8. The life of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)
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Hayaatul Muslimeen(Life of Muslims)
8. The life of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)
It is essential to inculcate in one the reverence and respect for the lofty character and habits of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). It is necessary that the morals of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) become established in ones heart so that love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) becomes dominant in the heart and eagerness to follow the holy character of Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is induced in the Believer. Some aayaat and Ahadith will be mentioned in this regard.
1. Allah Ta'ala says:
"Verily, you (Muhammad) are on a lofty character." (Surah Noon)
2. Allah Ta'ala says:
"The Nabi is inconvenienced by this act (but he does not make this known); he takes you into consideration (by his silence). But Allah speaks plainly and cares not (for anyone)." (Surah Ahzaab)
This is a reference to a particular incident. Some Companions stayed longer than what was proper on this occasion at the home of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who was anxious to retire for the night. They continued in conversation. Although Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was inconvenienced by their late stay, he nevertheless, refrained from asking them to leave, not wishing to hurt their feelings. This reticence of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was in regard to his personal matters and not to such affairs which carne within the purview of Tableegh.
3. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates:
“I served Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for ten years, but never did he speak a word of rebuke to me; he never said to me: 'Why did you do this and why did you not do that?' ” (Bukhaari, Muslim)
4. He also narrates:
"Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was the kindest in disposition. Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked me to do something, but I refused while in my heart I intended to go where ordered. I then went on the errand. I passed some children playing in the marketplace and I joined them. Suddenly Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) arrived there and laughing, he took hold of my neck and said: 'Are you going? ' I said yes, I am going now." (Muslim)
5. He also narrates:
"I was walking with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He had on him a heavy shawl made in Najraan. Along the way a Bedouin came. The Bedouin grabbed hold of the shawl and pulled it with such force that Rasullullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was pulled forward close to the breast of the Bedouin who said:
“0 Muhammad! Order that I too be given from that wealth of Allah, which is with you.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) smiled and ordered that he be granted a gift." (Bukhaari, Muslim)
6. Hadhrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) said that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never refused to give anything, which he was asked. If he had it, he would give it. If he did not have it, he would present an apology and make a promise to give it at another time. (Bukhaari, Muslim)
7. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that once a man asked Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for some goats which belonged to him (Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The goats were grazing in a valley. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) presented all the goats to the person who had asked for them. This man when he returned to his people, said: "0 my people! Become Muslims. By Allah! Muhammad gives much." (Muslim)
8. Jubair Bin Mut'im said that once he was walking with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the occasion of his return from Hunain. A group of Bedouins surrounded Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and were asking for gifts. They grabbed from Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) everything which he had until finally they snatched even the shawl from his body. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"At least return my shawl. If I had camels as numerous as the trees, I would have distributed them among you; you would then not have found me to be miserly and small of heart." (Bukhaari)
9. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that after Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would complete Fajr Salaat, the servants of the people of Madinah would bring containers of water. Whoever presented a container; Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would immerse his holy hand in the water. This was done for the sake of barkat. Sometimes the mornings were extremely cold; nevertheless, he immersed his hand in the water. (Muslim)
10. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was not harsh in disposition nor was he one who cursed. If someone had to be reprimanded he would (at most) exclaim: 'What is the matter with him', May dust settle on his forehead.'
This statement, viz., 'May dust settle on his forehead.' is not a curse. Even during Salaat, dust settles on the forehead when in Sajdah by the head touching the earth. In a way, this was a dua for the betterment of the person. It implied that the errant attain rectitude by performance of Salaat, for Salaat prevents from evil and shameless deeds. This is one of the peculiarities of Salaat. This hadith is recorded in Bukhaari Shareef.
11. Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was more modest than a young Purdah-Nasheen girl (a girl who remains in seclusion). Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri says: "When he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saw something which he detested, we would realise it from the effect on his auspicious face." (Bukhaari, Muslim)
He would not generally mention it due to excessive modesty.
l2. Hadhrat Aswad (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that he asked Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha):
"What did Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) do at home?"
She replied: "He would assist his wives in their housework." (Bukhaari)
Some examples of the type of housework done by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are mentioned in the following hadith.
13. Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha) narrates:
"Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would mend his shoes, sew his clothing, and do the work of the house as ordinary people among you do."
She also narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not act like a master at home. He would milk the goats himself. (Tirmithi)
14. Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never killed anything with his own hands nor did he beat any servant. Yes. Jihaad in the Path of Allah was an exception. He never hit anyone in anger nor inconvenienced anyone unnecessarily or in revenge. However, when the prohibitions of Allah were violated, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) took appropriate action for the sake of Allah Ta'ala. (Muslim)
15. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates:
"I was eight years old when I joined the service of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). I remained in his service for ten years. Whenever l damaged anything with my hands, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not scold me. Even if someone from the family of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) scolded me, he would prevent them, and say:
"If anything else was decreed, it would have happened." (Masaabeeh and Baihaqi)
16. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) visited the sick and participated in the funeral (Janaaza) service. (Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
17. Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that when making musaafahah (shaking hands) with someone, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would not withdraw his hand before that person withdrew his hand; nor would he turn away his face until the other person did not turn away his face. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was never seen stretching his legs towards others. (Tirmithi)
18. In the Kitaab, Shamaail Tirmithi are two lengthy narrations from which some sentences will be quoted here. Hadhrat Hasan and Hadhrat Husain (radhiyallahu anhumaa) narrate on the authority of their father, Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu):
"At home Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) divided his time into three periods. In one period he remained engrossed in the ibaadat of Allah Azza Wa Jal. In the other period he engaged himself in fulfilling the rights of his family. One period he reserved for himself. His special period was then further divided between others and himself. The benefits and barkat of this special period were spread among the people at large through the medium of the special companions of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In this special period, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) granted certain distinguished Sahaabah (the Ulama among the Sahaabah) permission to sit in his company. In this special time Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) preferred the distinguished Sahaabah above others. In this time Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) engaged the distinguished group of Sahaabah in matters of the Deen and the Ummah. All who attended came with the motive of acquiring benefit from Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Besides the benefits of knowledge they would also participate in meals with Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). When they departed from his company, they would leave as guides of the Deen."
This was the atmosphere of the special and distinguished gatherings of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Regarding the time Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spent outside the home, Hadhrat Hasan and Hadhrat Husain (radhiyallahu anhumaa) narrate on the authority of their father, Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was at all times pleasant and smiling. People would not quarrel in his presence. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not speak until another speaker completed and became silent. He overlooked the disrespect, which was in the conversation of a stranger. He did not interrupt a conversation unless it exceeded the bounds of propriety. He would then intervene and bring it to an end either by his express prohibition or by leaving the company.
This was his attitude with the general public, i.e. with those with whom he had connection, viz., the Sahaabah. Regarding his attitude towards his enemies, something will be said about it now.
19. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that once someone asked Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): "0 Rasulullah! Curse the mushrikeen."
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied:
“I was not sent as one who curses. I was sent only as a mercy.” (Muslim)
Rasulullah's (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) habit was to even ask for the betterment of his enemies. Occasionally he would supplicate to Allah for protection against his enemies.
20. In a lengthy hadith narrated by Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha), regarding the incident of Taaif, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) referred to the torture of the kuffaar on this occasion to have been severer than the hardship, which he suffered during the Battle of Uhud. On this occasion at Taaif, Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) introduced Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to the Angel in charge of the mountains. The Angel greeted Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said:
"0 Muhammad! I am the Angel of the mountains. Allah has sent me to you so that you command me. If you command, I will crush the people of Taaif between these two mountains."
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied:
"No! I hope that Allah will create from among them such men who will worship only Allah and associate none with Him." (Bukhaari, Muslim)
At this critical time too, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never thought of revenge. He only had to give the order and his enemies would have perished. But, he chose to forgive them and supplicate on their behalf. He confronted his opponents with love and affection.
21. In a lengthy hadith, Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates an incident about a Jew who at the time was a subject of the Muslim state in Madinah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) owed the Jew some money. Once, in demanding his money, he refused to allow Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to go home. He blockaded Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in the Musjid from Zuhr until Fajr of the next day. When people started to remonstrate with the Jew, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) prevented them and said:
"Allah has forbidden me to be unjust to those with whom I have a treaty and with those with whom I have no treaty."
Late during the day, the Jew proclaimed:
"I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah and I bear witness, that verily, you
(0 Muhammad!) are the Rasool of Allah."
The Jew said:
"I adopted this attitude (towards Rasulullah) because in the Taurah a description of the Nabi is given. The Taurah describes the Nabi to be Muhammad, the son of Abdullah. His birthplace will be Makkah. His place of migration, Madinah. His kingdom will be over the Land of Shaam. He will not be harsh. He will not be loud in the marketplaces. He will not commit acts of immodesty. I wished to ascertain whether this man is indeed the Muhammad stated in the Taurah.” (Baihaqi)
If these few Ahadith are read once daily, one will very soon realise the change towards piety, which will overcome one.
