Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a matchless personality whose reality only Allaahu Tha’alaa knows. We will never be able to comprehend what his true status and power is. However, we must make sure that we never utter words, which to us might not seem insulting due to our lack of understanding, but in reality would be an insult to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Allaahu Tha’alaa clearly tells us in the Holy Qur’an about the excellences of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and further warns us about the consequences of referring to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as just an ordinary man. Insha Allaah hereunder a few practical examples will be presented, which will surely kindle a spark of love and respect in the hearts of those who have love for Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), and will further affirm that no one can ever be like our Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).
The Prophets generally presented themselves as ordinary men so that we may know how to live our lives properly. If they simply acted on their knowledge without explaining anything (the way Hazrat Khidr (Alaihis Salaam) did with Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam)), what would we have learnt?
If Allaahu Tha’alaa were to send an angel instead of a man, then the followers would have legitimate reasons not to follow his example. They could claim that angels are made from divine light and are immune from sins, and therefore using them as a role model is impossible. Hence, Allaah ensured that all Prophets and Messengers were men so the disbelievers would have no reason not to follow them.
“Say, I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is one God, then whosoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do noble deeds and associate not any one in the worship of his Lord. [Surah 18, Verse 110]
Some misguided people refer to the verse “Say, I am a man like you” to argue that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was simply “a man just like us”. There is a paramount difference between Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying it and others saying it.
Firstly, by using the command “say” it is hinted that in terms of expressing humility only you Oh Beloved Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) can call yourself human, no one else has the permission to call you in this way. For example, if a king says to his subjects that I am your servant, he does so out of humility, but if one of his subjects tells him, “you are my servant”, the same words becomes an insult and he becomes worthy of punishment in the court of the king. The same principle applies to referring to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as a man. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said that he is a man, then this is seen in a virtuous manner. But if someone else calls him a man, it becomes a form of disrespect.
Secondly, the whole verse has to be read to fully understand what is being said. Allaahu Tha’alaa says, “Say, I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is one God, then whosoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do noble deeds and associate not any one in the worship of his Lord. [Surah 18, Verse 110]. Do we receive revelations? No! So how can Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) be like us?
When we speak, the words can be truthful or false. But when Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) speaks, every word he utters is the divine revelation of Allaah. The Holy Qur’an confirms this fact clearly in the Verse, “And he speaks not of his own desire. That is not but the revelation that is revealed to him.” [Surah 53, Verse 3-4]
It is important to understand that Allaahu Tha’alaa speaks to His Beloveds the way He wants, and they present themselves in His Court the way they want. Sinners like us have no right to speak about the Prophets in the same way Allaahu Tha’alaa speaks to them, just as how a person would not like his children to speak to him in the same way he is spoken to by his elders.
The Holy Qur’an says that the people of Hazrat Nuh (Alaihis Salaam) said to him, “We see you a man like us” [Surah 11, Verse 27]. Obviously these people were not complementing but insulting him and soon earned the wrath of Allaah when the flood came.
This tells us that to call a Prophet an ordinary human being is a root to infidelity and a step towards misguidance. This was the very cause of Shaitaan going astray because he only looked at Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) as an ordinary human being. It should be remembered that the word ‘Bashr’ (human being) in respect of the Prophet has either been used by Almighty Allaah, the Prophets themselves or the infidels. Thus the one who now refers to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as “a man like us” is definitely not Allaah, nor is he a Prophet, so he must be an infidel. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
The disbeliever’s in the time of Hazrat Saaleh (Alaihis Salaam) remarked “You are indeed a man like us” [Surah 26, Verse 154]. Another group of disbeliever’s remarked “He is not but a man like you, he eats of what you eat, and drinks what you drink” [Surah 23, Verse 33]. This tells us that to regard the Prophets as humans like us and to assess them on just their eating and drinking without understanding their hidden mystical nature, has been the work of the infidels from earliest times. Abu Jahl did not become a Companion, but Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) did. Although both looked at Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Abu Jahl looked at the human side of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) while Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) saw the light enveloped under human form. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
Allaahu Tha’alaa states in the Holy Qur’an, “Make not the summoning of the Messenger amongst yourselves, like one calls the other amongst you.” [Surah 24, Verse 63] If Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was “just like us” then why did Almighty Allaah prohibit us from summoning him like how we summon each other?
In another verse, Allaahu Tha’alaa warns mankind to refrain from referring to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) without respect and honour. Allaahu Tha’alaa says “O believers! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Communicator of Unseen (the Prophet) and speak not aloud in presence of him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds become in vain while you are unaware.” [Surah 49, Verse 2].
This verse was revealed regarding Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) who was hard of hearing and loud in speech. When the verse was revealed that keep your voices low when in the presence and company of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), he began to keep away from Masjid-e-Nabawi. When Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) noticed his absence, he enquired from Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh), the neighbour of Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh), the reason for his absence. Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) then asked his neighbour his reason for staying away from the company of the Blessed Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Thaabit (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) replied that I have become an inmate of hell because of my loud voice. When Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) conveyed this to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), he replied, “Tell Thaabit not to fear, as he is from the inmates of Paradise.” [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
The purpose of this verse is to inform the believers not to talk in raised voice in the company of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and not to address him like we address each other. Do not address him as our father, brother or an ordinary human being, but rather address him as the Messenger of Allaah, the Intercessor of sinners etc. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
There are two points to ponder over, regarding this Verse. Firstly, in Shariah, speaking loud is not regarded as an offence and there is no sin for it. Yet look at the respect Allaahu Tha’alaa commands us to have in the presence of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) that even the acceptable actions become unacceptable in his court. And the same acceptable action becomes such a great offence that all of one’s good deeds are wiped out. Furthermore, we see from the Tafseer of this Verse that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) knew that Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) is the inmate of Paradise. Does anyone’s good deeds get wiped out if they talk in a loud voice to us? Do we know who is going to Jannat or Jahannam? How then can we claim to be like Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)?!!!
Once, Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) started to keep continuous fasts, where he did not eat anything for days. When the companions found out they began to do the same, but due to not eating or drinking at all they became extremely weak after a few days. When Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) heard about this he forbade the Companions from keeping such fasts and asked them, “Ayyukum Misli?” (Who amongst you is like me?) [Bukhari Shareef]
From this we firstly learn that if the Sahaabah, who are the highest in status after the Ambiya, cannot be like Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), how can anyone today claim that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is just like us, and is like our big brother?
Secondly, let alone being like him, we cannot even fathom the true reality of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is why Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said, “O Abu Bakr! Oath on He Who has sent me with the Truth, no one knows my reality besides Allaah.” [Mataali’ul Musarraat]
Lastly, our beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) proved in his perpetual fasting that he did not have to eat to survive. But instead of him explaining to us all of the etiquettes of eating, he simply ate himself and provided in this way a detailed, visual example for us to follow.
We share our quality of humanity with the Prophets, but within that category, they and we are worlds apart. Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a human unlike any other human, just like how a diamond is a stone unlike any other stone. Even though he said he is a human, he is one of a kind, unmatched and unparalleled, just like how a diamond is a stone, yet its characteristics place it in a league of its own.
Let us now look at a few incidents that will give us a glimpse of the status of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Umme Saleem (Radhiyallaahu 'Anha), the mother of Hazrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) says that she collected the perspiration of the blessed Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) when he was asleep and mixed it into perfume. When he found out and asked her the reason for doing this she said that it smelt better than any perfume on this earth. [Bukhari Shareef, Mishkaat Shareef ]
Who amongst you is like him?! Our perspiration emits a bad odour whereas Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) perspiration was bottled as perfume! That is why Qutbul Mauritius Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqi Qadri Razvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) says in a Naath Shareef:
Mareez Ke Liye Shaafi ‘Aroos Ko Kaafi, Ye Barkate Hain Tane Paak Ke Paseene Ki
Cure for the sick, sufficient for the bride, this is the blessings of the perspiration of the blessed body of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)
After the conquest of Makkah, Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was once talking with one of his servants somewhere and leaned on the wall of a house belonging to a non-Muslim woman. The woman noticed this from within and immediately closed every window of her house out of hatred for Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), not wanting to hear his voice while inside.
Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then descended and said, “O Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa declares, “Even though this woman is a disbeliever, your rank is still elevated, and by you resting your back on her wall, I (Allaah) cannot allow her to burn in the Fire of Hell as a result. She may have closed the window to her house, but I have opened the window to her heart, purely from the blessings of your actions.””
As soon as Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) said this, the woman emerged from her house in restlessness, fell to the feet of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and proclaimed the Kalima. [Nuzhatul Majaalis]
Who amongst you is like him?! If we lean on anyone’s wall do they become Jannatis? How truly and severely misguided are those who slander Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).
When the time of Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) departure from this mundane world had neared, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) descended with the Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) to his blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Angel of Death is awaiting your permission to enter. He hasn’t taken permission from anyone before, nor will he ever again. If you grant him consent, he will come in and carry out his duty.”
Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Let him in.” Hazrat Isra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then entered the blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa sent me here and ordered that I do whatever you command. If you allow me to take your soul, I will. Otherwise I will return.”
Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa wishes to meet with you.” Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “You have permission to take my soul.” Hearing this, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then concluded, “Now I will never again visit this earth, since you were the only reason I used to come.” The Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) then carried out the very work that Allaahu Tha’alaa had created him for. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya]
Who amongst you is like him?! Does the Angel of Death ask permission to enter any of our homes? Does he ask us permission to take our soul? How can any person who has the slightest intellect and even an atom of love for Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), say that he was an ordinary man like us?
Nearing the time of Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) demise, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) presented himself to him and said, “O Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), today the Heavens are in wait to welcome you. Allaahu Tha’alaa has said to the Keeper of Jahannam, “My Beloved’s soul will pass by today, so extinguish your fires in honour of him!” The Maidens of Jannah have also been ordered to adorn themselves, and every angel has been commanded to stand in rows in your respect. I (Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) too have been ordered to present myself in your service and convey the good news to you that no Ummah will enter Jannat until yours does. Furthermore, on the Day of Judgment, Allaahu Tha’alaa will bestow your Ummah with so much mercy and blessings because of you, that you will ultimately be satisfied with the outcome.” [Madaarijun Nubuwwah]
When the time for giving Ghusl to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) had arrived, the Sahaabah were unsure of whether his clothes should be removed like everyone else’s or not and had a discussion amongst themselves regarding what to do about this. Without warning, all were then simultaneously overtaken by a deep sleep, and after lowering their heads onto their chests, they collectively heard a voice say to them, “Do you not know who this person is? Beware! This is the Messenger of Allaah. Give him Ghusl with his clothes still on him.”
After this, the eyes of every Sahaabi opened, and the Ghusl of our Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was then given to him without anyone removing his clothes from his blessed body. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya]
Not in Ghusl, not in inheritance, not in Salaah, not in anything is the Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) similar to us. He is a human being, yes, but a matchless one at that. It is for this reason that A’la Hazrat Imam Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) states:
Theri Khulq ko Haqq ne Jameel Kaha Theri Khalq ko Haq ne Azeem Kaha
Koyi Thuj sa Huwa he na Hoga Shaha There Khaaliqe Husno Adaa ki Qasam
Allaah (Haqq) has said your mannerism to be beautiful, Allaah has said your creation to be great
Oath on Allaah, the Creator of your beauty and splendour, There was never, and shall never be anyone equal to you!
May Allaahu Tha’alaa grant us the Taufeeq to have true love and utmost respect our Beloved Master, Muhammad Mustafa Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam the way the AwliyaAllaah (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) did, Ameen.
The Prophets generally presented themselves as ordinary men so that we may know how to live our lives properly. If they simply acted on their knowledge without explaining anything (the way Hazrat Khidr (Alaihis Salaam) did with Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam)), what would we have learnt?
If Allaahu Tha’alaa were to send an angel instead of a man, then the followers would have legitimate reasons not to follow his example. They could claim that angels are made from divine light and are immune from sins, and therefore using them as a role model is impossible. Hence, Allaah ensured that all Prophets and Messengers were men so the disbelievers would have no reason not to follow them.
“Say, I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is one God, then whosoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do noble deeds and associate not any one in the worship of his Lord. [Surah 18, Verse 110]
Some misguided people refer to the verse “Say, I am a man like you” to argue that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was simply “a man just like us”. There is a paramount difference between Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying it and others saying it.
Firstly, by using the command “say” it is hinted that in terms of expressing humility only you Oh Beloved Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) can call yourself human, no one else has the permission to call you in this way. For example, if a king says to his subjects that I am your servant, he does so out of humility, but if one of his subjects tells him, “you are my servant”, the same words becomes an insult and he becomes worthy of punishment in the court of the king. The same principle applies to referring to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as a man. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said that he is a man, then this is seen in a virtuous manner. But if someone else calls him a man, it becomes a form of disrespect.
Secondly, the whole verse has to be read to fully understand what is being said. Allaahu Tha’alaa says, “Say, I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is one God, then whosoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do noble deeds and associate not any one in the worship of his Lord. [Surah 18, Verse 110]. Do we receive revelations? No! So how can Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) be like us?
When we speak, the words can be truthful or false. But when Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) speaks, every word he utters is the divine revelation of Allaah. The Holy Qur’an confirms this fact clearly in the Verse, “And he speaks not of his own desire. That is not but the revelation that is revealed to him.” [Surah 53, Verse 3-4]
It is important to understand that Allaahu Tha’alaa speaks to His Beloveds the way He wants, and they present themselves in His Court the way they want. Sinners like us have no right to speak about the Prophets in the same way Allaahu Tha’alaa speaks to them, just as how a person would not like his children to speak to him in the same way he is spoken to by his elders.
The Holy Qur’an says that the people of Hazrat Nuh (Alaihis Salaam) said to him, “We see you a man like us” [Surah 11, Verse 27]. Obviously these people were not complementing but insulting him and soon earned the wrath of Allaah when the flood came.
This tells us that to call a Prophet an ordinary human being is a root to infidelity and a step towards misguidance. This was the very cause of Shaitaan going astray because he only looked at Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) as an ordinary human being. It should be remembered that the word ‘Bashr’ (human being) in respect of the Prophet has either been used by Almighty Allaah, the Prophets themselves or the infidels. Thus the one who now refers to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as “a man like us” is definitely not Allaah, nor is he a Prophet, so he must be an infidel. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
The disbeliever’s in the time of Hazrat Saaleh (Alaihis Salaam) remarked “You are indeed a man like us” [Surah 26, Verse 154]. Another group of disbeliever’s remarked “He is not but a man like you, he eats of what you eat, and drinks what you drink” [Surah 23, Verse 33]. This tells us that to regard the Prophets as humans like us and to assess them on just their eating and drinking without understanding their hidden mystical nature, has been the work of the infidels from earliest times. Abu Jahl did not become a Companion, but Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) did. Although both looked at Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Abu Jahl looked at the human side of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) while Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) saw the light enveloped under human form. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
Allaahu Tha’alaa states in the Holy Qur’an, “Make not the summoning of the Messenger amongst yourselves, like one calls the other amongst you.” [Surah 24, Verse 63] If Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was “just like us” then why did Almighty Allaah prohibit us from summoning him like how we summon each other?
In another verse, Allaahu Tha’alaa warns mankind to refrain from referring to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) without respect and honour. Allaahu Tha’alaa says “O believers! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Communicator of Unseen (the Prophet) and speak not aloud in presence of him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds become in vain while you are unaware.” [Surah 49, Verse 2].
This verse was revealed regarding Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) who was hard of hearing and loud in speech. When the verse was revealed that keep your voices low when in the presence and company of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), he began to keep away from Masjid-e-Nabawi. When Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) noticed his absence, he enquired from Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh), the neighbour of Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh), the reason for his absence. Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) then asked his neighbour his reason for staying away from the company of the Blessed Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Thaabit (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) replied that I have become an inmate of hell because of my loud voice. When Hazrat Sa’d (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) conveyed this to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), he replied, “Tell Thaabit not to fear, as he is from the inmates of Paradise.” [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
The purpose of this verse is to inform the believers not to talk in raised voice in the company of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and not to address him like we address each other. Do not address him as our father, brother or an ordinary human being, but rather address him as the Messenger of Allaah, the Intercessor of sinners etc. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
There are two points to ponder over, regarding this Verse. Firstly, in Shariah, speaking loud is not regarded as an offence and there is no sin for it. Yet look at the respect Allaahu Tha’alaa commands us to have in the presence of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) that even the acceptable actions become unacceptable in his court. And the same acceptable action becomes such a great offence that all of one’s good deeds are wiped out. Furthermore, we see from the Tafseer of this Verse that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) knew that Hazrat Thaabit bin Qais (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) is the inmate of Paradise. Does anyone’s good deeds get wiped out if they talk in a loud voice to us? Do we know who is going to Jannat or Jahannam? How then can we claim to be like Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)?!!!
Once, Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) started to keep continuous fasts, where he did not eat anything for days. When the companions found out they began to do the same, but due to not eating or drinking at all they became extremely weak after a few days. When Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) heard about this he forbade the Companions from keeping such fasts and asked them, “Ayyukum Misli?” (Who amongst you is like me?) [Bukhari Shareef]
From this we firstly learn that if the Sahaabah, who are the highest in status after the Ambiya, cannot be like Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), how can anyone today claim that Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is just like us, and is like our big brother?
Secondly, let alone being like him, we cannot even fathom the true reality of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is why Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said, “O Abu Bakr! Oath on He Who has sent me with the Truth, no one knows my reality besides Allaah.” [Mataali’ul Musarraat]
Lastly, our beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) proved in his perpetual fasting that he did not have to eat to survive. But instead of him explaining to us all of the etiquettes of eating, he simply ate himself and provided in this way a detailed, visual example for us to follow.
We share our quality of humanity with the Prophets, but within that category, they and we are worlds apart. Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a human unlike any other human, just like how a diamond is a stone unlike any other stone. Even though he said he is a human, he is one of a kind, unmatched and unparalleled, just like how a diamond is a stone, yet its characteristics place it in a league of its own.
Let us now look at a few incidents that will give us a glimpse of the status of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Umme Saleem (Radhiyallaahu 'Anha), the mother of Hazrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) says that she collected the perspiration of the blessed Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) when he was asleep and mixed it into perfume. When he found out and asked her the reason for doing this she said that it smelt better than any perfume on this earth. [Bukhari Shareef, Mishkaat Shareef ]
Who amongst you is like him?! Our perspiration emits a bad odour whereas Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) perspiration was bottled as perfume! That is why Qutbul Mauritius Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqi Qadri Razvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) says in a Naath Shareef:
Mareez Ke Liye Shaafi ‘Aroos Ko Kaafi, Ye Barkate Hain Tane Paak Ke Paseene Ki
Cure for the sick, sufficient for the bride, this is the blessings of the perspiration of the blessed body of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)
After the conquest of Makkah, Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was once talking with one of his servants somewhere and leaned on the wall of a house belonging to a non-Muslim woman. The woman noticed this from within and immediately closed every window of her house out of hatred for Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), not wanting to hear his voice while inside.
Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then descended and said, “O Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa declares, “Even though this woman is a disbeliever, your rank is still elevated, and by you resting your back on her wall, I (Allaah) cannot allow her to burn in the Fire of Hell as a result. She may have closed the window to her house, but I have opened the window to her heart, purely from the blessings of your actions.””
As soon as Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) said this, the woman emerged from her house in restlessness, fell to the feet of Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and proclaimed the Kalima. [Nuzhatul Majaalis]
Who amongst you is like him?! If we lean on anyone’s wall do they become Jannatis? How truly and severely misguided are those who slander Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).
When the time of Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) departure from this mundane world had neared, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) descended with the Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) to his blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Angel of Death is awaiting your permission to enter. He hasn’t taken permission from anyone before, nor will he ever again. If you grant him consent, he will come in and carry out his duty.”
Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Let him in.” Hazrat Isra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then entered the blessed house and said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa sent me here and ordered that I do whatever you command. If you allow me to take your soul, I will. Otherwise I will return.”
Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then said, “O Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allaahu Tha’alaa wishes to meet with you.” Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “You have permission to take my soul.” Hearing this, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) then concluded, “Now I will never again visit this earth, since you were the only reason I used to come.” The Angel of Death (Alaihis Salaam) then carried out the very work that Allaahu Tha’alaa had created him for. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya]
Who amongst you is like him?! Does the Angel of Death ask permission to enter any of our homes? Does he ask us permission to take our soul? How can any person who has the slightest intellect and even an atom of love for Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), say that he was an ordinary man like us?
Nearing the time of Rasoolullaah’s (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) demise, Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) presented himself to him and said, “O Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), today the Heavens are in wait to welcome you. Allaahu Tha’alaa has said to the Keeper of Jahannam, “My Beloved’s soul will pass by today, so extinguish your fires in honour of him!” The Maidens of Jannah have also been ordered to adorn themselves, and every angel has been commanded to stand in rows in your respect. I (Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) too have been ordered to present myself in your service and convey the good news to you that no Ummah will enter Jannat until yours does. Furthermore, on the Day of Judgment, Allaahu Tha’alaa will bestow your Ummah with so much mercy and blessings because of you, that you will ultimately be satisfied with the outcome.” [Madaarijun Nubuwwah]
When the time for giving Ghusl to Rasoolullaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) had arrived, the Sahaabah were unsure of whether his clothes should be removed like everyone else’s or not and had a discussion amongst themselves regarding what to do about this. Without warning, all were then simultaneously overtaken by a deep sleep, and after lowering their heads onto their chests, they collectively heard a voice say to them, “Do you not know who this person is? Beware! This is the Messenger of Allaah. Give him Ghusl with his clothes still on him.”
After this, the eyes of every Sahaabi opened, and the Ghusl of our Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was then given to him without anyone removing his clothes from his blessed body. [Mishkaat Shareef; Mawaahibul Laduniya]
Not in Ghusl, not in inheritance, not in Salaah, not in anything is the Beloved Rasool (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) similar to us. He is a human being, yes, but a matchless one at that. It is for this reason that A’la Hazrat Imam Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) states:
Theri Khulq ko Haqq ne Jameel Kaha Theri Khalq ko Haq ne Azeem Kaha
Koyi Thuj sa Huwa he na Hoga Shaha There Khaaliqe Husno Adaa ki Qasam
Allaah (Haqq) has said your mannerism to be beautiful, Allaah has said your creation to be great
Oath on Allaah, the Creator of your beauty and splendour, There was never, and shall never be anyone equal to you!
May Allaahu Tha’alaa grant us the Taufeeq to have true love and utmost respect our Beloved Master, Muhammad Mustafa Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam the way the AwliyaAllaah (Radhiyallaahu 'Anh) did, Ameen.
