam.
Therefore, burying the female children alive became a common practice in Arab society during Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance) for fear of shame. They practiced this horrible and merciless crime in different ways. For example, if one of them had a newborn girl, he would leave her until she turned six years old and would then ask her mother to adorn her to take her to her relatives. The father would then take her to a grave that he had dug in the desert and ask the little girl to look into it. Once she did so, he would push her into the grave and cover her with sand with extreme cruelty.
From among this ignorant society, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was sent with this great religion that honors woman as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to love his daughters greatly to the extent that it is reported, “Whenever his daughter Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, visited him, he would get up to (welcome) her, take her by the hand, kiss her and make her sit where he was sitting; similarly she used to do the same with him whenever he visited her.” [Abu Daawood, At-Tirmithi and An-Nasaa’i]
Despite the great love that Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, had for his daughters, he accepted the divorce of his two daughters, Umm Kulthoom and Ruqayyah, may Allaah be pleased with them, from ‘Utbah and ’Utaybah, the sons of Abu Jahl patiently and for the Sake of Allaah The Almighty after the revelation of Surat Al-Masad: {May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he.} [Quran 111:1]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, refused to abandon his Da‘wah (Islamic call) despite the Quraysh’s threats and the divorce of his two daughters.
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He was patient and uncompromising in his adherence to the truth.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to welcome his daughters wholeheartedly. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, were gathered with him when his daughter, Faatimah who walked like her father, came there. He welcomed her saying: "Welcome my daughter'', and made her sit on his right side, or on his left side…” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was very kind to his daughters and he used to visit them and ask after them. Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, went to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, complaining of her suffering because of the hand mill, but she did not find him at home. ’Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was present there to whom she told (of her desire for a servant).
When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came, ’Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, informed him about Faatimah's visit, may Allaah be pleased with her. 'Ali, may Allaah be pleased with him, added,
So the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came to us, while we had gone to our bed. I wanted to get up but the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Remain in your place."
Then he sat down between us until I found the coolness of his feet on my chest. Then he said: "Shall I teach you a thing which is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say, 'Allaahu-Akbar (Allaah is The Greatest)' thirty-four times, and 'Subhaan Allaah (Exalted is Allaah) thirty-three times, and 'Alhamdu-lillaah (Praise be to Allaah) thirty-three times, for that is better for you both than a servant." [Al-Bukhaari]
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We have a good example in the patience of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who despite losing all his children, except Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, during his lifetime, neither slapped his face, tore his clothes, nor held a gathering for receiving condolences when mourning the death of his children. Rather, he was patient and satisfied with the Decree of Allaah The Exalted and sought His reward.
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, left us great recommendations and Hadeeths in this regard. For example, he said: “Any Muslim who suffers some calamity and says that which Allaah has commanded him, 'Indeed, we belong to Allaah and indeed to Him shall we return: O Allaah, Reward me for my affliction and give me something better in exchange for it.’” [Muslim]
Allaah The Almighty made these words as a shelter for the distressed people and promised the patient people a great reward. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."} [Quran 39:10]
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Treatment of One’s Wife
Within the boundaries of the small family, the wife is everything to her husband as the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “The worldly life is all an enjoyment, and the best of its enjoyment is a righteous wife.” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was very kind to his wives. For instance, he used to call ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, by a nick name (‘Aa’ish). She said, “One day, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to me: ‘O ‘Aa’ish! This is Jibreel (Gabriel, may Allaah exalt his mention) greeting you.’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who is the best and most honorable human being, was very lenient, gentle and considerate towards his wives in such a way that reveals the extent to which he understood their psychology as women and wives.
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “I would drink when I was menstruating, then I would hand it (the vessel) to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and he would put his mouth where mine had been, and drink, and I would eat meat from a bone when I was menstruating, then hand it over to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and he would put his mouth where mine had been.” [Muslim]
Contrary to the false allegations of the hypocrites and Orientalists, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was very gentle and compassionate towards his wives. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, once kissed one of his wives and went to perform prayer without performing ablution.” [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]
In many situations, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was keen on stressing the great status of women in his life. He declared his love for his wife expressly, seeing nothing wrong in this. ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas, may Allaah be pleased with him, asked him, “Who is the most beloved person to you” He answered, “‘Aa’ishah!” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
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Whoever searches for true marital happiness, should contemplate the Hadeeth in which ‘Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "I and the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to take a bath from a single water container, from which we took water simultaneously.” [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet of this Ummah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never missed a chance to please his wives with all that is lawful under the Sharee‘ah (Islamic law). ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “When I was young and before I put on much weight, I went out on a journey with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He asked the people to go ahead, and called me to race with him. I beat him in running. Then, he did not ask me any more to race with him for a while. Later on, after I gained weight and forgot that I had beaten him in the race, I was again on a trip with him. He asked the people to go ahead of him for a distance. Then, he asked me: "Come, let us run a race!" Thus, we raced and he beat me this time. He began laughing and said, "This for that!” [Ahmad]
Indeed, it is a sweet joke and special attention from the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who asked the people to go ahead so that he could race with his wife and please her. Then, he reminded her of a past joke saying, “….This for that.”
Whoever contemplates the lifestyle of the elite in any society would be amazed about what the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to do with his wives while he is an honorable prophet, a victorious leader, a descendant of the Quraysh, and a commander who was leading a great victorious army.
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Nonetheless, he was tender and lenient with his wife. Leading the army, the long journey and even the victory did not make him forget that he was accompanied by a weak wife who needed a compassionate and considerate gesture to remove the hardship of the long and difficult journey.
Al-Bukhaari, may Allaah have mercy upon him, narrated that when the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was returning from the Battle of Khaybar -- after he had married Safiyyah bint Huyayy, may Allaah be pleased with her -- he hung a garment around the hump of the camel in order to cover her. He then knelt beside his camel in order for Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, to put her foot on, so she could climb onto the back of the camel.
This impressive scene indicates the extent to which the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was humble. A victorious leader, and the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who is sent by Allaah The Almighty teaches his Ummah that helping and treating one’s wife kindly and leniently do not degrade him. No wonder, as he said: “Treat women kindly…” [Muslim]
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Polygyny
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, married eleven women and they were honored with the title of “Mothers of the Believers” and at the time of his death he had nine wives. He married old women, widows, divorced women and weak women. The only virgin wife was ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her.
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, married these women and he was an example of justice. ’Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to draw lots before traveling and used to take the one whose lot was chosen, and he used to spend a night and a day with each one of them." [At-Tirmithi]
0Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated another incident that shows us how the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was fair with all his wives. He said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, had nine wives, so when he divided (his stay) with them, the turn of the first wife only came on the ninth (day). They (all the wives) used to gather every night in the house of the one where he had to come (and stay that night). It was (the night when he had to stay) in the house of ‘Aa’ishah when Zaynab came there. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stretched out his hand towards her (Zaynab), whereupon she (‘Aa’ishah) said: It is Zaynab. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, withdrew his hand.” [Muslim]
This great Prophetic home would have never been so without the guidance of Allaah The Almighty. Thus, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to thank Allaah The Almighty through his actions and words. He used to encourage his wives, may Allaah be pleased with them and help them, to worship Allaah The Almighty in submission to the Divine Command: {And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.} [Quran 20:132]
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‘Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to pray while I was sleeping across in his bed in front of him. Whenever he wanted to perform the Witr prayer, he would wake me up and I would perform the Witr prayer.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, encouraged Muslims to perform voluntary night prayer and guided both spouses to help each other in this respect. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “May Allaah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs prayer, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allaah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs prayer, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
A true religious Muslim should be pure both internally and externally.
Hence, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, had a pure heart and clean body with a good smell. He liked the Miswaak and commanded us to use it saying: “Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswaak (toothstick) before every prayer.” [Ahmad]
Huthayfah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “Whenever the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, got up (from sleep), he would brush his teeth with Miswaak (tooth-stick).” [Muslim]
Shurayh ibn Haani’ said, “I asked ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, ‘What is the first thing that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to do once he entered his house?’ She said, ‘He used to start by using the Miswaak.’” [Muslim]
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How beautiful it is to keep clean and this is a great manner of preparing oneself to receive his family. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also used to say upon entering the house: “With the Name of Allaah we enter and with His Name we leave. And on Allaah, our Lord, do we rely.” Then, he used to greet his wives.
Let your household enjoy greetings and your clean and pleasant appearance when you enter upon them and take care not to be of those who replace this with reproach and censure.
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Humor of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the leader and he was occupied with the affairs of his Ummah, his armies, his family, as well as revelation, worship and other major cares which leave ordinary people unable to satisfy all the requirements of life, not to mention refreshing it. Nonetheless, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, gave each one his or her due right and never fulfilled any aspect at the expense of another. Despite these great cares and responsibilities, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, reserved a place in his heart for children and he used to play with them (and adults), please them and make them happy. The following are some examples of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, engaging in light-hearted conversation with children:
- Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that people said to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "O Messenger of Allaah, you joke with us!" He replied: "Yes, yet I say nothing but the truth." [Ahmad]
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- Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to him: "O you with two ears!" [Abu Daawood]
- In a Hadeeth on the authority of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, who said, "Umm Sulaym had a child called Abu ‘Umayr and the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to jest with him whenever he saw him. One day, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, tried to make him laugh but the boy looked sad. So, he asked him: ‘Why do you look sad?’ They said, ‘His little bird with which he used to play has died.’ Thus, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, started saying to him: “O Abu 'Umayr! What did the little bird do?’" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The following are some examples of how he joked with adults and the elderly:
- Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to love a man called Zaahir ibn Haraam who had an unattractive appearance.
One day, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saw him selling his goods, so he embraced him from behind while the man could not see him. Zaahir said, "Release me, who are you?" After knowing that he was the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Zaahir clung with his back firmly to chest of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Upon that, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, jested with him saying: "O people! Who wants to buy this slave, i.e. Zaahir?" Zaahir replied: "By Allaah! You will find me unsalable." The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "But, in the Sight of Allaah you are so valuable". [Ahmad]
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Indeed, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to joke with his family and Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, sometimes, but this was within limits. He never laughed loudly; rather, it was just a sublime smile. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “I have never seen Messenger of Allaah laughing so heartily that the back of his mouth could be seen. He used to smile only.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
The joyfulness and good companionship of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not prevent him from getting angry when the sacred ordinances of Allaah The Almighty were violated.
Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,) returned once from a journey, and saw a curtain which I had hung along a platform and it had some images on it. The color of his face changed. He tore it up and said: "O ’Aa’ishah, the most tormented people on the Day of Resurrection are those who contend with Allaah in terms of creation.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This proves that hanging images on walls and setting up statues in corners of the house and so on is prohibited and prevents the angels of mercy from entering the house.
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Sleep of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “When one of you goes to bed, he should pat his bed with part of his lower garment as he does not know what was lying inside after he left it, and let him say: "Allaahumma bika wadha’tu janbi, wabika arfa‘uh. Allaahumma in amsakta nafsi faghfir laha, wa in arsaltaha fahfath-ha bima tahfazhu bihi ibadak As-Saaliheen. (O Allaah! With Your Name, I have lain on my side, and with Your Name, I raise it. O Allaah! If You take my soul, then have mercy on it, and if You return it, then protect it with what You protect Your pious servants).” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also guided us to do the following upon sleeping: “Whenever you go to bed perform ablution like that for the prayer, lie down or your right side…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, went to bed every night, he used to cup his palms together and blow into them and recite Surat Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq and An-Naas, and then he would wipe with his hands over as many parts of his body as he can, starting with his head, face and the front of his body. He used to do that three times.” [Al-Bukhaari]
It was narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "When he would go to bed, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to say: 'All praise be to Allaah, Who provided us with both food and drink, protected and provided us with shelter. There are many who have no one to protect or shelter them." [Muslim]
Abu Qataadah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “When the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, encamped at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he stayed a little before dawn he would raise his forearm and place his head on the palm of his hand.” [Muslim]
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Today, most of us are immersed in the blessings of Allaah The Almighty, but let us look at the bed of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who is the best human being. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “The mattress of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was a piece of tanned leather stuffed with palm fibers.” [Muslim]
Some of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, including ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, entered upon him. On seeing them, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, got up and ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, noticed that there was nothing between his body and the mat. On seeing the marks of the mat imprinted on the side of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, wept. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Why are you weeping?' Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, replied, "O Messenger of Allaah!
Caesar and Khosrau are leading the life (i.e. luxurious life) while you, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is living in destitution". The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, then replied: 'Would you not be satisfied that they enjoy this worldly life and we enjoy the Hereafter?' ’Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, confirmed: ‘This is the reality.’" [Ahmad]
The Night Prayer Darkness has fallen over Madeenah, but the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is lightening his heart with prayer and Thikr (words of remembrance).
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He spent most of the night praying and supplicating to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who Addressed him Saying (what means): {O you who wraps himself [in clothing], * Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little - * Half of it - or subtract from it a little * Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.} [Quran 73:1-4]
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to perform prayers at night until his feet become swollen. People asked: "O Messenger of Allaah! Do you perform prayer in such a manner while Allaah has forgiven your past and future sins? The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied: "Should I not be a grateful slave (of Allaah)?” [Ibn Maajah]
It was narrated on the authority of Al-‘Aswad ibn Yazeed that he asked ’Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, about the night prayer of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to sleep in the first part of the night, then, get up… If he felt a desire to have intercourse with his wife, he did so. Once he heard the Athaan, he rushed forth, and poured water over his body if he was in the state of Janaabah. Otherwise, he made ablution and went to prayer." [Al-Bukhaari]
The night prayer of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was amazing and we should take it as an example. In a Hadeeth on the authority of Huthayfah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said, I prayed with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, one night, and he started reciting the Surat Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would bow at the end of one hundred Aayahs, but he continued reciting; I, then, thought that he would perhaps recite the whole Surah in one Rak’ah, but he proceeded on, and I thought he would perhaps bow after completing (this Surah).
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However, he then started (reciting Surat) An-Nisaa‘; he then started (reciting Surat) Aal-’Imraan and his recitation was unhurried. And when he recited Aayahs that included the Glory of Allaah, he would glorify Him, and when he recited the Aayahs that mention seeking refuge with Allaah, he would seek refuge with Him. Then he bowed and said: "Subhaana Rabiyya
Al-’Atheem (Glory be to my Lord, The Most Great!)" His bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing (and then on returning to the standing posture after bowing), he said: "Sami’a Allaahu liman hamidah, Rabbana laka Alhamd (Allaah listens to whoever praises Him and to You is all perfect praise).'' Then he stood about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He then prostrated himself and said: "Subhaana Rabiyya Al-‘A’la (Glory be to my Lord The Most High!)'' And his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing.” [Muslim]
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After the Fajr Prayer
With the early signs of dawn and after performing the Fajr prayer in congregation (at the mosque), the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to sit there to remember Allaah The Almighty until sunrise and then perform two Rak‘ahs (units of prayer).
Jaabir ibn Samurah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to sit at the place where he performed the Fajr prayer until the sun had risen high.” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, encouraged us to perform this great act of the Sunnah given its great reward. In a Hadeeth on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “For the one who observes Fajr prayer in congregation, then sits down to remember Allaah till the rising of the sun, and then observes two Rak’ahs (after the sun has risen), there is for him the reward of performing Hajj and an ‘Umrah.”
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, added: “...Perfect, perfect, perfect.” [At-Tirmithi]
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Dhuha Prayer
It is forenoon in Madeenah, when the hot sun burns faces and people to go to their jobs and pursue their needs. However, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to worship Allaah The Almighty at that time in spite of his great responsibilities such as meeting delegations, teaching the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and taking care of his family.
Mu‘aathah, may Allaah have mercy upon her, said, “I asked ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, ‘Did the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, perform Dhuha prayer?’ She answered, ‘Yes, he used to perform four Rak’ahs or even more than this according to what Allaah The Almighty willed.” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, recommended Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, to perform this prayer.
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “My intimate friend (the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) advised me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two Rak`ahs (supererogatory) Dhuha prayer at forenoon and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].”
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Performing the Supererogatory Prayers in the House
The house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was full of faith, worship and Thikr, and he recommended us to make our houses like his. He said: “Offer some of your supererogatory prayers at home, and do not take your houses as graves.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to perform the majority of the voluntary prayers and supererogatory prayers (other than the ones with specific causes) at his house. For example, it was not narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, performed the supererogatory prayer of Al-
Maghrib in the mosque. Performing the supererogatory prayers in one’s house has benefits including following the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, teaching women and children how to pray, and expelling the devils because of remembrance of Allaah and recitation of the Quran. This also strengthens one’s sincerity and devotion.
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Weeping of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
Many men and women weep, but the question is: How do they weep, and why do they weep? Our Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, wept though the whole world, if he wished, could have been in his hand and he was promised the highest rank in Paradise. True, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did weep, but it was the weeping of a worshiper. He used to weep while talking to Allaah The Almighty during his prayers and upon hearing the Quran, by virtue of his tender heart, sincere intentions, recognition of the grandeur of Allaah The Almighty, and fear of Him.
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Mutarrif reported on the authority of his father; Abdullaah ibn Ash-Shikhkhir, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said, "I went to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and found him performing prayer and sobbing while his chest made a sound like a boiling kettle." [Abu Daawood]
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to him: "Recite (from the Quran) to me". I said, "O Messenger of Allaah! Shall I recite the Quran to you, while it is you to whom it was revealed?'' He replied: "I love to hear it recited by others". So I recited to him a part of Surat An-Nisaa‘. When I reached the ‘Aayah in which Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So how [will it be] when We bring from every nation a witness and We bring you, [O Muhammad] against these [people] as a witness?} [Quran 4:41] I saw his eyes overflowing with tears." [Al-Bukhaari]
Look at the white hairs on the head of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam, and about eighteen white hairs in his beard. Listen to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, when he explains why these hairs turned white. Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "O Messenger of Allaah! You have grown white hair!” The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied: "The Surahs of Hood, Al-Waaqi‘ah, Al-Mursalaat, ‘Amma Yatasaa‘aloon [An-Naba‘], and Itha Ash-Shamsu Kuwwirat [At-Takweer] turned my hair white." [At-Tirmithi]
* * *
His Modesty, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the best of people in good morals and perfection. His conduct was a practical application of the Quran, as ‘Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The conduct of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was (an application of) the Quran." [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said: "I have been sent to perfect noble morals." [Ahmad]
The signs of modesty of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, included that he did not like praise or to be complimented excessively.
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It was narrated on the authority of Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him,that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising ’Eesa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary, may Allaah exalt their mention). Indeed, I am only a slave (of Allaah); so say the Slave and Messenger of Allaah." [Abu Daawood]
It was narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that some people said, "O Messenger of Allaah! You are the best among us and the son of the best among us; you are our master and the son of our master."
Hearing that, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, instructed them, saying: "O people! Address me in the manner that you normally call me and let not the devil entice you. I am Muhammad, the Slave and Messenger of Allaah. I do not like that you place me in a status higher than the one that Allaah The Almighty placed me in." [An-Nasaa’i]
Some Muslims excessively praise the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, believing that he knows the Unseen, has the power to bring about benefit or cause harm, fulfills needs and cures the sick. Yet, Allaah The Almighty negated all such claims in the Quran. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allaah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me.} [Quran 7:188]
This Prophet and Messenger, who is the best man to have ever walked on the face of the earth and under the sky, was always humble and repentant to Allaah The Almighty. He did not like arrogance; he was the leader of the modest people and the master of those who show humbleness to Allaah The Almighty. Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Companions did not love anybody more than the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; however, when they saw him coming, they would not stand up for him because they knew that he disliked it." [Ahmad]
Take another glimpse at the amazing modesty and unique behavior that the Prophet of this Ummah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, showed to a poor woman, giving her some of his time while being extremely occupied.
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Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "A woman came to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and asked him to help her fulfill her need. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Choose in which street of Madeenah you wish to sit (to talk)in and I will sit with you.'" [Abu Daawood]The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the foremost and leader of those who were modest. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "I shall accept an invitation even if I were invited to a meal of a sheep's trotter or foreleg, and I shall accept a gift even if it were a foreleg or a trotter of a sheep." [Al-Bukhaari]
Hadeeths of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, serve as deterrent that forbids Muslims from arrogance and haughtiness. It was narrated on the authority of ’Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Whoever has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of arrogance will not enter Paradise." [Muslim]
Arrogance leads to Hell – we seek refuge with Allaah from this – even if it is as small as a mustard seed. Also, contemplate the punishment of Allaah The Almighty for those who are arrogant who walk proudly, how Allaah has inflicted His wrath and tormenting punishment upon them. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "While a man was walking, dressed in a two-piece garment admiring himself, his hair well-combed, and walking haughtily, Allaah made him sink into the earth and he will continue to sink into it until the Day of Resurrection.'' [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
* * *

Servant of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, placed the weak and needy servant in his proper position, based on his religiosity and piety, not according to his work and weakness.
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Talking about servants and hired help, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "They are your brothers. Allaah has placed them under your authority. So, you should feed them from whatever you eat, and dress them with whatever you wear, and do not assign to them burdensome tasks (that exceed their capacity); and if you do then help them.'' [Muslim]
Now listen to how a servant talks about his master in an amazing way, giving an outstanding testimony for him and praising him highly. No servant praised his master like the servant of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam did.
Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I served the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, for ten years, and he never said Uff (a minor harsh word denoting impatience) to me. He never said `Why did you do that?' concerning something I had done. Nor did he ever say `Why did you not do such and such' concerning something I had not done." [Muslim]
It was ten years, not just days or months, through which they experienced happiness, grief, sadness, anger, changes, troubles, poverty and richness.
Nevertheless, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never scolded or ordered him; on the contrary, he rewarded and comforted him, and fulfilled his needs and the needs of his family and supplicated for him. It was narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that his mother, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "O Messenger of Allaah! Supplicate Allaah for your servant." He said: "O Allaah! Increase his wealth and children an bless what You grant him!" [Al-Bukhaari]
Despite his bravery, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never reproached or hit any person except for a righteous cause, nor did he treat harshly those who are weak and under his authority, like his wives and servants. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never hit anyone with his hands except when he fought in the cause of Allaah. He never hit a servant or a woman." [Muslim]
‘Aa‘ishah, the Mother of the Believers, may Allaah be pleased with her, again testifies to the best of people. So did all people who talked about his good conduct and noble companionship to the extent that the disbelievers of the Quraysh also testified to this.
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’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I never saw the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, taking revenge [upon anybody] from anyone who wronged him except when the sacred ordinances of Allaah The Exalted were violated, in which case he would be extremely angry. Whenever the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was given a choice between two matters, he would choose the easier as long as it did not include any sin." [Its origin is narrated by Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, called for adopting gentleness and patience. He said: "Allaah is Gentle and loves gentleness in all matters." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
* * *

The Gift and the Guest
Throughout life, man experiences emotional needs and psychological states that human beings always need to realize within their society, family and home. Among the means that bring hearts together and remove ill feelings is exchanging gifts. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, accepted gifts and would give a reward in return." [Al-Bukhaari] Exchanging gifts and thanking people for it reflect generosity and purity of the hearts.
Generosity is one of the qualities of the Prophets and Messengers, may Allaah exalt their mention, and our Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, attained the greatest share in this regard. He said: "Whoever believes in Allaah and in the Last Day should serve his guest generously and provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day. Hosting a guest is to be for three days and whatever is offered beyond that is (regarded as something given in) charity. It is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long period that will put him (the host) in an awkward situation." [Al-Bukhaari]
By Allaah, the whole world has not witnessed a person of more noble morals or more honorable traits than the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Respected reader, ready your eyes to see one of the greatest incidents in the life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
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It was narrated on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa‘d, may Allaah be pleased with him, A woman brought a sheet of cloth for the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and said, "I have woven it with my own hands for you to wear." The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, accepted it, and at that time he was in need of it. So he came out wearing it as his lower garment. A man praised it and said, "Will you give it to me? How nice it is!" The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied in the affirmative, and he remained for a period of time, then, he returned, folded it and sent it to the man. The people reproached the man, saying, "You have not done the right thing as the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, wore it because he was in need of it and you have asked for it when you know that he never turns down any body's request." The man replied, "By Allaah, I have not asked for it to wear, but I asked for it to make it my shroud." Later, it was his shroud. [Al-Bukhaari]
Do not wonder at the manners of the man whom Allaah The Almighty chose, looked after and made him a role model. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, sets forth a shining example in benevolence and generosity. Hakeem ibn Hizaam, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I asked Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, (to give me something) and he gave me; I asked him again (to give me something) and he gave me; and I asked him a third time (to give me something) and he gave me. Then, he said: "O Hakeem, wealth is (like) green and sweet (fruit). Whoever takes it without greed, it will be blessed for him; but it is not blessed for he who takes it with greed and he becomes like a person who eats but his hunger is not satisfied. The upper [giving] hand is better than the lower [receiving] one.'' [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
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Jaabir, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, never declined the request of anybody." [Al-Bukhaari]
Nevertheless, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was inimitable in his giving, generosity, self-contentment, good companionship and sincere love. He used to smile at everyone who was sitting with him until that person thought that he was the dearest of his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them.
Jareer ibn ‘Abdullaah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never prevented me from entering (his house), nor did he see me since I entered Islam but he would smile at me." [Al-Bukhaari]
Another man testified to that, giving us a sufficient lesson. ‘Abdullaah ibn Al-Haarith, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I have not seen anybody more smiling than the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam." [At-Tirmithi]
No wonder! It is the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who said: "Smiling at the face of your brother is charity." [At-Tirmithi]
Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, who was the servant of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, described the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, with great qualities that are rarely possessed by a man or a group of people. He said that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the kindest man. If anybody asked the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, he would attentively listen to him and would not leave until the questioner had left first. No man shook hands with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, but he would do the same and would not withdraw his hand until the man had withdrawn his hand first. [Abu Nu‘aym]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, generously and kindly served his guests, and he was merciful with his Ummah. Thus, he forbade evil and did not tolerate it.
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saw a man wearing a gold ring, thereupon, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, removed it and threw it away, saying: "Why does one of you take a live coal to put it in his hand?" [Muslim]
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Mercy with Children
Hard-hearted people do not show mercy to others or have a place for love in their hearts. They are like hard stones, harsh in giving and receiving, dealing with people harshly and displaying no tender humane feelings or emotions. On the contrary, the person whom Allaah The Almighty granted a tender heart and flowing affection is the one who has the ideal loving heart that is engulfed in mercy and driven by emotions. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, held his son ‘Ibraaheem, kissed and smelled him." [Al-Bukhaari]
This mercy was not exclusive to his relatives only, but it was shown to all the children of the Muslims in general. Ja‘far's wife Asmaa’ bint Umays, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came to us and called for the children of Ja‘far, smelled them and shed tears. I asked, 'O Messenger of Allaah! Have you received any news about Ja‘far?' He replied: "Yes, Ja‘far was killed today." We started weeping and he went away. He ordered: "Prepare food for the family of Ja‘far; they are busy (with their affliction)." [Ibn Sa‘d, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]
Seeing the eyes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, full of tears, Sa‘d ibn Ubaadah, may Allaah be pleased with him, asked him about that, he said: "This is mercy that Allaah placed in the hearts of His slaves. Surely, Allaah shows mercy to those of His slaves who are merciful." [Al-Bukhaari]
When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, shed tears for the death of his son ‘Ibraaheem, may Allaah be pleased with him, Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Awf, may Allaah be pleased with him, wondered, "You also weep, O Messenger of Allaah!"
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "O Ibn Awf, it is mercy." He wept again and added: "Indeed, the eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord. O ’Ibraaheem! Indeed, we are grieved by your departure.'' [Al-Bukhaari]
The morals of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, are worthy of being adopted and followed, particularly at a time when Muslims lack the sense of loving young children and giving them proper consideration, for children are the future parents, the guards of the Ummah and its awaited catalysts. How ignorant, arrogant, unwise and un-insightful Muslims are when they lock and close their hearts with children and youth! However, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, kept the key of his heart available through his words and actions. He gained the love and appreciation of children, and placed them in a high position. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to greet the boys when he passed by them, explaining, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to do so." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Children are sometimes bothersome, as they are always restless ; yet, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, neither became angry, nor scolded a child nor reproached him. He adopted gentleness, controlled himself and kept calm. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "People used to bring their babies to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to supplicate for them. One day, a baby urinated on his clothes, and he asked for some water that he splashed over the place of the urine and did not wash his clothes completely." [Al-Bukhaari]
Dear reader, have you ever thought about playing and joking with your children and hearing their laughter and beautiful words, while you are enjoying their presence in the oasis of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam? The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did all these things.
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Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to stick out his tongue to Al-Hasan ibn Ali, and when he saw the redness of his tongue the boy would start laughing." [Al-Albaani: Hasan] Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to play with Zaynab, daughter of Umm Salamah, and call her, 'O Zuwaynib, O Zuwaynib (a diminutive form of Zaynab))' repeating it many times." [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
The mercy of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, encompassed infants even during a great act of worship. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, performed prayer while carrying his granddaughter, ‘Umaamah bint Zaynab, may Allaah be pleased with her, born to Abu Al-‘Aas ibn Ar-Rabee‘. When he stood, he would carry her, and when he prostrated he would put her down. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] Mahmood ibn Ar-Rabee’, may Allaah be Pleased with him, said, "I still remember when I was a boy of five, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, took water with his mouth and splashed it in my face from a bucket used for taking water out of a well in our house." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, taught both old and young people.
Ibn Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "One day, I rode [a mount] behind the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and he said: 'O boy, I will teach you some words: Be mindful of Allaah and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah and you will find Him before you are. If you ask, ask of Allaah. If you seek help, seek help of Allaah.'" [At-Tirmithi]
This was a journey through the life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and some of his noble qualities. Perhaps they will enliven the hearts and guide us in the course of this life. Our homes flourish with young children and babies who thirst for their fathers' affection and their mothers' love.
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Happiness should cover their young hearts, so that a child grows both emotionally and morally balanced and becomes a man whom his parents have prepared well, after guidance from Allaah The Almighty, having the ability to lead the Ummah.
* * *

Forbearance, Gentleness and Patience
Violence and taking one's right by force are qualities of the oppressors and the people of injustice. Our Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, laid the foundations of justice and support for every person to regain his rights. He utilized the commands and prohibitions that Allaah The Almighty ordained for the sake of perpetuating goodness. We never expect injustice, violence, aggression or usurpation in the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never struck anybody with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, except when fighting in the cause of Allaah. He never took revenge upon anybody for something wrong done to him except when one of the sacred ordinances of Allaah The Almighty was violated, then, he would take revenge for the sake of Allaah The Almighty." [Ahmad]
Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, One day, I was walking with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and he was wearing a Najraani cloak with a very thick collar when a Bedouin happened to meet him. He took hold of the side of his cloak and pulled it violently. I noticed that the violence of the jerk had bruised the neck of Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Bedouin said: 'O Muhammad! Give me out of the wealth of Allaah that you possess.' The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, turned to him and smiled, and then ordered for something to be given to him. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, returned from the Battle of Hunayn, some Bedouins followed him and started begging of him so much so that they drove him to a thorny tree in which his cloak got entangled.
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, stopped and said: "Give me my cloak. If I had as many camels as these trees, I would have distributed them among you and you would not have found me a miser or a coward or a liar." [Al-Baghawi] [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
The most shining aspects of education and teaching are characterized by adopting gentleness in all matters, grasping the benefits and alleviating the harm. Zeal overpowered the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, if they saw someone making a mistake, so they hurriedly forbade him. They are correct in their behavior. Yet, the forbearing gentle Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, stopped them since the doer was ignorant and their action might result in a greater harm; so, what the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did was more preferable on that occasion. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "A Bedouin urinated in the mosque (Masjid) and some people rushed to beat him up. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Leave him alone and pour a bucket of water over it. You have been sent to make things easy and not to make them difficult." [Al-Bukhaari]
The patience of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, for the sake of conveying the Da‘wah motivates us to follow him and his guidance and not to take revenge for ourselves. It was narrated on the authority of ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, that she said to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "Have you encountered a day harder than the day of (the Battle) of Uhud?" The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied: Indeed, I have experienced (harsh treatment) from your people, and the harshest treatment I experienced was on the day of ’Aqabah when I presented myself to Ibn’ Abd-Yaaleel ibn ’Abd-Kulaal (with the aim of calling him to Islam) and he did not respond to my request. So I departed, overwhelmed by deep sorrow, and did not come to my senses until I had found myself at Qarn Ath-Tha‘aalib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly.
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I looked up and saw Jibreel (Gabriel, may Allaah exalt his mention) in it. He called me saying, 'Allaah has heard your people's words to you, and what they have replied to you. Allaah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, 'O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let these two gigantic mountains collapse on them.'
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "No, I hope that Allaah will let them beget children who will worship Allaah Alone ascribing no partner with Him." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Some Muslims today are too hasty when conveying Da‘wah hoping to reap its fruits overnight. Taking revenge for one's personal desires blemishes sincerity in giving Da‘wah, and for this reason, some Da'wah efforts fail due to the prevalence of this behavior among their members. Where are patience and endurance? Many years later, the wishes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came true after great suffering, patience and long fighting.
Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I can still recall as if I am seeing the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, relate the story of one of the prophets whose people scourged him and shed his blood, while he wiped blood from his face, he said: 'O Allaah! Forgive my people, because they certainly do not know.'" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Once Zayd ibn Sa‘nah, a Jewish man, came to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in a funeral procession with his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, to claim his debt. He grabbed the clothes of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, with a frowning face and said in a very harsh manner, "O Muhammad, you do not want to pay my debt." ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, looked at him in anger and said, "O enemy of Allaah! Do you say to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, what I hear and do to him what I see?
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I swear by Allaah Who sent him with the truth, that if I did not fear his reproach, I would cut off your head with my sword." The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was looking at ‘Umar very calmly and said to him: 'O ‘Umar, this person and I were in need of something other than this. You should have enjoined me to repay his debt in a good manner and enjoined him to claim his right in a better manner. O ‘Umar, take him and give him his due right and give him an extra twenty Saa‘s of dates."
When‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, gave Zayd the twenty extra Saa’s of dates, he asked, "For what are these twenty extra Saa’s, O ’Umar?'' ’Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, replied, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, ordered me to give you more in return for your anger." Zayd said, ''’Umar, do you know me?" ’Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, replied, "No, who are you?" He said, "I am Zayd ibn Sa‘nah." He asked, "The rabbi?" He replied, "The Rabbi." Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "Then why did you do to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, what you did and say what you said?" Zayd replied, "’Umar, I recognized all the signs of Prophethood in the face of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, as I looked at him except two signs, which I was not able to see. The first is that forbearance of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, surpasses his anger. The second is that, the more one acts foolishly towards him, the more tolerant he will be. Now I have also seen these two, therefore, I make you my witness that I have approved Allaah as my God, Islam as my religion and Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, as my Prophet. I also make you witness that I give half of my wealth in charity to the Ummah of Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam."
Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "Or to some of the Ummah because you cannot affect all of them." He replied, "Or to some of them." Zayd returned to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and said, "I testify that none is worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger." He believed in and testified to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. [An-Nasaa‘i]
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Let us reflect on this incident, its outcome and the long discussion during it; perhaps we might follow our role model Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in his patience with people and calling them with gentleness and forbearance.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also encouraged people when they acted perfectly and diffused the spirit of optimism in their hearts. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "I set out for Umrah with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, from Madeenah, and when we arrived at Makkah, I said: 'O Messenger of Allaah! I ransom you with my father and mother! I shortened my prayer and completed them, and observed fasting and broke it.' The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied: 'Well done, ’Aa‘ishah,' and he did not reproach me." [An-Nasaa‘i]
Food of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam Banquets are held at the houses of the elite and the people of authority, but what about the food and drink of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who had control over so many lands and its people, and to whom the camels returned carrying enormous provisions as well as gold and silver that overflowed in his hands? Did he lead a life of kings, eating the food of the wealthy and rich people? Or was his life more perfect and ideal?
Do not be amazed at the meager and simple food of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never had bread and meat for dinner or supper unless he had guests." [At-Tirmithi] The Hadeeth shows the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, hardly ate to his full. It also implies that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never ate to his fill except when guests visited him. Only in that case would the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, eat to his fill in order to show hospitality and courtesy towards his guests.
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’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The family of Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never ate to their fill the bread of barley for two successive days until he died." [Muslim] In another narration, she said, "Never did the family of Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, eat to their fill of the bread of wheat for three successive nights since their arrival to Madeenah until his death." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Sometimes, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not find anything to eat and so he would go to bed hungry. Ibn Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his family used to suffer hunger for several nights consecutively, and they could not find (food for their) supper, and their bread was mostly of barley." [At-Tirmithi]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not live in such difficult circumstances out of scarcity and shortage since money overflowed between his hands and camels came to him loaded with provisions. The reason, however, was that Allaah The Almighty chose for His Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the most perfect and upright state. ’Uqbah ibn Al-Haarith, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "One day after the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, led us in ’Asr Prayer. He rushed into his house and soon returned. I or someone asked him about that, and he replied: 'I have left pieces of gold belonging to charity in my house, and I disliked keeping them [in my house] this night so I distributed them.'" [Al-Bukhaari]
Amazing and unmatched giving was the chief characteristic of the Prophet of this Ummah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "Never was the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, asked anything for (embracing) Islam and he did not give it. A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and he gave the former a large herd of sheep that filled the area between two mountains.
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When the man returned to his people, he said to them: "O my people! Embrace Islam, indeed, Muhammad gives away so much as if has no fear of poverty.'' [Muslim]
Despite his inimitable generosity, let us reflect on the conditions of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, neither ate at a table nor ate thin nicely baked bread throughout his life." [Al-Bukhaari]
’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, mentioned that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, sometimes used to come to her and ask: "Do you have food?" When she had replied in the negative, he said: "(Then) I will fast." It was authentically narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his family used to live only on dates and water for one or two months. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Despite this scarcity and shortage of food, the noble conduct and Islamic character of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, obliged him to be grateful for the blessing of food that Allaah The Almighty gave him as well as thanking the person who prepared it and not to scold him if he made a mistake, believing that this person merely tried his best [in preparing the food] but did not succeed. Therefore, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never criticized food, or reproached a cook, or rejected the available food or requested something that was not available. Filling the stomach with particular types of food was never the concern of the Prophet of Islam, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, never criticized any food.If he desired it, he would eat it; and if he disliked it, he would leave it." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
I invite the respected readers who are busy with different varieties of food and drink to listen to what Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said in brief, As for food and clothes, the best guidance is the guidance of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
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His manner in eating was that he would eat the available food if he liked it. In addition to that, he did not reject the available food or endeavor to bring unavailable ones. In other words, when bread and meat, or fruit with bread and meat, or only dates or only bread were brought to him, he would eat. When two types of food were brought to him, he would not say that he did not eat two types of food at the same time. Also, he would not abstain from a particular kind of food due to its good taste or sweetness. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Surely, I observe fasting and break it; perform prayer and sleep at night; have wives and eat meat.
So whoever turns away from my Ummah does not belong to me." Allaah The Almighty ordered us to eat good lawful food and thank Him. Thus, whoever prohibits good lawful food is violating the limits of the Sharee‘ah, and whoever does not thank Allaah The Almighty is neglecting His Rights.
The methodology of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is the best and most moderate way, and deviation from it takes two forms:
• People spend extravagantly and eat whatever they desire along with
neglecting the [Sharee‘ah] obligations.
• People prohibit the good lawful food and innovate monasticism that
Allaah The Almighty never ordained, even though there is no monasticism in Islam.
He added:
Every lawful food is good and good food is lawful because Allaah The Almighty made good food lawful for us and prohibited evil ones for us.
So, the goodness of the food lies in the fact that the food is nutritious and delicious. Allaah The Almighty forbade everything that harms us and permitted everything that benefits us.
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He also added:
People vary regarding the types of food, clothing and the states of hunger and satisfaction, so does the state of the individual. Yet, the best deed is the one which is most obedient to Allaah The Almighty and the most useful to the one who does it.
* * *

Defending People’s Honor
Assemblies of knowledge and Thikr are the best assemblies, so what do you think of assemblies that are moderated by the teacher of mankind with his speeches, teachings and instructions? The purity of the assemblies of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and his inner self helped him correct those who made mistakes, taught the ignorant, alerted the heedless and rejected everything except goodness. He attentively gave ear to the speaker; yet, he did not tolerate backbiting, tale-bearing or calumny. Thus, he defended others' honor in their absence.
It was narrated on the authority of ’Itbaan ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, that when the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, stood up to perform prayer, he asked: "Where is Maalik ibn Ad-Dukhshum?" One of them replied, "He is a hypocrite and does not love Allaah and His Messenger."
Hearing that, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Do not say so. Have you not seen that he said, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah' seeking therewith the pleasure of Allaah only?" Allaah has forbidden Hell for those who say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah' seeking therewith the pleasure of Allaah only." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, warned against false testimonies and violating people's rights. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Shall I inform you of the gravest sins?"
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They said, "What are they, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "Associating anything in worship with Allaah and undutifulness to one's parents." He sat up from his reclining position and added: "I warn you against making a false statement and giving a false testimony." The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, kept repeating it until we wished he would have been silent (out of sympathy for him). [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Despite his great love for the Mother of the Believers ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, criticized her for backbiting and showed her how grave it was. ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "It is
enough for you that Safiyyah has such-and-such fault.” (some narrators said that she means Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was short). Upon that, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "You have said a [serious] word that if it is mixed with the water of a sea it would change its color." [Abu Daawood]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, gave glad tidings to the Muslim who defends the honor of his fellow Muslims in their absence. He said: Whoever defends the honor of his brother in his absence, Allaah will surely save him from Hell." [Ahmad]
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Frequent Remembrance of Allaah The Almighty
The first educator, the Prophet of Islam, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, paid great attention to worship and the heart's connection with Allaah The Almighty. He would not waste a moment without remembering Allaah The Almighty, praising Him, thanking Him, asking His forgiveness and repenting to Him. Although Allaah The Almighty had forgiven him his past and future sins, he was a grateful slave of Allaah The Almighty and a thankful Prophet, who would constantly praise Allaah The Almighty. He gave his Lord His due estimation, so he praised, supplicated and turned to Him.
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He knew the value of time, so he made the best use of it and tried his best to utilize it with worship and obedience to Allaah The Almighty.’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to remember Allaah The Almighty in all his states." [Muslim]
Ibn Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "We used to count for the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his saying: 'O Allaah, forgive me and accept my repentance. Surely, You are Accepting of Repentance and The Merciful,' a hundred times in one session." [Abu
Daawood]
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he heard the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, say: "I ask Allaah for Forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day." [Al-Bukhaari]Ibn ’Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "We used to count for the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his saying: 'O Allaah, Forgive me and Accept my repentance. Surely, You are The Accepting of Repentance and The Merciful,' a hundred times in one session." [At-Tirmithi]
Talking about the supplication that Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, would say very often in her house, Umm Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: "O Allaah! Controller of the hearts! Make my heart steadfast upon Your religion." [At-Tirmithi]
Neighbors How honorable the neighborhood of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was! A neighbor had a great status in the sight of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Jibreel (Gabriel, may Allaah exalt his mention) continued enjoining me to treat my neighbor kindly and politely so much that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, enjoined Abu Tharr, may Allaah be pleased with him, saying: "O Abu Tharr, when you prepare broth, add water to it and give of it (as a present) to your neighbors." [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, warned against harming neighbors, saying: "He will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure from his wrongful conduct and evildoing." [Muslim]
What a pleasant neighbor is the one of whom the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Whoever truly believes in Allaah and the Last Day should treat his neighbors kindly." [Muslim]
* * *
Good Companionship
’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came to know that someone had done something (wrong), he would not say: “Why does so and so say (such and such) (i.e. address him by his name and expose him before people)?”; Rather, he would say: 'Why do some people do so and so…'" [At-Tirmithi]
Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, said that a man entered upon the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, with stains of saffron. Rarely did the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, criticize anyone to his face for something he disliked, so when the man left, he said: "Would that you tell this man that he should wash these (stains) off." [Abu Daawood and Ahmad]
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It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Shall I not inform you of the person whom Hell is forbidden to touch or of the one whom is forbidden from (entering) Hell? It is forbidden for a man who is close (to people due to his modesty), having a polite and tender nature (in his dealing with people) and easy.'' [At-Tirmithi]
* * *

Fulfilling People's Rights
Man has many rights to fulfill: th rights of Allaah The Almighty, rights of the family, rights of the self and rights of people. How did the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, manage his time and make the best use of his day?
Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said that three men came to the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to ask about his worship. When they were told about his worship, they considered it insufficient and said, "How can we be compared to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, whom Allaah has forgiven his past and future sins?" Then one of them said, "As for me, I will offer prayer throughout the night for the rest of my life."
Another one said, "And I will fast throughout the year and will never break my fast." The third said, "And I will avoid women and will never marry." When the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, came to them, he said: "Are you those who said such and such things? By Allaah, I am more conscious of Allaah and more watchful of Him than any of you; yet I fast and break my fast, I perform prayer and sleep, and I also marry women. So anyone who does not follow my Ummah does not belong to me." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Courage and Patience of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, enjoyed the greatest share of courage in supporting Islam and making the words of Allaah The Almighty dominant. He utilized the blessings that Allaah The Almighty conferred on him properly.
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’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not strike anyone with his hand except when fighting in the Cause of Allaah. He never hit a servant or a woman." [Muslim]
The courage of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, helped him call to Islam and confront the staunchest disbelievers of the Quraysh alone. He remained steadfast upon Islam until Allaah The Almighty granted him victory.
He did not say that I am confronting them alone and that all the people have formed a united front against me; instead, he depended on Allaah The Almighty and relied on Him and declared his Da‘wah openly. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the most courageous and the most determined of men. People would turn back in retreat, but he would remain firm. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to worship Allaah The Almighty in the Cave of Hiraa‘; he was never harmed. Also, the people of the Quraysh did not fight him, nor did any disbelieving nation shoot him with a single arrow, until he openly professed Tawheed (Islamic monothiesn) and declared the obligation of dedicating acts of worship to Allaah The Almighty Alone. As a result, the disbelievers were amazed, stating Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Has he made the gods [only] one God? Indeed, this is a curious thing.} [Quran 38:5] This is because they set up the idols as intermediaries between them and Allaah The Almighty. Quoting the disbelievers, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allaah in position.} [Quran 39:3]
Certainly, they admitted the Oneness of the Lordship of Allaah The Almighty. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Say, "Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?" Say, "Allaah. And indeed, we or you are either upon guidance or in clear error."} [Quran 34:24]
Look at the acts of polytheism that have dominated the lands of the Muslims, such as invoking the dead and seeking their help, making vows for them, fearing them and hoping for their reward. People have become steeped in this evil until they severed their relationship with Allaah The Almighty due to associating others with Him and placing the dead in the same position of The Ever-Living Who does not die.
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Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, he who associates others with Allaah - Allaah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.} [Quran 5:72]
We shall now move to the opposite mountain north of the house of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, toward the Mountain of Uhud where the great Battle of Uhud took place. In this great battle, the courage of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his steadfastness and patience over the wounds he suffered clearly appeared. His noble face bled; his two molar teeth were broken and his head was split open. Sahl ibn Sa‘d, may Allaah be pleased with him, told us how the wounds of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, were, saying, By Allaah! I know who was washing the wounds of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; who was pouring water over it and what his treatment was. Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was washing the wounds, and ’Ali, may Allaah be pleased with him, was pouring water from a shield. Seeing that water increased the flow of blood, Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, burnt a piece of straw mat and spread it over the wounds so that the bleeding stopped. On that day, the incisors of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, were broken, his face was injured and his helmet crashed onto his head. [Al-Bukhaari]
Al-Abbaas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, may Allaah be pleased with him, talked about the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in the Battle of Hunayn, saying, "When the Muslims fled in retreat, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, began to spur his mule towards the disbelievers.
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I was holding the bridle of the mule of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, checking it from going too fast. In the meantime, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was saying: 'Indeed, I am the Prophet with no doubt, I am the son of Abdul-Muttalib.'" [Muslim]
The brave warrior,who attended the well-known battles and famous events in Islamic history, ’Ali ibn Abi Taalib, may Allaah be pleased with him, talked about the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saying, "When combat would become fierce and the two parties engaged with one another, we shielded ourselves with the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. None of us was closer to the enemy than him." [Al-Baghawi]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, set a shining example and was an excellent role model in patience in the affairs of Da‘wah until Allaah The Almighty established the foundations of Islam and His cavalry roamed Arabia, the lands of Ash-Shaam and Transoxiana. There was no urban or nomadic land except that Islam entered it. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "I have been intimidated in the cause of Allaah when no one was intimidated; I have suffered harm in the cause of Allaah when no one suffered harm, and thirty nights and days have come to me when Bilaal and I had no food which a living creatures could eat except something which was kept under Bilaal's armpit (i.e. a small amount of food)." [At-Tirmithi]
Despite the money and booty that Allaah The Almighty granted the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, he had bequeathed neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. Instead, he bequeathed knowledge, which is the legacy of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Whoever wants to take from this
legacy, is welcome – what a pleasant legacy he will take! ’Aa‘ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not leave behind a Dirham, a Dinar, a sheep or a camel, nor did he make a will in his property before his death (for he had none)." [Muslim]
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Supplications of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam

Supplication is a great act of worship that should not be dedicated to other than Allaah The Almighty. Supplication shows man's need for Allaah The Almighty and declares the person’s lack of power. It is the sign of being a slave to Allaah The Almighty and of one’s humility. It implies praising Allaah The Almighty and attributing benevolence and generosity to Him. Therefore, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Supplication is (the essence of) worship." [At-Tirmithi]
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, supplicated and invoked Allaah The Almighty frequently and showed his need for Allaah The Almighty and liked supplicating Him with succinct words. The supplications of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, included:
* "O Allaah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs; set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living; set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life; make the life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil." [Muslim]
* "O Allaah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knows the Unseen and the witnessed, Lord and Possessor of everything. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except You; I seek refuge in You from the evil within myself, from the evil of Satan and his (incitement to) attributing
partners (to Allaah) and from committing evil or bringing it to another Muslim." [Abu Daawood]
* "O Allaah, Make me sufficient with what You have made lawful instead of
what You have made prohibited, and make me with Your bounty in no need of others." [At-Tirmithi]
* "O Allaah, forgive me, bestow Your Mercy upon me and let me join the
highest companions (of the Hereafter)." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
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The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate His Lord frequently both during times of hardship and ease to the extent that his cloak would fall from his shoulders while he was supplicating Allaah The Almighty in the Battle of Badr to grant the Muslims victory and defeat the polytheists.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also supplicated for himself, his family, his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and the common Muslims.
* * *

End of the visit

After you have enjoyed listening to Hadeeths of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, his great biography, striving in the cause of Allaah and suffering, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has some rights upon us that we have to fulfill. By doing so, we would perfect goodness and move along the straight path. The rights of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, upon his Ummah include: Having true faith in him, in words and actions, and believing in all that he brought. We must obey him and avoid disobeying him. We should refer judgment to him and accept his judgment. We should give the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his due estimation without excess or negligence, follow him, take him as a role model in all walks of life and love him more than our wealth, families, children and all people. We should respect the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, venerate him, support Islam, defend his Ummah and revive it among the Muslims. We should also love his noble Companions, ask Allaah to be pleased with them, defend them and read about their biographies.
Love for the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, requires that we ask Allaah The Almighty to send peace and blessings upon him. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, Allaah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His Angels [ask Him to do so].
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O you who have believed, ask [Allaah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allaah to grant him] peace.} [Quran 33:56] The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it ‘Aadam (Adam, may Allaah exalt his mention) was created, on it he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it the shout will be made, so invoke more prayers for me on that day, for your prayers will be submitted to me. A man asked: 'O Messenger of Allaah, how could it be that our prayers would be submitted to you while your body would have been decayed?' He replied: 'Allaah, The Exalted, Has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.'" [Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah][Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
The Ummah of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, should not be niggardly regarding the rights of the Noble Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "A niggardly Muslim is the one who hears my name and does not send prayers for me." [At-Tirmithi]
He also said: "No people sit in an assembly where they do not mention the Name of Allaah or invoke prayers for their Prophet but they will regret it.
Allaah The Almighty will either punish or forgive them accordingly." [At-Tirmithi]
* * *

Farewell
Before we leave this house which is fragrant with faith and founded on obedience, the Ummah of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, remains to teach the seeker of salvation and show the way for the seeker of guidance.
We know about some incidents with the scholars of the righteous predecessors and how they were keen to follow this great Sunnah. May Allaah make us follow and emulate them in the best manner!
The Imaam of Ahlus-Sunnah Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, "I have never written down a Hadeeth but I applied it.
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One day, I knew that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, had cupping done and paid Abu Taybah, the cupper, one Dinar. Accordingly, I paid the cupper one Dinar after I had it done."
Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Mahdi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said that I heard Sufyaan say, "I have never been informed of a Hadeeth of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, but I acted according to it even if for one time."
Muslim ibn Yasaar, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, "I perform prayer while wearing my shoes, though it is easier for me to take them off, seeking only to follow the Ummah of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam."
Finally, here is a great Hadeeth for the respected reader to consider. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "All of my Ummah will enter Paradise except those who refuse". The Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, wondered and asked, "Who will refuse?'' He replied: "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me refuses (to enter Paradise)." [Al-Bukhaari]
We supplicate Allaah The Almighty to grant us love for the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and following his straight path, neither misguiding nor misguided. We ask Allaah The Almighty to confer blessings upon Prophet Muhammad as long as night and day run and as much as righteous people mention him. We ask Allaah The Almighty to gather us with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in the highest Firdaws (in Paradise), comfort our eyes by seeing him and let us drink from his Hawdh (Basin) a drink of water after which we will never be thirsty again. May the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his family and all of his Companions.
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References:
- Majmoo‘ Fataawa ibn Taymiyyah
- At-Tabaqaat Al-Kubra by Ibn Sa‘d
- As-Seerah An-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Katheer
- Zaad Al-Ma‘aad by Ibn Al-Qayyim
- Saheeh Al-Jaami‘ by Shaykh Al-Albaani
- As-Silsilah As-Saheehah by Shaykh Al-Albaani
- Sharh As-Ummah by Al-Baghawi
- Kitaab As-Siyar
- Kitaab Az-Zuhd by Imaam Ahmad
- Saheeh Al-Bukhaari
- Saheeh Muslim
- Sunan At-Tirmithi
- Sunan An-Nasaa'i
- Sunan Ibn Maajah
- Sunan Abu Daawood
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