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Category: Prophet Character

The Prophet Among His Family Members

Muhammad the last Prophet and Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is the exemplary character that all Muslims must emulate. His way is the straight path that a Muslim has to follow in order to succeed in this world and in the hereafter.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) despite being the Messenger of Allah, was a human being, and therefore he did and said things which even ordinary people can easily understand and follow. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had exemplary patience, a capacity to bear hardship and ability to forgive the erring people, especially the ones who ever ‘wronged’ him in one way or the other.

He also had the ability to be steadfast and resolute in the face of persecution. He kept his promises, fought bravely when attacked, was generous in giving, content with what he had, honest, clean-hearted, kind and compassionate. He always worshiped Allah in sincerity, behaved with people in a humane manner, loved children and respected the womenfolk. In sum, in him was Uswa Hasana, the exemplary character: The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the finest human being.

Men are judged in many ways. But the best scale to judge the character of a man is to see how good he is to the members of his family, especially to his wife. Because husband and wife know each other in a way that others, even parents cannot. A wife knows even those aspects of man’s personality that he can hide from others. This is the reason that a wife’s testimony about her husband’s character is regarded as the most authentic.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira, he naturally became a bit apprehensive. In such a state of mind he went to no one but to his wife. And what Khadijah told him enumerating his good qualities is remarkable indeed. Imam Bukhari has narrated this story in the beginning of his magnum opus, Sahih, because it contains Khadijah’s testimony about the character and personality of the Prophet (peace be upon him). And this testimony has come from a woman who was witness to even those aspects of the Prophet’s life that others were not in a position to know.

It would, therefore, be rewarding to know as to how the Prophet (peace be upon him) behaved with his wives? It just so happens that people forget the real message or miss the spirit of the message and take their cultural habits as real things, even give them precedence and superiority over matters which are more essential. This is truer about our attitude towards women than anything else. Over the centuries, we have developed an attitude which deprives women even of the rights that the Holy Qur’an had given them. Women have all the rights to get educated and contribute to the welfare of the Ummah in befitting manners.

But we, the Muslims, have confined them within the four walls of their homes and do not do enough for their proper education. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had made it compulsory for both Muslim men and women to acquire knowledge. The Ummah must introspect and think what it has done so far for educating half of its population.

When we study the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we discover to our amazement that he was as much eager to teach women as he was about his male companions. Women were free to approach the Prophet (peace be upon him) and seek guidance from him. He never thought of them as a source of evil as some people think so today, and consequently deprive them of the opportunities that they deserve to have as a matter of right.

Some Muslims are harsh even toward their wives despite clear Islamic injunctions against such a treatment of women. Some think that being lenient to one’s children and wife is tantamount to spoiling them, and hence they never have fun or play with them. It would be advisable here to recount how the Prophet (peace be upon him) lived and behaved with his wives.

Prophet Nuh: Epitome Of Sincerity

It seems quite unbelievable to read in the Qur’an that one of the first Prophets of Allah, Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him), preached to the nation to which he was sent as messenger, for no less than 950 years! During that time, thousands of years ago, human beings were physically stronger and lived much longer than us.

Nuh’s sincerity in conveying the message of Allah to his people has been testified to and exemplified in the Qur’an as Allah positively mentions his tireless efforts of da’wah.

In today’s fast-paced world of instant results and immediate gratification, even da’ees towards Allah can get impatient if they do not see their da’wah yielding quick results. They want people to repent and reform themselves immediately, and start practicing Islam as a complete faith and lifestyle in the blink of an eye.

We question the acceptability and effectiveness of efforts, if we do not see clearly visible, positive results. Prophet Nuh, however, preached for 950 years in different ways, yet his people persistently rejected his call and continued in disbelief and transgression. Only few accepted his da’wah.

In a chapter named after him, Surah Nuh, Allah narrates to us in detail Prophet Nuh’s earnest du’a and complaint to Allah about his people’s rejection. From his plea, we get to know of his sincere efforts:

Incentive of forgiveness
Prophet Nuh started preaching to his people with the precursory requirement: giving them the hope that Allah will forgive their sins and grant them further respite in the world to be able to do righteous deeds. He invited them to worship Allah alone and be conscious of Him, and obey him, as he was Allah’s appointed messenger.

Increase in provisions
He promised his people that sincere repentance, which means giving up evil deeds and obeying Allah, results in an increase in provision. He promised them that Allah would bless them with rain, which meant an abundance in food: grains, fruit and crops. He also promised them that Allah would bless them with all kinds of material wealth and “sons” i.e. progeny, thriving families and an overall flourishing community of large numbers. He said Allah would also grow forth for them lush gardens and flowing rivers.

Prophet Nuh thus used the example of worldly blessings, which human beings long for and which is entirely in Allah’s Hands, to invite his people to come back to the Straight Path, the path of monotheism.

Reflection over Allah’s creation
Prophet Nuh asked his people why they did not recognize Allah’s Greatness. He invited them to contemplate on the magnificent creation of Allah – how He created humans in grades or stages (within the womb and after birth); how Allah created the seven skies one upon the other; the moon in the skies as a light; and the sun as a lamp. Thousands of years ago, human beings lived closer to nature, living primarily as agriculturalists, and they witnessed the signs of creation all the time.

Man’s origin and his end
One of the best and truthful ways to convince human beings to repent to Allah, worship Him and obey Him, is to remind them of their imminent return to dust after death. Prophet Nuh told his people that Allah created us from earth and that is where everyone would eventually return after death. He gave the example of vegetation – it grows and then withers down.

Nuh further described the way Allah spread out the earth for human beings to dwell in without congestion and with wide, open pathways to travel in.

After doing everything he could, Prophet Nuh complained to Allah that he called his nation to the right path at all times – day and night, publicly and privately, and he left no stone untouched. Yet, each time, they rejected his call due to arrogance, stuffing their fingers in their ears, turning away with their clothes covering their heads.

In the end of Surah Nuh, Prophet Nuh pleads to Allah for his own forgiveness and that of the believing men and women. After giving sincere, relentless da’wah for 950 years, he asks Allah to wipe out his disbelieving people in such a way that not a single one of them is left. Because of their deep-rooted polytheistic beliefs and arrogance, he pleaded to Allah that even if one of them is left alive he would lead others astray and give birth to none but a wicked disbeliever!

Perhaps a whole surah was dedicated to Prophet Nuh’s da’wah efforts because its message serves as an enlightening beacon for all modern da’ees to Islam. Patience, sincerity, eloquence, persistence, intelligent use of proofs and signs, diversity of techniques, and wisdom are all necessary qualities of a representative of Allah who wishes to give the due of the Divinely-ordained task of calling humankind back to the obedience and worship of their Creator.

The Prophet’s Morals

Allah gifted His Messenger (peace be upon him) with all sublime morals. In this context, Almighty Allah says: And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character (68:4).

On his part, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “I was sent (by Allah) to perfect the sublime morals.”

`A’ishah (Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet (peace be upon him), saying, “His morals were the morals of the Qur’an.”

He (peace be upon him) had the best morals among people. He used to say, “O Lord! As You have beautified my image, so beautify my morals.” Furthermore, he used to supplicate to Allah, saying, “O Lord! I seek refuge in You from miserliness, hypocrisy, and bad morals.”

Following are some of his characteristics:

Almighty Allah guided the Prophet (peace be upon him) to abide by these morals saying: Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish [i.e. don’t punish them. (Al-A`raf 7: 199). Whenever he (peace be upon him) was given the opportunity to choose between two affairs, he always chose the easier as long as it was not sinful.

He (peace be upon him) never avenged himself, but if Allah’s laws were violated he would enforce them. The people of Makkah tortured him but he said, “O Allah! Guide my people since they do not know!” It is well known that the more the ignorant people used to abuse the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the more the latter met their insults with tolerance and pardon. Once a man said to him, “Load my two she-camels with the property you have, for it is not yours, nor your father’s, but it is Allah’s.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) kept silent, then said: Surely, the property belongs to Allah and I am His servant.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, particularly in Ramadan. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would never deny anything he was asked for. Furthermore, he (peace be upon him) said, “I do not like to possess (what equals the mount of) Uhud of gold and that three days expire while I still have (even) a dinar (without spending it in the cause of Allah) except something I save for my religion.”

How To Hold Dialogue With The Other?

Islam is the religion of mercy, tolerance and forgiveness and many other human values. One of the values that Islam has given due attention to is dialogue. Here, I will try to shed some light on dialogue as a noble value in Islam.

Islam sees that dialogue is the golden means to know the other as Allah, praise be to Him, created people of different cultures, natures, languages and faiths and this is stated in the Holy Qur’an, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an, 49:13)

But dialogue with the other requires patience, flexibility and open-mindedness which were clearly revealed in Prophet Muhammad’s dialogue with others even if they were idolaters and this is why Allah praises him, “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allah; for Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Qur’an, 3:159)

Good listening is one of the principles of dialogue in Islam. It was never reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not listen well to anyone. In other words, he was always an attentive listener: he was never reported to interrupt anybody even if the speaker was one of his enemies and he used to say “Have you finished, brother?” This was his way of respecting other people’s rights to express themselves.

Even if this dialogue involves an argument or debate, the Holy Qur’an advises Muslims to do that in a civilized way, “Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (Qur’an, 16:125)

The above verse emphasizes that dialogue with the other requires wisdom and common sense, which are basic requirements to convey the teachings and message of Allah. It can be said that Islam stresses that dialogue is the way to communicate with the other.

By: Dr. Khaled Tawfik

The Camel And It’s Load

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) concluded the Al-Hudaybiyah peace treaty with the people of Makkah, who were still determinedly opposed to Islam, the treaty stipulated that the Prophet and his companions would not be allowed to enter Makkah that year, even though they intended nothing other than to worship there. Instead, they were to return to Madinah, but they would be allowed entry the following year, provided that they would stay only three days in Makkah.

This duly took place and the Prophet entered the city peacefully with his companions, where they performed their Umrah. Those who were perceptive in Makkah realized that Islam was continuing its surge, winning new hearts every day. They felt that every time a Muslim raised his voice declaring God’s oneness, a blow was leveled at idolatry. The end of that falsehood was soon coming. Therefore, the elders of Makkah wanted the Prophet and the Muslims to leave as soon as possible.

Yet something totally different was taking place. Al-Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle who was still residing in Makkah, keeping an eye on developments there, spoke to the Prophet about his own sister-in-Law, Barrah bint Al-Harith. Her husband had died recently. He suggested that the Prophet should marry her. The Prophet agreed. Someone rushed to break the news to the prospective bride. She was riding a camel. She jumped off it when she heard the news, and said: “The camel and its load belong to God’s messenger.”

It all happened very quickly, yet preparations were put in hand for the unplanned wedding. By the evening of the third day of the Prophet’s entry in Makkah, two figures from the Quraysh came over to him. They put up a serious and threatening attitude, and said: “The time you have been allowed here is up. Will you and your followers now depart?” The Prophet mentioned that he was about to marry and suggested to them: “Would you not consider an alternative? If you would let me have my wedding here, we will throw a party for you and serve you with a good dinner.” They said: “We do not need your food. You better leave us now.” The Prophet did not argue the matter further. He ordered his companions to depart, fulfilling the condition of staying only three days in Makkah. The marriage took place at some distance from Makkah.

It is not surprising that the people of Makkah should take such an uncompromising attitude. They felt that if Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a chance to have his wedding in their own grounds and to talk to the people in the friendly atmosphere of a wedding and a banquet, their cause would lose its grip on the hearts of those very Makkan people. They realized that their own religion could not stand up to the logic of Islam. People were bound to be favorably influenced by the Prophet’s personality and the strength of his argument. The barriers which they erected to prevent people from going over to him would thus start to collapse. They realized that Muhammad’s visit to Makkah was changing the atmosphere which had prevailed between the two camps, but they could not realize that many of the people of Makkah had already softened to the cause of Islam.

The Prophet changed the name of his new wife, calling her Maymoonah, which means “a woman who brings goodness.” He hoped that his trip to Makkah would be instrumental in bringing its people to listen to the voice of Islam and to look at it without prejudice. Maymoonah was very devout. Ayesha said of her: “By God, she was one of the most God-fearing and the kindest to relatives among us.”

-By Adil Salahi

Prophet Musa: An Excellent Role Model

If you study the Glorious Qur’an with in-depth reflection, you’ll be struck by how often Allah mentions Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) in the Book, in one context or other. From his infancy to adulthood, to his family and communal life, Allah mentions him a total of 169 times in the Qur’an!

Let’s look at the qualities this Prophet of Allah had that endeared him so much to Allah that He chose him, spoke to him (in fact had conversations with him), and made him a mighty messenger.

“And mention in the Book (this Qur’an), Musa; Verily! He was chosen and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.” (Qur’an, 19:51)

Hastening to obey Allah
When Allah called Musa to a meeting on Mount Tur, he arrived earlier than the appointed time. The reason: to please Allah!

“…I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased.” (Qur’an, 20:84)

Quick in turning to Allah
Once a man from the slave-tribe of Bani Israel called out for help as a Coptic (Pharaoh’s tribesman) wrangled with him in the street. Musa (peace be upon him) rushed to defend him, accidentally killing the oppressive Coptic with an unintentional hard blow to the chest. As soon as he saw what he’d done, Musa repented, sought forgiveness and vowed future good conduct:

“He said: ‘My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.’

Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

He said: ‘My Lord! For that with which You have favored me, I will never more be a helper for the Mujrimun (criminals)!’” (Qur’an, 28:16-17)

Upon receiving the news of his eventual persecution by the Copts for this murder, he once again turned to Allah in earnest supplication, appealing for Divine deliverance and guidance, as he prepared to flee the town in secret.

“So he escaped from there; fearful, vigilant. He said: ‘My Lord! Save me from the people who are wrong-doers!’

And when he went towards (the land of) Midian, he said: ‘Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the Right Way.’” (Qur’an, 28:21-22)

Helping the weak
Prophet Musa’s shining quality to help the weak again comes forth when he enters a new town, escaping Pharaoh’s men, and spotting two girls in a plight:

“And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: ‘What is the matter with you?’ They said: ‘We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.’

So he watered (their flock) for them….” (Qur’an, 28:23-24)

Full trust in Allah
Homeless, jobless, and alone in a strange town, he helped two women chivalrously without expecting any favors in return, because he turned to his friend and patron Allah for assistance. He withdrew under a tree to sincerely call to His Lord for help.

“…then he turned back to shade, and said: ‘My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!’” (Qur’an, 28:24)

At such a sincere display of pure trust, his Lord responded to his prayer immediately:

“Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: ‘Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.’ So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: ‘Fear not! You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.’

One of the two women said: ‘O my father! Hire him! For the best (man) that you can hire is the strong, the trustworthy.’

He said: ‘I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete 10 years, it will be (a favor) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah will, you will find me one of the righteous.’” (Qur’an, 28:25-27)

In response to his earnest prayers, Allah gave him a long-lasting job, a considerate employer, accommodation, a chaste wife, and compassionate in-laws – all within the same day!

Prophet Musa’s conduct is a far cry from the attitudes of most Muslims today, who put their trust first in their contacts, references and networking tools to get jobs or marriage proposals. Only when all other tangible avenues are exhausted do we weak-hearted believers turn to Allah in prayer. We ask others for help, shelter, food or money before turning to Him, the Creator, Sustainer, and the Source of all provision.

What Marriage With Khadijah Reveals

Both her previous husbands having died, Khadijah Bint Khuwailid was a widow. She was known for her noble character, and the people of the Quraish would call her, “The Pious and Chaste One.”

She was also very wealthy; she would engage men to do business on her behalf. After she heard about the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Muhammad (peace be upon him), she proposed that he do business for her in Ash-Sham, promising to give him more than she gave to any other man who did business for her. He agreed and left Makkah in the company of Maisarah, Khadijah’s servant.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) made a lot of profit for Khadijah and she felt that her wealth was blessed more than ever before. Throughout the trip, Maisarah witnessed the wonderful character, nobility, and truthfulness of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Based upon these reasons, she had a heart to heart discussion with her close friend Nafeesah Bint Munabbah, telling her about the positive feelings she was having about the Prophet (peace be upon him). Nafeesah went to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and proposed to him on behalf of Khadijah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was pleased with the proposal, but he nonetheless first went to his uncles to seek their advice; they all agreed that he should marry her.

And why shouldn’t he marry her, for she was the noblest woman among the Quraish; after her last husband had died, almost every Makkan chieftain proposed to her, and she refused them all.

And so shortly thereafter the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) married her. She was the first woman that the Prophet (peace be upon him) married, and he didn’t marry any other woman until she died. She gave birth to two of the Prophet’s sons and four daughters. The two sons were Al-Qasim and Abdullah.

Around the age that he was able to mount a riding animal, Al-Qasim died. Abdullah died as a child prior to his father’s prophet hood.

The daughters were Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom, and Fatimah. They all embraced Islam, married, and migrated to Madina. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) married Khadijah, he was 25 years old and she was 40.

Benefits;

1. Trustworthiness and truthfulness are the two most important qualities of a successful businessman. They were the very two qualities that prompted Khadijah to ask the Prophet to do business on her behalf.

2. Allah decreed for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to marry the ideal wife who was both a suitable companion and a trusted counselor and helper. Khadijah helped the Prophet (peace be upon him) during difficult times, and participated alongside him in spreading the message of Islam.

One who invites others to the teachings of Islam is especially in need of a pious and good wife. Outside of the home, his days are filled with struggle, and he faces constant opposition from the enemies of Islam. He therefore is in dire need, within the home, of a partner who will comfort him and provide him with the strength and encouragement he needs to fulfill his religious duties.

3. The Prophet (peace be upon him) tasted the bitterness of losing his sons, just as previously in life, he tasted the bitterness of losing his parents. It was from the wisdom of Allah that none of his sons lived past their childhood. With their death, no one could then be tempted loving them to an extreme level and claiming prophethood for them. Furthermore, the early deaths of the Prophet’s children should serve as a comfort for those who aren’t blessed with sons, and for those who are blessed with sons but lose them at a very early age.

The death of the Prophet’s children was a form of tribulation and as the Prophet (peace be upon him) made it clear, no one is tested more severely than the Prophets.

Men who become leaders of nations turn to tyranny when their hearts are hard through a selfish and comfortable lifestyle. As for a leader who has experienced hardships and tests in life, and endures them with patience and forbearance, he is likely to then show compassion and sympathy to others who are afflicted with hardships.

4. In choosing Khadijah as a wife, the Prophet (peace be upon him) showed that he was primarily concerned with her nobility and character; after all, she was known in pre-Islamic days as “The Pure and Chaste One.”

Up until the age of 25, the Prophet (peace be upon him) lived a chaste life within a society that was replete with evil and ignorance, a society wherein one was free to have romantic and sexual counters with as many women as one desired.

Then when he did decide to marry, he married a woman who was almost twice his age. During the next 15 years of his life, there was no Shariah or set of laws to forbid him from engaging in extra-marital affairs, as did other members of the Quraish, yet he remained faithful to Khadijah, without even looking at any other woman, though there were many other women that were available.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained married to Khadijah alone until she died at the age of 65, at a time when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was himself approaching old age.

The story behind each marriage of his highlights the wisdom and wonderful character of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Ref: Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee, The Noble Life of the Prophet, Darussalam

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.

A Family Home Of Unique Qualities

All human societies uphold certain values and try to promote them. These include truthfulness, honesty, sincerity, caring for others, courage, patience in adversity, forbearance, pursuit of knowledge, etc. Parents try to instill in their children the importance of developing such qualities and maintaining such values. Teachers endeavor to show their pupils that even when any of these qualities may land a person in a bit of trouble, the end result of holding on to them is always better. Yet people normally have some of these qualities and remain lacking in others. A person may be honest and truthful, but may lack patience. Another may acquire broad knowledge through diligent learning but remains unable to handle a family crisis. To hold on to all superior values all the time is very rare, and to ensure that these are upheld by everyone in one’s household is a very difficult task. The home of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), however, provided a unique example of holding on to every superior value and reflected a standard of moral characteristics that is second to none in all human history.

When we look at life in the Prophet’s home, we find that it was a life of poverty in every respect: barely enough food to eat, small and basic housing, little furniture and a clear lack of comfort. The Prophet married several women, and his marriages were for social, political and legislative reasons. When we read that each one of his wives had her own home, we tend to imagine that the Prophet had several houses competing to give him a comfortable living. That is totally wrong. Each of his wives had a single room, adjacent to the mosque. Each was no better than a small hut, built of mud bricks or uneven stones, with a low ceiling that a tall man can reach by merely lifting his hand. Such simple housing was coupled with equally simple furniture. Often there was nothing to sit on except a rough rug or a straw mat. Once Umar visited the Prophet and looked around. He expressed his sorrow that the Prophet’s home had no facilities other than the bare essentials. He remarked that the emperors of Byzantium and Persia had so much comfort while the Prophet lived under such conditions. The Prophet told him that such worldly comfort is transitory and he would rather have nothing of it.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): A Unique Type Of Sociability

Some people may need seclusion to maintain their purity of heart and mind. Psychologists say that man’s thinking becomes more mundane when one is in a crowd.

This may be true in as far as ordinary leading figures are concerned. God’s messengers, however, elevate the masses and are never pulled down by the masses. Some of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) companions used to complain that when they sat with the Prophet they felt to be at a high level of mental awareness which they could not maintain when they got home.

Because of the strength of his relation with his Lord, Muhammad could make the earth heaven and transform ordinary people into angels. His companions were always remembering God when they were with him, and they urged one another to attend to their worship and fulfill the duties assigned to them by God.

The Prophet disliked gatherings where people were oblivious of their duties. He looked unfavorably at any gathering in which God is not glorified. He said: “When a group of people break up after a meeting in which they have not remembered God or glorified him, their meeting is just like a gathering around a dead donkey. They are sure to regret it.”

Should they have a meeting in which matters relating to both this life and the life to come are mentioned, they should be keen to retain its benefit and remove its evil by concluding it with a prayer for forgiveness. The Prophet teaches us: “Whoever sits with some people when they exchange much idle conversation, let him say before leaving: ‘All glory and praise be to You, my Lord. I bear witness that there is no deity other than You. I pray for Your forgiveness, and I repent of my sins’. When a person says this supplication, he is certain to be forgiven whatever took place in that meeting.” Another hadith mentions this supplication and adds: “If that is a good gathering, the supplication becomes its identifier, and if it is a bad meeting, the supplication ensures the supplicant’s forgiveness.”

Social gatherings may lead people to compete for worldly things, and may encourage them to show off and press their own advantages. They may preoccupy people with trivialities, or cause them to transgress. Therefore, the Prophet was keen to end his meetings with people with a prayer for all who are attending. Abdullah ibn Umar reports: “The Prophet rarely left a meeting before saying this prayer for his companions: ‘Our Lord, grant us a feeling of fearing You which is strong enough to keep us away from disobeying You; grant us a level of obeying You that is enough to ensure admission into Your heaven; grant us enough certitude of faith to make all world’s catastrophes seem to us to be light. Our Lord, allow us to enjoy our senses of hearing and sight and to keep our strength throughout our lives, and make these the last of me. Make the one who is unjust to us the pursuer of revenge, and support us against our enemies. Do not make our loss a loss of faith. Our Lord, do not make this world our highest pursuit, or the limit of our knowledge. Do not give power over us to anyone who is unmerciful.”

It was in this fashion that the Prophet ended his meetings. When people left him, they were keenly aware of God’s grace being bestowed on them