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How The Prophet Would Complain

What would you do if the world turns against you and difficulties become almost unbearable? Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went through tremendous problems in the path of Islam.

It is related that when Abu Talib died, the Prophet (peace be upon him) went out on foot to Taif to call its people to Islam. They rejected his call, and he walked away until he got to the shade of a tree. So, he prayed two Rak’at and said:

“O Allah, I complain to You of my weakness and my insignificance in the eyes of the people. You are the most Merciful. No matter who You have put me at the mercy of – an enemy who will be stern with me, or a friend to look after my affairs – as long as You are not angry with me, then I don’t care. However, the relief You bring would be more comfortable for me. I seek refuge with Your Face – for which the darkness has lit up, and the affairs of this world and the next are organized – from being afflicted with Your Wrath or deserving of Your Anger. You have the right to admonish as You please, and there is no might nor power except by Allah.”

This was related by Al-Haythami in ‘Majma’ Az-Zawa’id’ (6/35), and he mentioned in it that Al-Tabarani related it in ‘Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir’ on the authority of Abdullah Bin Ja’far Bin Abu Talib.

Look at how even in such moments of his life, all he cared about (peace be upon him) was whether or not Allah was pleased with him.

Establishing Her Position- Umm Salamah

Along history in the service of Islam was, Umm Salamah, crowned by her marriage to the best person in human history, Muhammad, God’s last messenger (peace be upon him). The marriage took place in the month of Shawwal in the fourth year of the Islamic calendar, which meant that she lived with the Prophet for six and a half years. In order to have a feeling of the sort of life the Prophet’s new bride was to expect in her new home, we take her report of what she did after she had moved into the home that belonged to Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, a wife of the Prophet who had died a few months after her marriage.

“I looked around and found an earthenware container with some barley. I also found a hand mill and some fruit of desert trees and a saucepan. I found in it some fat. I used the hand mill to ground the barley, then I mixed it thoroughly with the fruit and cooked it using that fat. This was the food God’s messenger ate with his bride on his wedding night.”

Umm Salamah (radi allahu anha) was the fourth wife in the Prophet’s home, but she was a woman who combined beauty with a sound mind and great wisdom. Therefore, she was keen to establish her presence and make her position clear.

Ayesha (radi allahu anha) reports: “When the Prophet married Umm Salamah (radi allahu anha), I was very sad because people spoke much of her beauty. I moved gently to see her, and I saw that she was far prettier than people’s description…” Umm Salamah (radi allahu anha) did not wish her children to be a burden in her new home.

Even though she had a daughter who was still suckling, she arranged for her to be looked after by a wet nurse. However, those children had the best stepfather they could have. He looked after them and helped them as they grew up. He gave his cousin, Umamah, the daughter of his uncle Hamzah, in marriage to Salamah, his stepson.

In their keenness to ensure that the Prophet had a comfortable life, some of his companions tried to interfere. Umar (radi allahu anhu) was told by his wife that his daughter, Hafsah (radi allahu anha), who was married to the Prophet might disagree with him and might sulk. He spoke to her counseling her against doing so. He also went to Umm Salamah (radi allahu anha), who was a relative of his, with a similar intent.

However, when he opened the subject, she stopped him saying that he was interfering between the Prophet and his wives. This was not something he could do. He realized this and left.

Umm Salamah (radi allahu anha) was always aware of her position, unwilling to give in to any pressure.

 – By Adil Salahi

After A Grave Sin

If someone committed a grave sin and is ashamed of himself, what should he do to rectify his position and earn Allah’s forgiveness?

The first thing that we must understand is that Islam acknowledges man’s weakness in the face of temptation, and it accepts man with his weaknesses, opening before him the way to redress his mistakes and repair what he damages. Hence, the relationship between man and Allah is based on forgiveness, rather than permanent sin, disobedience, and eventual punishment. Allah’s attributes make mercy, grace, and forgiveness available in increasing degrees, while punishment is much narrower. Thus God describes Himself as “much-forgiving; superior in forgiveness; forgives all sins, etc.” This is to encourage everyone who commits grave sins not to despair of Allah’s forgiveness because nothing will stop such forgiveness when sought in earnest.

We need also to understand that Allah’s forgiveness applies even to the most serious of sins, including the ones that incur specified punishments of the sternest type, such as theft and adultery. It is also important to make clear that in saying so we do not wish to give a sense of complacency that accepts such sins, or even lighter ones. All sinful actions must be avoided with all one’s energy. Even the smallest of sins is an act of defiance and disobedience to Allah Almighty. As such it cannot be condoned in any way. However, when one slip, yields to temptation, or gets misguided and commits a sin, the way is open to repentance and earning Allah’s forgiveness.

The first thing that is needed is to genuinely regret having committed such an act that incurs Allah’s displeasure. This is what is called in Islam “repentance”, i.e. to feel ashamed of having disobeyed Allah and to want to do anything to redress the fault. This regret should be coupled with a firm resolve not to repeat that sin, no matter how strong the temptation of a repeat may be. One should then earnestly pray to Allah to accept one’s repentance and forgive one’s sin.

Soldier Who Entered The Hole

In one of the battles waged against the Romans, Muslims – under the commandment of Maslamah – surrounded a city that had a tall and well-fortified wall. The siege went on for months.

Then one night, one of the Muslim soldiers informed General Maslamah that he managed to make a hole in the wall. “It is only large enough for a slim soldier.” He knelt closer. “Quickly, send with me someone who can squeeze through and fight the army on the inside until he has opened the gates for all of us to enter.”

Maslamah sent out the news and that night someone volunteered. In a sweeping assault, the gate was opened and Muslims were victorious.

Maslamah, overwhelmed with happiness, sought the soldier who entered the hole. No one came forward. The announcements were repeated. Three days passed and no one took credit.

On the fourth day, a soldier approached Maslamah; his face wrapped in a scarf. He said to him, “I have news of the soldier that entered the hole.”

Maslamah sat up sharp, “Tell me who it is?”

“He has three conditions before exposing himself. Do you agree to this?” said the soldier.

“Of course,” Maslamah said.

“The first is you do not compensate him for what he did. The second is you do not tell anyone who he is. And the third is you shall not ask for his presence ever again. Do you agree?” asked the soldier.

“Agreed,” Maslamah replied.

The soldier uncovered his scarf and said, “It is I. I went through that hole only for the sake of Allah.” He then turned and walked away.

After that day, Maslamah was often heard praying, “O Allah, (on the Day of Judgment) grant me companionship with the soldier of the hole.”

Believe In Angels

Sheikh Saleh Bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, author of ‘Belief in Angels and its Effect on the Life of the Ummah’ says, “Our purpose in learning about angels is not just for knowing about them for general understanding, rather, it is so that we become aware of their constant presence around us […] If we become conscious of the fact that there are two angels with us at all times recording our statements and actions, we would become careful of what we say and do…”

Belief in the existence of angels and their duties has an undeniably positive effect on our Faith (Iman):

It heightens self-awareness and God-consciousness, which makes us realize that not only actions, but even intentions have consequences.

The Qur’an tells us that there are two angels that accompany a person everywhere he goes, on his right side and his left, who record every word he utters (Qur’an, 50: 17-18).

Similarly, according to a narration, angels even record a person’s intentions:

Abdullah Bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), related from his Lord (Glorified and Exalted be He):

“Indeed Allah has recorded the good deeds and the evil deeds.” Then he clarified that: “Whosoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it with Himself as 10 good deeds, up to 700 times, or more than that. But if he intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it down as one single evil deed.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

There is another narration to the same effect, that the angels say: “O Allah, this is Your servant and he intends to do a bad deed, while Allah is more aware about that. Allah says: ‘Watch him, and record it if he does it.’”

Commenting on this narration, Imam An-Nawawi quoted Abu Ja`far Al-Tahawi as having said: “According to these Ahadith the angels appointed over human beings record man’s intentions, contrary to those who say that angels only record apparent deeds.”

It encourages steadfastness in acts of worship.
According to a narration, “There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the late afternoon (`Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you, ascend to heaven and their Lord, Who knows better about them, asks: `In what condition did you leave My slaves?’ They reply: `We left them while they were performing prayer (Salah) and we went to them while they were performing prayer.’’’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Thus, when the angels come or go, the people who are punctual in their prayers are distinguished by their piety. Similarly, angels surround people who are constantly engaged in remembering Allah by themselves (for instance, by reciting the Qur’an) or in assemblies. This encourages a believer to increase their acts of worship and to perform them with greater focus and presence of mind.

It fosters love for creatures that are beloved to Allah
Belief in angels fosters love in our hearts for them, as they are free from any physical or spiritual blemish, completely devoted to their worship and obedience to their Lord. It is a feeling of love that is unlike any worldly emotion, since it is solely for the sake of Allah, and for the sake of being pleased with what He is pleased with.

-Based on the book ‘Belief in Angels and its Effect on the Life of the Ummah’, by Sheikh Saleh Bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan

Forgive Those Who Wrong You

Son! You are a Salik (a person who is traversing the path of closeness to Allah Ta’ala). If someone wrongs or mistreats a Salik, then it is the obligation of the Salik that he (or she) should not think about revenge but should forgive that person for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. This is not demeaning. Instead, it creates love in the hearts of the people.

Translation of Hadith: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) says: Forgiving increases the dignity of a person. You forgive people, Allah Ta’ala will grant you dignity.

Hadhrat Abu Sa‘eed (May Allah shower His mercy on him) says: Absolute forgiveness is that no revenge is taken on the oppressor. Instead, out of mercy for him, one supplicates for his good.

Hadhrat ‘Uqba bin A’amir (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) held my hand and said: Shall I not make you aware of what is best in the manners of the people of this world and in the people of the hereafter?

Hadhrat ‘Uqba (May Allah be well pleased with him) said: Please tell me, o Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!

He was told: The best characteristic is you establish relations with the person who breaks off from you, that you grant to the person who deprives you and you forgive the person who wrongs you.

Hadhrat Mu‘awiya (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: As long as you don’t have the capacity and chance to avenge yourself, bear and be patient. When you get the chance, then be forgiving and benevolent.

Once Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) called out to his slave. He didn’t answer. He called again. Still no answer and neither did the slave appear before him. When he didn’t come even after calling him a third time, Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) angrily went to the slave. He saw that the slave was lying. He asked: Why didn’t you answer? The slave said: Sir! With your manners, I had no fear that you would be cross with me, that’s why I didn’t answer. Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) said: I forgive you. Go! You are free for the sake of Allah!

Hadhrat Qatada (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: The person of the highest status is the one who forgives mistakes the most.

A person abused Hadhrat Rab‘ee (May Allah shower His mercy on him) and started reviling him. Hadhrat Rab‘ee said: There is a valley between me and Jannah and I am busy in crossing it. If I cross it, then your abuses will hold no sorrow for me and if I cannot cross it, then your abusing me is correct. Go! I forgive you for the sake of Allah!

Do you see? This is the excellence of forgiveness. So, forgive others’ mistakes. Don’t ever think of revenge. Because of this, the improved condition of the heart is impaired.

[Excerpted from Mawaaiz-e-Hasana, Vol. 1, 264 by Muhaddith-e-Deccan Hazrath Syed Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi Mujadidi Quadri (Rahmatullah Alaih)]

Always Good To Others-It Ensures Peace

The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has enjoined the believers to be always good to others – animals as well as fellow beings, particularly fellow believers. His teachings of love and fraternity go to great lengths to ensure peace in every sphere of life. Let us see some of his teachings reported in Bukhari.

Anas Bin Malik relates that Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or is an oppressed one.” People asked, “Allah’s Messenger! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but why should we help him if he is the oppressor?” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

Abdullah Bin Umar relates that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his brother out of the discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Mu’awiya Bin Suwaid relates: I heard Al-Bara Bin Azib saying, “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ordered us to do seven things and prohibited us from doing seven other things.” Then Al-Bara mentioned the following:

To pay a visit to the sick (inquiring about his health),
To follow the funeral,
To say to a sneezer, “May Allah be merciful to you” (if he says, “Praise be to Allah”),
To return the greetings,
To help the oppressed,
To accept invitations and
To help others to fulfill their oath.