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(A Noble Messenger) possessing great strength, securely
placed with the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there,
trustworthy.
(Surat at-Takwir:20-21)
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As a verse of the Qur'an reveals, "… Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of the Prophets." (Surat
al-Ahzab: 40), the Prophet Muhammad (saas) was sent to
mankind as the last prophet. He was a living example of the
sublime morality of Allah's last revelation. He was a friend
of Allah and inspired humanity by his nearness to Him. He was
His representative, noble in His eyes, and a friend to all
believers.
As Allah has revealed in another verse, "We will impose a
weighty Word upon you..." (Surat al-Muzammil: 5), he charged
His last prophet, Muhammad (saas) with a heavy
responsibility. Due to the Prophet (saas)'s strong faith in
Allah, he fulfilled that responsibility in the best possible
way, called mankind to the path of Allah and Islam, and
illuminated the way for all believers.
Although we have never seen the Prophet (saas), we can
still do our very best to come to know his exemplary
behavior, his sayings and the pleasing morality he displayed,
by means of the verses of the Qur'an and the hadiths (the
sayings and teachings of the Prophet (saas). We can try to be
like him, in order to be close to him in the hereafter.
People today, and the young in particular, take many
individuals as role models, imitate the way they behave,
speak and dress, and try to be like them. Yet, since the
great majority of thesepeople are not on the right road
themselves, they lack proper morality and attitudes. It is
therefore a serious responsibility to lead people to the
truth and the best morality and behavior. A Muslim needs to
try to emulate the behavior and the morality of the Prophet
Muhammad (saas). Allah confirms that in a verse:
You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for
all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember
Allah much. (Surat al-Ahzab: 21)
 Like
the Prophet Muhammad (saas), the other prophets were also
role models for believers, and enjoyed Allah's good pleasure.
Allah says in one verse:
There is instruction in their stories for people of
intelligence. This [the Qur'an] is not a narration which has
been invented but confirmation of all that came before, a
clarification of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for
people who believe. (Surah Yusuf: 111)
The aim in writing this book is to introduce various
characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), by showing
the superior features and qualities a society may enjoy when
it adopts such a morality, thus encouraging others to adopt
that same morality. As the Prophet (saas) has revealed in the
hadith, "Verily, I have left amongst you the Book of Allah
and the Sunnah of His Apostle which if you hold fast, you
shall never go astray,"1
a Muslim's two truest guides are the Qur'an and Sunnah (the
practice of the Prophet Muhammad (saas)). The Prophet
Muhammad (saas) was an example to all humanity with his
morality, to which he called on mankind to live by. It was
the Prophet (saas) who said "I was sent to perfect good
character"2
and "By One in whose hand there is my life: None shall
enter Paradise except one who has got good conduct."3
Those Muslims who follow the way of the Prophet (saas)
need to be foremost in their morality and behavior, and to
invite others to adopt that same morality.
We only send the Messengers to bring good news and to give
warning. Those who disbelieve use fallacious arguments to
deny the truth. They make a mockery of My Signs and also of
the warning they were given.(Surat al - Kahf:56)
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The Superb Morality of the Prophet (saas) as Related in the
Qur'an
In the Qur'an Allah has revealed that the Prophet (saas)
possessed the finest morality, and says:
Nun. By the Pen and what they write down! By the blessing of
your Lord, you are not mad. You will have a wage which
never-fails. Indeed you are truly vast in character. So you
will see and they will see which of you is mad. Your Lord knows
best who is misguided from His Way and He knows best those who
are guided. (Surat al-Qalam: 1-7)
Allah also revealed in that verse that the Prophet (saas)
was a tireless toiler on His path. That demonstrates that he
always displayed a pleasing morality, never departing from the
way of Allah.
As the Prophet (saas)'s words "The most perfect believer in
respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners."4
make clear, morality is one the most important components of
true faith. It is therefore an important religious duty to
learn about and practice the very best examples of it.
This chapter will discuss a number of examples of that
morality recommended by the Prophet (saas).
The Prophet (saas) practiced only that which was
revealed to him
One of the most important characteristics, frequently
mentioned with regards to the Prophet (saas) in the Qur'an, is
that he only practiced what Allah revealed and asked of him,
with no concern about what others might think. Important
figures and members of other religions at the time wanted him
to impose rules that would benefit them. Although these people
were more numerous and powerful, the Prophet (saas) was
punctilious about abiding by Allah's commandments and the
Qur'an. Allah tells us the following in one verse:
When Our Clear Signs are recited to them, those who do not
expect to meet Us say, "Bring a Qur'an other than this one or
change it." Say: "It is not for me to change it of my own
accord. I follow nothing except what is revealed to me. I fear,
were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a Dreadful Day."
Say: "Had Allah so wished, I would not have recited it to you
nor would He have made it known to you. I lived among you for
many years before it came. Will you not use your intellect?" (Surah
Yunus: 15-16)
In a number of verses of the Qur'an, Allah warned the
Prophet (saas) about the conduct of his people. For instance:
And We have sent down the Book to you [Muhammad] with truth,
confirming and conserving the previous Books. So judge between
them by what Allah has sent down and do not follow their whims
and desires deviating from the Truth that has come to you. We
have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had
Allah willed, He would have made you a single community, but He
wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete
with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to
Allah and He will inform you regarding the things about which
you differed. Judge between them by what Allah has sent down
and do not follow their whims and desires. And beware of them
lest they lure you away from some of what Allah has sent down
to you. If they turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to
afflict them with some of their wrong actions. Many of mankind
are deviators. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 48-49)
The Prophet (saas) told people repeatedly and determinedly
to do nothing but that which Allah had revealed to him. One
verse concerning this superior morality of the Prophet (saas)
reads:
Hamid Aytac. A calligraphic inscription in the celi
thuluth script. In a hadith, the Prophet (saas) stated
that the best people are those who are useful to others.'
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Say: "I do not say to you that I possess the treasuries of
Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do I say to you that I am
an angel. I only follow what has been revealed to me." Say:
"Are the blind the same as those who can see? So will you not
reflect?" (Surat al-An'am: 50)
Alongside that determination and constancy in the way of
Allah, the Prophet (saas) told people about the true religion
in the best and most pleasing manner. Comparing the Prophet (saas)
to the great majority of people will be very helpful in
understanding his superior qualities. Most people, now as in
the past, are consumed with desires, longings and passions.
Although the great majority believe in religion, they are
unable to overcome those obsessions. Instead of giving up those
desires, they make concessions when it comes to their religious
obligations. They fail to carry out some of those obligations
out of concern, for instance, over what their spouses,
relatives or friends might say. Or, they are unable to give up
habits that are unacceptable to the religion. They therefore
interpret religion according to their own interests, accept
those rules which suit them, and reject those which do not.
The Prophet (saas) never made any concessions to what such
people wanted. He conveyed the Qur'an to mankind with no
alteration to what Allah had revealed, taking no one's personal
interests into account, and did so simply in the spirit of fear
of Allah. Allah speaks of the Prophet (saas)'s godliness (taqwa)
in the Qur'an:
By the star when it descends, your companion is not
misguided or misled; nor does he speak from whim. It is nothing
but Revelation revealed, taught him by one immensely strong,
possessing power and splendour [i.e., Gabriel]...(Surat an-Najm:
1-6)
Who could do greater wrong than those who invent lies
against Allah? Such people will be arrayed before their
Lord and the witnesses will say, 'Those are the ones who
lied against their Lord.' Yes indeed! Allah's curse is on
the wrongdoers, (SurahHud:18)
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Know that the Messenger of Allah is among you. If he were to
obey you in many things, you would suffer for it.However, Allah
has given you love of faith and made it pleasing to your
hearts, and has made disbelief, deviance and disobedience
hateful to you. People such as these are rightly guided. (Surat
al-Hujurat: 7) Prophet (saas)'s trust in Allah: An example to
all people
Those situations the Prophet (saas) was involved, as they
are related in the Qur'an, demonstrate his resignation, and
submission to Allah. For instance, the Prophet (saas)'s words
when he and his friend were hiding in a cave after leaving
Mecca are one of the finest examples of that submission. The
Qur'an says:
If you do not help him, Allah did help him when those who
disbelieved drove him out and there were two of them in the
Cave. He said to his companion, "Do not be despondent, Allah is
with us." Then Allah sent down His serenity upon him and
reinforced him with troops you could not see. He made the word
of those who disbelieved undermost. It is the word of Allah
which is uppermost. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat at-Tawba:
40)
Whatever the situation might have been, the Prophet (saas)
always submitted to Allah, in the knowledge that there was
beauty and goodness in all that He created. These words of the
Prophet (saas) to his people as related in the Qur'an are a
telling instance of that submission:
If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap occurs to
you, they say, "We made our preparations in advance," and they
turn away rejoicing. Say: "Nothing can happen to us except what
Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah
that the believers should put their trust." (Surat at-Tawba:
50-51)
The Prophet (saas), by his submission to Allah, was an
example to all Muslims, and he warned that people would never
have the power to alter anything that came from Allah:
"Everything is by decree-even incapacity and ability"5
"… When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you
seek help in Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do
you some benefit they could benefit you only with what Allah
had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you
some injury they could injure you only with what Allah had
recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are
dry."6
Every believer who abides by the Sunnah of the Prophet (saas)
has to face every calamity with the same submission as he, and
to have faith that there is beauty and good in everything. We
must not forget that the Prophet Muhammad (saas), one of
Allah's most God-fearing servants, was also tested with great
difficulties and trying circumstances.
There were people ready to create various kinds of
difficulty in the communities he addressed. They tried to plot
against the Prophet (saas) by behaving hypocritically.
Polytheists refused to abandon the religion of their ancestors,
others asked the Prophet (saas) to bring them a sign to suit
their best interests, they tried to kill, arrest or exile the
Prophet (saas), and, basically, placed all kinds of
difficulties in his path.
The Prophet (saas) was always patient with the unbelievers.
He continued to communicate the religion of Allah and to
instruct Muslims in the Qur'an while he protected them from
danger. The source of that determination, success and courage
lay his strong faith in Allah, his godliness and submission.
The Prophet (saas) always knew that Allah was with him, as when
he was in the cave, and that every situation was ordained by
Allah. He had faith that everything came from Allah and would
result in the best possible outcome. The following hadith of
the Prophet (saas) is an example of his submission:
"Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in
every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else
except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to
feel delight he thanks [Allah], thus there is a good for him in
it, and if he gets into trouble and shown resignation (and
endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it."7
The Prophet (saas) always did his best, whatever the
situation, though knowing that the outcome depended on Allah.
He relied on and trusted in Him. In return for that submission,
Allah granted him strength and success.
Haci Nazif Bey. A verse from the Qur'an: "Do not
consider Allah to be unaware of what the wrongdoers
perpetrate..."
(Surah Ibrahim: 42)
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Allah instructed the Prophet (saas) to be patient in the
face of those who made problems for him, and he was faithful to
that prescription throughout his life. One verse says:
They have the word, "Obedience!" on their tongues but when
they leave your presence, a group of them spend the night
plotting to do other than what you say. Allah is recording
their nocturnal plotting. So let them be and put your trust in
Allah. Allah suffices as a Guardian. (Surat an-Nisa': 81)
The words the Prophet (saas) was commanded to say in another
trying situation also reveal his godliness and submission:
If they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself
completely to Allah, and so have all who follow me." Say to
those given the Book and those who have no Book, "Have you
become Muslim?" If they become Muslim, they have been guided.
If they turn away, you are only responsible for transmission.
Allah sees His servants. (Surah Al 'Imran: 20)
One comment by the Prophet (saas) regarding the recompense
awaiting those who demonstrate submission is as follows:"If you
put your faith completely in Allah, He will arrange for your
sustenance in the same way as He provides for the birds. They
go out in the morning with their stomachs empty and return
filled in the evening."8
The Prophet (saas)'s words and actions are the best possible
models for believers. That is why every believer who finds
himself faced with a difficulty of any sort, or a situation he
does not like, must think of the verses of the Qur'an and the
fact that Allah creates everything; adopt the submission of the
Prophet (saas) and accept the destiny chosen for him by Allah. The Prophet (saas) ever only sought to please Allah, expecting
nothing in return from others
One of the fundamental tenets of Islam is that a person must
found his whole life on the love and fear of Allah, and carry out
all his obligations solely to win the good will and mercy of
Allah and to attain His Paradise. In one verse, Allah tells
believers: "Say: 'My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying,
are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds.'" (Surat al-An'am:
162)
In the following verse, believers are told to live their
religion solely for Allah, and not for any other purpose: "Except
those who repent and put things right and hold fast to Allah and
dedicate their religion to Allah alone; they are with the
believers. Allah will give the believers an immense reward." (Surat
an-Nisa': 146) Anyone who holds fast to Allah, knows that there
is no other god than Allah, lives his life solely to gain His
good pleasure, and never, ever abandons his faith in Him, shows
he has true faith.
No sincere believer tries to gain the love, good will, praise
of anyone other than Allah in his actions and religious duties.
The finest examples of such sincere believers are the Prophet
Muhammad (saas) and other prophets (peace be upon them all).
The Prophet (saas) sought only to win Allah's good pleasure,
and spent his life striving to win His mercy, compassion and
Paradise, with never a thought for personal interests or worldly
gain.
Say: "I do not ask you for any wage for it, nor am I a man of
false pretentions." (Surah Sad: 86)
Say: "I have not asked you for any wage - it is all for you.
My wage is the responsibility of Allah alone. He is witness of
everything." (Surah Saba': 47)
The patience exhibited by the Prophet (saas) in the face of
difficulty
Throughout the period of his mission, the Prophet Muhammad (saas)
experienced all manner of difficulty. Deniers and polytheists,
from among his own people, insulted him most terribly, even
calling him a magician or a madman. Others wanted to kill him and
even schemed to do so. Despite all that, the Prophet (saas) tried
to teach people of all backgrounds and cultures about the Qur'an,
and therefore about proper morality and good behavior.
As is revealed in the verses of the Qur'an, some people had
not the slightest idea of the basics of good manners, for which
reason it never entered their minds that they might appall
someone who possessed superior morality. The Prophet (saas)
displayed the greatest patience in this circumstances, turning to
Allah and asking for His help in all situations and encouraging
believers to patience and submission.
In many verses in the Qur'an, Allah advises the Prophet (saas)
to be patient despite the words of unbelievers:
So be patient in the face of what they say and glorify your
Lord with praise before the rising of the sun and before it sets.
(Surah Qaf: 39)
Do not be grieved by what they say. All might belongs to
Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Surah Yunus: 65)
We know that your breast is constricted by what they say. (Surat
al-Hijr: 97)
Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has been revealed
to you and your breast is constricted by this because they say,
"Why has treasure not been sent down to him or an angel not
accompanied him?" You are only a warner and Allah is Guardian
over all things. (Surah Hud: 12)
Believers must remember the kind of things Allah's Messenger (saas)
was patient for, and take him as a model when dealing with their
own difficulties. Those who despair at the slightest problem, who
are unable to bear the smallest objection, who stop preaching the
religion of Allah, or who lose hope when their business dealings
go wrong, must be aware that such behavior is incompatible with
Allah's holy book and the sayings and deeds of the Prophet (saas).
Believers must always be patient, take Allah as their helper and
give thanks to Him, adopt the superior morality of the Prophet (saas),
and hope for the mercy, compassion and Paradise of our Lord.
The Prophet (saas) was always tolerant of those around him
As we have already seen, there were people with varying
characters and ideas that surrounded the Prophet (saas).
Throughout his life, however, he showed an interest in each and
every one, warned them about their mistakes and failings, and
tried to educate them in all matters, from cleanliness to matters
of faith. That compassionate, tolerant, understanding and patient
attitude of his was the means by which many peoples' hearts
warmed to Islam and developed a genuine love for the Prophet (saas).
Allah describes this pleasing attitude adopted by the Prophet (saas)
towards those around him in the Qur'an:
It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If
you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered
from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them… (Surah
Al 'Imran: 159)
From the G. Mesara collection. A verse from the Qur'an in
Esma-i Nebi calligraphic style: "We have only sent you as a
mercy to all the worlds." (Surat al-Anbiya': 107)
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In another verse, Allah told the Prophet (saas) how he should
behave towards those around him:
We know best what they say. You are not a dictator over them.
So remind, with the Qur'an, whoever fears My Threat. (Surah Qaf:
45)
The Prophet (saas) never pressured those around him to accept
the religion, nor imposed conditions on them. Instead he always
used the pleasantest ways to tell them about it.He always
supported the community of the faithful with his strong
conscience, and was a benefactor to them at all times. On account
of these traits, the Prophet (saas) is described in many verses
as "your companion." (Surah Saba': 46: Surat an-Najm: 2, Surat
at-Takwir: 22).
Those believers who were able to comprehend the
conscientiousness of the Prophet (saas) regarded him as closer to
them than all others, and humbled themselves towards him. In one
verse, Allah states:
The Prophet has closer ties to the believers than their own
selves, and his wives are their mothers… (Surat al-Ahzab: 6)
Imam Ghazali, the great Islamic scholar, summed up the Prophet
(saas)'s treatment of those around him in light of the
information found in the hadiths:
"... Everyone thought that the Prophet honoured him more.
Whoever came to him could see his face.
... He used to call his companions by their surnames with
honour and he used to give one surname who had no surname.
... He was very affectionate and kind in dealing with the
people.
... Nobody could speak loudly in his assembly."9
The Prophet (saas)'s human love, kind thought and compassion,
which turned those around him to true religion and warmed their
hearts to faith, is that superior morality which all Muslims
should seek to reproduce.
The Prophet (saas) continually praised the Lord In line with
Allah's command revealed in the verse of the Qur'an which
declared: "… And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly!" (Surat al-Isra':
111), whenever the Prophet (saas) explained a subject, gave
advice to the faithful, preached to people or prayed, he would
always remember Allah with His greatest and most beautiful
names. He would praise His power, majesty and greatness. Allah
told the Prophet (saas) how to address the people in a number
of verses:
Say, "O Allah! Master of the Kingdom! You give sovereignty
to whoever You will You take sovereignty from whoever You will.
You exalt whoever You will You abase whoever You will. All good
is in Your hands. You have power over all things. You merge the
night into the day. You merge the day into the night. You bring
out the living from the dead. You bring out the dead from the
living. You provide for whoever You will without any
reckoning."… Say, "Whether you conceal what is in your breasts
or make it known, Allah knows it. He knows what is in the
heavens and what is on earth. Allah has power over all things."
(Surah Al 'Imran: 26-27-29)
Say: "…Jurisdiction over it belongs to Allah alone. He tells
the truth and He is the Best of Deciders." (Surat al-An'am: 57)
Say: "Mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, of
Him to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs. There
is no god but Him. He gives life and causes to die. So believe
in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi, who believes in Allah and
His words, and follow him so that hopefully you will be
guided." (Surat al-A'raf: 158)
Say: "If all the sea was ink to write down the Words of my
Lord, it would run out long before the Words of my Lord ran
out, even if We were to bring the same amount of ink again." (Surat
al-Kahf: 109)
Say: "He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the Everlasting
Sustainer of all. He has not given birth and was not born. And
no one is comparable to Him." (Surat al-Ikhlas: 1-4)
Whoever strives only strives for (the benefit) himself. Allah
is Rich Beyond Need of any being.(Surat al-Ankabut:6)
When giving advice to a Muslim, the Prophet (saas) would
first remind him of the greatness of Allah, saying:
"There is no god but Allah, He is One and has no partner, to
Him belongs all praise and all authority, and He has power over
all things, praise be to Allah, glory be to Allah, there is no
god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, there is no power nor any
authority but with Allah."18
Every Muslim who adopts as a model the Prophet (saas)'s
attitude, morality and godliness, and lives by the Qur'an and
the Sunnah, must employ a way of speaking that reminds people
of the greatness and might of Allah that calls to His way, and
that causes them to love and fear Him. Every time he speaks he
must make it clear that he remembers Allah and that he always
turns to Him.
The Prophet (saas) always advised people to love Allah, and
to love him because of that love for Allah. One hadith says:
"Love Allah for the provision He gave you. Love me also as
Allah loves me."19
The Prophet (saas) was a bearer of glad tidings
In the verse "O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and
a bringer of good news and a warner" (Surat al-Ahzab: 45),
Allah describes the Prophet (saas) as a bearer of glad tidings
and a warner. The Prophet (saas) always warned people against
the sufferings to be experienced in Hell, and told them of the
desirable future that awaited the good in this world, and of
the infinite life of the Paradise in the hereafter. This
characteristic of the Prophet (saas) is revealed in the Qur'an
thus:
We have sent you with the Truth, bringing good news and
giving warning. Do not ask about the inhabitants of the Blazing
Fire. (Surat al-Baqara: 119)
We have sent it down with truth and with truth it has come
down. We only sent you to bring good news and to give warning.
(Surat al-Isra': 105)
Hüseyin Kutlu. Calligraphy reading 'Mashallah.'
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Truly it is revelation sent down by the Lord of all the
worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit brought it down to your heart so
you would be one of the Warners. (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 192-194)
We only sent you for the whole of mankind, bringing good
news and giving warning. But most of mankind do not know it. (Surah
Saba': 28)
Those who take the Prophet (saas) as a model and abide by
his Sunnah must, like him, give people the same glad tidings
and warn them. The Prophet (saas) himself described how such
people ought to behave:
"Make things easy for the people, and do not make it
difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and
do not repulse (them)."20
Giving welcome news increases believers' enthusiasm and
morale, and encourages them to be more determined and
persevering in their labors in the way of Allah. Someone who
hopes to be rewarded with Paradise will of course have a very
different attitude and state of mind than someone who regards
those labors as monotonous, or carries them out of habit or a
sense of obligation. That is why Allah has commanded His
Messenger (saas) to: "Spur on the believers." (Surat an-Nisa':
84)
In another verse, Allah says: "Give good news to the
believers that they will receive immense favor from Allah" (Surat
al-Ahzab: 47). Every believer who abides by Allah's
commandments and the morality of the Prophet (saas) is
responsible for giving good news to Muslims, and for
encouraging them. It is not proper for a Muslim to speak in a
manner that is negative, to make easy tasks appear difficult,
and thus, to discourage the faithful, to forget the beautiful
things and good news Allah has revealed in the Qur'an, thereby
leading the faithful to become pessimistic. What is in
conformity with the Qur'an is, like the manner of the Prophet (saas),
to recall the good things promised to the faithful by Allah,
and to keep to revitalize them.
One such tidings the Prophet (saas) was told to tell people
about was Allah's forgiveness of sins:
  Say:
"My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do
not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all
wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." (Surat
az-Zumar: 53)
When those who believe in Our Signs come to you, say, "Peace
be upon you!" Allah has made mercy incumbent on Himself. If
anyone among you does evil out of ignorance and then afterwards
repents and puts things right, He is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Merciful. (Surat al-An'am: 54)
Another tiding is that of Paradise:
Say, "Shall I tell you of something better than that?" Those
who do their duty will have Gardens with their Lord, with
rivers flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for
ever, and purified wives, and the Pleasure of Allah. Allah sees
His servants. (Surah Al 'Imran: 15)
Give the good news to those who believe and do right
actions that they will have Gardens with rivers flowing
under them. When they are given fruit there as provision,
they will say, 'This is what we were given before.' But
they were only given a simulation of it. They will have
there spouses of perfect purity and will remain there
timelessly, for ever.
(Surat al-Baqara: 25)
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The Prophet (saas) reminded his people that he too was human
One of the fundamental characteristics of unbelievers is
their arrogance. It is that which has led them to refuse to
obey the messengers of Allah, and to resort to excuses in order
not to do so. One such excuse was that they would only obey
these messengers if they were more than human. Yet, the Prophet
(saas) reminded his people that he was human, a mere servant of
Allah, and that all other such expectations were groundless,
but that they should turn to Allah. Allah gave the Prophet (saas)
the following commands in the Qur'an:
Say: "I am only a human being like yourselves. It is
revealed to me that your god is One God. So let him who hopes
to meet his Lord act rightly and not associate anyone in the
worship of his Lord." (Surat al-Kahf: 110)
Say: "If there had been angels on the earth going about in
peace, We would have sent down to them an angel from heaven as
messenger." Say: "Allah is a sufficient witness between me and
you. He is certainly aware of and sees His servants." (Surat
al-Isra': 95-96)
The Prophet (saas) told his people that he was also
commanded to be one of the Muslims and to obey Allah, and that
he was responsible for warning the unbelievers, but that he
could not be held responsible for their choices. The verses in
question read:
"I have simply been ordered to worship the Lord of this land
which He has declared sacred-everything belongs to Him-and I
have been ordered to be one of the Muslims and to recite the
Qur'an." Whoever is guided is only guided to his own good; if
someone is misguided just say, "I am only a warner." Say:
"Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Signs and you will
recognise them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do." (Surat
an-Naml: 91-93)
|
Be patient. But your patience is only by Allah. Do not
be grieved by them and do not be constricted by the plots
they hatch. Allah is with those who fulfil their duty and
with those who are good-doers.
(Surat an-Nahl: 127-128)
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If something good happens to you, it galls them. If
something bad strikes you, they rejoice at it. But if
you are steadfast and do your duty, their scheming will
not harm you in any way. Allah encompasses what they
do.
(Surah Al Imran: 120)
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When a Sign comes to them, they say, We will not believe
until we have been given the same as the Messengers of Allah
were given.' Allah knows best where to place His Message.
Debasement in the sight of Allah and a severe punishment will
strike those who did wrong for the plots that they concocted. (Surat
al-An'am:124)
The Prophet (saas) relieved Muslims of difficulties Together
with the traits we have already described, the Prophet (saas)
lifted burdens from the faithful, and was a guide to them in
tasks that they failed to understand properly, which were
otherwise had been too difficult. People are easily prone to
making their lives difficult, and to imposing rules upon
themselves, by which they falsely believe they have solved
their problems. This particular human characteristic is one of
the reasons why the religion has been distorted through the
years. Many societies have dreamed up rules that did not
actually exist in the religion, and then made themselves and
others believe that they would only be truly god-fearing when
they adhered to them. One of the Prophet (saas)'s most
important qualities was the way he lifted such burdens that
people had imposed on themselves. Allah speaks of that quality
of the Prophet (saas) in a verse:
Those who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find
written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding
them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, permitting
them good things and prohibiting them bad things, relieving
them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around
them. Those who believe in him and honour him and help him, and
follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the
ones who are successful. (Surat al-A'raf: 157)
The "heavy loads and chains" mentioned in the verse are the
difficulties people impose upon themselves. The Prophet (saas)
was both a model for people in his own lifetime, as well as one
who lifted such burdens from people, as the verse indicates, by
calling them to righteousness and warning them against
wickedness.
One of the subjects in which the Prophet (saas) was a
splendid example was godliness, that is, that behavior intended
to earn Allah's approval alone. He feared only Allah, and never
strayed from the true path, never succumbing to people's whims
and desires. This aspect of the morality of the Qur'an is
actually a source of great ease and beauty for people. Trying
to please others and to make oneself favored by others, trying
to win the pleasure of both Allah and others, and seeking
praise from them, are great hinderences to whatever one does.
Such people are unable to think and behave honestly as they
would otherwise like to, and, since they are unable to please
everyone all together, they ultimately fail to receive the
praise they were looking for. They panic at the slightest
mistake, and fear that they have lost the confidence and
respect of those they are trying to please when they see that
they are not fully happy with them.
On the contrary, Muslims who strive only for the pleasure of
Allah, and fear only Him, never suffer the burden of things
that will be harmful to them in this world and the next. They
do not worry about whether or not people will be pleased with
them. They are therefore always at peace. Since they know that,
in the event of a mistake they will have to explain themselves
only to Allah and need seek forgiveness only from Him, they
feel no concern or worry.
By his words and behavior, the Prophet (saas) taught the
faithful to live with purity of faith. He thus lifted the heavy
weight of "gaining the pleasure of others" from all of
humanity. That, of course, is but one of the difficulties
believers experienced that he did away with. The Prophet
Muhammad (saas) was an example to all Muslims in many matters
that will bring good and great blessings in this world and in
the hereafter.
Allah has revealed that someone with purity of faith would
not be the same as one who worships others besides Allah:
Allah has made a metaphor for them of a man owned by several
partners in dispute with one another and another man wholly
owned by a single man. Are they the same? Praise be to Allah!
The fact is that most of them do not know. (Surat az-Zumar: 29)
Idolatry was not the only burden the Prophet (saas) lifted
from the shoulders of the faithful. He relieved them of all
burdens that made life difficult for them, called them to the
best and easiest way of life, and found solutions to all
problems. That is why those who abide by the Sunnah of Allah's
Messenger (saas) live in comfort and at peace. Some of the
hadiths on this subject state:
"The Prophet sent Mu'adh and Abu Musa to Yemen telling them.
'Treat the people with ease and don't be hard on them; give
them glad tidings and don't fill them with aversion; and love
each other, and don't differ'."21
"The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, did not have to choose between two matters, but that he
chose the easier of them as long as it was not a wrong action.
If it was a wrong action, he was the furthest of people from
it."22
... the Messenger, commanding them to do right and
forbidding them to do wrong, permitting them good things
and forbidding them bad things, relieving them of their
heavy loads and the chains which were around them...
(Surat al-A'raf: 157)
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Or did you suppose that you would be left without
Allah knowing those of you who have struggled and who
have not taken anyone as their intimate friends besides
Allah and His Messenger and the believers? Allah is
aware of what you do.
(Surat at-Tawba: 16)
|
The Prophet (saas) was most considerate and compassionate
towards the faithful
The Prophet (saas) was a compassionate man, full of love and
understanding. He took an interest in the physical and
spiritual problems of his friends, relatives and all those
around him, and took all appropriate measures to ensure their
health, security and happiness. He took them under his wing,
and always bore in mind their lot in the hereafter by
encouraging them to remain godly. These features of the Prophet
(saas), that are an example for all of humanity, are revealed
in verses:
A Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your
suffering is distressing to him; he is deeply concerned for
you; he is gentle and merciful to the believers. (Surat at-Tawba:
128)
"And take the believers who follow you under your wing." (Surat
ash-Shu'ara': 215)
Since the companions of the Prophet (saas) took him as a
model, they made the appropriate sacrrifices as mentioned in
the Qur'an, behaving with emphaty and compassion. One verse
speaks of the sacrifices the faithful made for the sake of one
another:
Those who were already settled in the abode, and in belief,
before they came, love those who migrated to them and do not
find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and
prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It
is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their
own selves who are successful. (Surat al-Hashr: 9)
The faithful, who were taught by the Prophet (saas), and
abided by the verses of the Qur'an, behaved compassionately
even towards prisoners of war. Verses speak of this, too:
They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and
orphans and captives: "We feed you only out of desire for the
Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any
thanks. Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous
Day." (Surat al-Insan: 8-10)
The Prophet (saas) reminded his companions to be
compassionate, and was the greatest model for them in that
regard:
"Those who have mercy will receive the mercy of the Most
Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, the One in
heavens will have mercy on you."23
"Those who show no mercy will be shown no mercy"24
"I swear by whom my soul is in his hand, you will not enter
paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you
love each other. Do you want me to guide you to something which
if you practice, you will love each other? Spread greeting with
peace among of you."25
How the Prophet (saas) prayed and asked forgiveness for the
faithful Out of that affection and thoughtfulness he felt
towards the faithful, the Prophet (saas) asked Allah to forgive
their mistakes. Allah's commands to the Prophet (saas) on that
subject take the following form:
O Prophet! When women who believe come to you pledging
allegiance to you on the grounds that they will not associate
anything with Allah or steal or fornicate or kill their
children or give a false ascription of paternity-making up lies
about their bodies-or disobey you in respect of anything right,
then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them. Allah is
Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Mumtahana: 12)
Know then that there is no god except Allah and ask
forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the men and women who
believe. Allah knows both your activity and your repose. (Surah
Muhammad: 19)
"… If they ask your permission to attend to their own
affairs, give permission to any of them you please; and ask
Allah's forgiveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most
Merciful." (Surat an-Nur: 62)
In another verse, Allah told the Prophet (saas) to pray for
the faithful:
… Pray for them. Your prayers bring relief to them. Allah is
All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat at-Tawba: 103)
As this verse reveals, the Prophet (saas)'s prayers brought
the faithful peace and tranquility. It must not be forgotten
that only Allah gives peace and tranquility to the heart. Allah
makes the prayers of His Messenger (saas), whom He has
appointed as guardian and protector of the faithful, a means
whereby they come by comfort and ease. Our Lord's love and
compassion, and His protection and mercy for the faithful is
most clearly represented in the morality of the Prophet (saas).
These words of the Prophet (saas) reminded the faithful that
prayer was an important matter:
"When you are praying do not say; 'O Allah, forgive me if
You wish. O Allah, forgive me if you wish.' You should be firm
in your asking, for there is no compelling Him."26
The alms the Prophet (saas) collected for the benefit of the
faithful
were a means whereby they were purified
At the beginning of Surat at-Tawba, verse 103, Allah
commands, "Take from their wealth a charity to purify and
cleanse them and pray for them." In other words, He reveals
that by means of the alms he received, the Prophet (saas), the
beloved servant of Allah, purified the faithful. The Prophet (saas)
is the Messenger of Allah, and remains on the path shown by
Allah in all his words and deeds. The source of the Prophet (saas)'s
higher morality and noble character is that he always turned to
Allah, without falling into the error of worshipping others
besides Allah. It was because he obeyed every command given by
Allah, he came to possess a morality and behavior of matchless
quality, a model to all the world.
This truth must serve as a guide for all Muslims and
believers. Their morality and behavior, too, must be an example
to all the world, by means of their abiding by the Qur'an,
which is the revelation of Allah, and the morality taught by
the Prophet (saas).
The Prophet (saas) would consult with the faithful
In accordance with a command from Allah, the Prophet (saas)
would consult with the faithful and seek their opinion. This
was commanded in the following verse:
… So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult
with them about the matter. Then when you have reached a firm
decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put
their trust in Him. (Surah Al 'Imran: 159)
After canvassing the opinions of the faithful, the Prophet (saas)
would come to a decision and place the outcome in the hands of
Allah. One important fact that must not be lost sight of is
that all decisions are known beforehand by Allah. Allah has
decreed every decision and its outcome. It is an act of worship
on all believers to consult and then arrive at a decision.
Knowing that, the Prophet (saas) would consult the faithful
before coming to a decision, though, while leaving the outcome
of that decision to Allah, he knew that Allah would produce the
most beneficial outcome from it.
Consulting with others is an approach that can bring about
the most auspicious results for Muslims. In the first place,
anyone who consults others demonstrates better morality by
acting modestly. For instance, the Prophet (saas) was the
wisest of the community of the faithful, and had the greatest
foresight and understanding. Despite that, however, his
consulting those around him and asking their opinion, enquiring
how they would resolve a particular matter, shows what a modest
person he truly was.
The faithful must display humility in all matters, not thinking
that they know better than everyone else. They will gain great
benefits from consulting with others. By adopting this manner
of the Prophet (saas), they will come to resemble him, and will
earn the good pleasure of Allah and the faithful by practicing
the humility and affection that he showed the believers. They
will also avoid pride of their own intelligence. In the Qur'an,
Allah has revealed that: "… Over everyone with knowledge is a
Knower..." (Surah Yusuf: 76) meaning that a person can arrive
at better results by not relying on his own intelligence alone
but by making use also of the intelligence, ideas and
accumulated experience of others. Instead of one mind, he will
actually possess the number of however many people he consults.
The Prophet reminded the faithful that they ought to consult
one another in these words:
"Every people who seek the pleasure of Allah and consult
with one another are guided to the best course in their
affairs."27
Every path shown to mankind by Allah in the Qur'an, and all
behavior displayed by the Prophet (saas), are the most
auspicious and best. Consulting others is one such example. It
is therefore most important to be familiar with Allah's
commandments and to know the character of the Prophet (saas)
well to perform our religious obligations as well as possible,
and to be of good moral character.
Allah gave the Prophet (saas) fame and honour
Did We not raise your renown high? (Surat al-Inshirah: 4)
As the verse above states, the Prophet (saas) was recognized
both during his own time and after it. 1,400 years after his
death, he is still known all over the world. For 1,400 years,
billions of people have loved and respected the Prophet (saas),
felt close to him despite never having seen him, and prayed to
be with him in Heaven for all eternity. And still do so.
In other verses, Allah speaks of the Prophet (saas) as a
noble messenger:
Truly it is the speech of a noble Messenger, possessing
great strength, securely placed with the Lord of the Throne,
obeyed there, trustworthy. Your companion is not mad. (Surat
at-Takwir: 19-22)
"That this is the word of a noble Messenger." (Surat al-Haqqa:
40)
In the Qur'an, Allah states that many prophets, such as Nuh
(as), Ilyas (as), Musa (as) and Harun (as) were all honoured.
Many people strive for fame and honour all their lives. They
are obsessed by it, seeking the allurements of this transient
world. Or else, they puff themselves up with arrogance. Though
they strive for honour, they in the end lose it.
In fact, a person can only find fame and honour in the sight
of Allah, Who reveals that that can only come by living the
morality of the Qur'an. One verse reads:
If the truth were to follow their whims and desires, the
heavens and the earth and everyone in them would have been
brought to ruin. No indeed! We have given them their Reminder,
but they have turned away from it. (Surah Muminun: 71)
The only way to lead an honourable life in this world is to
abide by the superior morality of the Prophet (saas), as
revealed by Allah in the Qur'an. It is a clear fact that all
other paths lead to nothing but loss in this world and the
next.
The Prophet (saas) was always considerate and courteous
Some of those who surrounded the Prophet (saas) were less
than well-mannered and cultured. It can be seen from a number
of verses that they could not understand how thoughtless they
were and that their behavior could make others uncomfortable.
For instance, verses speak of people entering houses by the
back instead of the front, arriving when the Prophet (saas) was
dining, or else taking up his time by talking for a long time.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas), on the other hand, was very
thoughtful, courteous, patient and civilized, and treated such
people nevertheless with the greatest tolerance. Also, in the
most pleasant manner, he warned those around him against
behavior that would make others uncomfortable, and thus won
their sympathy, teaching them through patience and perseverence.
That comportment made him an excellent example for all
believers.
Our Lord, Who possesses infinite love and compassion,
assisted the Prophet (saas) in this matter and supported him
with the verses, one of which says:
Mahmud Celaleddin. A calligraphic inscription in the celi
thuluth script containing an Arabic couplet reading
"Muhammad is a man, but not like all men. He is as a ruby
among stones."
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You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet's rooms except
when you are invited to come and eat. Do not wait there while
the food is being cooked. However, when you are called, go in,
and when you have eaten, disperse, not remaining there to chat
with one another. Doing that causes annoyance to the Prophet
though he is too reticent to tell you so. But Allah is not
reticent with the truth... (Surat al-Ahzab: 53)
Accounts by his companions give many examples of the Prophet
(saas)'s courteous and considerate behavior. Because of his
being both a Messenger of Allah and a head of state, the
Prophet (saas) was in constant contact with people from all
walks of life, from the wealthy leaders of states and tribes to
poor, defenceless women and orphans. He was able to communicate
with and win the hearts of people whose social status, ways of
life and customs were very different from one another, he
exhibited understanding, patience and a desirable attitude.
As can be seen from incidents recounted by those around him,
the Prophet (saas) was most kind, above reproach, amiable and
thoughtful. He practiced the rules of courtesy and politeness
in the best and most ideal way throughout his entire life.
Aisha (r.a.) described the exquisite morality she saw in the
Prophet (saas) in these terms:
"The Prophet (saas)'s nature was the Qur'an".
28
Anas bin Malik (ra), who was raised in the Prophet (saas)'s
household and served him for many years, spoke of his matchless
kindness:
"Allah's Messenger (saas) that when he shook hands with
anyone he did not withdraw his hands till the other man
withdrew his. Similarly, he did not turn away his face from
anyone till that man turned his face to the other side. And he
was never seen to put forward his knees in front of one with
whom he was sitting."29
"Ibn 'Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (saas) changed
the name of Asiya (Disobedient) and said: 'You are Jamila (i.e.good
and handsome)'."30
"Whenever one spoke to him the other would keep quiet and
listen till he would finish."31
"Anas bin Malik (ra) says: 'I remained in the service of the
Rasulullah (saas) for ten years. He never once told me 'Oof.'
When I did something, he never asked me why did you do so? When
I did not do a certain task, he never asked me why I did not do
it'."32
The Prophet (saas) taught thousands of people during his
life, and was a means by which those who knew nothing of
religion and morality came to be morally superior,
well-behaved, thoughtful and self-sacrificing. Even after his
death, the Prophet (saas) is still teaching by means of his
words, attitudes and behavior, and is a most noble guide and
teacher.
Allah
| Allah
always protected the Prophet (saas) Allah is the
Helper and Protector of the Prophet (saas) and all the
believers. Allah always helped the Prophet (saas),
eased his difficulties, opened the way for him,
strengthened him both physically and spiritually, and
supported him with other devout believers. As for his
enemies, Allah clouded their understanding, reduced
their strength, foiled their plots and thus, prevented
them doing any harm to the Prophet (saas). Allah
describes Himself as the Prophet's (saas) Helper:
If you do not help him, Allah did help him … (Surat
at-Tawba: 40)
As the verse states, Allah always assisted the
Prophet (saas). That is why no service or assistance
can leave the Prophet (saas) under a debt of gratitude.
It is Allah Who helps the Prophet (saas), and even if
that person had not been there, Allah would have used
someone else, or angels or the jinn to help the Prophet
(saas).
In another verse, Allah commanded the Prophet (saas)
to communicate His religion with no fear of other
people, and promised that He would protect him. The
verse in question reads:
O Messenger! Transmit what has been sent down to you
from your Lord. If you do not do it you will not have
transmitted His Message. Allah will protect you from
people. Allah does not guide the unbelieving people. (Surat
al-Ma'ida: 67)
Those shallow and narrow-minded deniers, unable to
comprehend the power of Allah and the true state of
affairs, thought that they would be able to overcome,
frighten or disable the Prophet (saas), and thus
devised countless plots against him. These people were
not aware that the Prophet (saas) was under the
protection of Allah, and so could not comprehend that
fact. They believed themselves to be superior to and
stronger than the Prophet (saas). Yet, Allah disrupted
all their plots, and even, miraculously, turned them
against themselves. None of their plots were of any
good. These people, who failed to comprehend that Allah
saw, heard and read the secrets of their hearts when
they gathered to plot against the Prophet (saas), could
not grasp that even if they hid from the Prophet (saas)
they could not hide from Allah. In the Qur'an, Allah
refers to such people in this way:
When those who disbelieved were plotting against you
to imprison you or kill you or expel you: they were
plotting and Allah was plotting, but Allah is the Best
of Plotters. (Surat al-Anfal: 30)
In another verse, Allah reveals to the Prophet (saas)
that nobody will be able to harm him, that He is his
Protector, and that Gabriel and the devout believers,
are all the Prophet (saas)'s friends, helpers and
supporters:
If you two [wives] would only turn to Allah, for
your hearts clearly deviated. .But if you support one
another against him, Allah is his Protector and so are
Gabriel and every right-acting man of the believers
and, furthermore, the angels too will come to his
support. (Surat at-Tahrim: 4)
Allah describes the blessings and assistance He
provides for the Prophet (saas):
Your Lord has not abandoned you nor is He
displeased. The Last [the hereafter] will be better for
you than the First [life]. Your Lord will soon give to
you and you will be satisfied. Did He not find you
orphaned and shelter you? Did He not find you wandering
and guide you? Did He not find you impoverished and
enrich you? (Surat ad-Duha: 3-8)
Knowing that Allah would help him in all matters,
even in the most difficult situations, the Prophet (saas)
put his trust in Him and never fell into despair. He
told his companions that Allah was with them and saw
and heard all, thus inspiring them too.
Those who follow the way of the Prophet (saas) and
take him as their model must never lose hope in Allah's
mercy and succour. They must know that Allah is always
at their side as they hope for His mercy, compassion
and Paradise. Allah makes the following promise to the
faithful in a verse:
… Allah will certainly help those who help Him-Allah
is All-Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Hajj: 40)
The importance the Prophet (saas) attributed to
cleanliness
Hafiz Halil Efendi. Tezhip decoration. Verses
from Surat al-Fatiha:1-7: "Praise to be Allah,
the Lord of all the worlds, the All-Merciful, the
Most Merciful, the King of the Day of Judgement.
You alone we worship. You alone we ask for help.
Guide us on the Straight Path, the Path of those
You have blessed, not of those with anger on
them, nor of the misguided.
|
As well as their purity of heart and morality,
Muslims are also known for the cleanliness of their
bodies, clothes, homes and the food they eat. A
Muslim's hair, hands, face and body must always be
clean. His clothes must always be clean, neat and well
cared for. The places where he works or lives must
always be clean, tidy, sweet-smelling and be a relaxing
atmosphere. Once again, it is the Prophet (saas) who is
the best example of this characteristic of Muslims. In
one verse, Allah told the Prophet (saas):
You who are enveloped in your cloak! Arise and warn.
Magnify your Lord. Purify your clothes. Shun all filth.
(Surat al-Muddaththir: 1-5)
Allah tells the faithful in the Qur'an to eat that
which is clean. He also instructed the Prophet (saas)
to tell the faithful that clean things are lawful:
Messengers, eat of the good things and act rightly…
(Surat al-Muminun: 51)
They will ask you what is lawful for them. Say: "All
good things are lawful for you, and also what is caught
for you by hunting animals which you have trained as
Allah has taught you. Eat what they catch for you,
mentioning Allah's name over it." Heed Allah. Allah is
swift at reckoning. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 4)
The Prophet also advises the faithful to be clean in
one of the hadiths:
"Surely, Islam is pure, therefore be pure, because
he can never enter Paradise who is not pure."33
The prayers of the Prophet (saas)
The Qur'an tells us that the Prophet (saas) would
rise to pray at night:
When the servant of Allah stands calling on Him,
they almost swarm all over him. Say: "I call only upon
my Lord and do not associate anyone else with Him." (Surat
al-Jinn: 19-20)
Many verses speak of the Prophet's (saas) prayers.
He would praise Allah by recalling His attributes. This
is one of the prayers of the Prophet (saas) revealed in
the Qur'an:
Say, "O Allah! Master of the Kingdom! You give
sovereignty to whoever You will You take sovereignty
from whoever You will. You exalt whoever You will You
abase whoever You will. All good is in Your hands. You
have power over all things." (Surah Al 'Imran: 26)
The Muayyad Mosque by David Roberts.
|
Like all the other prophets, the Prophet (saas)
faced threats and pressure from hostile men and jinn.
He responded to these with patience and fortitude, and
was commanded to seek help from Allah against Satan's
evil suggestions and spiritual attacks in this way:
Say: "My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the
goadings of the satans, and I seek refuge with You, my
Lord, from their presence." (Surat al-Muminun: 97-98)
He was also commanded to seek the forgiveness and
mercy of our Lord, Allah, in his prayers:
Say: "My Lord, forgive and be merciful! You are the
Best of the Merciful." (Surat al-Muminun: 118)
In the hadiths, we see that the Prophet (saas) would
pray to Allah for a finer morality and a good
temperament, and that he beseeched Allah in these
terms:
"O Allah, make my constitution and conduct good. O
Allah, save me from bad character and conduct."34
As Allah has revealed in the verse: "Say: 'What has
My Lord to do with you if you do not call on Him?'..."
(Surat al-Furqan: 77), prayer is a most important
obligation upon the faithful. A person must know that
no power is of the slightest use unless Allah so wishes
it. He must turn to Allah in all matters, in fear and
aspiration, and pray to Him for everything. The prayers
of the Prophet (saas), as those of the other prophets
revealed in the Qur'an, are the very best examples for
the faithful. They have shown in their prayers how they
surrendered to Allah and saw Him as their only friend
and helper, as well as praising our Lord by His most
beautiful names. We can also see from the prayers of
the prophets how they paid no attention to time when
praying, but would turn to our Lord whenever they were
in need.
The exemplary justice of the Prophet (saas)
In the Qur'an, Allah commands believers to
"Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for
Allah alone, even against yourselves or your
parents and relatives. Whether they are rich
or poor, Allah is well able to look after
them. Do not follow your own desires and
deviate from the truth..." (Surat an-Nisa':
135). With the rules he imposed on Muslims,
his just and tolerant attitude towards those
of other religions, languages, races and
tribes, and his way of not discriminating
between rich and poor, but treating everybody
equally, Allah's Messenger (saas) is a great
example to all of mankind.
But if they turn away, say, 'Allah
is enough for me. There is no god but
Him. I have put my trust in Him. He is
the Lord of the Mighty Throne.'
(Surat at-Tawba: 129)
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Allah says this to His Prophet (saas) in
one verse:
They are people who listen
to lies and consume ill-gotten gains. If they
come to you, you can either judge between
them or turn away from them. If you turn away
from them, they cannot harm you in any way.
But if you do judge, judge between them
justly. Allah loves the just. (Surat al-Ma'ida:
42)
The Prophet (saas) abided by Allah's
commands, even with such difficult people,
and never made any concessions in his
implementation of justice. He became an
example for all times with the words, "My
Lord has commanded justice…" (Surat al-A'raf:
29).
A number of incidents testify to the
Prophet (saas)'s justice. He lived in a place
where people of different religions,
languages, races and tribes all co-existed.
It was very difficult for those societies to
live together in peace and security, and to
check those who sought to spread dissension.
One group could grow aggressive towards and
even attack another over the slightest word
or action. Yet, the justice of the Prophet (saas)
was a source of peace and security for those
other communities, just as much as it was for
Muslims. During the time of the Prophet (saas),
Christians, Jews and pagans were all treated
equally. The Prophet (saas) abided by the
verse "There is no compulsion where the
religion is concerned…" (Surat al-Baqara:
256), explaining the true religion to
everyone, but leaving them free to make up
their own minds.
In another verse, Allah revealed to the
Prophet (saas) the kind of justice and and
conciliation he needed to adopt towards those
of other religions:
So call and go straight as you have been
ordered to. Do not follow their whims and
desires but say, "I believe in a Book sent
down by Allah and I am ordered to be just
between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord.
We have our actions and you have your
actions. There is no debate between us and
you. Allah will gather us all together. He is
our final destination." (Surat ash-Shura: 15)
This noble attitude of the Prophet (saas),
being in total harmony with the morality of
the Qur'an, should be taken as an example of
how members of different religions today
should be treated.
The Prophet (saas)'s justice brought about
understanding between people of different
races. In many of his addresses, even in his
final sermon, the Prophet (saas) stated that
superiority lay not in race but in godliness
as Allah states in the verse:
Mankind! We created you from a male and
female,and made you into peoples and tribes
so that you might come to know each other.
The noblest among you in Allah's sight is
that one of you who best performs his duty.
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Surat al-Hujurat:
13)
Two hadiths report the Prophet (saas) as
saying:
"You are sons of Adam, and Adam came from
dust. Let the people cease to boast about
their ancestors."10
"These genealogies of yours are not a
reason to revile anyone. You are all children
of Adam. No one has any superiority over
another except in religion and taqwa
(godliness)."11
During his final sermon, the Prophet (saas)
called on Muslims in these terms:
"There is no superiority for an Arab over
a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab;
nor for white over the black nor for the
black over the white except in piety. Verily
the noblest among you is he who is the most
pious."12
The agreement made with the Christians of
Najran in the south of the Arabian Peninsula
was another fine example of the justice of
the Prophet (saas). One of the articles in
the agreement reads:
"The lives of the people of Najran and its
surrounding area, their religion, their land,
property, cattle and those of them who are
present or absent, their messengers and their
places of worship are under the protection of
Allah and guardianship of His Prophet."13
The Compact of Medina, signed by the
Muslim immigrants from Mecca, the indigenous
Muslims of Medina and the Jews of Medina is
another important example of justice. As a
result of this constitution, which
established justice between communities with
differing beliefs and ensured the protection
of their various interests, long years of
enmity were brought to an end. One of the
most outstanding features of the treaty is
the freedom of belief it established. The
relevant article reads:
Haci Nazif Bey. A verse from the Qur'an:
"... [Allah commands you] When you
judge between people, to judge with
justice. (Surat an-Nisa': 58)
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"The Jews of Banu 'Awf are one nation with
the Muslims; the Jews have their religion and
the Muslims have theirs…"14
Article 16 of the treaty reads: "The Jew
who follows us is surely entitled to our
support and the same equal rights as any one
of us. He shall not be wronged nor his enemy
be assisted."15
The Prophet (saas)'s companions remained true
to that article in the treaty, even after his
death, and even practiced it with regard to
Berbers, Buddhists, Brahmans and people of
other beliefs.
One of the main reasons why the golden age
of Islam was one of peace and security was
the Prophet (saas)'s just attitude, itself a
reflection of Qur'anic morality.
The justice of the Prophet (saas) also
awoke feelings of confidence in non-Muslims,
and many, including polytheists, asked to be
taken under his protection. Allah revealed
the following request from the polytheists in
the Qur'an, and also told the Prophet (saas)
of the attitude he should adopt towards such
people:
If any of the idolators ask you for
protection, give them protection until they
have heard the words of Allah. Then convey
them to a place where they are safe. That is
because they are a people who do not know.
How could any of the idolators possibly have
a treaty with Allah and with His Messenger,
except for those you made a treaty with at
the Masjid al-Haram? As long as they are
straight with you, be straight with them.
Allah loves those who do their duty. (Surat
at-Tawba: 6-7)
In our day, the only solution to the
fighting and conflict going on all over the
world is to adopt the morality of the Qur'an,
and, like the Prophet (saas), never to depart
from the path of justice, making no
distinction between different religions,
languages, or races.
Your Lord is the Ever-Forgiving, the
Possessor of Mercy. If He had taken them to
task for what they have earned, He would have
hastened their punishment. Instead, they have
a promised appointment and they will not find
any refuge from it.(Surat al-Kahf: 58)
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He who obeys the Prophet (saas) also obeys Allah
Allah charges everyone with obeying the prophets
He has sent. These messengers were blessed men who
abided by Allah's commands, communicated His
revelations, represented the human model most
pleasing to Allah by means of their words and
actions, in short by their whole manner of living.
Allah reveals in the Qur'an that those who abide by
His messengers will be saved. For that reason,
obedience to the Prophet (saas) is an obligation of
the very greatest importance. Allah reveals the
importance of obedience in the Qur'an:
We sent no messenger except to be obeyed by
Allah's permission. If only when they wronged
themselves they had come to you and asked Allah's
forgiveness and the Messenger had asked forgiveness
for them they would have found Allah
Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nisa': 64)
Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be
with those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets and
steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and
righteous. What excellent company such people are!
(Surat an-Nisa': 69)
In several verses of the Qur'an, it is stated
that those who obey His messengers are in truth
obeying Allah. Those who rebel against these
messengers, on the other hand, rebel against Allah.
Some of these verses are:
Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. If
anyone turns away, we did not send you to them as
their keeper. (Surat an-Nisa': 80)
Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge
allegiance to Allah. Allah's hand is over their
hands. He who breaks his pledge only breaks it
against himself. But as for him who fulfils the
contract he has made with Allah, We will pay him an
immense reward. (Surat al-Fath: 10)
The Prophet (saas) has also stressed the
importance of obedience in the hadiths:
"Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever
disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the
ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys
him, disobeys me."16
In the Qur'an, Allah describes the Prophet (saas)
as a protector and guide for the faithful. Muslims,
therefore, referred to him in all matters, and
sought his permission and opinion before engaging
in anything. On subjects they were unable to agree
upon among themselves, though even on matters they
were able to solve by themselves, or when they
received news concerning the security, health or
economy of the community of the faithful, they
immediately took them to the Prophet (saas) and
abided by the sure and trustworthy advice or
solution he recommended.
This is a most important aspect of morality,
commanded by Allah in the Qur'an. In one verse, for
instance, He orders all news to be forwarded to the
Prophet (saas) or those representing him. The verse
reads:
When news of any matter reaches them they spread
it about, whether it is of a reassuring or
disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to
the Messenger and those in command among them,
those among them able to discern the truth about it
would have had proper knowledge of it. If it were
not for Allah's favor to you and His mercy, all but
a very few of you would have followed Satan. (Surat
an-Nisa': 83)
That, of course, is a most beneficial and wise
command. For one thing, each order and rule of the
Prophet (saas) is guaranteed by Allah. Furthermore,
the Prophet (saas) was the wisest and cleverest
member of the community of the faithful. Usually,
most look to consult the most intelligent person
and the one who best obeys his conscience, that is,
the person they trust the most in any matter, in
order to establish a decision.
As well as all these characteristics of the
Prophet (saas), another wisdom in all news being
gathered together in one person is that this will
provide the best and most intelligent response
because all the aspects of the event will be known
by one person. In another verse, Allah commands the
faithful to make the Prophet (saas) their judge in
any disagreements between them. It is a command
from Allah that all such disagreements should be
taken to the Prophet (saas) at once, and that is
therefore the most fitting course of action in
terms of reason, morality and conscience. It is
also most important to obey the rules set out by
the Prophet (saas), with all one's heart and with
no reservations. Even if his decision conflicts
with the interests of an individual, true believers
will feel no doubts at all, and will immediately
obey the command of the Prophet (saas). Allah
describes this important aspect of obedience in the
Qur'an:
No, by your Lord, they are not believers until
they make you their judge in the disputes that
break out between them, and then find no resistance
within themselves to what you decide and submit
themselves completely. (Surat an-Nisa': 65)
Some hypocritical people, or people whose faith
is weak, have failed to realize that the decisions
of the Prophet (saas) are assured by Allah and
opposed informing him of every situation, thus
causing dissension. Allah describes the condition
of such people in the Qur'an:
Among them are some who insult the Prophet,
saying he is only an ear [only a hearer]. Say, "An
ear of good for you, believing in Allah and
believing in the believers, and a mercy for those
among you who believe." As for those who insult the
Messenger of Allah, they will have a painful
punishment. (Surat at-Tawba: 61)
Since these people failed to grasp the essence
of faith, and were unable to appreciate the merit
of the Prophet (saas), they adopted the wrong
approach with regards to informing him about every
matter. The ignorant are unable to use what they
know for beneficial ends, for the good and security
of mankind. They use it for gossip and to try to
spread dissension, to turn people against one
another and to plot against them. The Prophet (saas),
however, used all the information that was brought
to him for the peace, security and health of
Muslims and other groups under his protection, to
avoid possible dangers and to thwart plots against
believers. Identifying those whose faith was weak,
he took measures to strengthen that faith, and
prevented anything that might have weakened the
faithful or damaged their morale. He brought in
measures that would bring them good and lead to
desirable outcomes. That is why Allah refers to him
as "an ear of good" in one verse. All of the
Prophet (saas)'s words, decisions and measures have
led to good and positive results for believers as
well as mankind.
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The Messenger believes in what has been
sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the
believes. Each one believes in Allah and His
angels and His Books and His Messengers. We
do not differentiate between any of His
Messengers. 'We hear and we obey. Forgive us,
our Lord! You are our journey's end.'
(Surat al-Baqara: 285)
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The Prophet (saas) warned and reminded people in
such a way
as to influence their conscience
The Prophet (saas) spent all his life, once the
Qur'an had been revealed to him, calling people to
the religion and guiding them to the true path. In
one verse, Allah tells the Prophet (saas) how he
should address people:
Say: "This is my way. I call to Allah with inner
sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah!
I am not one of those who associate others with
Him." (Surah Yusuf: 108)
As can be seen from the verses of the Qur'an,
the Prophet (saas) encountered a number of
difficulties when warning people and teaching them
about the Qur'an and true morality. Since not
everyone was on the true path, people made life
difficult for the Prophet (saas), out of jealousy,
hatred and envy. Some were slow to understand his
words and dragged their feet when they did so, some
behaved hypocritically, saying that they believed
his words when they really did not. The Prophet (saas)
continued to explain the religion with great
determination, paying no heed to all those
obstacles. Such people's attitudes are revealed in
a verse:
… You believe in all the Books. When they meet
you, they say, "We believe." But when they leave
they bite their fingers out of rage against you.
Say, "Die in your rage." Allah knows what your
hearts contain. (Surah Al 'Imran: 119)
Another verse discusses the Prophet (saas)'s
determination in the face of those who opposed him:
Those to whom We gave the Book rejoice at what
has been sent down to you but some of the parties
refuse to acknowledge part of it. Say: "I have only
been ordered to worship Allah and not to associate
anything with Him. I summon to Him and to Him I
will return." (Surat ar-Ra'd: 36)
The Prophet (saas) continued to warn those who
would not believe, and to use the most effective
way of talking about the religion, in the hope they
would find faith and abandon their hatred of him
and his religion. The attitude displayed by those
people in the face of what he had to say is
described in Surat an-Nisa':
Do you not see those who claim that they believe
in what has been sent down to you and what was sent
down before you, still desiring to turn to a
satanic source for judgement in spite of being
ordered to reject it? Satan wants to misguide them
far away. When they are told, "Come to what Allah
has sent down and to the Messenger," you see the
hypocrites turning away from you completely. (Surat
an-Nisa': 60-61)
Despite the two-faced behavior of those who
opposed him, the Prophet (saas) spoke to them in
terms that would enable them to see the truth and
which would work on their consciences. One verse
reads:
Allah knows what is in such people's hearts so
turn away from them and warn them and speak to them
with words that take effect. (Surat an-Nisa': 63)
It was of course a heavy responsibility to give
advice to his enemies, to show them the error of
their ways and to call them to the true path. Yet,
for someone who, like the Prophet (saas), has put
his trust in Allah, who knows that faith is a gift
from Him, and fears Allah alone, and not anyone
else, Allah will provide assistance and support.
In several verses of the Qur'an, Allah reveals
that He has sent messengers in order to turn those
who have strayed back to the true path, to purify
them, and to teach them the holy verses. As we have
seen above, throughout his life, the Prophet (saas)
persevered in the responsibility that Allah had
laid on him with great patience, fortitude and
determination. Even in the final sermon that he
gave, very shortly before dying, he continued to
teach and instruct Muslims.
Allah sets out these beautiful responsibilities
in a number of verses:
For this We sent a Messenger to you from among
you to recite Our Signs to you and purify you and
teach you the Book and Wisdom and teach you things
you did not know before. (Surat al-Baqara: 151)
Allah showed great kindness to the believers
when He sent a Messenger to them from among
themselves to recite His Signs to them and purify
them and teach them the Book and Wisdom, even
though before that they were clearly misguided. (Surah
Al 'Imran: 164)
Sami Efendi (1838-1912). A callighraphic
inscription in celi ta'liq script. Qalam-i
Kibar (apothegm), "The primary requirement
for wisdom is fear of Allah."
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It is He who raised up among the Ummi a
Messenger from them to recite His Signs to them and
purify them and teach them the Book and Wisdom,
even though before that they were clearly
misguided. (Surat al-Jumu'a: 2)
In one verse, Allah describes the Prophet (saas)'s
advice and warnings as "things that will bring one
to life":
You who believe! Respond to Allah and to the
Messenger when He calls you to what will bring you
to life! Know that Allah intervenes between a man
and his heart and that you will be gathered to Him.
(Surat al-Anfal: 24)
That is why the Prophet (saas)'s advice and
exhortations are unlike those of anyone else.
Abiding by these warnings is a means of salvation
in this world and the next. Each of the Prophet (saas)'s
exhortations are founded on wisdom that will save
people from evil, cruelty, pessimism and suffering.
Since all his advice is inspired and assured by
Allah, a sincere Muslim will surrender himself to
them and find faith.
The words of the Prophet (saas) that have come
down to us contain the excellent advice he gave to
the faithful. One example is the advice he gave to
his companion Muadh. It is reported that he spoke
thus:
"O Muadh, I advise you: fear Allah, speak the
truth, fulfil promise, pay up trust, give up breach
of trust, save your neighbour, show kindness to
orphans, be modest in talk, spread peace, do good
deeds, stick to faith, earn knowledge about the
Qur'an, love the next world, fear rendering of
accounts...
O Muadh, I forbid you: Don't tell a truthful man
liar, don't follow any sin, don't disobey a just
judge, and don't create disorder in land.
O Muadh, I give you instruction: Fear Allah
while passing by each stone, tree, and heaps of
earth. Make repentance anew after committing any
sin. Repent secretly for secret sin and openly for
open sin."17
That is how the Prophet (saas) educated those
close to him and Muslims, and called on them to
have good character.
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