Eid
Al-Ghadeer
(16)
It was the 10th
year of the Hijra. It was the annual Hajj season and people had
assembled from almost all parts of the Arabian Peninsula on hearing the
news that it was the farewell Pilgrimage for the Almighty’s Last
Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and
his progeny). The chants of Labbaik Allah-homma labbaik,
which means “Here I am O’ God, here I am we obey You,” was
heard from the deserts around Mecca.
The Hajj
caravans approached Mecca one after another. The Prophet cast a look
around. The Masjid al-Haraam surrounding the Holy Ka’ba was full of
pilgrims. They were engaged in prayer, supplication and circumambulation
around the symbolic House of God. The Prophet who had revived the
dynamism of monotheism, was visibly concerned about the state of affairs
after his departure from the mortal world. He had reason to worry about
possible disunity and in order preserve the solidarity of the Ummah was
seeking an opportunity to remind Muslims of their duty to God and
religion.
At evening on
the 8th of Zil-Hijjah, Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) along with a
large number of Muslims set out from Mecca for the nearby plain of
Arafat to pray and supplicate to God. The plain of Arafat echoed with
the call of monotheism reviving memories of prayers and supplications in
this very place by the Prophets Abraham and Adam millenniums ago. On the
9th of Zil-Hijja Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) led the noon and
afternoon prayers and after performing the acts of worship delivered one
of the most important advices on the tenets of faith from Mount Arafat.
Addressing the great gathering, he said: O people! I might not meet you
again. O people! Today I announce that all customs of the days of
paganism are obliterated. Your life and property are respected and no
one has the right to violate them. O’ people! All of you will return to
God soon and in that world, your good and bad deeds will be reckoned.
Women have their rights on you, so do good to them, for they have been
granted to you as divine trusts. O people! Heed the words of God in the
Holy Qur’an that the most endeared of you are the most pious of you. No
Arab has is superior to a non-Arab except in piety. O people! Beware
that usury is forbidden. Avoid following the Satan and those who are
present should tell the absent that neither a Prophet would come after
me nor would God reveal a new code of laws to anyone. However, I am
leaving behind among you the Saqalayn or Two Weighty things. These are
Book of God that is the Holy Qur’an and my progeny the Ahl al-Bayt. The
two will never separate from each other even when they return to me on
the Day of Judgement. So hold fast to them if you do not want to go
astray.
These dynamic
words of the Prophet are an undeniable proof of the universality of
Islam and the path of the immaculate Ahl al-Bayt, whose life, even under
the most adverse circumstances was practical demonstration of God’s
Revealed Words the Holy Qur’an. Wonderful indeed, especially when we
realize that today, despite the passing of a millennium and four
centuries, Islam is continuing its enlightening task all over the globe
even in the remotest parts of Europe, India, China, Africa and the
Americas. Every year people of different ethnicities and speaking a
variety of languages, converge on Holy Mecca every year from all over
the globe to perform the Hajj in the same way as Prophet Mohammad (SAWA)
had performed. In other words, the Prophet still guides the people with
his exemplary morals and immortal words. The Prophet and his Ahl al-Bayt
have taught lasting lessons to humanity. They lived a simple life and
despite being placed at the head of the community, never attached
importance to the material world. British writer John Davenport in his
book entitled “An Apology For Mohammad”, says: The Prophet had a
magnetic appeal for all people. With his impeccable manners, truth,
honesty and sense of social justice, he soon transformed the Arabian
Peninsula into a monolithic Muslim bloc. He never discriminated between
the rich and the poor. Islam inculcated all human virtues among its
followers and in due time gave birth to a great civilization that
profoundly impacted other societies and showed them the way out of
darkness.
As God tells
mankind in verse 21 of Surah Ahzaab:
“Certainly
you have in the Messenger of Allah the most excellent exemplar.”
At the end of
this article we bring you a brief statement from the Prophet’s dearest
cousin, son-in-law and the first Imam of his infallible household, Imam
Ali ibn Abi Taleb (peace upon him):
“I testify that Mohammad is
the servant and Messenger of God. He was the Chosen of God, the most
trustworthy and the best exemplar for the human race. God sent him with
clear proofs and a bright path. He was the torchbearer of guidance and
enlightened the human race. So adhere to the sunnah of the Prophet since
the worthy of servants in the sight of God is the one stays steadfast to
the Prophet’s true behaviour.”
(15)
Every day the
black Abyssinian Belal by reciting the Azaan or the Call to the Daily
Prayers, from the roof of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina with his
pleasant voice, brought solace and spiritual delight to the heart of the
Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny). When the sound of Allaho Akbar or God
is the Greatest echoed in the atmosphere, an indescribable enthusiasm
would engulf the Prophet. At the recitation of the Azaan, the Prophet,
who would be impatiently waiting for the glorious time of the daily
prayers, prepared himself for communion with God Almighty through the
medium of the mass prayer that he would lead with the Muslims praying
behind him.
It was the
habit of the Prophet to say as the time of the prayers approached: O
Belal! Soothe my heart with the Azaan.
Prayer brings
freshness to believers and as the Prophet has pointed it is the moment
of spiritual ascension. The Prophet would engage with all his heart and
soul in prayer, and he was very punctual for the 5-times a day
obligatory prayers. It was also the habit of the Prophet to get up late
in the midnight for the supererogatory prayers, and so profound was his
attachment to the Creator that at times the Prophet would spend the
whole night in worship and supplication.
The Prophet’s
6th Infallible Successor, Imam Ja’far as-Sadeq (AS) in
describing the habit of his illustrious ancestor, says: The Messenger of
God used to get up at midnight, look at the sky, and recite verses from
Surah Aal-e Imran where God calls upon mankind to ponder on the world of
creation. Then he would brush his teeth, take ablution, go to the prayer
niche and start the Tahajjod or late midnight prayer.
The Prophet
once told his loyal companion Abu Zar regarding his enthusiasm to pray:
O’ Abu Zar! God Almighty has placed my joys in the prayer and made it as
relishing to me as He has made food appetizing to the hungry and water
to the thirsty. Eating food satisfies the hungry and the thirsty
quenches his thirst by drinking water, but I never get satiated from
praying.
The Prophet
also said: Whenever the Messengers of God got anxious about anything
they took refuge in prayer.
Psychologists
believe that in the turbulent waves of life and amidst its sufferings
and calamities, mankind is in need of a safe refuge. This is provided by
prayers and supplications since the prayer relieves tired hearts and is
the means of communion with the source of life, Almighty God. Among the
most important effects of prayer is inner tranquility. A prayer with
proper cognizance of God makes the mysteries of creation clear and
comprehensible. Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) says in this regard: Whenever a
person stands for prayer with his heart turned towards God, on
completing the prayer he become as if he is freshly born. That is, he is
cleansed of all his sins and faults.
Today
psychologists have confirmed what Prophets have taught. They have
realized that prayer and supplication that establish a firm relationship
with God remove concern and anxiety from minds. Prayer leaves a profound
imprint on human life. The rust of evil, vanity and pride is removed
through prayer. Virtue and the urge to do good fills the heart. Dr.
Alexis Carle says: If one sincerely prays to God, he or she will see
that his or her life is tangibly changed. Prayer grants the power of
resistance against the temptations of life.
The Prophet
always emphasized on congregational prayers. He used to say: A gathering
that is engrossed in the remembrance of God is encircled by celestial
angels, granted tranquility and is showered with divine blessing. God
remembers those who remember Him.
What a
beautiful expression from the Prophet! The mosque is the best site for
holding prayer, particularly the congregational prayer. For this reason
Muslims have been urged to frequently go to the mosque. The Prophet has
said: God Almighty has referred to mosques as His symbolic houses on
earth. The mosques shine for the denizens of the sky as the stars shine
for the people on the earth.
The Prophet
also said: Those who enter mosques, for every step he takes 10 good
deeds are written for him and 10 sins are removed from his file.
The Prophet
told his loyal companion Abu Zar: O’ Abu Zar! When you stand for prayer,
it is as if you are knocking the door of a being of infinite generosity,
and whoever knocks such a door will finally find it opened for him. O’
Abu Zar! There is no faithful believer who holds his prayer without
receiving an abundance of goodness and benevolence, for God assigns an
angel who cries: O’ son of Adam! If you knew what you gain from prayer
and to whom you are talking and supplicating, you will never got tired
and will not pay attention anywhere.
(14)
A major part of adornment is
related to body health as well as the environment around us. There are
several narrations from the Prophet and the infallible Imams of his
household in this regard. They have placed emphasis on cleanness. A
famous Hadith from the Prophet says:
"Cleanliness is part of faith." Another Hadith says God has
based Islam on cleanliness and it is necessary to observe cleanliness.
Likewise the Prophet attached great importance to embellishment but in a
legal and lawful way. One day a man came to the Prophet’s house and
requested permission to enter. The Prophet took stock of his personal
appearance at that important and combed his hair, saying: God likes His
servant to be clean and tidy when meeting his brethren in faith.
However, the Prophet used to wear simple but clean clothes and not
expensive garments. And at the same time he evoked a specific grace.
British thinker John Davenport regarding the description of the holy
prophet of Islam writes as follows: The Prophet adorned appearance and
his simple but great dignity absorbed all. Always a pleasant and
attractive smile used to adorn his face.
It was the habit of the
Prophet to wear white garments and he used to recommend the wearing of
white. This was because white garments are clean and even a speck of
dirt reveals their dirtiness. He also liked the green color. Muslims
have been advised to refrain from wearing grotesquely dark clothes while
going to the mosques that are the mass prayers and public gathering, and
therefore at such places the people ought to wear clean clothes and use
fragrance to give a sense of freshness. With pondering on the teachings
of the Holy Qur’an, we realize that although adornment has been taken
into consideration in the Islamic culture, one should know that the
major aspect is related to inner and spiritual cleanliness and adornment
as well. Certainly if the human essence is not pure the appearances will
have no effect. In ayah 26 of Surah A’raaf, while referring to beautiful
garments, God counts it among His gifts and instantly adds that the
garment of piety is better and more worthy for believers, for, piety
purifies the inner aspects of mankind and embellishes his or her soul.
The use of fragrance was among
the other traditions and advices of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah
upon him and his progeny). It was the habit of the Prophet to use
perfume at the time of prayer. The Prophet’s 5th Infallible
Successor, Imam Mohammad Baqer (AS) says: People used to know the
Prophet has passed by the way by smelling the fragrance in the air.
The Prophet also placed
emphasis on the health of teeth and used to brush them before performing
the prayer. He used to advice Muslims to observe these habits and to
have ablutions. In a Hadith we read: Brush your teeth, for brushing
strengthens the gum, removes the smell of the mouth smell, pleases God
Almighty and repels the Satan.
One day a person came to the
Prophet with disheveled hair. The Prophet told him: what would happen to
you if you had combed and adorned your hair? The man practiced the
prophet’s advice and since then no one saw him with an ugly and untidy
appearance. In a Hadith from the prophet of Islam we read:
“God does not like
persons with disheveled hairs. Truly God likes the good smell. He is
Clean and loves Cleanness. He is
Great and loves Greatness. He is forgiving and likes forgiveness.”
(13)
The basis of
social life is based on cooperation. Helping each other in meeting needs
and solving problems increase sincerity among individuals. It is evident
that this is effective in creating stability in social ties. At the same
time, Islam has put forth certain conditions for cooperation and invited
human beings to cooperate in good deeds. In Surah Maidah, part of Ayah
2, we read:
“And help one
another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and
aggression;”
Certainly, if
the principle of cooperation is revived in gatherings and people
cooperate with each other in positive and constructive measures without
taking into consideration the ethnic prejudices, many of the social
disorders would be removed. However, God has warned against helping
oppressors and corrupt individuals. Therefore, cooperation in cases of
oppression of people, trampling of their rights, and promoting
corruption and disorder in the society is not allowed and Muslims have
been prohibited from this. Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of Allah upon him
and his progeny) always advised Muslims to cooperate and help people and
said: The most popular person in the sight of God is the one who is more
concerned about the people.
The Prophet
has likened the society to a human body and has said: The believers in
their friendship and kindness resemble the functions of the human body.
When a believer becomes weak the others rise to sympathize and take care
of him.
The great
Persian classical poet of Iran Mosleheddin Sa’di Shirazi in one of his
beautiful couplets has expressed the Prophet’s concept as follows:
The sons of
Adams are limbs to each other
Having been
created of one essence
When the
calamity of time afflicts one limb
The other
limbs cannot remain at rest.
Thus
cooperation rises from a feeling of responsibility in the human beings.
Feeling responsible towards each other is in the innate nature of
mankind and actually leads to the flowering of human civilization. In
order to further clarify the significance and value of cooperation in
life, we point to examples of the Prophet’s assistance to others.
Prior to his
formal appointment as the Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, Prophet
Mohammad (SAWA), had won acclaim in the society of Mecca for his
excellent characteristics and was known as Amin or Trustworthy and Sadeq
or Truthful. He used to relieve the poverty and economic pressures of
others. Although the Prophet’s uncle Abu Taleb was the chief of the Bani
Hasehm clan, he lived in hard conditions because of having many
children. Once the holy Prophet saw the concern of his uncle Abu Taleb,
he did not remain indifferent and thought of a solution. Prophet
Mohammad (SAWA) went to his other uncle Abbas who had a better financial
situation and said to him: “Dear uncle, you know that your brother Abu
Taleb is now in difficult circumstances, I have a proposal to help him.
"
The Prophet’s
uncle Abbass said: “Yes I have been thinking of him as well but I do not
what to do? Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) answered: I suggest that each of us
one take care of one of Abu Taleb’s children. We might help him in this
way.
Abbas welcomed
the Prophet’s uncle. Both went to Abu Taleb’s home and briefed him. Abu
Taleb agreed. Thus, Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) took his young cousin Ali to
his house to bring him up as his ward while Abbas took care of Ja’far,
the other son of Abu Taleb. In this the Prophet helped his uncle Abu
Taleb overcome his problems to some extent.
(12)
The Almighty’s
Last messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him
and his progeny) was on a trip with a group of his companions. After
several hours of trekking through the hot Arabian Desert, the party was
tired, thirsty and looking for a shady spot to rest. They reached a dry
region where there was no vegetation. The Prophet chose the spot to rest
and asked his companions to fetch some dry twigs. They said to him with
one voice: "O Messenger of God, we are in a place where there is no
vegetation. The Prophet smiled and said: "Each of you go in a different
direction and search, perhaps you will find some twigs." The companions
scattered and after a while returned with twigs. Each one had collected
a few twigs which when put together took the shape of a huge pile. The
Prophet pointed to the huge pile of twigs and said: There is a lesson to
be learnt for you. Be careful that sins also appear as small, but when
collected together they turn into a major pile of sins. So refrain from
committing even the sin that you consider insignificant.
Most human beings are tempted by worldly pleasures without bothering to
think whether these pleasures are harmful of beneficial. If a person
indulges in pleasures without any control he or she should would not
only destroy his or her own physical and spiritual health but would
infringe on the rights of others, thereby turning into a major sinner.
Sins are the result of temptations and the misconstrued idea of enjoying
personal pleasures. The Holy Qur’an cites examples of how several
nations of the past were annihilated and fell prey to their own misdeeds
and sins. Sins cloud the hearts and kill the conscience. As a result the
soul is badly damaged. However, the more cognizant a person becomes of
God the Almighty Creator the more he or she abstains from sins. It is
faith that salvages the human being. The Prophet describing the danger
of sins, said: The faithful view sins as a mountain hovering over the
head fearing that it would collapse any moment.
God is
All-Merciful and has kept the doors of repentance wide open for the
human beings to seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings. Repentance means
not to repeat the wrong committed and for this reason those who repent
are dear to God Almighty, whose love for His creatures is far greater
than the love of parents for their children even the disobedient.
This is the
reason that Islam through realism invites all people to observe piety in
life. The Prophet says: Be pious and always remember God. If you were to
commit a wrong, repent and seek forgiveness of the Lord Most High.
Piety deters a
person from committing evil deeds. A pious man views God as the observer
of not only his behaviour but also of the whole universe. As a result he
develops insight and is careful of his behavior and tries not to hurt
others as well. It is piety that inspires the sense of purity and
justice. This beautiful feeling of piety is a condition for the
acceptance of acts of worship. The Prophet says in this regard: Even if
you stand in prayer for long hours like a peg fastened to the ground or
fast frequently to the extent that you become lean as a chiseled staff,
your worship will not be accepted by God unless you practice piety and
abstain from sin.
What a
wonderful saying indeed! It means that Islam builds human beings and
sound societies for the goal of worship in Islam is the purification of
the human soul.
(11)
The man did
not know the cause of the rude behavior of his brother towards him
despite his own sincere efforts. He at last decided to approach Prophet
(blessings of Allah upon him and his progeny). He came to the Prophet
and said: “O Messenger of Allah! One of my relatives harasses me a lot,
but on your advice I treat him well. However, I have to acknowledge that
I have got tired of him and decided to leave him.”
The Prophet in
response said: If you do so, both of you will be deprived of God’s
mercy.
The man asked:
“So what should I do?”
The Prophet
said: maintain bonds of kinship with even the one who breaks them, and
the Almighty will help you.”
The faithful
obediently followed the Prophet’s advice although maintaining ties with
such a rude brother was rather difficult for him. Soon he began to
witness change in his brother’s attitude with rudeness giving way to
affection.
One day the
Prophet said to his companions said: Do you want me to tell you what is
the best characteristic in the world and in afterlife?
All replied in
the affirmative.
The Prophet
said: I advice my followers, whether those present here or those absent
from these gathering and even those who have not yet been born, to
observe bonds of kinship even though it requires the traversing of a
long way, since affection among kith and kin and visiting them is a
divine duty.
Kinship is
something natural. It is part of human nature. It increased the sense of
solidarity and creates a warmth and healthy atmosphere. Modern day
experts agree that cutting the ties of kinship among families is a kind
of social disease. It leads to isolation, loneliness and psychological
problems. Societies where ties of kinship are weak suffer from all kinds
of abnormalities in contrast to societies where family bonds govern
social behaviour and progress. Psychiatrists say exchange of visits
between families and friends freshens the mind and has positive impacts
on both the spirit and the body. An interesting saying from the Prophet,
reads: "God does not bestow His mercy on the people among whom there are
no bonds of kinship."
What a
wonderful saying indeed. We can see its effects by taking a look at the
environment around us. The Prophet set a practical example in this
regard and devout Muslims follow his behaviour in their daily life in
order to keep the society sound, healthy, free from psychological
diseases and social ills.
It was also
the habit of the Prophet to ask for permission before entering a house.
This is courtesy and respect for the rights of others even family
members. He also used to greet them first on crossing the threshold when
given permission to enter. He even used to knock on the door of his
daughter Hazrat Fatema (SA) and greet her before asking permission to
enter. One day the Prophet on visiting his daughter saw that she and her
husband, Imam Ali (AS), were both grinding wheat by rotating the hand
mill. The Prophet asked which one of them was more tired? Imam Ali (AS)
said: that his wife Hazrat Fatema (SA) was more tired. The Prophet said
to his beloved daughter to get up, and he himself started helping his
son-in-law in grinding wheat.
What a
wonderful lesson he taught in maintaining an affectionate family
atmosphere where each member of the household helps the other. The
Prophet also preached social harmony. It was his habit that if he did
not see any person for three days to ask about him and his health. If
that person happened to be sick the Prophet would visit him to enquire
about his health and other necessities. If he was informed that the
person was away on a trip, the Prophet used to pray for his safe return
to the family. The Prophet used to accept the invitation of all people
whether rich or poor. Whenever a needy came to him, the Prophet looked
after his needs. The persons liked most by the Prophet were the ones who
were more social and cooperative with others. The Prophet used to say:
Relationship lengthens life, develops cities and increases property.
(11)
It was the 3rd
of the Hijra or the historical migration of the Almighty’s Last
Messenger from Mecca to Medina. The Muslims were growing in numbers
thanks to the enlightening message of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny). In Mecca the infidels were seething
with revenge. In order to make up for their defeat at the Battle of Badr
the previous year when they had unsuccessfully tried to impose an armed
conflict on the Muslims, they now made preparation for another armed
encounter and on a large scale. The goal of the disbelievers was to try
to wipe out Islam. The Meccan disbelievers marched towards Medina in
battle gear. The Prophet and the people of Medina got speedy news of the
approaching force. There was enthusiasm among the Muslims who prepared
themselves for the encounter with faith in God Almighty. The army of the
Meccan infidels took position near Mount Ohod on the northern outskirts
of Medina. All awaited the instructions of the Prophet. In order to test
the resolve the Prophet assembled the prominent Muslims for consultation
and addressing them said: "Express your opinions on the ways of
defense."
He knew better
than anyone the interests, but preferred to listen to the opinions of
others in order boost their confidence and inculcate in the Muslims the
spirit of consultation.
When the
Prophet asked everybody’s opinion, a hypocrite called Abdollah ibn Obai
who had outwardly adopted Islam in order to deceive Muslims, said: “In
the past we used to defend the city by staying at homes. It means we
should not venture out for the battle. The men have to fight
hand-to-hand combat with the aggressors, while women have to hurl stones
on the enemies from the roof.”
Some of the
old people of Medina seconded his opinion but the youths disagreed and
said: “This type of defense encourages the enemy. Is it not shameful
that the brave men stay at home and bear the disgrace of the enemy
entering their home to fight with them? Hand-to-hand combat in the
narrow lanes of Medina might make conditions more difficult for Muslims.
In addition the siege of Medina and the enemy’s entry into the city
would demoralize the Muslim defendants.”
After
listening to the differing opinions, the Prophet, who knew better than
anybody else the best form of defense, preferred to leave the city and
counter the enemy on its outskirt in the open field. He moved towards
Ohod where the infidel enemies were camped but thy hypocrite Abdollah
ibn Obbai and his group separated from the Muslims in the middle of the
way, claiming that the Prophet had heeded the opinion of the youth
rather than listening to him.
What happened
at Ohod is history. A decisive battle took place and when the enemy
retreated, a group of Muslims that had been placed to guard the mountain
pass against ambush from behind, left their positions and tried to take
hold of the retreating enemy’s baggage. A detachment of enemy forces
that was waiting for the chance burst upon the unsuspecting Muslims from
behind through the unguarded pass and made them flee the battlefield.
Only the Prophet along with a few steadfast followers including his
brave cousin Imam Ali ibn abi Taleb and uncle Hamzah (peace upon them)
stood the ground to ward off the onslaught. Hazrat Hamza was martyred
brutally from behind on the instructions of the wicked Hend the wife of
chief infidel Abu Sufyan. But the flashing blade Zolfeqar of Imam Ali
saved the day and the honour of Muslims and saw them return triumphantly
to Medina along with the Prophet. The hypocrites and those of weak faith
who had fled the scene were exposed, but the Prophet mercifully forgave
them and advised them to mend their ways and seek forgiveness from the
All-Merciful God.
Prophet
Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and his progeny) used to encourage
consultation among his followers so that they become familiar with each
other’s viewpoints and find out the best possible ways for solution to
various issues. Consultation brings out the strong and weak points of
each person, and brings to light their abilities and sagacity.
Consultation, especially in state affairs, prevents despotism and
selfish tendencies. However, consultation and airing of opinion should
be sincere and not like smack of hypocrisy the way Abdollah Ibn Obbai
behaved on the threshold of the Battle of Ohod. The Prophet used to
emphasize upon this point by encouraging brotherly attitude towards each
other when asked one’s opinion. Individuals in every society are in need
of each other in different fields. Consultation is the best solution in
this regard. However, there are certain conditions for consultation. For
instance, one should consult a person who is wise and known for his
sincerity and frankness of opinion. The one consulted should be
sympathetic and more important a trustee. For this reason Islam has
forbidden consultation with seven types of people. These are misers,
cowards, the greedy, the selfish, the hypocrites, the oppressors, liars
and the infidels, for consultation with them brings about ruin.
(10)
Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny) asked his dear young cousin and
son-in-law Imam Ali (peace upon him) to go to the market and buy a shirt
for him. The Imam bought a fine shirt costing 12 dirhams. The Prophet
smile and said: "O’ Ali! I want a cheaper shirt if the seller is ready
to take it back?"
Imam Ali (AS) took the shirt
to the market and returned with the 12 dirhams. Then both he and the
Prophet went to the market. On their way the Prophet saw a little girl
weeping and asked her the reason for her grief. The girl who was a
housemaid said: “My master gave me 4 dirhams to buy certain things from
the market and I dare not go home since I have lost the money.” The
Prophet gave the maid 4 dirhams out of the 12 dirhams he had, saying buy
the necessary things and take them home.
The Prophet and the Imam
reached the market. The Prophet bought a shirt costing 4 dirhams. On his
way home he saw a poorly clothed man. The Prophet immediately gave him
the new shirt he had bought and went to the market once again to buy
another shirt. On their way home, the two came across the same maid
hesitating to return to her master’s house. On being asked the reason,
she said it was late and she was afraid her master would scold and
mistreat her for the delay in returning from the market. The Prophet
said to her: "My daughter do not worry, I will accompany you to the
house." The Prophet took her to the house. When they reached the house,
the Prophet greeted her master, saying: "I have come here to request you
not to censure the maid for being late." The master who was amazed at
the sight of the Messenger of God coming to his doorstep, said: “We feel
honoured by your presence and will free this maid immediately from our
service.”
Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) turned
to Imam Ali (AS) and said: "All praise to God Almighty, what a blessed
12 dirhams! It provided clothes for two persons and freed a slave."
Prophet Mohammad (SAWA), whom
God hails as the Mercy to the entire creation in the holy Qur’an, was
kind towards all people. He taught mankind how to behave with fellow
humans. That is the reason God has urged humanity to follow the
exemplary ways of the Prophet in life and to refrain from whatever is
considered bad and evil. As is clear from the account we presented you
today, philanthropy and helping others gives us the sweet feeling of
accomplishing rewarding deeds. Islam pays special attention to acts of
benevolence and munificence. The holy Qur’an emphasized establishment of
justice as well since without justice and munificence a society is sick
and decadent. Affection, loyalty and charity create a special feeling of
warmth and sincerity among human beings. A real Muslim is expected to
help his friends and family members and even strangers, and to feed the
hungry people. The Prophet says in this regard: "The greatest act of
wisdom after belief in God is friendship with people and kindness
towards all."
A true Muslim is the one who
does not discriminate on the basis of color, language, ethnicity, class
and geographical borders. The Prophet says in this regard: Whoever
spends a day without caring about the affairs of Muslims is not a
Muslim.
Helping others and solving
their problems has constructive impacts on society and are considered as
forms of worship in Islam. It brings peace and prosperity in life and
rewards in the Hereafter. This is part of the dynamic spirituality of
Islam.
A hadith says in this
relation: "Desire for your brother whatever
you desire for yourself."
Thus, kindness and doing good
to others is the foundation for a sound and healthy society.
(9)
As usual that
day a group of companions of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon
him and his progeny) sat beside him engaged in discussion. Amidst the
conversation sometimes the Prophet cast a look outside the mosque. The
Prophet’s glance was fixed on a strongly built bare-feet youth working
hard since morning. At that moment one of those sitting near noticed the
Prophet’s focus of attention and said:
“This youth is
so much engaged in his work that he does not even realize his
surroundings. Isn’t it a pity he is not using his energy in the path of
God. If he worked for the sake of God, he would be deserving praise.”
On hearing
these words from his companions the Prophet fell into silence. All
waited to hear the Prophet’s opinion. The Prophet then said: "My dear
companions do not talk like this. The work of this young man has drawn
my attention because of certain factors. If he is working to earn his
livelihood, you should know that he is striving in the way of God. If
his working to provide sustenance for his parents or children, then also
he is striving in the way of God. But if he is working merely to
increase his wealth or to boast to the poor, you should know that he has
taken to the path of the Satan and has deviated from the truth."
On hearing the
Prophet’s wise words the man who had made unjustified comments rued his
hasty judgement. Soon with the approach of the time of prayer the
Prophet got ready for the congregational prayer. Some of those sitting
with the Prophet decided to help the youth complete his work at a faster
pace so that he could also join the congregational prayer.
Working and
earning a living in a lawful way has a special status in Islam. The
statements of the Prophet invite Muslims to work and activity. The Imams
of the Prophet’s Infallible Household also set exemplary standards in
this regard. In fact, the Prophet and the Imams practiced what they
preached so that Muslims become aware of the enlightened way of life. A
Hadith from the Prophet, reads:
"The most
permissible food that a person eats is the one which has been obtained
with his own work and efforts."
Indeed what a
beautiful saying! Since working for earning legitimate livelihood is
praiseworthy, the hardships suffered in this path are sweet and
valuable. The Prophet considers work so important that he has often
likened it to Jihad in the path of God. A Hadith says in this regard:
"Jihad does
not mean that a person should always wield his sword in the path of God.
Jihad means that he should shoulder the burden of life, of his parents
and of his children."
Thus it is
clear that jihad or striving in the way of God is not limited to the
battlefield but is quite broad and open in all spheres of life and
society. It is said that when God revealed ayahs 2 and 3 of Surah Talaq
to the Prophet a group of Muslims gave up work and devoted themselves to
worship all the time. In part of Ayahs 2 and 3 we read:
“And whoever
is careful of (his duty to) Allah, He will make for him an outlet. And
give him sustenance from whence he thinks not;”
When the
Prophet saw that some people had given up work and engaged in worship
all the time so that God gives them sustenance he became very upset and
said: Whoever adopts such ways and gives up activity, his prayer is not
accepted. It is necessary for you to work and earn your sustenance. Seek
help from God through the blessings of work and your efforts.
Another Hadith
from the Prophet reads:
“Whoever is
heedless of his affairs in the world will be more heedless of the
hereafter. The best Muslim is the one who enjoys both this world and the
hereafter.”
Among the
other advices of the Prophet is that Muslims should refrain from
extremism in work and observe moderation since this would make them less
exposed to fatigue and boredom, and enable them to maintain both their
physical health and spirituality. Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) considers
moderation in earning livelihood to be a sign of wisdom and says:
Be
moderate in seeking livelihood.
(8)
In the days of
Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and his progeny), there
was a youth in Medina who used to be disrespectful towards his mother.
Although upset, out of motherly love she continued to treat him
affectionately and speak kind words to her son in the hope that he will
be guided one day. He, however, was rude as usual without the least
sympathy for his poor mother. One day the youth felt a severe pain. His
condition became worse and doctors said the disease was incurable. The
mother took care of her son despite the fact that whenever she
remembered his impoliteness, her heart used to break. It seemed that
death was fast approaching for the youth. The Prophet was requested to
visit the ailing man and pray to God for him. The Prophet obliged, came
to the house of youth, put his soothing hand on the burning forehead and
said: "O young man, utter the word of monotheism and say I testify there
is no god but Allah."
The young man
opened his eyes and saw the enlightened visage of God’s messenger.
Although he tried very much he could not testify to the Oneness of God
Almighty. The Prophet asked: Is his mother present? The weeping mother
came forward. The Prophet said: "Woman, are you content with your son?"
Wiping tears
from her eyes, she said: “O Messenger of God! He has not been talking to
me for a long time. He returns my love and kindness with rudeness and
disrespect.”
The Prophet
said: Forgive your son and be content with him. The mother took a look
at the weak body of her son, she sighed and said: “Now that it is so, I
will forgive him for the sake of God and His messenger. I hope God will
be pleased with him.”
The Prophet
once again looked at the young man. He asked him to recite the word of
monotheism. This time the youth testified to the Oneness of God. The
Prophet recited a supplication and the patient repeated it after him:
The contents of the supplication was: “O God, Who accepts event the most
insignificant good deed and forgives major mistakes, accept my deed and
forgive me, for You are kind and generous.”
The youth
after reciting this statement, smiled while his soul peacefully left his
body.
Islam
considers respect for parents and observance of their rights, after the
right of God as the most important duty of a human being. In the holy
Quran, Ayah 14 of Surah Luqman, reads: “Be grateful to Me and to both
your parents.”
Here God,
after speaking of His right, draws attention to the rights of parents.
Once a man
came to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of God! I have committed many
sins during my life. Is the way of repentance open to me and will God
forgive me? The Prophet asked: "Is any of your parents alive?"
The man
answered: “Yes, my father is still alive.”
The Prophet
said: "Go and be good to him so that God forgives you."
A famous
statement from the Prophet reads:
"May God bless
the child who does good to parents.”
Thus, Islam
has advised respect for parents, and forbidden rudeness and insult to
them. Doing good to parents particularly when they desire something is
among the very important duties of children. There are many parents who
give up their comfort for the convenience and happiness of their
children. There are many mothers who deprive themselves of sleep so that
their children might live in comfort. According to Islam, the
contentment of parents brings contentment from God, while their
dissatisfaction brings divine displeasure. The Prophet in another
Hadith, says: Whoever likes to have an easy and concern- free death
should do good to his parents, for in addition to making sweet the
moments of death, it keeps away poverty.
(7)
After his memorable migration
to Medina where he laid the foundations of the first ever-Islamic state,
the Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny), faced many conspiracies by certain
polytheist Arab tribes who were in league with the ever rebellious
Israelites.
The Israelite tribes were
constantly plotting against the Muslims, who lived in straitened
circumstances with shortage of food, and looked forward to the Prophet
to find a solution. At this moment a Jewish shepherd grazing his sheep
came near to the camp of the Muslims eager to find out for himself of
the tenets and belief of Islam. He at first hesitated whether to
approach the Muslims or not. Finally, after an hour of pondering, his
heart urged him to remove anxiety and proceed towards the Muslim camp.
The Jewish shepherd took cautious steps as he approached the Muslim
camp. The Muslims saw him coming towards them and the shepherd said that
although a Jew he was interested in meeting the Prophet and knowing the
fundamentals of Islam of which he had heard a lot. The Muslims took him
to the Prophet. The Jewish shepherd soon realized that Islam was the
ultimate truth of which Prophet Moses and the other Prophets of the
Israelites had spoken. His heart was inclined towards accepting the
truth. At this moment he realized that the Muslims were short of food.
He proposed to hand over all his sheep to the Muslims to help them
overcome their hunger.
The kind words and the
dynamism of the Prophet made an instant impact upon him. But the Prophet
after hearing the proposal of the eager and enthusiast new convert to
Islam, replied in his same kind tone: O’ young man beware that in Islam
treason is one of the gravest crimes. The sheep are not your and
although the Jews are fighting with us, we Muslims will not seize their
livestock even if we are hungry and short of food. Now I want you to
return back all the sheep that you are grazing to their Jewish owners
and then come back to me if you want to be a really truthful Muslim. The
young Jewish shepherd was amazed by the Prophet’s ethical principles. He
was now even more convinced of the truth of Islam. He returned all the
sheep to their owners and joined the ranks of Muslims. Thus, Prophet
Mohammad (SAWA) did not permit the shepherd to betray the trust of the
Jewish livestock owners.
Trust and honesty is among the
characteristics of Islam. Several Ayahs of the holy Qur’an encourage
Muslims to honesty. As you heard in this story, the holy Prophet not
only by his words but also by his deeds stressed honesty.
Once the Prophet appointed a
person named Ma’az bin Jabal as the governor of one of the provinces of
Yemen. He said: "O Ma’az I exhort you to be pious, honest, adhere to
your promise and keep away from treason."
The Prophet’s emphasis on
honesty and trustworthiness was to the extent that his first infallible
successor Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS) says:
"The
holy Prophet, prior to his passing away said to me three times: O
Aba’l-Hasan be honest in your trust whether it belongs to a good or evil
person, whether or not it is significant."
According to psychologists
trustworthiness is a way for attracting people’s confidence. Therefore
an honest man enjoys respect in society. In the Islamic culture,
trustworthiness is not confined to religious affairs. In social
relations trustworthiness has been greatly emphasized. One of the
greatest trusts of God to mankind is the holy Qur’an. By practicing its
teachings Muslims gain prosperity in worldly life and salvation in the
hereafter. The eyes, ears, intellect and the power of speech, as well as
all other bodily organs are not only the blessings of God but also a
trust entrusted to the believers. In other words they have certain
rights upon that should not be violated by forcing these organs to
commit evil acts. Even spouses, children and parents are referred to as
divine trusts and people are duty bound to observe their rights. With
another statement from the holy Prophet of Islam, we conclude our
discourse regarding trustworthiness. The Prophet says: "If you see three
characteristics in your brother-in-faith have hope in him. First,
modesty, second trustworthiness and third honesty. If he does not enjoy
these, there is nothing to expect from him."
(6)
The man had
traveled a long distance to reach Medina. He was very eager to meet the
Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny). On arrival in Medina he inquired and
made his way towards the Prophet’s simple house. He knocked the door,
asked for permission and entered the house. The Prophet who always
warmly welcomed his guests received him with great respect. The man
said: "O’ Messenger of God! I have come from a distant place to see you.
Now that I have availed the opportunity to meet you, I request you to
give me a piece of advice."
The Prophet
said to him: Do not get angry.
The Prophet
said nothing more.
The man
plunged in deep thought and said to himself: “What a short and brief
advice! Why did the Prophet express such a short phrase?
The man rose,
bid goodbye to the Prophet and returned to his clan. On return home he
learned that the youths of his tribe had stolen some the properties of
others. Those who were robbed retaliated against the youthful thieves
with vengeance and now the flames of a bitter internal conflict were
threatening the clan.
On learning
this, he was also enraged. He immediately picked up his weapon, put on
his armour and decided to join the tribesmen for a fight. At this
moment, he suddenly remembered his meeting with the Prophet and the
advice: Do not be angry.
He at once
reined in his emotions, and now on reflection on the prophetic words, he
was delighted to have discovered the philosophy of peaceful life. He
immediately put aside his weapon and casting off his armour approached
his tribesmen, saying: O’ friends! Have you thought of the cause behind
this conflict? If some ignorant youths have done some harm, I am
prepared to pay compensation from my personal property so that no
fighting and bloodshed takes place. Why should we fight each other for
such worthless issues?
The tribal
leaders were convinced of the rationale of their kinsman, and to prove
that they were logical as well, they said: We also do not insist on war
and we give up our claim.
Thus the two
sides by restraining their anger resolved the issue, thanks to the brief
but bright advice of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and
his progeny).
One of the
social and ethical injunctions of Islam is to refrain from anger and be
kind to people. Regarding the immaculate characteristics of Prophet
Mohammad (SAWA), God the Almighty says:
"O Messenger,
it was the mercy and the favor of God which made you kind towards
people, and if you were harsh and bad-tempered, the people would have
distanced themselves from you.”
Thus, the
politeness of the Prophet was one of the causes behind the people’s
attraction towards Islam. The Prophet says in one of his famous
aphorisms: If people knew how much good temper is important in life and
its impact on happiness and prosperity, they would acquire good morality
and traits.
Prophet
Mohammad (SAWA) always associated with people and never drove anyone
from him. If ever he was displeased it was for the sake of God and not
for his personal affairs. His servant Anas bin Malek says: “I served the
Prophet for 10 years and never was he harsh or discourteous to me.”
In some
narrations, anger has been considered as the source of many sins, while
patience is regarded as a pleasing characteristic that brings divine
blessings. A praise-worthy characteristic of mankind is to refrain anger
and to exercise self-restraint. A Hadith from the Prophet says in this
regard: “Whoever suppresses his anger when he is able to vent it out,
God would grant him a faith to taste its pleasing effects.
Anger makes a
person loses his mental equilibrium and at times in such a state of
rage, he or she appears like a savage animal not sure of the effects and
consequences of angry acts. In other words, it is the power to control
anger that makes the human being distinct from animals, since in view of
power of other faculties that God has granted mankind, if anger were to
be left uncontrolled it would turn into a destructive force. Therefore,
a Muslim ought to be in control of his emotions since moderation is the
most pleasing behaviour and vital to peace and prosperity.
We end this
week’s edition of In the Presence of the Prophet, with another beautiful
statement from Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and his
progeny):
The person who
keeps cool despite being provoked by others is dear to God Almighty.
(5)
The caravan made its way
through the desert. It was noon and the sun was shining more brightly
today. The caravan was instructed to stop by the Almighty’s Last
Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and
his progeny). The Prophet’s companions dismounted, and started preparing
a sheep for lunch. Everyone volunteered to share in the work. The
Prophet assigned his cousin Ja’far to distribute the work. A few moments
later, a person named noticed that one of the members of the caravan
collecting twigs in the desert. When the identity of the person became
clear to him he couldn’t believe his eyes. He called Ja’far and pointing
in the direction of the person collecting firewood, said: "Is this real?
Ja’far replied in the affirmative, and the both said with one voice: It
is the Prophet! Abdollah said: “Hurry up Jafar, it is not right that the
Prophet should toil in the desert sun this way.”
The two ran towards the holy
Prophet. When they reached him, Ja’far said: “Messenger of God do not
bother yourself. It is a great honor for us to do all the works. It is
not right that a personality like you gather wood for the caravan.”
The Prophet stood up, wiped
the beads and the dust off his face, and with a pleasant smile on his
lips, said: "I know that you can do all this. But God does not like to
see His servant in a situation different from the others."
Ja’far and Abdullah looked at
each other and understood that they cannot deter the Prophet from this
work. The Prophet resumed his gathering of firewood. The two companions
said: “We have never seen such a humbleness in our life.”
Humbleness and modesty were
among the characteristics of the Prophet for fostering sincerity and
friendship among people. Certainly, selfishness and pride are among the
major factors of hatred of human beings towards each other. Humbleness
sows the seeds of friendship and affection in hearts. The first point in
such a down-to-the-earth behaviour is to realize that humbleness is not
a factor of self-humiliation. On the contrary, humbleness towards others
is a source of pride and dignity and brings blessings from the Divine
Court. The Prophet says in this regard: "Humbleness is the source of
pride and sublimity. So be humble so that God grants you sublimity."
What wonderful lessons the
Prophet has taught humanity. The highest degree of humbleness is that
mankind should be humble at the peak of power. Despite having rank,
power, fame, wealth and all other possibilities, a person should choose
to be humble. As the Prophet has said: "Three things are most worthy:
Behaving humbly while in power, forgiving and pardoning despite having
power, and forgiveness without letting the person pardoned feel
indebted."
The Prophet admonished against
selfishness at every opportunity. One day when he was sitting with a
group of his companions a poor man wearing old clothes came in. He
looked around and unknowing sat beside a rich man. The rich man looked
displeased and moved away from the poor person. The Prophet who was
watching his behavior said: Do you fear that his poverty would affect
you?
The rich man said: “No.”
The Prophet said: Perhaps you
fear that your wealth would pass on to him.
The rich man felt very ashamed
and answered: “No it is not so.” The Prophet said: "So what made you
distance yourself from him?"
The rich man said “O Messenger
of God! I admit my mistake and in order to atone for my wrong, I am
prepared to give half of my wealth to this poor Muslim brother.”
The Prophet turned to the poor
man and asked his opinion in this regard.
The poor man replied: “O
Messenger of God! I cannot accept his wealth. Since I am afraid that
this wealth might afflict me with the same pride, arrogance and
selfishness as shown by this rich man today.”
What a wonderful lesson the
Prophet gave to humanity! Among the praiseworthy ways of the Prophet and
blessed household the Ahl al-Bait was that they associated with the poor
classes and ate food together. A Hadith from the Prophet says: "Be
humble, associate with the poor and abstain from pride, in order to be
worthy before God."
(4)
Abu Na’eem recalled the
pleasant memories of his childhood.
His childhood coincided with
the initial years of the migration to Medina from Mecca of the
Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of
Allah upon him and his progeny). Abu Na’eem sometimes recounted with
nostalgia those good memories for his son. He never forgot the day when
the Prophet patted his back in an affectionate manner. On that day the
lanes of Medina were noisy with the excitement of children. They ran
from one side of the street to the other and the sounds of their joyful
laughter seemed to echo through the city. Amidst the noise of children,
the sound of camel bells could be heard in the distance indicating that
a caravan was approaching Medina. The Prophet and a group of his
companions were returning home from a trip. Abu Na’eem who at that time
was just a little child recalled: “With the approach of the Prophet’s
caravan to Medina, we stopped our play and waited enthusiastically for
the arrival of the beloved Messenger of God. It was strange that nothing
could separate us from our play, unless it was the smiling countenance
of the Prophet. As soon as his caravan entered, we children ran towards
him with enthusiasm. The Prophet stopped for our sake despite the fact
that he was coming from a journey and was tired. He instructed his
companions to give way to us. Some of my little friends embraced the
Prophet while others hovered around him with joy. The Prophet’s
companions tried to prevent us, but he he did not permit and he kindly
embraced the children. I too like the other children was counting the
moments to get close to the Prophet, but I was so shy that I stood in a
corner and watched the scene. At this moment the Prophet looked at me
with a sweet smile on his face. He came towards me. As he approached, he
opened his arms and I also felt an irresistible urge to move into his
embrace. Mohammad (SAWA) embraced me, kissed me on my head and patted
me. These were indescribable moments for me that I will never forget.
That sweet memory of being with the Prophet, I wish those days would
return once again.”
As you read in Abu Na’eem’s
account of his childhood, the Prophet not only liked children but he
practically taught others to respect children. He used to say: Respect
your children and be kind to them.”
History has recorded the
Prophet’s kind and affectionate behaviour towards children especially,
his grandsons, Imam Hasan and Hussein (peace upon them). The Prophet
loved his grandsons and spent part of his time with them, playing with
them and kissing them in the presence of others. In this way he taught
Muslims how to behave with children. However, the Prophet’s love for his
grandson was not the mere doting of a grandfather. It was actually
spiritual love and affection that was inspired by God’s command since
these two were destined to be his successors one day and the
intercessors for the faithful on the Day of Resurrection. Because of
this the Prophet said that famous Hadith: Hasan and Hussein are Leaders
of the Youth of Paradise.” These were not ordinary words and were meant
to show the Ummah the lofty status of the Ahl ol-Bait, who in turn would
continue the Prophet’s exemplary behaviour in guiding and inspiring
human societies.
One day Prophet Mohammad (SAWA)
took an infant in his arms but the child dirtied his clothes. The
child’s mother harshly took hold of the child who started crying. The
Prophet said to the child’s mother: Be calm, why do you make the child
cry? My clothes can be cleansed by water but the way you are treating
how can sadness be removed from the heart of the innocent child?
He thus emphasized that
affection is among the psychological needs of mankind and is vital for
children. Kindness and affection are considered among the major factors
of psychological health and facilitate intellectual growth, flowering of
talents, a creative spirit and amicable social relations among children.
Such an atmosphere helps build a stable personality. The Prophet says:
"Kiss your children, love them and have compassion for them."
He also said that whenever you
promise them anything keep your word and don’t disappoint them.
These beautiful sayings along
with the practical lessons the Prophet and the infallible Imams of his
progeny gave in this regard, stand out as guiding principles for all
parents. Childhood is the most suitable period of life for inculcating
ethereal values and parents ought to lay the foundations of a healthy
family through kind and affectionate behaviour with children. Upbringing
and education is not confined to clothing, feeding and studies or
spending on toys or other childish desires. It should be accompanied
with politeness of manners and a good temper in order to instill faith
and spiritual tendencies in children. According to Islam, parents share
the results of their children’s deeds, whether good or bad. A Hadith
from the Prophet, reads: "Parents who
mislead their children and force them towards evil and wrongdoing have
no share of God’s mercy and blessings."
(3)
Among the
divine favours is to test the faithful through various ordeals. The
sufferings and hardships are designed to make human virtues such as
patience, forbearance, generosity and valour flower and become fully
manifest among the true believers. This is the result of trust in God as
could be gleaned from the account we present you today from the
memorable days of the Almighty’s last Messenger to mankind, Prophet
Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and his progeny). It happened that
once a poverty-struck person of Medina ran out of patience. Burdened by
the daily requirements of his wife and children he decided to approach
the Prophet. He saw the Prophet engaged in conversation with a group of
people in the mosque. As the man was about to say something he heard the
Prophet say to the gathering: Whoever asks for help we will help him.
But if a person considering himself free of want does not stretch his
hand towards people, God will surely meet his requirements.
The poor man
hearing this statement withheld his request to the Prophet. He did not
say anything and returned home. But poverty continued to burden his
life, making him go to the Prophet once again. This time too, before he
could request help, he heard the Prophet saying the same statement to
the gathering. The effect of these words on the poverty-stricken man was
greater than before. He returned home, repeating to himself the
Prophet’s words: If a person does not stretch his hand towards others,
God will surely answer his needs. He pondered upon and realized the
wisdom of these words. He said to himself with confidence: "I rely on
God and I will use my power and talents."
On reaching
home the poor man took an axe and went to the desert. He beseeched God
for help in his endeavours and soon found some bushes, cut them,
gathered the wood, brought it to the town and sold it. With the money he
bought food and provisions for his family. He was thrilled with this
wonderful experience. The next day he went again to desert and with
trust in God repeated it for the next few days with better economic
results. His conditions improved and in the next few weeks, he was able
to get rid of poverty. He thanked God Almighty for awakening his
conscience through the wise words of the Prophet. It was trust in God
that made him discover his talents and capacities and the opportunities
that lay around for earning livelihood instead of stretching his hands
for alms and charity. Gradually, his life became one of industry and
order until the Prophet saw him that he was engaged in working. The
Prophet approached him with his kind look. He put his hand on the man’s
shoulder, smiled, saying: "Didn’t I say that if you rely on God, you
will surely become needless of people?"
Thus trust in
God is the key to resolving of all difficulties. The Prophet says in
this regard: "Whoever relies on God, will find solution to all his
problems, while whoever relies on the world, the Creator forsake him to
the problems of life. The reliance on God is like the reliance of a
child on its mother. A child looks towards its mother at the ultimate
refuge. If it is thirsty it seeks water from the mother, if it feels
hungry it asks the mother for food and if it afraid it clings to its
mother for support and protection. A faithful person ought to behave in
the same way by having complete trust in the Omnipotent and Omnipresent
God, the One and Only Creator of the universe. But, as illustrated from
the account that we presented you today reliance on God does not mean
sitting idle and giving up all activities. In fact, it means extra
efforts to attain the bounties that God has placed in each and every
thing. One day the Prophet saw a group of people who had given up
cultivation. The Prophet sought the reason and they said: "We rely on
God."
The Prophet
replied: "No you are not the people having trust in God, but you are the
people who have imposed yourselves as a burden on others without doing
any work."
As could be
clear from the words of the Prophet, reliance upon God means using our
God-given brains and not doing anything foolish or stupid and then
calling it trust in God.
Once a man
said to the holy Prophet: O’ Messenger of God! I left my camel in the
desert since I have trust in God.
The Prophet
said: "First tie up the camel and then rely on God."
As should be
clear trust in God means using of brains to utilize the wonderful world
that God has created for our material needs without becoming solely
materialistic. For instance, when a human being falls ill he refers to a
medical specialist and makes use of the most effective medicine or the
most advanced medical equipment in order to regain his health. But
beyond all these efforts, an internal feeling says that all these
possibilities are nothing but means to beseech God Who has promised cure
and remedy from bodily ills as well. This is borne out by the admission
of the doctors themselves. Often, medics upon curing a severely
afflicted patient acknowledge that it was only God who cured him, and
devout doctors before performing surgery beseech God Almighty for
success. All this proves that it is trust in God that it is nothing but
trust in God that keeps hopes alive and grants mankind success in every
sphere of life.
(2)
One of the
most beautiful advices of Islam to humanity is acquisition of knowledge.
For this reason the first few Ayahs revealed by God to Prophet Mohammad
(blessings of Allah upon him and his progeny) speak of learning and
teaching. In Islam knowledge and awareness are so important that Muslims
have been urged to fulfill their worships on the basis of their insight
and proper cognizance. According to Islam, knowledge is the essence of
life. A famous saying from the Prophet reads:
“Seek
knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
This is
indicative of the importance of knowledge in the life of a Muslim. The
various problems that crop up in life cannot be solved except through
knowledge. Another famous saying of the Prophet that is indicative of
the benefits of knowledge, reads:
“Seek
knowledge even if it is in China”.
In those days China was very far from Arabia and the same prophetic
phrase could be interpreted today to mean that a Muslim ought to seek
knowledge even if it is on the moon, mars or any other planet. In other
words, knowledge is worth the time spent, the efforts made and the cost
that it entails.
The Prophet
has emphasized the status of Ulema and scientists in society. A famous
Hadith from the Prophet says in this regard:
"The
scholars of my Ummah are like the stars of the sky."
What a
wonderful saying indeed. It means that during the night journeys, the
serene light of celestial bodies guides travelers on both land and the
sea, without which it would be difficult to find the correct course. The
Prophet by likening righteous and dedicated scholars to shining stars
means to say that without their knowledge and experience guidance in
religious or worldly matters is not possible. However, knowledge has to
be accompanied with faith in God, patience in the face of hardships and
kindness towards all. These qualities make the scholars and other
knowledgeable people play an effective role in society. Emphasizing the
characteristics of scholars and scientists, the prophet says: “The best
among my Ummah are the scholars and the most superior scholars of my
Ummah are the most kind of them. On the Day of Resurrection, a kind
scholar will be raised with a light that would brighten up the distance
between the west and the east like luminous stars.”
This wonderful
saying of the Prophet is worth contemplation. It is surely an incentive
to Muslims, especially the scholars to be kind and polite towards so
that they could make better and proper use of knowledge. Kind treatment
is the first step for winning hearts.
The Prophet
also calls on the scholars to strive for attaining the contentment in
life and the satisfaction of God. There is a Hadith which invites
scholars to refrain from hypocrisy and treason as well concerning
knowledge. It says:
"Be
friendly and benevolent while learning and teaching and do not hide your
knowledge from one another, for scientific treason is worse than treason
in property.”
Thanks to the
attention of Islam to knowledge, the history of human civilization is
proud to have the names of great Muslim scientists, geographers,
mathematicians and astronomers. American Historian Will Durant in his
book "The Story of Civilization" writes: In the medieval ages,
Muslims had unrivalled superiority in the field of science.” He goes on
to recount the names of such world famous figures as Zakariya Razi, Abu
Rayhan Berouni, al-Khwarezmi, Abu Ali Sina, Ibn Haysam and others, to
whom western civilization will forever remain indebted. It were the
translation into Latin of the works of these immortal Muslim scientists
that saved Europe from centuries of darkness by ushering in the
Renaissance and the subsequent Industrial Revolution.
Now lets
present you an interesting account from the memorable days of the
Prophet before concluding our program. One day when the Prophet went to
the mosque as was his daily habit he felt an atmosphere of additional
love and spirituality. He cast a look around the mosque and all the
Muslims who were present in the mosque. The Prophet’s kind look was the
source of encouragement for Muslims and his presence always granted them
extra comfort. The Prophet saw two groups of people in the mosque. One
group was engaged in prayer, supplication and the recital of the
attributes of God, Most High. The second group was engaged in
discussions, learning and teaching. The Prophet had a look at both of
them and then said: "Both groups are on the path of blessing and
prosperity but I prefer the group that is engaged in scholarly
discussions."
The Prophet
joined the gathering of the seekers of knowledge in order to emphasize
the degree of importance attached to knowledge by God and Islam.
(1)
A
millennium and four centuries have passed but still his name evokes
belief, admiration and praise. Whenever his name is mentioned new and
interesting ideas flash across human minds and encourage the soul to
strive towards attainment of ethereal values. He was entrusted by God to
present to humanity the last and the most complete set of divine
teachings designed to remain universal till doomsday. The theme of his
message was the same as preached by the Prophets of antiquity such as
Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and several others in various parts of the
globe. The name chosen for his mission by the Almighty was thus Islam,
which means peace, submission to none but God and the healthy way of
life. Before embarking on the formal declaration of his mission at the
age of 40 years he had already won profound respect from the society as
the Sadeq or Truthful and the Ameen or trustworthy. The next 23-years of
Islam saw the transformation of the bitterly feuding tribes of Arabia
into a monolithic entity called Muslims that would soon influence the
adjoining lands as well as the whole world with the teachings of Islam.
He
was born in perhaps the most abysmal periods of human history in the
then obscure town of Mecca into the noble Abrahamic family of the Bani
Hashem and was given the name of Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him
and his progeny). In contrast to the environment of ignorance around him
he grew up away from the filth of idolatry or the other ills that
dominated the Arab society. He was poles apart from the other boys of
his age and soon won admiration as an exemplary person. His personal
integrity was beyond an iota of doubt. He moulded hearts and souls and
his words attracted eager ears despite the opposition of the
evil-minded. Like a sympathetic doctor or a roving physician he went
about his task cleansing hearts and enlightening minds. Then when divine
revelation dawned upon him at the age of 40 years, the changes he
wrought were miraculous. So dynamic were his teachings and so
irresistible were his rational words, people flocked towards him in
spite of the opposition of the greedy and hard-hearted. He endured with
patience all kinds of persecution and emerged victorious, setting about
a lasting legacy that continues to inspire human societies.
His
message was in the full limelight of history. The pages of history have
recorded the good temperament and impeccable manners of the Almighty’s
last Prophet. Several cases have been mentioned of how the Prophet
absorbed a large number of people to Islam through his good temper. In
the initial years of the declaration of Islam, when the polytheists left
no stone tuned to mislead people, he invited them to Islam through his
exemplary personality. Here we bring you an example of the Prophet’s
behaviour and relate to you a very interesting account.
In
Mecca it was the habit of an Israelite to stand every day on the roof of
his house with a container in his hands waiting for the Prophet to pass
by through the lane. The moment the Prophet passed by he used to throw
the ash on the Prophet’s head. The Prophet would pass coolly without
showing any signs of annoyance. Although, the Prophet knew that the
ignorant Jew would continue to repeat this dirty work every day, he
never changed his direction. The Israelite continued his evil practice
and seemed to enjoy it. The Prophet’s companions several times said the
Jew ought to be punished, but every time the Prophet restrained them and
with patience borne the insult.
One
day, when as usual the Prophet passed through the lane, no untoward
incident happened. No ash was thrown upon him. The next few days also he
passed unperturbed without any sign of the Israelite. As the Messenger
of God to mankind he displayed his immaculate mercy and kindness by
asking his companions to enquire about the absence of the misled Jew. He
was informed that the Israelite had fallen sick and that was the reason
that he was unable to climb the roof with the container of ash and empty
it on the Prophet. When the Prophet heard this he said to his, now it is
the appropriate time visit to visit this person. The Prophet’s
companions were very surprised but they accompanied him to the Jew’s
house. When the Jew’s mother saw the Prophet and his companions at her
doorstep she was very surprised and did not know what to do. The Prophet
with his usual smile said in a polite tone: I have heard that your son
has fallen sick. So I have come to visit him.” She also did not the
reason that he was visiting her son who used to daily mock at the
Prophet. When the Divine Messenger was allowed to enter the house and
went to the room of the sick, the Jew did not believe what he saw. In
his usual harsh tone the Israelite retorted: Why have you come? Now that
I am bedridden you want to take revenge upon me for throwing ash upon
you every day.
The
Prophet said in a cool manner that this was not the case. In fact, as
the Messenger of Mercy he had come enquire about the health of the
ailing Israelite. The Jew felt very much ashamed and could not bear to
look at the Prophet. It was clear that the all this time he had grossly
misunderstood Islam and the Prophet and had been mocking at him out of
ignorance. Now the facts began to dawn upon the Jew through the
immaculate behaviour of the Prophet that Islam was the true religion.
The Israelite repented of his misdeed and with tears streaming down from
his eyes, he said: I seek forgiveness and testify to the indivisible
Oneness of Allah beside Whom there is no god, and I also testify to the
mission of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah upon him and his
progeny), as the Messenger of Allah. I embrace Islam.
The
Prophet thus through his behaviour changed hatred into affection and
delivered an ignorant man from darkness. What a wonderful precedent he
set. He used to say: Do good to anyone who has done evil to you and tell
the truth even if it is detrimental to you.”
The
Prophet also used to say: “Good temper removes hatred and stabilizes and
strengthens friendship.” |