January 2021
Obstacles In The Path Of Knowledge
All Praise is due to Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and Choicest Salutations upon His August Habib Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him.
I am sharing this brief note extracted from “Fadl al-Ilm wa al-Ulama”, the Blessed book by Aarife-Billah, ash-Shaykh al-Imam Naqi Ali al-Qadiri Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho on the Excellence of Knowledge and the Ulama. Here we will discuss some obstacles to the path of seeking knowledge. I humbly pray that this note will enlighten the hearts and encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to acquire the knowledge of Deen.
Firstly, The strong resistance from the cursed Shaytan.
Be aware that the most hated and dangerous thing to the Cursed Shaytan is the seeking of knowledge. Therefore, he uses all his powers and resources to stop a student from learning. The Shaytan puts the most Waswasa (interference) on a student of Din. No other deed or worship besides the seeking of knowledge experiences such as intensified opposition. The methods of combating these interferences are very simple. All the student has to do is remember all the Ayahs and Ahadith pertaining to the excellence of Ilm-e-Din and never pay attention to the obstruction of the evil Shaytan. Surely, an intelligent man will not give preference to the cursed Shaytan over the Bounties of the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.
Secondly, Carnal desires (Nafs) are very demanding.
It hates hardship and loves relaxing. But when one realises that this world (Duniya) is temporary and that the Hereafter (Akhirah) is the everlasting and original abode, then indeed, the hardship of seeking knowledge becomes a pleasure. One must realise that the hardship of seeking knowledge lasts for a very short period and its benefits and pleasures are limitless. As time passes and the student gets the taste of knowledge, he will develop such pleasure that he will never be at peace without reading a book. No matter where he goes or what he does, he will never be relaxed if he does not read a book on Din.
Thirdly, Association with the public.
In the inception, set out some time to study in privacy and as one progress in this field, one will develop the love of knowledge so much so that everything else will have no value.
Fourthly, Worldly fame and honour.
It is obvious that the seeker of worldly fame is never successful and fades away in time to come. Worldly fame and honour are of no comparison to the honour of the Hereafter. How unfortunate are those who seek knowledge for this world and discard the wealth and dignity of the Hereafter? Such people destroy themselves by thinking that they are successful.
On the contrary, those who give preference to Ilm-e-Din over worldly fame, the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala certainly blesses them with honour and integrity in both the worlds. Shaykh Abu-Aswad Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho states that there is no merit greater than knowledge. A King rules over the people and the Ulama rules over them. Have you not seen that rulers have no choice but to implement the verdicts of the Ulama when matters are brought to their courts?
Anyone who loves and appreciates knowledge will surely not give preference to the kingdom of the world over it. It is reported that a destitute went to a King for a job. The King said that he was ignorant and not fit to serve him. He left and humbled himself at the feet of Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho to study Ilm-e-Din. There, he learnt about the dangers of this world and harms of associating with Kings and the wealthy people. However, Imam Ghazali’s company and tutorship made him an intellectual celebrity. One day, the King called him and assessed his profound knowledge. He was overwhelmed and said: “Now you are worthy of my service. What post would you like to take up?” The ‘Aalim replied, “In the past, I was of no use to you and now you are of no use to me. Previously, you did not like me and now I do not like you.”
Fifthly, The greed of wealth.
It is obvious that the perishable wealth of this mundane world cannot be compared to the wealth of knowledge. When a man dies, his wealth does not accompany him to the grave, but the knowledge accompanies him to the grave and always assists him until he enters Jannah. Worldly wealth decreases when it is spent but knowledge increases when it is imparted. The wealthy have to protect his wealth while knowledge protects the Alim. Furthermore, Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala does not leave one a destitute if one gives preference to the seeking of knowledge over business and trade. Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho records in his Ihya al-Uloom,
One who develops understanding in Din, Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala protects him from depression and provides sustenance for him from places he cannot imagine of.
Sixthly, The destruction of wealth.
Man gets very worried and depressed when he thinks of his undetermined life span and shortage of time. Hence, he wrongfully deduces that knowledge is an ocean and one’s entire life span is too little to achieve it. This is absolute ignorance. No soul can reach the ultimate peak of perfection in knowledge in one’s lifetime, so much so that Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Commands His Beloved Rasool Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him
قُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْماً
Beloved Rasool, say, “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge”. [Surah Taha: 114]
Taking all this into account, there is still no seeker of knowledge that is deprived of honour and excellence. A sincere student of Ilm-e-Din will not experience embarrassment and failure. All the branches of Ilm-e-Din are certainly profitable no matter how little is acquired. The Hadith Sharif states that if a person dies whilst studying Ilm-e-Din and did not complete his course, he will be raised amongst the Ulama on the Day of Qiyamah. Another narration says that if a student of Din dies while studying, the Angels will complete his studies for him in his grave. Is this a small benefit that Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Divinely provides for the people of learning (Ulama)?
Seventh, Not to get a compassionate teacher (Ustaz).
This is of paramount importance to a successful student. Surely, one will not be able to achieve anything if the Ustaaz does not teach correctly. Nowadays, there are very few sincere teachers of Din that are dedicated to their students and this has greatly contributed to the dwindling number of good students.
Eighth, The concern for livelihood.
Eight obstructions are the most difficult one and this refers to obtain just enough to carry on with one’s daily needs. Always remember that extra is always extra. The greed for extra is generally found in every human. This greed for extra has destroyed many people. The last two obstructions are serious problems because if one does not get a compassionate teacher what can one benefit from him and if one does not get enough food to eat then how is one to concentrate on studies? Weakness and hunger are serious problems that cannot be controlled by a student. Therefore, it is very important for the wealthy to cater for the student.
Likewise, the financial contributions of generous Muslims to Islamic Institutes will certainly remove these problems. There are enormous virtues for the teachers and students of Din and even more so for those who financially keep these Institutes operational. The same will apply to those who encourage people to support such an institution. The Hadith Sharif states:
إِنَّ الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيرِ كَفَاعِلِهِ
Indeed, the promoter of virtue is like the virtuous. [Sunnah Tirmidhi, Hadith 2739]
Besides the above Hadith Sharif, there are numerous other Ahadith Sharif in the Siha-Sitta that speaks of the virtues on this subject. However, be mindful that the Thawab of actions varies according to situations and moments. Therefore, the status of the noble Sahaba Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho is so lofty because they promoted the Din and sacrificed their lives in the most difficult and volatile moments and situations in the history of Islam. Hence, if one promotes Ilm-e-Din in these distraught moments of poverty, one will certainly achieve more Thawab than the wealthy individuals and rich Kings of the past who promoted knowledge. This is so because firstly, the Kings had a great resource available and secondly, they lived in the era when Ilm-e-Din was well and alive, progressing day-by-day. The people too were very honourable and loved to study the Din.
A Sincere Request
Beloved Muslim brethren! Awaken from your dreams of fantasies and seek the knowledge of Din. This is your guide to success in the Hereafter. Why do you waste so much of time in fruitless activities in this temporary abode and pay no heed to the real success and salvation? Spend some time to acquire Ilm-e-Din so that you may distinguish between good and bad. Ignorance is no excuse in the Divine Court of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala. In fact, it is a sin on its own. This knowledge is helpful in all aspects of this world and the Hereafter. It will save you from embarrassment and humiliation. Spend some money and time to earn this great wealth. Do not wait for the last moment before you think of studying. It will be useless!!
Extracted From
The excellence of Knowledge and the Ulama by Mufti Naqi Ali al-Qadiri
English Translation by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Hadi al-Qadiri
Bheek Mangna Kesa Ha
Arrogance And Racism
We are told in the last sermon of our prophet(saw) to: “Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things”.
Mankind’s softest spot where Satan can easily attack is our Ego (kibr). What the Quran and hadith say about it.
“One does not enter Jannah (paradise) who has in his heart a mustard seed’s weight of Kibr”.(ahadith)
Kibr (ego, pride) is rejecting the truth and belittling people.”
.Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful [Quran 4:36]
“And do not turn your nose up to people, nor walk pridefully upon the earth. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful. [31:18]
Without a doubt, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. He certainly does not like those who are too proud. [16:23]
…So Today you will be rewarded with the torment of disgrace for your arrogance throughout the land with no right, and for your rebelliousness “[46:20]
I will turn away from My signs those who act unjustly with arrogance in the land. And even if they were to see every sign, they still would not believe in them. If they see the Right Path, they will not take it. But if they see a crooked path, they will follow it. This is because they denied Our signs and were heedless of them. [Quran 7:146]
Racism
The following scene took place on a BA flight betweenJohannesburg and London. A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black man.
Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess. Madam, what is the matter, the hostess Asked
You obviously do not see it then? she responded. You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat.
Be calm please, the hostess replied. Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another place is available. The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.
Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the economy class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is also no seat in the business class. All the same, we still have one place in the first class.
Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued. It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the economy class to sit in the first-class, However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting.
She turned to the black guy and said. Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please take your hand luggage because a seat awaits you in the first class. At the moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood.
Ahadeeth on ASSABIYYAH (nationalism, tribalism, racism etc.)
“He is not of us if he calls to assabiyyah, and he is not one of us if he fights for the sake of assabiyyah, and not one of us if he dies on assabiyyah.”
Everyone shall taste death…this life is a period of trials and tests then we shall return to (Allah) to get what we deserve: Paradise or Hell.
He (Allah) has created death and life, that He may test which of you is the best in deeds. He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving. [Quraan 67:2]
Madina Munawara Ko Yasrab Kehnay Ka Sharai Hukum
The Clash Between Our Children’s Goals and Our Goals For Them
“Nineteen-year-old college student commits suicide because he received a C in Biology.”
Although this was not an actual headline, it could have been. Over the years, we have seen suicides by students for similar reasons. Japan has the highest suicide rate among students and it’s all related to not getting high enough scores on this or that. Harvard University also has a good reputation for suicide students due to high expectations and pressure on the students.
Parent’ Expectations
Parents often have very high academic and career expectations for their children, which some children cannot live up to. Unfortunately, in some societies concern about disappointing one’s parents is a tragedy the student cannot deal with, so he kills himself.
I remember an engineering student who lived next door to me when I was in college. He used to study all of the time, and it was rare to see him. Once I told him that he must love engineering to work so hard for it. He said that he didn’t really want to be an engineer, but that’s what his parents wanted him to be. He really wanted to be a photographer.
Children’s Interests
This is not an uncommon situation. A child has a field of study that he is interested in, but the parent has a totally different goal for him. The child wants to be an artist; his parents want him to go to med school and become a doctor. The child wants to be a political scientist; his parents want him to be an engineer. This clash seems to be especially prevalent in immigrant Muslim families.
In some cases, the parents mean well. They want their children to work in a profession in which they have a good chance of succeeding economically. They feel that the social sciences and arts, in general, do not offer as much potential for financial success as do engineering, medicine, business, and law. And they are right. However, many young people do not place the same priority on getting a high salary as their parents do. They might be more interested in a lower-paying career that matches their interests or that provides spiritual, emotional, psychological, or social rewards, rather than monetary ones.
All Halal Occupations are Honorable in Islam
Unfortunately, many parents may want their children to work in a highly paid and prestigious field because of social snobbery or as a form of competition with their friends and relatives whose children may be studying or working in a prestigious field. In Living With Teenagers: A Guide for Muslim Parents, Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood writes:
“Sometimes parents are rather snobbish—they only tend to think in terms of the highly paid, skilled salaried jobs for their offspring. Whereas it is true that Islam encourages every person to seek the most knowledge that they can and to aim as high as they can, any social snobbery is totally against the spirit of Islam, which gives dignity to every honorable employment, no matter how lowly.
Parents have therefore to watch out that they do not push him or her above their capabilities. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, taught that there is no room in Islam for snobbery. The man who works as a simple porter or road-sweeper has as much right to his dignity as the manager of a great business concern (particularly in this age when the manager is deeply immersed in banking and interest transactions which are forbidden). What counts is honesty, and the attitude to the work one is doing.
Since society needs rubbish collectors just as much as brain surgeons, nobody needs regard any useful employment as being beneath them—the prophet Dawud was a shepherd and a metalworker, Nuh and Isa were carpenters, and Musa was a shepherd, peace be upon them, and Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was a trader. Islam actually gave dignity to many professions which people had previously considered lowly and degrading, including, incidentally, being a housewife.”
Luxury without Charity is discouraged in Islam
Although many parents push their children to study medicine, law, or engineering so that they will get a financially rewarding job when they graduate, many other jobs can adequately support a family. The family might not be rich, but it can have its needs met. Moreover, in Islam, even Muslims who have excess money are not encouraged to live lives of luxury. Rather, they are encouraged to help those in need with their excess money, and Muslims who are rich have an even greater responsibility to help others.
These jobs, as long as they are halal and do not involve the person in haram activities, have as much dignity as the higher paid, more prestigious jobs. So unless parents have better reasons than higher pay and more prestige, why should they pressure their children into pursuing careers that they are not interested in?
Important for Parents to Consider Children’s Interests
As previously mentioned, there is also some danger in pushing one’s child into a field of study he has no interest in or which may be beyond his capabilities. Not everyone is meant to be a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. To pressure the child into studying something that is not really for him could merely ensure his failure at it, which might also be followed by shame, depression, low self-esteem, rebellion, frustration, and even suicide.
Muslim Ummah Needs People of Diverse Occupations
In addition, the Muslim Ummah needs people to work in a variety of other professions, such as social work, nursing, psychology, auto repair, farming, and education. Muslim leaders have long complained about the lack of Muslims pursuing careers in the media. Although in recent years, there seems to have been an increase in Muslims going into these fields, Muslims are still in no position to compete with non-Muslim media. America should be flooded with high-quality Islamic publications and radio and television broadcasts. But still, only a small number of Muslims are going into media occupations.
A Career: More than Financial Security
In the past, just having a job and being able to support oneself and one’s family was essential. People often went into the same profession as their father. A farmer’s son became a farmer. A carpenter’s son became a carpenter. Opportunities to advance or to go into a field of one’s choice were quite rare. Today, we have a totally different situation. People have a much greater choice in the career they pursue. A career is no longer just a means of financially supporting one’s family; it is a major part of one’s life. To be trapped in a career one hates can be very difficult. To have a job one loves and enjoys can be one of life’s great joys.
Career choice has become a controversial issue in many families.
Although many children may one day appreciate their parents’ insistence that they study engineering or medicine, others may always wish that they had gone into the field “they” wanted rather than the field “their parents” wanted them to. But the real question is not whether the children will one day appreciate their parents’ pressures to go into a certain career or whether they will resent them, the real question is whether or not the parents were right or wrong to pressure them into it in the first place.
All praises and thanks be to Allah, Lord of everything that exists. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.Master of the Day of Judgment You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Way The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor those who went astray. Ameen
- January, 5
- 637
- Human Rights
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Kamyabi Ka Zirya – Ataat E Rasool (SAW)
A Need For Prophet’s Traditions
To deal with this topic it is necessary to know the position of the Prophet in Islam (peace be upon him), because the indispensability of Ahadith depends upon the position of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Analyzing the problem we can visualize three possibilities:
1. The duty of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was only to convey the message, and nothing more was required from him.
2. He had not only to convey the message but also to act upon it and to explain it. But all that was for the specified period, and after his death, the Qur’an is sufficient to guide humanity.
3. No doubt he had to convey the divine message, but it was also his duty to act upon it and to explain it to the people. His actions and explanations are a source of guidance forever. His sayings, actions, practices, and explanations are a source of light for every Muslim of every age.
Muslim scholars are of the unanimous view that only the third point is the correct assessment of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) position in Islam. The Qur’an contains dozens of reminders of the important position of the Prophet (peace be upon him). For instance, the Qur’an says:
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad, peace be upon him) you have a good example for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
According to this verse, every Muslim is bound to have a good example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as an ideal in life. In another verse, he has been made a hakam (judge) for the Muslims by Allah Almighty. No one remains Muslim if he does not accept the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) decisions and judgments as explained in Surah Al-Nisaa‚ (4:65).
The Qur’an is very clear in expressing its view on the position of the Prophet (peace be upon him). According to the Qur’an, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has four capacities, and he must be obeyed in every capacity. He is mu’allim wa murabbi (teacher and educator); he explains the Book; he is a judge; and he is a ruler. In all these capacities, he is an ideal example for the Muslims. I am quoting a few verses of the Qur’an just to give a hint of this topic:
Indeed, Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur’an), and purifying them (from sins by following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur’an) and Al-Hikma [the wisdom and sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him], while, before that, they had been in manifest error. (Aal Imran 3:164)
O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him), and those of you (Muslims) who are authority among you. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. (An-Nisaa‚ 4:59)
In all these verses, the Qur’an has explained various aspects of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) personality. One can judge the importance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from these verses. I am reminded of another important verse of the Qur’an, which is actually a verdict against those who do not believe in Ahadith as an authentic source of law:
And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him), after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him Hell – what an evil destination! (An-Nisaa‚ 4:115)
The Qur’an, while pressing the Muslims to obey the Prophet (peace be upon him), goes a step further when it announces that the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is above all the limitations of time and space. He is the Last Prophet (peace be upon him) and is a Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) for the whole of humanity for all time to come. Ahadith is nothing but a reflection of the personality of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who is to be obeyed at every cost.
Dr. Hamidullah in his book, Introduction to Islam, explains: “The importance of Ahadith is increased for the Muslim by the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only taught but took the opportunity of putting his teachings into practice in all the important affairs of life. He lived for 23 years after his appointment as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He endowed his community with a religion, which he scrupulously practiced himself. He founded a state, which he administered as the supreme head, maintaining internal peace and order, heading armies for external defense, judging and deciding the litigations of his subjects, punishing the criminals, and legislating in all walks of life. He married and left a model of family life. Another important fact is that he did not declare himself to be above the ordinary law which he imposed on others. His practice was not mere private conduct, but a detailed interpretation and application of his teachings.
Tilawat Quran Pak
Twelve Proofs That Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) Is A True Prophet
My brothers and sisters everywhere! with this essay, I am not singling out the adherents of Islam – to which I ascribe- but rather I am writing this essay to every man and woman throughout the whole world. I ask Allah that He facilitates that this essay reaches every ear, falls under the sight of every eye, and is understood by every heart… Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) the son of `Abdullah is Allah’s Prophet and the Final Messenger Sent by Allah to the Inhabitants of Earth.
My brothers and sisters everywhere! You should know that the Messenger, Muhammad the son of `Abdullah (s.a.w.s.) is Allah’s Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that shows his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.
Among these proofs:
1. Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)with the Qur’an that we now have between our hands. This Qur’an mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moosa (a.s.w.s.) and in the Gospel sent down to Eesa (a.s.w.s.). Neither the Jews nor Christians were able to believe him regarding anything that he said.
2. Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) foretold as if he was reading the future from an open book.
3. Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) also brought an Arabic Qur’an that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Qur’an challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Qur’an. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Qur’an.
Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty, and splendor of this Glorious Qur’an.
4. The life history of this Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.
5. Allah instilled a great love for Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother, or father for him.
Till today, those who believe in Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) honor and love him. Any one of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.
6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), who is the most influential human in history.
Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.
7. Nor has there ever been a man on earth who is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him.
Those who believe in Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.
Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) adhere to the teachings he spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life.
During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet’s way in his personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments that the Messenger liked.
Let alone all that, all those who believe in Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he would say during each of his actions during day and night, like what he would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and waking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.
Let alone all that, all those who believe in Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) fully perform-even to the minute detail-every act of worship like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage-as this Noble Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) taught and as he himself performed.
All of this allows those who believe in him, to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) as their example, as if he was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.
8. There has never been nor will there ever be a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters-small and large alike-as has this Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).
9. Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) has been followed by individuals from all races, colors, and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidence of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.
Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet (s.a.w.s.), chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following this Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.). Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion.
My brethren! All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was truly and really Allah’s messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.
10. With all this, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) came with a great religion in its credal and legal make-up.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers nor the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness; Who has subdued the creation; Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large; and Who possesses such perfect mercy.
Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy, and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) brought for all spheres of human activity – like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.
11. It is impossible that any person conceives wisdom, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) brought.
In a full and complete manner, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one’s parents, relatives, friends, family, humanity, animals, plants, and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching.
All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) did not bring any of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.
12. The legal and credal make-up of the religion that the Messenger, Muhammad, (s.a.w.s.) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion.
The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner, humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah’s law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).
Shaykh `Abdul Rahman `Abdul Khaliq
- January, 1
- 765
- Prophet Character
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