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The Prophet As A Man – Showing Best Manners

Food represents one of the most common activities in human life. It is essential for survival. People go to great lengths to ensure that they and their families have enough food. Moreover, eating is associated with social activities. People invite relatives, friends and neighbors to a meal. They are keen to offer them the best they can have. Moreover, eating together becomes a social function in which certain manners and practices are observed. People often speak of table manners, indicating that those who observe them are refined people, well brought up and deserve respect and friendship. On the other hand, people who lack table manners are considered as vulgar and uncouth.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has taught us the best of manners in every situation. His teachings were often by example. However, he added instructions to ensure that people observed the right manners. For example, people in high position of authority were used to have a rich variety of foods spread before them. They would recline and eat at leisure. This used to be the mark of affluence and power. The Prophet made clear that he would have nothing of that. He is quoted to have said : “I do not recline and eat.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others.) Ubayy ibn Kaab, a close companion of the Prophet famous for his fine recitation of the Qur’an, reports: “The Prophet used to sit on his knees when he ate. He never reclined when eating.” (Related by Abu Al-Shaykh)

For most of his life, the Prophet lived in poverty. He never complained. Prior to his marriage to lady Khadeejah, he lived in his uncle’s home, Abu Talib, who was poor. However, there always seemed to be enough food to go round. Khadeejah was rich and the Prophet worked in conducting her business. He was living comfortably. After her death and for most of the time until his death, he was poor. Sometimes, he might not find food for his family’s needs. He would be patient until God’s help was forthcoming. Thus the Prophet experienced all the problems of poverty. Therefore, when he had plenty, he did not forget the times of need, and he always remained kind to the poor.

Don’t You Know How To Cook?

BURSTING over food not cooked to our taste is a sin that few escape. Extreme fury and anger, mostly with spouses, is expressed with rejecting food and refusing to eat, undermining this great blessing many are deprived of.

Yes, mistakes happen. The wife may have forgotten to add salt.

In such situations, we ought to be patient, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was when his wives cooked food he didn’t like. He sat, and said nothing at all, nor did he eat from it.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary from Riyad-us-Saliheen: “This Hadith throws light on the Prophet’s excellent manners which ought to be followed by all Muslims.

It is a deplorable state of affairs that when we find a dish a bit unsavory, we lose our temper and create quite a scene in the house.”

Another important aspect is not hurting someone’s feeling. He or she might have exerted so much effort in cooking that for us. Positive and encouraging statements are more helpful in correcting people than hurting their feelings.

Prophet Shu’aib (Alaih Assalaam)

Allah has sent a prophet to every people. Prophet Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) was sent to the people of Madyan. These people, who were merchants and traders, were also called forest dwellers because they lived near a thick forest.

Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) said to them: You should pray to Allah Who has created you. You should not cheat other people who come to buy from you.

But the forest dwellers did not listen to Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam). They wanted to earn more money, and they earned more by cheating their customers. So they went on doing it. What was more, they refused to believe what Shu’aib (Alaih Assalaam) told them. Get out of our town or we will throw stones at you, the forest dwellers threatened. If what you say is true, then we would have been punished long ago. We don’t believe you and we are not going to worship Allah. We are not afraid of His punishment.

It did not take long for Allah’s punishment to come to them. They all died in one day from a terrible earthquake. The large amounts of money which they had gained and collected could not help them at all. So their cheating was punished and it had done them no good at all to demand high prices and get rich quickly.
When the town was destroyed, Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) and his companions who believed in Allah were saved. As the forest dwellers died, Shu’aib(Alaih Assalaam) said to them: I have always reminded you to pray to Allah and I have warned you not to cheat other people. Now Allah has punished you!

 

Requirements Of A Good Business

When the term ‘good business’ is mentioned, people are most likely to think of the sort of business that brings handsome profit to the seller. From the buyer’s point of view, good business means getting good value for money. Islam, however, brings in a sense of moral values into business, even when we speak of normal daily shopping. The Qur’an and the Prophet (peace be upon him) have laid down certain principles that must apply to business, so that the two parties of a deal and the community make good returns.

Two such principles are highlighted in the following short Hadith: Hakeem ibn Hazam quotes the Prophet as saying: “The two parties to a sale continue to have a choice unless they part. If they are truthful and state things clearly, their deal is blessed. If they suppress information and lie, all blessing is removed from their deal.” (Related by Al-Bukhari).

The first principle the Prophet points out here is that both the buyer and seller should have the choice to go through with a deal or not. The choice remains open until they part. Neither should be rushed before he is fully satisfied that the deal is sound. Thus, neither is taken unaware and neither tries to trick or cheat the other.

The other principle is that both should be truthful in what they say concerning the goods they are exchanging. If the seller is aware of a defect in what he is selling, it is unlawful for him to sell it without pointing out the fact to the buyer. On the other hand, the buyer should not be knowingly giving false information in order to pay a lesser price. Both must stick to the truth. This ensures that the deal is blessed and both will benefit by it. A good example of this requirement is the case reported of Imam Abu Haneefah, who had a business selling clothes. A woman customer said to him: ‘I am not well off, and I trust you. Sell me this garment for what constitutes no loss to you.’ He said: ‘Take it for four dirhams’. That was far below the normal price. Hence the woman asked whether he was making fun of her. He told her that he was not, adding: ‘This is one of two identical garments. I sold the first for what I paid for both minus four dirhams. So four dirhams will give me my money back’. Had Abu Haneefah asked for 20 dirhams, the woman would have thought she got the garment at a very good price. He would have justified the difference as his compensation for the effort and time he put in the deal. But the woman asked him to give it to her at no loss to himself. Hence his answer. The deal was certainly blessed for both of them, as the Prophet mentions.

The first principle of choice being open to both parties gives ‘parting’ as the point at which the deal is complete. Scholars differ as to whether what is meant is physical parting or differing in what they say. Those who say that it is physical maintain that if the deal is made, with both parties expressing agreement, and they go their separate ways, the deal must be honored. This does not preclude the possibility of going back on it if a defect is discovered, or if a condition is not met. The other view is that parting means that agreement is expressed by both parties. If one agrees and the other does not, the choice remains open.
– By  ADIL SALAHI

Healthy Living Taught By The Prophet

Health is the most important aspect of human life; without it we cannot function well. Today we have made material progress and technological advancement, but the world is widespread with an increasing number of diseases. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many aspects of healthy living which Allah ordered him to teach mankind. He himself enjoyed good health.

The Prophet (peace be upon him)) prescribed black seeds (habbas-sawda), which he said is a cure for all diseases except death. It is true that if we take a few black seeds in the morning we are protected from many diseases – to mention only a few: coughs, colds, arthritis, nausea, constipation etc. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said olive oil is a cure for many diseases which is quite true as has been proved by medical standards. One tbsp. of olive oil daily in the morning overcomes pains in the joints and lessens the risk of heart attack. In the Qur’an Allah prescribed honey as a cure for mankind, which is so true. If we take honey at breakfast we are protected from many diseases, for example, coughs, colds, asthma and depression etc. We should make sure the honey is pure. If we apply it to our eyes we do not need glasses.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly ate dates, which has been proved by medical standards to contain all the nutrients of a well-balanced diet. It is very energizing as well, and we know from the Prophet Muhammad s life that he was always energetic. He relished goat s milk, which is very low in fat and is a cure for many diseases. Moreover he was very fond of all milk, drank himself and presented to others. Drinking milk reduces the risk of heart attacks as has been established by medical standards. He used to put honey in it and drink it which too is very energizing. Then he didn t have milk, he used to put honey in water and drink it which is also very energizing.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited the intake of pork as enjoined by Allah, as it is not healthy to eat its meat because it feeds on dirt which causes many diseases. In the Qur an it is also forbidden to use intoxicants which are not healthy as has been proved by medical standards. Even occasional drinking of wine causes migraine headaches.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended using the miswak regularly, which keeps the teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is a cure for thyroid problems too, if we use it in the interior teeth and gums.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended sleeping early, night after Ishaa prayer, as early night sleep promotes health. He enjoined us to wake up early, as the early morning sunlight is beneficial for health and cures many diseases. He also advised to rest in the afternoon after lunch, which refreshes us and now most workers in the U.S.A. are demanding break in the afternoon for short naps as they say the Mediterranean naps refresh them and they have a better input to continue work instead of increase in wages.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to wash after relieving oneself, which protects us from many diseases. He also ordered use left hand for washing afterwards since it protects us from becoming a carrier of many diseases. He recommended clipping the nails, which also keeps us from becoming a carrier of many diseases.

If we follow all the above mentioned recommendations we can lead more healthy lives, which will be very fulfilling for us and the people around us, as was practiced and enjoined by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Cleanliness and personal hygiene was taught and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He taught us to clean our teeth and wash ourselves by performing ablution before prayers, which protects us from many diseases. Cataract of the eyes develops due to air pollution, so doctors recommend washing the eyes after exposure from outside or workplaces to avoid cataract from developing. If we follow all these health points preached and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him), we can lead more healthy and fruitful lives.

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam)

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family lived among very evil and disobedient people. These people did many things which Allah had forbidden. So Allah commanded Lut (Alaih Assalaam) to tell them: You must stop doing evil and believe in Allah. Allah has sent me to warn you of a terrible punishment that is going to befall you if you do not obey Him.

But people refused to listen to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). They even laughed at him because he would not join them in doing evil deeds.

One day, some visitors came to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). The evil people wanted to capture his visitors and harm them. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) was very afraid that he would not be able to protect his guests. But to Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s surprise and relief, the visitors said: You need not be frightened. Those evil-doers cannot harm us. For we are messengers of Allah. We have come from Allah to tell you to take your family and leave this town at night. None of you should try to turn and look back or stay behind. Only those who go without looking back will be saved.
Lut (Alaih Assalaam) knew at once that the visitors were indeed Allah’s angels. They had come so that Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family could escape and be safe, for Allah was going to punish the evil-doers of that town. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family, however, had believed in Allah and prayed to Him. Therefore they were to be saved.

At once, Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family got ready and left their house at night when it was dark, so that the evil people would not see them. But then, just as they were leaving, Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s wife turned back and stayed behind. She refused to believe in Allah and was also disobedient. So she was not saved from punishment and death when Allah sent down a rain of fire and stones. All the houses in the town were destroyed and the disobedient people perished in the rain of fire and stones.

Only Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and the rest of his family were rescued, and they praised and thanked Allah for having saved them.

They Never Look At Him In The Eye

Rights of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are the most important, after the rights of Allah. There is no human who has more rights than the Prophet. Allah said, what translated means:

“Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you assist and honor him (Muhammad)…” (Qur’an, 48:8-9)

Therefore, love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be more than one’s love for himself, his children, family, and worldly possessions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, what translated means: “None of you will reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children, parents and all humans.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has many rights. Respect and appreciation for him should be observed in the best manner. Respecting the Prophet includes respect for and adherence to his Sunnah after his death. Due rights should be accoded to the Prophet without exaggeration. When one reads how the companions used to love and respect the Prophet, one knows the importance of this matter. When Quraish (the Prophet’s tribe) sent Urwa Bin Mas’ud to negotiate with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Hudaibiyya, he was greatly impressed by how the companions treated the Prophet. He said, “I have visited the kings of Persia, Rome and Abyssinia, but I have not seen any leader more revered and respected by his people than Muhammad.

If he ordered them to do anything, they do it promptly delay. If he performs Wudhu (washing up for prayer) they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never look at him in the eye, out of respect.” This is how the Prophet (peace be upon him) was treated by his companions. He was Allah’s Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of conduct ever.

The rights of the Prophet include compliance with and submission to his orders and believing in what he informed us of the past and future happenings. When a Muslim wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that he Prophet’s way is the best way. Believing in the Prophet includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion. Allah said, what translated means:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (Qur’an, 4:65), and, “Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you love Allah then you follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 3:31)

To defend the religion of the Prophet is one of his rights upon believers. Defending the religion can be done by using arms, speech and writings. To ignore attacks on the Prophet (peace be upon him) or on his religion is impermissible for Muslims. Muslims must strive to prevent, in the best manner, attacks on the Prophet’s character or on any aspect of his religion, which is the best religion sent to mankind.

– By Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen

Grateful For Every Kindness

It was customary for the Arabs in Makkah when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born that they sent their newborn children to some Bedouins where the young ones were breast-fed by wet nurses. They felt that spending the first few years in a desert environment ensured that the child would grow up physically and mentally strong. Indications suggest that Makkah suffered some infectious diseases, and its people felt that children would be spared such diseases in the desert’s open air. We have a detailed story of how the young Muhammad ended up with Haleemah, his Bedouin wet nurse. We need only mention that Haleemah and her family were most delighted to have him, feeling that the young child brought some subtle blessing into their life. Hence, after he was weaned, Haleemah begged Aminah, the Prophet’s mother, to allow her to keep him for some more time. This was agreed, and most probably Muhammad stayed with Haleemah until he was five years of age.

In normal cases, when a child spends the first few years of life with carers who are not of his own family, living away from his hometown, it is not expected that relations with such carers would be maintained into his adult life without an effort by both parties. Nor would it be expected that he would look at those days of his childhood with tenderness. Most of us remember very little of our early years. Besides, Haleemah and her people lived in the desert, while Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent the rest of his life in Makkah, except for his last ten years when he lived in Madinah. Yet we read that in his adult life, Muhammad showed genuine gratitude to those very people.

How To Deal With Food We Don’t Like

BURSTING over food not cooked to our taste is a sin that few escape. Extreme fury and anger, mostly with spouses, is expressed with rejecting food and refusing to eat, undermining this great blessing many are deprived of.

Yes, mistakes happen. The wife may have forgotten to add salt. In such situations, we ought to be patient, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was when his wives cooked food he didn’t like.

Abu Hurairah reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Or he would say, “I do not feel like eating this.” (Al-Bukhari, no. 5076, and Muslim no. 1946)

Sometimes he would praise the food, as when he asked his family for food, and they said, “We have nothing but vinegar.” He asked for it and started to eat it, saying, “What a good food is vinegar.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2052)

These Ahadith throw light on the Prophet’s excellent manners which ought to be followed by all Muslims. It is a deplorable state of affairs that when we find a dish a bit unsavory, we lose our temper and create quite a scene in the house.

Another important aspect is not hurting your wife’s feeling. He or she might have exerted so much efforts in cooking that for us. Positive and encouraging statements are more helpful in correcting people than hurting their feelings.

On Salah

NARRATED Abu Dhar (Allah be pleased with him): Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said, “While I was at Makkah the roof of my house was opened and Gabriel descended, opened my chest, and washed it with Zam-Zam water. Then he brought a golden tray full of wisdom and faith and having poured its contents into my chest, he closed it. Then he took my hand and ascended with me to the nearest heaven. When I reached the nearest heaven, Gabriel said to the gatekeeper of the heaven, ‘Open (the gate).’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel answered: ‘Gabriel.’ He asked, ‘Is there anyone with you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad  is with me.’ He asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel said, ‘Yes.’ So the gate was opened and we went over the nearest heaven and there we saw a man sitting with some people on his right and some on his left. When he looked towards his right, he laughed and when he looked toward his left he wept. Then he said, ‘Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is he?’ He replied, ‘He is Adam and the people on his right and left are the souls of his offspring. Those on his right are the people of Paradise and those on his left are the people of Hell and when he looks towards his right he laughs and when he looks towards his left he weeps.’

Then he ascended with me till he reached the second heaven and he (Gabriel) said to its gatekeeper, ‘Open (the gate).’ The gatekeeper said to him the same as the gatekeeper of the first heaven had said and he opened the gate. Anas said: “Abu Dhar added that the Prophet met Adam, Idris, Moses, Jesus and Abraham. He (Abu Dhar) did not mention on which heavens they were but he mentioned that he (the Prophet) met Adarn on the nearest heaven and Abraham on the sixth heaven. Anas said, “When Gabriel along with the Prophet passed by Idris, the latter said, ‘Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.’ The Prophet asked, ‘Who is he?’ Gabriel replied, ‘He is Idris.” The Prophet added, “I passed by Moses and he said, ‘Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is he?’ Gabriel replied, ‘He is Moses.’ Then I passed by Jesus and he said, ‘Welcome! O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ I asked, ‘Who is he?’ Gabriel replied, ‘He is Jesus.

Then I passed by Abraham and he said, ‘Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is he?’ Gabriel replied, ‘He is Abraham. The Prophet added, ‘Then Gabriel ascended with me to a place where I heard the creaking of the pens.” Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik said: The Prophet said, “Then Allah enjoined 50 prayers on my followers when I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, ‘What has Allah enjoined on your followers?’ I replied, ‘He has enjoined 50 prayers on them.’ Moses said, ‘Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it.’ (So I went back to Allah and requested for reduction) and He reduced it to half. When I passed by Moses again and informed him about it, he said, ‘Go back to your Lord as your followers will not be able to bear it.’ So I returned to Allah and requested for further reduction and half of it was reduced. I again passed by Moses and he said to me: ‘Return to your Lord, for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I returned to Allah and He said, ‘These are five prayers and they are all (equal to) 50 (in reward) for My Word does not change.’ I returned to Moses and he told me to go back once again. I replied, ‘Now I feel shy of asking my Lord again.’ Then Gabriel took me till we reached Sidrat-il-Muntaha (the utmost boundry) which was shrouded in colors, indescribable. Then I was admitted into Paradise where I found small (tents or) walls (made) of pearls and its earth was of musk.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 345.