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