True love for the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم

Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq: 25th February 2006

Although it’s very easy to say that we love Allah سبحانه و تعالى and his Rasool صلى الله عليه و سلم, to prove that love and to love Him as we should is not as easy. True love of Allah and his Rasool صلى الله عليه و سلم was seen in the life of the companions (رضى الله عنهم) in men women and children, who loved Allah as a Muslim should...and such love is unbelievable. The Quraysh, the pagan Arabs of Mecca, in their attempt to appease and oppose Him صلى الله عليه و سلم. They sent one of them to spy on Him in order to find out more, when he returned, he reported, they should leave Him alone, as he had never seen any companions, love, cherish and revere their leader such as they did to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He reported;
When He صلى الله عليه و سلم speaks they (رضى الله عنهم) all strain to hear, when He whispers a command they outdo each other in fulfilling it, when He صلى الله عليه و سلم spits, His companions stretch to catch his saliva and anoint their bodies with His saliva.
The example of the companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, is such that we can not imagine. Such stories in this day and age, are dismissed as the account of mad men. We are taking about the most enlightened people, after the Prophet of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم. Even his wives; the marriages of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم are a miracle within them. Even for a man to put on a show outside the house.
We often hear of people speaking of their family lives. But every person think of him or herself. It’s easy for us to go into a gathering and put on a certain persona in the Masjid, or talk/dars. People come to the masjid, pray and go. Everyone can put on a façade. People who pray unduly, in front of people. When a person travels with a person and observes a person during the vulnerabilities of daily life, seeing him all his colours and faces. At home is the family that really know a person e.g. wives. No matter how saintly a person is, a wife won’t see him as a saint. That’s the relationship between husband and wife.
The husband and wife have a special relationship which precludes seeing the person as a different individual. The wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم despite knowing all the ins and outs, and seeing Him day and night, all his wives had only the best o say of Him. They viewed Him not only as a husband but a messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم. When we study the Hadith, even the wives, the mother of the believers, would address Him not as Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم but as Messenger of Allah.
There is a Bukhari Hadith where the Prophet said to Aisha رضى الله عنها that “I know when you are displeased with me, and when you are pleased with me”. When you are pleased with me you say “Wa rabi Muhammad” when displeased you say “Wa rabbi Ibrahim”. She swore by the lord of Ibrahim in anger and the Lord of Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم in good.
“May my father and mother be sacrificed for you o Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم.” Was said by the wives before each and every address of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. The wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم would collect the saliva and sweat of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, and use it as perfume/anointment. The wives collected his sweat to use as an Itr. Today if a wife did this, the husband would think “what did I marry!” That was the love of the companions, the men, women and children.
In the battle of Uhd, many men were slain. A certain Sahabiya (رضى الله عنها), came out of her home and went out to meet the Sahaba returning from the battle of Uhd. There was only one question on her lips, she asked “how is Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم”. She was informed her father was killed/martyred, and replied inna lillah hai wa inna lillah hai wa ina illahi rajeeon. Then she asked of Rasool Allah. She was then told of her husband, brother, and son and replied the same. Then asked of Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم again. And they said By Allah he is okay. She did not believe this till she had seen Him, so she went to see Him. And only then was she contented.
Abu Bakr (رضى الله عنه) a wise poetic individual and leader. In the early days of Islam he was beaten by the Quraysh, so severe he was unconscious. Only in the evening when he opened his eyes and saw his whole family, who thought he would die. The first words he uttered were “how is Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم.” Many of his family were shocked at this, that he had suffered so much, and were shocked that he was asking of Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم even at a time like this. Only when he saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم did he eat, rest, or be contented. Only they truly loved Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as a true believer should; as Allah describes in Surah Al Ahzab: “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own souls, and his wives are their (believers') mothers”
We should love Him صلى الله عليه و سلم and revere him, more than we love our own mothers and fathers, more than we love ourselves. Others may not understand this concept in this modern world. Where Gods existence is denied, where nothing is remaining sacred. Where many believe we descend from Apes or are advanced apes. We live in a cut throat world, where only the fittest the strongest survive. In order to secure your happiness in this society, we either believe it in principle or practice “a dog eat dog life” where ultimately a brother will do away with his own blood brother if need be. With this kind of mentality, we will never understand the concept of loving Allah and his Rasool صلى الله عليه و سلم more than we love ourselves. That’s what Islam requires, though, by the explicit words of the Quran. It’s easy to say, but not easy to practice. This kind of hypocrisy does not work.
Once Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (رضى الله عنه) spoke to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), and said to him ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have searched my soul and I have come to the conclusion that after my own soul, you are the dearest to me in the whole creation of Allah. So Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said ‘O Umar, you can not become a true believer, until I am dearer to you than your own soul’. Umar (رضى الله عنه) said, ‘Ya Rasool Allah, I accept and I declare that you are more beloved to me than myself’. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said ‘Now O Umar, only now can you be a true believer’.
True love of Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم was demonstrated by the Sahaba (رضى الله عنهم). Read the stories of the companions and their sacrifices, of being tortured, before being executed during which he was said by Pagan Arabs, wouldn’t you wish Muhammad to be in your place, and you were free. Even though this companion wasn’t close and never spent much time with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, he said, By Allah! Forget seeking his replacement here, I would not even be able to tolerate a thorn pricking the foot of Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم. He was continuously tortured then executed.
How could people in such circumstances? because Allah سبحانه و تعالى removed the veil from their eyes and overwhelmed them. With only a portion of this love can we become true believers. When you love someone, and are consumed by love, it all depends on who and what you love, some love life, money, falsehood, frivolity, themselves; but for those chosen servants of Allah, it’s about loving Allah and his Rasool صلى الله عليه و سلم.
When man loves money, man will kill his or her spouse, or family for sake of money in today’s world, for proceeds, wealth and insurance of life. A story in North America; elderly couple, disabled wheelchair bound; one day the police discovered them had both been brutally murdered with hammers. After much investigation the children were found responsible. The sons and daughters had conspired to collect their life insurance. They were all Muslim. This is the most devastating thing of all.
When a Man and Woman love each other, they are willing to give up everything. The monarch of this country early last century, renounced his right to being King, for his wife, renouncing the throne and worldly love to live in exile for her.
When the Sahaba loved the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم as he should be loved, only then were they truly contented in every way. That love that makes a person love the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم more dearly than him own self. That is not easy to accomplish, but we are expected to work towards that and make the sacrifices on the way.
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate a Hadith in situ with the Surah from Al Ahzab:
Anas Ibn Malik: Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم said; “ One of you can not become a true believer, till I am more beloved to him than his parents, his children, him own self and all mankind”
“Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said there are three things found in a person through which he will taste sweetness of imaan;
1) He loves Allah and His Messenger more than his own life
2) For the sake of Allah.
3) He dislikes returning to disbelief.
How does that love translate into ones life?
Non Muslims do not currently understand this. With the current controversy, some non-Muslims, especially amongst public. Most knew what this would provoke. As Salman Rushdie example was clear example in history.
World over, the debates and anger, the death in protest was seen then. So everyone knew what would happen. Maybe some don’t understand why? But it’s because we have this special relationship between us and Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم.
He صلى الله عليه و سلم was not just some historical figure, but He صلى الله عليه و سلم is a part of our every day life. His name is on our lips, his thought in our minds, and memory in our hearts. We try to walk as he walked, talk as He صلى الله عليه و سلم talked, worship as He صلى الله عليه و سلم worshiped, sleep as He صلى الله عليه و سلم slept. Even in inclinations of likes and dislikes. Which other human being is there that we can compare this too?
He commanded over the hearts of the believers. The very mention of his name brings tears to peoples eyes. Whether we understand or like it or not. In the Fajr athan, even before that, in tahajut salaah. Where we follow the example of the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Even when we make wudu.
Even the private conversations of His home were recorded/referred to in Quran and Sunnah. The issues of His private affairs were disclosed in order to teach the believers.
At home, the wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, observed Him. We learn most about nafl salaah from the wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Even then His wife said to the Quraysh, you don’t know who you are messing with. Looking at Abu Sufyaan (Mecca uncrowned king) and another sworn enemy Uyay bin Akhtar of Rasool Allah. They persisted in arousing and inciting them before the battles. He married their daughters Umm-Habibah, sent from Abyssinia to medina. She lived there with Him. Abu Sufyaan in 7 year of hijra came to medina to walk the streets and go to Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم . He passed some Sahaba. They saw him, they didn’t greet him. They said, “it seems as though the swords of Allah have not yet found their place.”
He went to see his daughter for the first time after 13-14 years. Walks into the house. He was a man of nobility. When he heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم had married his daughter, his own enemy. Even then he said “She has the most worthy suitor”. He enters her house and goes to sit down. The bedding is beneath. Umm Habibah رضى الله عنها pulls it from beneath him. He said, am I to good for the bedding or is the bedding to good for me. She said to him. O my father, this bedding of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم and you are an impure mushrik, never will I allow you to sit upon it.
She did not have conflict of interest between her dad or husband.
After battle of Khyber, Safiya reverted to Islam. He صلى الله عليه و سلم proposed to her, and se declared that she wanted it in jahilliya, and why wouldn’t she want it now. She saw a dream in her time of jahilliya, in which the moon fell into her lap. Her husband slapped her. Bruising her. Her kaafir husband said “ you dream of marrying the king of medina”, her husband was killed in the battle.
So the daughter of the Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم was brought into his house as his wife. Throughout our daily life, we remember Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم.
Abdullahi Ibn Abbas, and his cousin brother, asked to spend the night in the house of Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. They were Maymoona رضى الله عنها nephews. He slept near the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Abdullahi, followed Him, in dua’a, wudu and tahajut. So he could relate this to the Ummah and so we could learn of the Sunnah. Even in that serene time of Fajr Athan we hear the words mentioning Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم, in athan, salaah, tilawat, and dhikr. Throughout the day, all these activities including the names of Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم.
We are reminded constantly, Allah says in Surah Ash-Sharh, addressing the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم):
“Have We not expanded your bosom for you? And have we not removed your burden from you, that which bore down heavily on your back, and have we not elevated the mention of your name”
Jibreel (عليه السلام) came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم and He said, “Do you know what Allah means when He says have we not elevated the mention of your name?” The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم replied “No”. Jibreel (عليه السلام) said, “Allah has taken it upon himself, that never will Allah’s name be mentioned, except that in conjunction with Allah’s name you shall be remembered”.
Even in our athan, prayers and thoughts, our bodies adopt his habits. This is not any abstract figure of history, but part of our spirit and our every day lives. An attack on Him صلى الله عليه و سلم, is an attack on our every day lives, on every man woman and child.
An article, in which some people were saying /attacking the Muslims. Asking Why so much over a dead man?
He صلى الله عليه و سلم may have passed on from this world, but He صلى الله عليه و سلم is part of our lives, and lives in us, in a spiritual and thriving way, we is not some figure who has passed in history.
Allah refers to His unique status in the Quran so much.
Who believes the freedom of expression? This is an attack on Islam, not a debate on freedom of expression. There are not multiple standards, subhanAllaah. This may tread on turbulent dangerous grounds. Ken Livingstone has been suspended for 1 month. He has been suspended, despite the need. All for what? Because he made one comment. He makes one comment to a journalist. What has that journalist's religion got to do with that comment? He’s suspended as Mayor of London, where’s the freedom of expression. A man, who made a comment 17 years ago about Jews, gets jailed for 3 years, where is freedom of expression.
You make one comment about hews its anti-Semitism. Against women, its sexist. Against homosexuals, it’s homophobic, liable to be investigated by the police. Against a community, you’re racist or xenophobic, you’re liable to be prosecuted for that as well. Say something about Islam, jumping over a billion Muslims, targeting the top figure of the Faith Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم, and it is “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION????”
Freedom of Expression has a purpose! There has always been an academic debate on this issue. Sometimes still abusive, and blasphemous. This is meant to provoke, hurt us, and offend us. No one is laughing now. People are dying all over the world. The prejudice against Islam is such. In Nigeria where Muslims are minority, up to 150 have died, Masjid have been burnt. Muslims are not angels and even in war, the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم says don’t affect people of worship or places of worship. Though it was Christians killing Muslims, burning them and destroying the places of worship. The headline read “Christians fighting back!”. So here it’s considered defensive? This is the prejudice against Islam and the Muslims.
Everything about Islam, the global Ummah is affected, because it’s about freedom of expression. People are tried here, and through sheer hypocrisy people are let off, but if a Muslim is tried, they through the book at him!
This isn’t about healthy debate or cartoons. The same game is being repeated. Salman Rushdie book came out. (Shaykh got it from the library. The book is unreadable and pure rubbish. From a literary point of view, it is unreadable, and non consistent.) Because it was blasphemous, written by a person born Muslim, he won prize after prize.
The Denmark paper that published cartoon won an award. 3 years ago the same newspaper that published these cartoons, rejected cartoons about Jesus Christ. A cartoonist actually made such cartoons and showed them to some Christian friends of his, they found they were funny, but none of them found them offensive. When he presented them to the newspaper for publication, the editor rejected them with the argument “they would be offensive to some of our readers”. Yet the same paper printed the cartoons in the manner that they have of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. These cartoons are deeply offensive, and it’s implausible for us to believe that these people did not know what they were doing. The editor has been removed from his post, for suggesting they might publish holocaust cartoons. It’s not about culture, values, or civilisation, but pure prejudice. The debate of the moderates vs. fanatics divide is prevailing due to the cartoons.
Birmingham play (temple scene), the Sikh community stopped the show taking place. In India, Hindu groups have issued a reward, for execution of the person cartooning their Gods. Nobody talks about that. You want to say anything in this country, if the other person is rich enough he’ll take you to court for liable and bleed you dry.
Allah سبحانه و تعالى does not tolerate insult of Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. If Muslims think this is okay, they should reflect on some of the Ayahs of the Quran.
In the campaign of Taghout, the hypocrites, said amongst themselves. Fighting the Romans is not like fighting the Arabs. Does He think He is going to penetrate the fortresses. Allah informed the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم so he summoned them. He asked, is this what you said. They said we were joking, being sarcastic. Allah revealed the Ayah:
“They will say we were only joking and playing, say to them or Prophet of Allah. With Allah and his Messengers, and verses. You were joking. After your Iman you have become disbelievers. If we forgive one group amongst you, we will punish another”.
In Surah Taubah;
“…it has been revealed in the book from before if you hear the verses of Allah being blasphemed, do not sit with these people. If you continue to sit with them, you will surely be disbelieving, just like them, they will be amassed in the fire of Jahanum”.
In another verse;
“There are those amongst you, who say he is soft of ear. Say to them, I am only soft of ear only in seeking good for you.”
When people used to joke and disbelieve. They jested He صلى الله عليه و سلم would be soft of ear and would believe anything. The believer is innocent and noble. So he trusts people. The honest people think all are honest just like him, and evil think that all are evil as he is. If one morning a man is returning from masjid, the other from haraam place. They think the other is just as himself.
Imam Hathim (رحمة الله عليه) relates, He صلى الله عليه و سلم was seated in shade in home of one of his wives. Allah said A certain person will come to you and look at you with the eyes of Shaytaan. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said, why do you vilify me? If they denied it, he would ignore them and leave their affairs to Allah”
Surah Mujahida:
‘On the day that Allah shall resurrect them, they shall swear to Allah just as they did to you. They will actually think they can deceive Allah just as the people on the dunya. Shaytaan will overcome them. These people are the part of Shaytaan. Those who challenge Allah and his Messenger are the lowly ones. Allah is all mighty and all powerful. You will not find believers, befriending the hypocrites, because Allah has engraved imaan in their hearts, and Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah.’
Allah would not tolerate disrespect from His own wives or people.
In two verses of Surah Al Ahzab Allah سبحانه و تعالى says; “Verily Allah and his angels, they shower their salutations, their peace, their prayers and their blessings upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Oh Believers you also shower your salutations, your greetings upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم”.
Allah also says; “Verily those, who hurt, who abuse Allah and his Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم. Allah has cursed them in the world and in the hereafter, and prepared for them a most humiliating punishment”. This puts it in perspective, Allah’s vilification of those who blaspheme.
History has shown that those who spoke ill of Him met a very doomful end. Allah will not tolerate them. Because he loves His Messenger. Even from His wife or noble companions
Surah Hujurat:
‘Oh believers don’t try to out do as you see, and fear Allah, don’t raise your voices over and above the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم lest your deeds will perish.’
Umar (رضى الله عنه) and Abu Bakr (رضى الله عنه) raised their voices in debate over naming suitable people to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) remained silent. Then Allah said “Don’t speak loudly lest your deeds perish and you don’t even realise”.
We should not call Him Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) but the Messenger of Allah! As we are told; don’t make the call of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, as you call between yourselves.
Eg: “May my father and mother be sacrificed for your sake o messenger of Allah” as the Sahaba used.
‘O believers, don’t enter the house of the Prophet until you are invited. And when you have eaten, disperse, don’t remain lingering in conversation…’
Anas took food gift from his mother, when he married Zainab رضى الله عنها. It was a small gift, and took it Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked him to call some people. He called 300 people, and after they had eaten, he could not tell if there was more there after or before. After they’d eaten, people would still be talking. He was too shy to tell them to go. Hence this verse was revealed.
He صلى الله عليه وسلم was commanded to give his wives an ultimatum, if they complained: (Surah Al Ahzab)
‘O Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saw. If you seek the worldly life….then I shall give it to you and release you….if you wish to remain and seek Allah and reward, then these are the rules, and you may have to face hardship….’
They had a choice of rules and regulation.
Maria (رضى الله عنها) was made haraam upon Himself. Hafsa (رضى الله عنها) sought permission to go to her parents. She returned and saw Him and Maria in her own house. And she said ‘how dare you’, He promised and said I will never go near her again, I make her haraam on me, but do not tell anyone.
Surah Tehrim was then revealed:
‘Why do you make that haraam on yourself that Allah has made halal upon you…’
Aisha رضى الله عنها and Hafsa رضى الله عنها were good friends…they were told in this Surah:
‘Allah says if the two (Aisha and Hafsa) of you repent to Allah then you should do so in waywardness. If you come against Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم, then know that Allah is with Him, after that Jibreel and all the pious believers and after that all the angels stand behind’
Allah would never tolerate any disrespect, whether it was His wives or the hypocrites.
Surah Munafiqun:
“They say that when we shall return to medina, and expel Him. To Allah and his prophets and believers belongs Honour”.
The people/creation of the heavens are showering Him with blessings as mentioned in Surah Al Ahzab.
Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal رحمة الله عليه relates: Abdur Rahman رضى الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم went into sajdah, and he was there for so long, I thought he had passed, he went by him and waited, till her raised his noble head. When he raised his head, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked what he wanted, when he voiced his worry, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said when he was in sujood; Jibreel AS declared no believing servant will send salaam upon Allah except that he will send salaam on you…except that Allah will send salaam on Him. Hence in gratitude the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم stayed in Sujood so long. Other narrations say 1 salaat and salaam of the believer is rewarded with 70 from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Others say 10. Denying sending salaam is kufr, ridiculing the Quran’s words.
‘We are sufficient for you O prophet of Allah, against those who ridicule you’
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said “The one who shall be closest to me on the day of reckoning is the one who sent the most salaat and salaam upon me”.
Eg: Imam Tirmidhi relates a Hadith in which Saydena Ubay Ibn Ka’b said to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), ‘Ya Rasool Allah, I frequently and excessively pray salaat and salaam upon you, so what portion of my prayer and of my remembrance should I make salaat and salaam upon you, whenever I engage in the remembrance of Allah, and whenever I pray; what portion of that should I devote exclusively to saying salaat and salaam upon you?’ So the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), said, ‘As much as you can’. Ubay Ibn Ka’b said ‘Ya Rasool Allah, what if I devote a quarter of my prayer just to, sending salaat and salaam upon you’. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said ‘That’s good but if you can increase it, it will be better’. So he said ‘Ya Rasool Allah, what if I devote half of my prayer to sending salaat and salaam upon you?’ The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) replied again ‘That’s good but if you can increase it, it will be better’. So he said ‘Ya Rasool Allah, what if I devote two-thirds of my prayer too sending salaat and salaam upon you?’ The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) replied again ‘That’s good but if you can increase it, it will be better’. So Ubay Ibn Ka’b رضى الله عنه said ‘Ya Rasool Allah, what if I make my entire prayer devoted exclusively to sending salaat and salaam upon you? The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) replied ‘In that case all of your needs will be taken care of and catered for by Allah and your sins shall be forgiven’.
Without durood, salaah is invalid and nulled. (general consensus). We are not worshipping him by reciting durood, we are merely following the Quran’s commands.
From Saydena Ali (رحمة الله عليه), that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said; “The miserly one is he, the stingy, tight fisted miserly one is he, in whose presence my name is mentioned, yet he does not say salaat and salaam upon me”.
Why has the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) termed such a person as being miserly? One of the reasons is that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) did so much for his Ummah, He has a great right over us. We have a great obligation and duty towards Him. As Allah mentions in the holy Quran, in Surah Al Ahzab: Verse 6:
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own souls, and his wives are their (believers') mothers”
So we have a great duty and obligation towards Him, and he has a great right over us. There is no need for us to pray for the dignity and honour of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and his Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم, because dignity and honour is theirs alone.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى make us participant of the honour, wealth, dignity; and protect us against the plots and attacks of the enemies. May Allah سبحانه وتعالى protect this Ummah (Ameen)