The social life of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)
The social life of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)
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Social leader
Social leader
We are fortunate that Allah Almighty made us followers of such a Prophet whose life, from morning to evening, whose every aspect of the noble character provides the best guidance for all people until the end of time. If we seek guidance from the seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ for the betterment of God's creation, for establishing and maintaining its order, we can bring about positive change in society in the best way because the Prophet of the universe ﷺ was the best social leader. His social services were well-known among the people of Arabia even before the declaration of his prophethood. In this first phase of the course, we will learn about the social services of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and strive to become a better individual in society.
Establishment of justice and fairness
Justice and fairness are qualities that Allah Almighty loves, and it is the foremost responsibility of every member of society, especially those in positions of authority to establish justice, to be sincere to their positions and offices. If these very people become oppressors, not only is the peace of society destroyed, but also the goodness and blessings depart from that society. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran: اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِیْنَ Translation: 'Indeed, Allah loves the just ones.' (Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 9) The Holy Prophet ﷺ himself, while describing the virtue of justice, said: عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ:قَالَ رَسُولُ الله صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم: اِنَّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ عِنْدَ اللهِ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ :الَّذِينَ يَعْدِلُوْنَ في حُكْمِهِمْ واَهْلِيْهِم وَمَا وَلُوْا. Translation: 'Narrated by Abdullah bin Amro bin Aas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Indeed, those who act justly will be upon pulpits of light before Allah Almighty (these are the people) who are just in their rule, with their families, and in what they are responsible for.' (Riyad as-Salihin, Volume 5, Hadith 660, Maktabat al-Madinah)
The Incident of the Woman from the Banu Makhzum Tribe
A woman named Fatimah bint Aswad bin Abd al Asad, who belonged to the prominent Quraysh tribe of Banu Makhzum (the same tribe as Abu Jahl), had the habit of borrowing items from people and then denying having taken them. On one occasion, she stole someone’s property, and for this theft, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ pronounced the punishment of cutting off her hand. In ʿUmdat al-Qari it is mentioned: “This incident of theft took place at the time of the Conquest of Makkah.” In one narration, it is stated that this Makhzumi woman had stolen a shawl from the blessed household of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, while in other accounts it is mentioned that she had stolen jewelry. These two reports can be reconciled by assuming that she placed the jewelry in the shawl and stole both together. The people of her tribe then consulted among themselves as to who could intercede with the Beloved Prophet ﷺ regarding her punishment. Some suggested that Sayyiduna Usamah bin Zayd رضي الله عنه could do this. Sayyiduna Usamah bin Zayd رضي الله عنه, reflecting on the verse: مَنْ یَّشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً یَّكُنْ لَّهٗ نَصِیْبٌ مِّنْهَاۚ "Whosoever makes a good recommendation, for him there is a share from it." (Sūrah al-Nisāʾ, 4:85) thought that this intercession would also be considered a good one. Thus, he approached the Beloved Prophet ﷺ to intercede on her behalf. Upon this, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: اَتَشْفَعُ فِيْ حَدٍّ مِنْ حُدُوْدِ اللهِ تَعَالٰی؟ ثُمّ قَامَ فَاخْتَطَبَ ثُمَّ قَالَ: اِنَّمَا اَهْلَكَ مَنْ قَبْلَكُمْ اَنَّهُمْ كَانُوْا اِذَا سَرَقَ فِيْهِمُ الشَّرِيْفُ تَرَكُوْهُ وَاِذَا سَرَقَ فِيْهِمُ الضَّعِيْفُ اَقَامُوْا عَلَيْهِ الْحَدَّ، وَاَيْمُ اللهِ! لَوْ اَنَّ فَاطِمَةَ بِنْتَ مُحَمَّدٍ سَرَقَتْ لَقَطَعْتُ يَدَهَا "Do you intercede regarding one of the limits set by Allah Almighty?" Then he stood and delivered a sermon, saying: "Indeed, those before you were destroyed because when a noble person among them stole, they left him alone, but when a weak person among them stole, they would enforce the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah! If Fatimah bint Muhammad, were to steal, I would certainly cut off her hand." (Summarized from Riyad al-Salihin, Vol. 5, Ḥadīth 651)
Helping the Weak: In the Light of the Holy Prophet's ﷺ Seerah
Allah Almighty sent the Beloved Prophet ﷺ as a mercy to all the worlds. This was the reason that whenever he saw anyone in distress, he would think of relieving their suffering, help them, and when he alleviated their pain, signs of joy would appear on his blessed face. The Holy Prophet ﷺ taught his companions to help the poor and support the weak, and he also described the virtues of doing so. His blessed saying is: السَّاعِي عَلَى الْأَرْمَلَةِ وَالْمِسْكِينِ كَالْمُجَاهِدِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، أَوْ كَالَّذِي يَصُومُ النَّهَارَ وَيَقُومُ اللَّيْلَ "The one who strives to help the widow and the poor is like the one who strives in the way of Allah, or like the one who fasts during the day and prays throughout the night." (Sahih Bukhari: 5353, Sahih Muslim: 2982) An Incident of Helping the Weak from the Holy Prophet's ﷺ Seerah: Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ did not merely give verbal encouragement but also demonstrated it through his actions. As narrated in Sahih Muslim: كُنَّا عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي صَدْرِ النَّهَارِ، قَالَ فَجَاءَهُ قَوْمٌ حُفَاةٌ عُرَاةٌ مُجْتَابِي النِّمَارِ أَوِ الْعَبَاءِ، مُتَقَلِّدِي السُّيُوفِ، عَامَّتُهُمْ مِنْ مُضَرَ، بَلْ كُلُّهُمْ مِنْ مُضَرَ فَتَمَعَّرَ وَجْهُ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِمَا رَأَى بِهِمْ مِنَ الْفَاقَةِ، فَدَخَلَ ثُمَّ خَرَجَ، فَأَمَرَ بِلَالًا فَأَذَّنَ وَأَقَامَ، فَصَلَّى ثُمَّ خَطَبَ فَقَالَ: {يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ} [النساء: 1] إِلَى آخِرِ الْآيَةِ، {إِنَّ اللهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا} [النساء: 1] وَالْآيَةَ الَّتِي فِي الْحَشْرِ: {اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللهَ} [الحشر: 18] «تَصَدَّقَ رَجُلٌ مِنْ دِينَارِهِ، مِنْ دِرْهَمِهِ، مِنْ ثَوْبِهِ، مِنْ صَاعِ بُرِّهِ، مِنْ صَاعِ تَمْرِهِ - حَتَّى قَالَ - وَلَوْ بِشِقِّ تَمْرَةٍ» قَالَ: فَجَاءَ رَجُلٌ مِنَ الْأَنْصَارِ بِصُرَّةٍ كَادَتْ كَفُّهُ تَعْجِزُ عَنْهَا، بَلْ قَدْ عَجَزَتْ، قَالَ: ثُمَّ تَتَابَعَ النَّاسُ، حَتَّى رَأَيْتُ كَوْمَيْنِ مِنْ طَعَامٍ وَثِيَابٍ، حَتَّى رَأَيْتُ وَجْهَ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَهَلَّلُ، كَأَنَّهُ مُذْهَبَةٌ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ سَنَّ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ سُنَّةً حَسَنَةً، فَلَهُ أَجْرُهَا، وَأَجْرُ مَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا بَعْدَهُ، مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أُجُورِهِمْ شَيْءٌ، وَمَنْ سَنَّ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ سُنَّةً سَيِّئَةً، كَانَ عَلَيْهِ وِزْرُهَا وَوِزْرُ مَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ، مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أَوْزَارِهِمْ شَيْءٌ* "We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ early in the day when a group of people came to him, barefoot, naked, wearing blankets, with their swords slung around their necks. Most of them, or all of them, were from the tribe of Mudar. The face of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ changed when he saw their poverty. He went inside, then came out, and ordered Sayyiduna Bilal to give the adhan and iqamah. Then he prayed and delivered a sermon, saying, يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ 'O people! Fear your Lord Who created you from a single soul' [Quran 4:1], to the end of the verse, and the verse in Surah Al-Hashr, اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللهَ 'And every soul must see what it has sent ahead for tomorrow (i.e. the Day of Judgement). And fear Allah’ [Quran 59:18]. (Then the Holy Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving charity, saying) 'A man should give charity from his dinar, from his dirham, from his garment, from a sa' of his wheat, from a sa' of his dates - until he said - even if it is half a date.' The narrator said: Then a man from the Ansar came with a bundle that his hand could barely carry, or rather, it could not carry. Then people followed suit, until I saw piles of food and clothing, and I saw the face of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ beaming, as if it were gilded. Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, 'Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of those who act upon it after him, without their rewards being diminished in any way. And whoever initiates a bad practice in Islam will bear its burden and the burden of those who act upon it after him, without their burdens being diminished in any way.'" (Sahih Muslim, Book of Encouraging Charity, Hadith 1017, Beirut Edition) This means that whoever performs a good deed first will receive the reward for that deed, and whoever is inspired by that person and performs the same good deed will also have their reward, and the one who initiated the good deed will also receive their reward, without any reduction in the reward of the one who was inspired to act.
Social Harmony
Social harmony means that while living in a society, every individual should live with mutual love and affection, overlooking personal differences and maintaining unity and agreement. From the blessed Seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, we also learn the lesson of mutual love. The Noble Prophet ﷺ said: الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ، لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَلَا يُسْلِمُهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ فِي حَاجَةِ أَخِيهِ كَانَ اللَّهُ فِي حَاجَتِهِ، وَمَنْ فَرَّجَ عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ كُرْبَةً فَرَّجَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ Translation: “A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not wrong him nor abandon him. Whoever fulfills the need of his brother, Allah will fulfill his need. Whoever relieves a Muslim of a difficulty, Allah will relieve him of a difficulty from the difficulties of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2442, Sahih Muslim: 2580)
Social Unity in the Light of the Seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
When the Noble Prophet ﷺ migrated from Makkah to Madinah, in the very first year of Hijrah, the first written treaty and constitution of Islam was established, concerning the Muslims and the Jews living in Madinah. The Holy Prophet ﷺ had this treaty written down, making it clear that peace, harmony, and order in society are extremely important. No one should harm another, and everyone should respect the rights of others. The full details of this treaty are mentioned extensively in the books of Seerah. In Seerat Mustafa, Sayyiduna Allama Abdul Mustafa Azmi رحمۃ اللہ علیہ summarized it briefly, and that summary is presented here: "In Madinah, apart from the Ansar, there were also many Jews. These Jews belonged to three tribes — Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Qurayzah — who lived on the outskirts of Madinah, in very strong fortresses and well-fortified castles. Before the Hijrah, the Jews and the Ansar were always in conflict, and that conflict still existed. The two Ansar tribes, Aws and Khazraj, had become very weak because in the famous battle of Bu’ath, the major chiefs and renowned warriors of both tribes had fought each other and been killed. The Jews would constantly engage in plots and mischief to keep these two tribes in conflict so that they would never unite. Due to these circumstances, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ felt the need for a treaty regarding the future relations between the Jews and the Muslims, so that both sides could live in peace and security, avoiding any clashes or confrontation. Thus, the Holy Prophet ﷺ gathered the Ansar and the Jews and had a written document of agreement prepared, which both parties signed. The main points of this treaty are as follows: 1. The system of blood money (compensation for life) and fidyah (payment for freeing captives), which was already in practice, would remain in place. 2. The Jews would have complete religious freedom, and there would be no interference in their religious practices. 3. The Jews and the Muslims would maintain friendly relations with one another. 4. If either the Jews or the Muslims faced a war, the other party would help them. 5. If Madinah were attacked, both sides would jointly defend it against the attacker. 6. Neither side would shelter the Quraysh or their allies. 7. If one side made peace with an enemy, the other side would also join in that peace agreement, except in cases of religious warfare, which were excluded from this rule. (Seerat Mustafa, quoting Seerat Ibn Hisham, vol. 4, pp. 501–502)
Unparalleled son
Unparalleled son
The blessed personality of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ is perfect and complete in every aspect. Whichever of his qualities and perfections one looks towards, he is unparalleled in that quality. His noble seerah provides guidance for every segment of society. Even though the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ father, Sayyiduna Abdullah رضي الله عنه, passed away before his birth, and his mother passed away when he was six years old, if a son seeks guidance from the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ seerah as a son, he is not deprived. The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ role as a son in his social life is also exemplary.
Respect for parents
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has, at several places, commanded the worship of Himself, followed immediately by the command to treat parents with respect and honor. As it is stated in the Holy Quran: وَ قَضٰى رَبُّكَ اَلَّا تَعْبُدُوْۤا اِلَّاۤ اِیَّاهُ وَ بِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًاؕ-اِمَّا یَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ اَحَدُهُمَاۤ اَوْ كِلٰهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَّهُمَاۤ اُفٍّ وَّ لَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَ قُلْ لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِیْمًا Translation: “And your Lord has commanded not to worship anyone except Him, and treat parents with goodness; if one of them or both reach old age in front of you, so, do not say (even) ‘Ugh’ to them and do not scold them, and speak to them words of respect.” (Part 15, Surah Bani Israel, Verse 23) It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله عنه that I asked the Holy Prophet ﷺ: أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: الصَّلَاةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا، قُلْتُ: ثُمَّ أَيٌّ؟ قَالَ: بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ، قُلْتُ: ثُمَّ أَيٌّ؟ قَالَ: الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ Translation: 'Which deed is most beloved to Allah?' He ﷺ replied, 'To offer salah on its stated time.' I asked, 'Then what?' He ﷺ said, 'To be good and dutiful to one’s parents.' I asked, 'Then what?' He ﷺ said, 'To participate in Jihad in the Cause of Allah.' (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 527)"
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ respect for his foster mother
When Sayyidatuna Halima رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا would come into the presence of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, he would treat her with great respect and affection. Thus, on one occasion, during the Battle of Hunayn, when Sayyidatuna Halima Sadiyyah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا came to meet the beloved of God, the Prophet ﷺ, he spread out his own shawl for her. (Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 4, pg. 374)
Expression of love
You should also continue to express your devotion and love to your parents, as it makes their hearts happy. We also learn this from the seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. And the Beloved Prophet ﷺ himself commanded kindness towards parents. One way of being kind to parents is by expressing love to them. Sayyidatuna Asma bint Abi Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا narrates that her mother came to her, and she asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّ أُمِّي قَدِمَتْ عَلَيَّ وَهِيَ رَاغِبَةٌ، أَفَأَصِلُهَا 'O Messenger of Allah! My mother has come to me, and she is desirous (of wealth or help), should I be to her?' He ﷺ replied, نَعَمْ، صِلِي أُمَّكِ 'Yes, be kind to your mother.' (Sahih Bukhari: 5978)
The Last Prophet’s ﷺ expression of love for his foster mother
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ used to visit his foster mother, Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا. As narrated: عَنْ اَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ : قَالَ اَبُوْ بَكْرٍ لِعُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا بَعْدَ وَفَاةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : اِنْطلِقْ بِنَااِلَى اُمِّ اَيْمَنَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا نَزُوْرُهَا كَمَا كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَزُوْرُهَا Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه reported that after the passing of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said to Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه: 'Let us go to visit Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to visit her.' In the explanation of this Hadith, Allama Muhammad bin Allan Shafi'i علیہ الرحمہ states: 'The Beloved Prophet ﷺ greatly honored Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا and used to say: 'Umm Ayman is my mother.' For this reason, he ﷺ frequently visited her. He was like a son to her, and she treated him like a son.' (Riyad as-Salihin, Volume 04, Hadith 360)
The Beloved Prophet’s ﷺ expression of love for his mother and his tearful moment
Once, the Noble Prophet ﷺ came to the blessed grave of his mother, Sayyidatuna Amina رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا, and began to weep. When those present asked him the reason for his weeping, he replied: 'I remembered the kindness and compassion of my mother, and so I wept.' (Al-Sirah al-Halabiyya, Vol. 1, p. 154)
Service, Care, and Parents' Du’a
Serving and caring for parents is even superior to Jihad. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has commanded us to serve our parents and also to pray for them, as Allah Almighty has said: وَ اخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَ قُلْ رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّیٰنِیْ صَغِیْرًا(24) And spread for them thearm of humbleness with a soft heart, and request humbly that ‘O my Lord, have mercy on them both, just as they brought me up in my childhood.’ (Chapter 15, Surah Bani Isra'il, Verse 23) عَنْ مُعَاوِيَةَ بْنِ جَاهِمَةَ السَّلَمِيِّ، أَنَّ جَاهِمَةَ جَاءَ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَرَدْتُ أَنْ أَغْزُوَ وَقَدْ جِئْتُ أَسْتَشِيرُكَ، فَقَالَ: هَلْ لَكَ مِنْ أُمٍّ؟» قَالَ: نَعَمْ، قَالَ: «فَالْزَمْهَا، فَإِنَّ الْجَنَّةَ تَحْتَ رِجْلَيْهَا Narrated Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah bin Jahimah Sulami رضي الله عنه: Jahimah رضي الله عنه came to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and said, "O Messenger of Allah! I want to go for Jihad, and I have come to seek your advice." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Do you have a mother?" He رضي الله عنه said, "Yes." The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, "Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet." (Sunan Nasai, Hadith 3104)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ sending gifts to his foster mother
After the Noble Prophet ﷺ married Sayyidatuna Khadijah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا, Sayyiduna Thuwaybah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا used to visit him. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ greatly respected her and would send her gifts and other items from Madinah. (Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 1, p. 356)
Incomparable brother
Incomparable brother
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ did not have any biological brothers or sisters. However, he did have both foster brothers and sisters through the bond of nursing. The way the Beloved Prophet ﷺ treated them serves as an excellent guide for a brother, as this is a relationship typically characterized by sincerity, love, unity, and mutual support in times of trouble. The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ conduct with his foster brothers and sisters undoubtedly provides valuable guidance for us in his seerah.
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ kind treatment of his foster sister
Sayyidatuna Shayma رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا, the elder daughter of Sayyidatuna Halima Sadia رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا and the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ foster sister, was among those captured by the Muslims during a battle with the Hawazin tribe. At that time, Sayyidatuna Shayma رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا had not yet embraced Islam. She introduced herself to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ as his foster sister. As the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was seeing her after a long time since their childhood, he asked her for a sign to confirm her identity. She showed him a mark, which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ recognized, and recalling their childhood moments, he cried. Then, he spread his blessed shawl on the ground and seated Sayyidatuna Shayma رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا upon it with great respect. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ then said to her: إن أحببت فأقيمي عندي محبّبة مكرّمة وإن أحببت أن أمتعك فترجعي إلى قومك فعلت Translation: 'If you wish, stay with me in comfort and honor, and if you prefer, I will provide for you and send you back to your people.' Sayyidatuna Shayma رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا gladly accepted the invitation to Islam and chose to return to her tribe. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ bestowed gifts and presents upon her and sent her back with great care and respect. (Subul al-Huda wa'l-Rashad, Volume 01, Page 380, Published in Lebanon, Beirut)
Solutions to Disagreements
It is a beautiful aspect of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ seerah to resolve disputes among Muslims and to maintain the bond of love between them. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ also emphasized the importance of this: كُلُّ سُلَامَىٰ مِنَ النَّاسِ عَلَيْهِ صَدَقَةٌ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ تَطْلُعُ فِيهِ الشَّمْسُ، تَعْدِلُ بَيْنَ ٱثْنَيْنِ صَدَقَةٌ. Translation: 'Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day the sun comes up. To act justly between two people is a charity.' (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2989)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ resolving disputes among his foster brothers
Allah Almighty bestowed upon the Beloved Prophet ﷺ the highest level of understanding and wisdom. Whenever he made a decision in a matter, it was such that the dispute between the parties would end. On one occasion, a disagreement arose between his foster brothers, Sayyiduna Ja'far bin Abi Talib and Sayyiduna Ali رضی اللہ عنہما, which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ resolved. The issue was that after the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Hamza رضي الله عنه, he left behind a young daughter named 'Umama. When it was time for her guardianship, three claimants came forward. Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه said, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! She is my cousin, and I was the first to take her into my lap, so I should have the right to her guardianship.' Sayyiduna Ja'far رضي الله عنه requested, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! She is also my cousin, and her maternal aunt is my wife, so I am more entitled to her guardianship.' Sayyiduna Zaid bin Haritha رضي الله عنه said, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! She is the daughter of my religious brother, Sayyiduna Hamza رضي الله عنه, so I will be her guardian.' After hearing the statements of these three companions, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ decided, 'The maternal aunt is equivalent to the mother.' Therefore, the girl would remain in the guardianship of Ja'far رضي الله عنه. (Riyadh as-Salihin, Volume 03, Hadith 355)
Overcoming grief
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ was the comforter of those in grief. Whenever he saw someone troubled or in sorrow, he would alleviate their distress until their worries completely disappeared. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ also encouraged his companions to do the same, saying: عَنْ اَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: ’’مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُّؤمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِّنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنيَا نَفَّسَ اللهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِّنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ يَّسَّرَ عَلٰى مُعْسَرٍ يَّسَّرَ اللهُ عَلَيهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِ Translation: 'It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Whoever relieves a believer of a worldly trouble, Allah will relieve him of one of the troubles of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever makes things easy for a person in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the Hereafter.' 2 (Sharh Arba'een Nawawi, Hadith 36)
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ incident of removing grief from Sayyiduna Ali
عَنْ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ: آخَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بَيْنَ أَصْحَابِهِ فَجَاءَ عَلِيٌّ تَدْمَعُ عَيْنَاهُ، فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ آخَيْتَ بَيْنَ أَصْحَابِكَ وَلَمْ تُؤَاخِ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ أَحَدٍ، فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَنْتَ أَخِي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar رضی اللہ عنہما that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ established brotherhood (Ukhuwah) in Madinah, Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه came to the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ presence with tears in his eyes and said, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! You have established brotherhood among all the Companions رضي الله عنهم, but you have not made me a brother to anyone.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to him: اَنْتَ اَخِیْ فِی الدُّنْیَا وَالاٰخِرَۃِ Translation: 'You are my brother in this world and in the Hereafter.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3720)
Exceptional father
Exceptional father
In our society, there is significant negligence regarding the upbringing of children. Perhaps the primary reason for this is that parents themselves are not well-versed in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Or, while they desire their children to have good character, they often resort to excessive strictness in this pursuit, which yields negative results instead of positive ones, and children become rebellious. Particularly, it is crucial to understand how a father should conduct himself with his children in the light of the Seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. This training process should commence from childhood. A wise person once said, "Save the child in childhood; after childhood, it becomes difficult to save them." A Hadith states: “اَلْعِلْمُ فِيْ صِغَرِهِ كَالنَّقْشِ عَلَى الحَجَرِ" Translation: "Acquiring knowledge in childhood is like an engraving on stone (permanent)." (Majma' al-Zawa'id Hadith 5015) The implication is that childhood training is very effective. However, it is also a fact that children, even when they reach old age, remain in need of their parents' guidance. A wise child never considers themselves more knowledgeable than their parents.
Compassion and love
Children observe the compassion and love of their parents from a very young age, which is why they become more attached to them. If a baby is crying and doesn't quiet down when held by someone else, but becomes silent as soon as they are with one of their parents, this behavior indicates that the child has begun to recognize their parents. Therefore, parents should also understand that this child desires compassion and love. The Holy Prophet ﷺ would also visit his son Sayidduna Ibrahim رضي الله عنه, hold him in his arms, and kiss him, as narrated in a Hadith in Sahih Muslim: عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ: «مَا رَأَيْتُ أَحَدًا كَانَ أَرْحَمَ بِالْعِيَالِ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ» ، قَالَ: «كَانَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ مُسْتَرْضِعًا لَهُ فِي عَوَالِي الْمَدِينَةِ، فَكَانَ يَنْطَلِقُ وَنَحْنُ مَعَهُ فَيَدْخُلُ الْبَيْتَ وَإِنَّهُ لَيُدَّخَنُ، وَكَانَ ظِئْرُهُ قَيْنًا، فَيَأْخُذُهُ فَيُقَبِّلُهُ، ثُمَّ يَرْجِعُ Narrated Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه: I have not seen anyone more merciful towards children than the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Ibrahim رضي الله عنه was being nursed in the outskirts of Madinah. He (the Holy Prophet ﷺ) would go, and we would go with him, and he would enter the house even though it was filled with smoke, for his foster father was a blacksmith. He would take him and kiss him, and then return. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2316)
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ compassion for Sayyidah Fatimah رضي الله عنها
The Holy Prophet ﷺ also showed compassion towards Sayyidah Fatimah رضي الله عنها, the leader of the women of Paradise. It is narrated that when Sayyidah Fatimah رضي الله عنها would come to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, he would say "Marhaba" (welcome) to her and seat her beside him. A narration in Sahih Muslim states: عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ: كُنَّ أَزْوَاجُ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عِنْدَهُ، لَمْ يُغَادِرْ مِنْهُنَّ وَاحِدَةً، فَأَقْبَلَتْ فَاطِمَةُ تَمْشِي، مَا تُخْطِئُ مِشْيَتُهَا مِنْ مِشْيَةِ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ شَيْئًا، فَلَمَّا رَآهَا رَحَّبَ بِهَا، فَقَالَ: «مَرْحَبًا بِابْنَتِي» ثُمَّ أَجْلَسَهَا عَنْ يَمِينِهِ أَوْ عَنْ شِمَالِهِ Narrated Sayyidatuna Aisha رضي الله عنها: The wives of the Holy Prophet ﷺ were all with him, and none of them was absent. Then Sayyidatuna Fatimah رضي الله عنها came walking, and her gait was exactly like the gait of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. When he saw her, he welcomed her and said, "Welcome, my daughter!" Then he seated her to his right or to his left. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2450)
Wise upbringing
In raising children, a father especially needs to keep a wise approach in mind so that the children do not distance themselves from him, but rather become engaged in trying to improve themselves. Let's understand this through a simple example: If there is ever a disagreement between the father and the mother, neither parent should speak against the other in front of their children. This could potentially diminish the respect the children have for one of them. And if the children ever say something inappropriate, the parents should not be harsh. Instead, they should speak in a way that has a positive impact on the children and does not lessen their respect for either the father or the mother. This wise strategy is something we also learn from the seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, as narrated: Once, Sayyidah Fatimah رضي الله عنها, the pure and virtuous, said something about one of the Mothers of the Believers رضي الله عنها in the presence of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Holy Prophet ﷺ then said: إِنَّهَا حِبَّةُ أَبِيكِ وَرَبِّ الْكَعْبَةِ “O my daughter! She is dear to your father.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4898)
Teaching Children to Recite Wazaif
Parents should also include in the upbringing of their children the habit of encouraging them to recite some wazifa or Durood Shareef, and even recite it together with them so that through these recitations, they remain engaged in the remembrance of Allah Almighty. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ also encouraged and emphasized Sayyidatuna Fatimah al Zahra رضي الله عنها to recite a specific wazifa. عن أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِفَاطِمَةَ: " مَا يَمْنَعُكِ أَنْ تَسْمَعِي مَا أُوصِيكِ بِهِ أَنْ تَقُولِي إِذَا أَصْبَحْتِ، وَإِذَا أَمْسَيْتِ: يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ، أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرَفَةَ عَيْنٍ It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه that he said: The Holy Prophet ﷺ said to Sayyidah Fatimah رضي الله عنها: “What is preventing you from listening to the advice I am giving you? When it is morning or evening, recite this supplication: يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ، أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرَفَةَ عَيْنٍ Translation of the supplication: “O Ever-Living, O Self-Subsisting Sustainer! By Your mercy, I seek help. Set right for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.” (Al-Mustadrak lil-Hakim, Hadith 2000)
Encouragement to Show Patience in Difficult Times
In this world, a person goes through various kinds of trials and difficult moments. At such times, a reassuring word from an elder, a supplicatory phrase, or a kind statement strengthens the heart, alleviates distress, and makes it easier to endure the hardship. This is especially true when parents stand by their children during such moments. When a child faces a challenging situation, parents have an important role to play — for example: encouraging patience, advising them to be content with the will of Allah, so that the child does not feel helpless, isolated, or alone. This way, they avoid showing impatience during a trial and do not displease Allah Almighty. We also find guidance for this in the blessed seerah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, as mentioned in the following Hadith: عَنْ اُسَامَةَ بْنِ زَيدٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: اَرْسَلَتْ اِحْدٰى بَنَاتِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اِلَيْهِ تَدْعُوْهُ وَتُخْبِرُهُ اَنَّ صَبِيًّا لَهَا اَوْ اِبْنًا فِي الْمَوْتِ فَقَالَ لِلرَّسُوْلِ:ارْجِعْ اِلَيْهَا فَاَخْبِرْهَا اَنَّ لِلهِ تَعَالٰی مَا اَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا اَعْطٰی وَكُلُّ شَيْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِاَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَمُرْهَا فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ Narrated by Sayyiduna Usama bin Zayd رضي الله عنه: One of the daughters of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ (Sayyidatuna Zaynab رضي الله عنها) sent a message to him, calling him and informing him that her child was at the brink of passing. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ told the messenger: “Return to her and tell her: Indeed, to Allah belongs whatever He takes, and to Him belongs whatever He gives, and everything with Him has an appointed term. So tell her to be patient and seek reward from Allah.” (Riyad as-Salihin, Hadith 924)
Matchless husband
Matchless husband
When we observe a person's social life, we generally see that their demeanor with other members of society is good. It is said that if a person's own family members testify to their habits, character, and morals, then surely that person is of good character and has a great personality. Among the family members of the Holy Prophet ﷺ were his noble wives رضی اللہ عنھن, who numbered eleven, and all of them were impressed by the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ noble character and excellent conduct. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ treated all of them with justice, would sit with them, and give them his time. He even participated in household chores. Regarding how a husband should treat his wife, the life of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ "as a husband" is the best example for us. All the qualities that can be imagined for an ideal and great husband were perfectly present in the noble being of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ.
Love and affection
Before Islam, women were always looked upon with hatred and contempt. They had no value or importance. Islam gave women their true status, honored them with dignity and glory, increased their worth and position, and declared them the best possession. Therefore, it is mentioned in a sacred Hadith: عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، قَالَ: الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ، وَخَيْرُ مَتَاعِ الدُّنْيَا الْمَرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ Narrated Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The world is a possession, and the best possession in the world is a righteous woman (wife)." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1467) The Beloved Prophet ﷺ loved his pure wives and also expressed it. Regarding Sayyidatuna Khadijah رضي الله عنها, he said: إِنِّي قَدْ رُزِقْتُ حُبَّهَا "Verily, I have been blessed with her love." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2435) The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ state of love and affection for his wives was such that he would eat with them and never let them feel inferior in any situation. The extent of this can be understood from these blessed Hadith: عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: كُنْتُ أَتَعَرَّقُ الْعَرْقَ فَيَضَعُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَاهُ حَيْثُ وَضَعْتُهُ وَأَنَا حَائِضٌ، وَكُنْتُ أَشْرَبُ مِنَ الْإِنَاءِ فَيَضَعُ فَاهُ حَيْثُ وَضَعْتُ وَأَنَا حَائِضٌ Narrated Sayyidatuna Aisha رضي الله عنها: She said: "I used to gnaw at a bone, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would put his mouth where I had put mine, even when I was menstruating. And I would drink from a vessel, and he would put his mouth where I had put mine, even when I was menstruating." (Sunan An-Nasa'i, Hadith 341)
Taking part in household activities
Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ could have lived a life of extreme grandeur and provided all the comforts and luxuries of the world to his wives. However, he lived a life of utmost simplicity and humility. Such was his humility that he would help his wives with household chores. عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّهَا سُئِلَتْ مَا كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعْمَلُ فِي بَيْتِهِ؟ قَالَتْ: " كَانَ يَخِيطُ ثَوْبَهُ، وَيَخْصِفُ نَعْلَهُ، وَيَعْمَلُ مَا يَعْمَلُ الرِّجَالُ فِي بُيُوتِهِمْ Narrated Sayyidatuna Aisha رضي الله عنها: She was asked what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to do in his house. She said: "He used to mend his clothes, repair his shoes, and do what men do in their houses." (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 24903)
Greeting the Blessed Wives with salaam
Allah Almighty Has Himself commanded in the Noble Qur’an to greet one another with salaam, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ encouraged this practice on various occasions. In one Hadith, it is stated: عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَا تَدْخُلُوا الجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى أَمْرٍ إِذَا أَنْتُمْ فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! You will not enter Paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love one another. Shall I not inform you of something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam among yourselves.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2688) It was from the noble habit of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that just as he would greet children and adults outside the home, and even initiate the greeting, likewise, when he entered his home, he would greet his blessed wives with salaam, supplicate for their well-being, and enquire about their health. From this aspect of the blessed Seerah, we learn that a man, when entering his home, should greet his wife. Sadly, in today’s time, despite the deep relationship between husband and wife, the beautiful etiquette of greeting is often absent. In reality, salam is a supplication of peace for the one being greeted. It brings blessings in sustenance and prevents quarrels within the home. Therefore, every husband should reflect upon this aspect of the Messenger of Allah’s ﷺ blessed seerah and adopt this noble practice. (Monthly Faizan-e-Madina, September 2023)
Unparalleled grandfather
Love for Ali bin Abi al-Aas
The eldest grandson of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, who was nearing puberty and passed away, was Sayyiduna Ali bin Abi al-Aas رضي الله عنه. He was the son of the Holy Prophet's ﷺ eldest daughter, Sayyidatuna Zainab رضي الله عنها. The Holy Prophet ﷺ loved him very much. It is also mentioned in books of Seerah that during the Conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet ﷺ had Sayyiduna Ali bin Abi al-Aas رضي الله عنه riding behind him on his camel. Allama Hafiz Abu Nu'aim mentioned this in his 'Marifat al-Sahabah'.
Love for Umama bint Abi al Aas
Among the granddaughters of the Prophet of Mercy ﷺ is a blessed granddaughter, Sayyidatuna Umama bint Abu al Aas, رضي الله عنها. She was the eldest and the most beloved granddaughter of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, the daughter of Sayyidatuna Zainab رضي الله عنها. The Holy Prophet ﷺ loved her very much as well. A narration in Sahih Bukhari states: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَتَادَةَ، قَالَ: خَرَجَ عَلَيْنَا النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، وَأُمَامَةُ بِنْتُ أَبِي العَاصِ عَلَى عَاتِقِهِ، فَصَلَّى، فَإِذَا رَكَعَ وَضَعَ، وَإِذَا رَفَعَ رَفَعَهَا Translation: Sayyiduna Abu Qatada رضي الله عنه narrates that once the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came while carrying Umama bint Abu al As (his granddaughter) on his blessed shoulder. Then, he ﷺ led the prayer. When he would go into Ruku', he would put her down, and when he would stand up, he would pick her up again. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5996)
Went to meet the grandson
The Holy Prophet ﷺ went to meet his grandson, Sayyiduna Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه. When he inquired about Imam Hasan from Sayyidatuna Fatima Zahra رضي الله عنها, he mentioned him with very loving and affectionate words, just as it is common in households to call young children by names like 'Munna,' 'Bablu,' or 'Chhotu.' Calling someone in this way is also a sign of affection. There is a narration in Sahih Muslim: عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: خَرَجْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي طَائِفَةٍ مِنَ النَّهَارِ، لَا يُكَلِّمُنِي وَلَا أُكَلِّمُهُ، حَتَّى جَاءَ سُوقَ بَنِي قَيْنُقَاعَ، ثُمَّ انْصَرَفَ، حَتَّى أَتَى خِبَاءَ فَاطِمَةَ فَقَالَ: «أَثَمَّ لُكَعُ؟ أَثَمَّ لُكَعُ؟» يَعْنِي حَسَنًا فَظَنَنَّا أَنَّهُ إِنَّمَا تَحْبِسُهُ أُمُّهُ لِأَنْ تُغَسِّلَهُ وَتُلْبِسَهُ سِخَابًا، فَلَمْ يَلْبَثْ أَنْ جَاءَ يَسْعَى، حَتَّى اعْتَنَقَ كُلُّ وَاحِدٍ مِنْهُمَا صَاحِبَهُ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أُحِبُّهُ، فَأَحِبَّهُ وَأَحْبِبْ مَنْ يُحِبُّهُ Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه narrated: I went out with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ during a part of the day, and he did not speak to me, nor did I speak to him, until he came to the market of Banu Qainuqa'. Then he returned, and came to the tent of Sayyidatuna Fatima and said: 'Is the little one there? Is the little one there?' meaning Sayyiduna Hasan. We thought that his mother had kept him back in order to bathe him and dress him. It was not long before Sayyiduna Hasan came running, until each of them hugged each other. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ then said: ' اللہُمَّ إِنِّي أُحِبُّهُ، فَأَحِبَّهُ وَأَحْبِبْ مَنْ يُحِبُّهُ,' meaning: 'O Allah, I love him (Hasan), so love him and love those who love him.' (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2421)
Supplicating for the grandsons
The Holy Prophet ﷺ used to make special supplications for his grandsons, Sayyiduna Imam Hasan and Sayyiduna Imam Hussain رضی اللہ عنہما. From this, a grandfather learns from the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ seerah that just as he prays for his own children, he should also pray for his grandsons and granddaughters in his supplications. There is a narration in Sahih Bukhari: عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا، قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُعَوِّذُ الحَسَنَ وَالحُسَيْنَ، وَيَقُولُ: " إِنَّ أَبَاكُمَا كَانَ يُعَوِّذُ بِهَا إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لاَمَّةٍ Narrated Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه: The Beloved Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge for Sayyiduna Hasan and Sayyiduna Hussain رضی اللہ عنہما and say: 'Your forefather Sayyiduna Ibrahim علیہ السلام used to seek refuge with Allah for Sayyiduna Ismail and Sayyiduna Ishaac علیہما السلام by reciting the following: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ " meaning: 'I seek refuge in Allah's perfect words from every devil and poisonous creature, and from every evil eye.' (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3371)
Taught Sayyiduna Imam Hasan, the grandson, how to offer Salah
Teaching children the salah and urging them to perform it is also the responsibility of the elders in the household. The Holy Prophet ﷺ taught Sayyiduna Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه the salah. There is a narration in Musnad Ahmad: عَنْ أَبِي الْحَوْرَاءِ، قَالَ: كُنَّا عِنْدَ حَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، فَسُئِلَ مَا عَقَلْتَ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ؟ قَالَ: عَقَلْتُ مِنْهُ الصَّلَوَاتِ الْخَمْسَ Narrated Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه: We were with Sayyiduna Hasan bin Ali رضي الله عنه, and he was asked: 'What did you learn from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?' Sayyiduna Hasan رضي الله عنه said: 'I learned the five daily prayers from him.' (Excerpted from Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 1725)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ running with both hands outstretched to catch his grandson
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ running to catch Sayyiduna Imam Hussain رضي الله عنه, and after catching him, kissing him and then supplicating for him, this expression of love was to amuse and please his grandson. And this is the manner we should also adopt with our children. In a narration from Adab al-Mufrad: عَنْ يَعْلَى بْنِ مُرَّةَ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ: خَرَجْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، ودُعينا إِلَى طَعَامٍ فَإِذَا حُسَيْنٌ يَلْعَبُ فِي الطَّرِيقِ، فَأَسْرَعَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَمَامَ الْقَوْمِ، ثُمَّ بسط يديه، فجعله يَمُرُّ مَرَّةً هَا هُنَا وَمَرَّةً هَا هُنَا؛ يُضَاحِكُهُ حَتَّى أَخَذَهُ فَجَعَلَ إِحْدَى يَدَيْهِ فِي ذَقْنِهِ وَالْأُخْرَى فِي رَأْسِهِ، ثُمَّ اعْتَنَقَهُ فَقَبَّلَهُ، ثُمَّ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: حُسَيْنٌ مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْهُ، أَحَبَّ اللَّهُ مَنْ أَحَبَّ الْحَسَنَ وَالْحُسَيْنَ، سَبِطَانِ مِنَ الْأَسْبَاطِ Narrated Sayyiduna Ya'la bin Murrah رضي الله عنه: We went out with the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and were invited to a meal. Suddenly, we saw Sayyiduna Hussain رضي الله عنه playing in the street. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ hastened ahead of the people, then spread out his hands, and kept making Sayyiduna Hussain رضي الله عنه run once here and once there, making him laugh until he caught him. He then placed one of his hands on his chin and the other on his head, then embraced him and kissed him. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ then said: 'Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. May Allah love whoever loves Hasan and Hussain. They are two of the noblest branches of my family.' (Adab al-Mufrad, Chapter on Embracing a Child)
Sincere Friend
Sincere Friend
It is part of human nature to be drawn to like-minded individuals. These like-minded individuals are sometimes called friends. In Islamic law, if a friend is good, they are a means of success in both this world and the hereafter. Just as religion guides us in other matters, it also provides guidelines for friendship. Especially when the foundation of friendship is goodness and piety, such friendship is beneficial in this world and will also be beneficial in the hereafter. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran: اَلْاَخِلَّآءُ یَوْمَىٕذٍۭ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ اِلَّا الْمُتَّقِیْنَ Translation: Close friends will turn into enemies of one another on that Day, except the pious. (Part 25, Surah Az-Zukhruf, Verse 67) It is narrated by Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: A person from Paradise will say, "What is the condition of my friend so-and-so?" And that friend will be in Hell due to his sins. Allah Almighty will say, "Take his friend out and enter him into Paradise." Then those who remain in Hell will say, "We have no intercessors and no sympathetic friends." (Tafsir Baghawi, Ash-Shu'ara, under this verse) It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: الرَّجُلُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ "A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he takes as a close friend." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2378) What was the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ manner with his companions, i.e., his friends? To be a good friend, there is guidance for us in the seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in this regard as well. The friendship of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ is the best friendship in the world.
Helped a friend pay off his debt
One of the friends of the Holy Prophet ﷺ became indebted. The situation was that he had bought fruits on credit during a time of inflation to sell them, but suddenly the price of fruits fell or the fruits spoiled, due to which he accumulated a large amount of debt. The Holy Prophet ﷺ supported him and said to his other companions: تَصَدَّقُوا عَلَيْه"Give charity to him" (meaning, help him pay off his debt). "فَتَصَدَّقَ النَّاسُ عَلَيْهِ،" So the people helped him as much as they could. "فَلَمْ يَبْلُغْ ذَلِكَ وَفَاءَ دَيْنِهِ،" But even then, his entire debt was not paid off. "فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِغُرَمَائِهِ" Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to his creditors: «خُذُوا مَا وَجَدْتُمْ، وَلَيْسَ لَكُمْ إِلَّا ذَلِكَ» " Take your share from what is available; you cannot get anything more than this right now," (meaning, give him time to repay the debt - Mirat-ul-Manajih). (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1556)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ told his friend to supplicate
The friend of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, the second Caliph of Islam, Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه once came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ while going for Umrah and sought permission. The Holy Prophet ﷺ had a loving and friendly relationship with every one of his companions. The Holy Prophet ﷺ granted permission and said: أَشْرِكْنَا يَا أُخَيَّ فِيْ دُعَائِكَ وَلَا تَنْسَنَا Translation: O my brother! Include us in your prayers and do not forget us. (In one narration, the words are " اشرکنا," and in another narration, the words are " لاتنسنا.") (Abu Dawood, Hadith 1498)
Working together with friends in difficult times
On the occasion of the Battle of the Trench, when the suggestion to dig a trench was given, the Messenger of the Universe ﷺ accepted this advice and ordered the Companions to dig the trench. Usually, leaders and kings give orders and supervise, but the Beloved Prophet ﷺ not only gave the order but also participated himself in digging the trench alongside the Companions. A narration in Bukhari and Muslim states that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was digging the trench and also supplicating: وَعَنِ الْبَرَّاءِ قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَنْقُلُ التُّرَابَ يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ حَتّٰى اِغْبَرَّ بَطْنُهٗ يَقُولُ:وَاللّٰهِ لَوْلَا اللّٰهُ مَا اهْتَدَيْنَا وَلَا تَصَدَّقْنَا وَلَا صَلَّيْنَافَأَنْزِل سَكِيْنَةً عَلَيْنَا وَثَبِّتِ الْأَقْدَامَ إِنْ لَاقَيْنَا إِنَّ الأُلَى قَدْ بَغَوْا عَلَيْنَا إِذَا أَرَادُوا فِتْنَةً أَبَيْنَا يَرْفَعُ بِهَا صَوْتَهٗ: أَبَيْنَا أَبَيْنَا .(مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ) Translation: It is narrated by Sayyiduna Bara' رضي الله عنه who said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was removing soil on the day of the Trench until his abdomen became dusty. He was saying: 'By Allah, were it not for Allah, we would not have been guided, nor would we have given in charity, nor would we have prayed. So send down tranquility upon us and make our feet firm if we meet the enemy. Indeed, those people have transgressed against us, and when they intended Fitnah (trial/sedition), we refused, we refused.'" The Beloved Prophet ﷺ was raising his voice with the word ' ابینا' (we refused). (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1803; Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 4104)
Kind treatment of relatives
Kind treatment of relatives
By acting upon the pure and radiant teachings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, society can be made like paradise. Among these teachings of Beloved Prophet ﷺ are: good treatment of relatives, mutual harmony, brotherhood and fraternity, cooperation and empathy in difficult times. The harms of severing ties with these teachings are absolutely clear and evident. Therefore, a good relative is one who treats their relatives well according to the teachings of Beloved Prophet ﷺ. Allah Almighty Himself has commanded good treatment of relatives in the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty says: بِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا وَّ بِذِی الْقُرْبٰى Translation: And be good to parents, and relatives. (Part 05, Surah An-Nisa, Verse 36) In this verse, relatives are mentioned, emphasizing the importance of treating them well. The Holy Prophet ﷺ himself encouraged good treatment of relatives and strongly condemned (without a sharai reason) the severing of ties with them. In a sacred Hadith, it is narrated: تَعَلَّمُوا مِنْ اَنْسَابِكُمْ مَا تَصِلُونَ بِهِ اَرْحَامَكُمْ، فَاِنَّ صِلَةَ الرَّحِمِ مَحَبَّةٌ فِي الْاَهْلِ مَثْرَاةٌ فِي الْمَالِ، مَنْسَاَةٌ فِي الْاَثَر Translation: Learn enough of your lineage to enable you to maintain ties of kinship, for maintaining ties of kinship brings about love among relatives, increase in wealth, and prolongation of life. (Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1979) Explaining the meaning of the initial words of this blessed Hadith, Hazrat Allama Ali Qari رحمۃُ اللہ علیہ writes: تَعَرَّفُوا اَقَارِبَكُمْ مِنْ ذَوِي الْاَرْحَامِ لِيُمْكِنَكُمْ صِلَةَ الرَّحِمِ Meaning: Recognize your close relatives so that it becomes possible for you to maintain ties of kinship. (Mirqat al-Mafatih, Vol. 08, under Hadith 4934) Under the same Hadith, Hakim al-Ummat Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi رحمۃُ اللہ علیہ writes: Remember the relationships of your paternal family (your paternal grandfather's family) and your maternal family (your maternal grandfather's family), and also keep in mind your specific relationship with each person so that you can fulfill their rights according to that relationship. If you are not even aware of your relatives, how will you treat them well? (Mira'at al-Manajih) In light of the Seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, we practically learn about the Holy Prophet's ﷺ good treatment of his relatives, helping them in their difficult times, visiting them to inquire about their well-being. All these things are lessons for us. We should also strengthen our ties with our relatives by adopting the Seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ so that we can act upon the teachings of the Quran and Hadith and the Seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, and also promote love and affection from a social perspective.
To maintain relationships
Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها is the foster mother of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Despite all his engagements, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ would take time out to visit Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها and he did not disregard the bond of fosterage he had with her. It is narrated: عَنْ اَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ : قَالَ اَبُوْ بَكْرٍ لِعُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا بَعْدَ وَفَاةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : اِنْطلِقْ بِنَااِلَى اُمِّ اَيْمَنَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا نَزُوْرُهَا كَمَا كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَزُوْرُهَا Translation: It is narrated by Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه that after the passing of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه said to Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رضي الله عنه: "Let us go to Sayyidatuna Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها to visit her as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to visit her." (Faizan-e-Riyaz-us-Saliheen, Vol. 04, Hadith 360)
To end disputes
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ reached the place called "Juhfa," his uncle, Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه, along with his family, presented himself in the noble presence. He had embraced Islam and, in fact, had become a Muslim much earlier. He resided in Makkah with the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ permission and held the honorable position of providing Zamzam water to the pilgrims. Accompanying him were the son of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ uncle, Harith bin Abdul Muttalib, whose name was also Abu Sufyan, and the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ cousin, Abdullah bin Abi Umayya, who was also the step-brother of Umm al-Mu'minin Sayyidatuna Umm Salama رضي الله عنها. When the Holy Prophet ﷺ learned of the arrival of these two individuals, he refused to meet them because they had caused him a great deal of pain. Especially Abu Sufyan bin al Harith, his cousin, who before the declaration of prophethood was among his most devoted companions, but after the declaration, had composed such shameful and indecent satirical poems against the Beloved Prophet ﷺ that his heart was wounded. Therefore, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was extremely displeased and averse to both of them. However, Sayyidatuna Umm Salama رضي الله عنها strongly interceded for their forgiveness. Abu Sufyan bin al Harith even said that if the Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not forgive him, he would take his young children to the deserts of Arabia so that he and all his children would die of hunger and thirst, writhing in agony. Sayyidatuna Umm Salama رضي الله عنها, with tears in her eyes, pleaded in the court of prophethood, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Will your uncle's son and your aunt's son be the most unfortunate of all people? Will they not receive any share of your mercy?" These heart-rending words of his devoted wife caused the seas of compassion and forgiveness to surge in the merciful heart of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. Then, Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه advised both of them to suddenly stand before the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and say the same words that the brothers of Prophet Yusuf عَلَیْہِ السَّلام had said: قَالُوْا تَاللّٰهِ لَقَدْ اٰثَرَكَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْنَا وَ اِنْ كُنَّا لَخٰطِـٕیْنَ Translation: They said, "By Allah; undoubtedly, Allah has given you superiority over us, and we were indeed wrongful." (Surah Yusuf, 12:91) So, both of them suddenly appeared in the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ court and said these very words. Instantly, thousands of stars of mercy and compassion shone on the blessed forehead of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, and in response, he uttered the exact same sentence from his blessed tongue that Prophet Yusuf عَلَیْہِ السَّلام had said to his brothers: لَا تَثْرِیْبَ عَلَیْكُمُ الْیَوْمَؕ-یَغْفِرُ اللّٰهُ لَكُمْ٘-وَ هُوَ اَرْحَمُ الرّٰحِمِیْنَ Translation: There is no criticism on you this day! May Allah forgive you, and He is the Greatest of all those who show mercy. (Surah Yusuf, 12:92) When they were forgiven, Abu Sufyan bin al Harith رضي الله عنه wrote poems in praise of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and apologized for what he had written in satire during the era of ignorance. After that, he remained a very truthful and steadfast Muslim throughout his life, but out of shyness, he never raised his head in the presence of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ also had great affection for him and used to say, "I hope that Abu Sufyan bin al Harith will prove to be a worthy successor to my uncle, Sayyiduna Hamza رضي الله عنه." (Seerat Ibn Hisham, Vol. 02, Page 400)
To give a gift to a relative
On one occasion, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was busy preparing an army when Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه arrived. Upon seeing him, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: "This is the uncle of your Prophet, and he is the most generous and the best at upholding ties of kinship (treating relatives well) among the Arabs." (Tarikh Ibn Asakir, 26/324) A delegation from Darain came to the noble presence of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and presented him with several gifts, including a silk robe adorned with gold. The Holy Prophet ﷺ gave that robe to Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه, who then asked: "What shall I do with it? (It is silk, and gold is forbidden for men.)" The Beloved Prophet ﷺ replied: "Remove the gold from it and make jewelry for your women, or spend the gold as it is on your family. As for the silk robe, sell it and use its proceeds." So, Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه sold that robe to a Jew for eight thousand dirhams. (Subul al-Huda wa'l-Rashad, 6/334)
To support relatives in difficult times
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ uncle, Sayyiduna Abu Talib رضي الله عنه, was not as prosperous as his other brothers. He often faced hardship, and when a famine struck Makkah, his financial situation worsened further. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ could not bear to see his suffering. He went to his uncle, Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه, and encouraged him, saying, "We should both share the burden of Sayyiduna Abu Talib رضي الله عنه. I will take one of his sons and raise him. You take one son and take responsibility for his upbringing. In this way, his burden will be lightened." So, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه went to Sayyiduna Abu Talib رضي الله عنه and explained their purpose. Sayyiduna Abu Talib رضي الله عنه had four sons: Talib, Aqeel, Ja'far, and Ali. He said, "Let Talib and Aqeel stay with me, and you may do as you wish with the rest of the children." Therefore, Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه, who was the youngest, was taken under the care of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, and Sayyiduna Ja'far رضي الله عنه was taken by Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه. (Zia-un-Nabi, Volume 2, Pages: 229-230)
Exceptional neighbor
Exceptional neighbor
People living in the same neighborhood or society can face numerous hardships and troubles if they do not interact with one another and do not share each other's joys and sorrows. Therefore, Islam, while teaching kindness, empathy, brotherhood, love, peace, and security towards parents and relatives, and participation in each other's sorrows, has not deprived the neighbors living near Muslims either. Instead, it has instilled in them the importance of protecting their lives, property, and families to such an extent that, if acted upon, many social problems can be resolved. As a result, a beautiful society can emerge where everyone is the protector of each other's life, property, honor, and family. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has also taught good behavior towards neighbors. It is stated: وَ الْجَارِ ذِی الْقُرْبٰى وَ الْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ Translation: (Treat kindly) and the near neighbor and the distant neighbor. (Part 05, Surah An-Nisa, Verse 36). The Holy Prophet ﷺ also emphasized the importance of fulfilling the rights of neighbors greatly. He described the rights of neighbors in such a way that the Companions thought the Beloved Prophet ﷺ would even make neighbors entitled to a share in financial inheritance. The teachings of the commands of the Holy Prophet ﷺ emphasize taking care of neighbors and showing sympathy towards them to this extent. A few of these Hadith are being presented as encouragement so that we, too, may be included in the list of good neighbors.
Taking care of rights
The blessed teachings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ are the true protectors of humanity. He ﷺ laid the foundation of a clean and humane society. One of his ﷺ teachings on good social conduct is that we should take care of the rights of our neighbors and live together with them harmoniously. A narration in Shu'ab al-Iman mentions that the Holy Prophet ﷺ enumerated some rights of a neighbor and asked the Companions علیھم الرضوان: أَتَدْرِي مَا حَقُّ الْجَارِ "Do you know what the right of a neighbor is?" إِذَا اسْتَعَانَكَ أَعَنْتُهُ (It is that) "when he seeks your help, you help him;" وَإِذَا اسْتَقْرَضَكَ أَقْرَضْتَهُ "and when he asks for a loan, you lend to him;" وَإِذَا افْتَقَرَ عُدْتَ عَلَيْهِ، "and when he becomes poor, you support him;" وَإِذَا مَرِضَ عُدْتَهُ "and when he falls ill, you visit him;" وَإِذَا أَصَابَهُ خَيْرٌ هَنَّأْتَهُ "and when he experiences something good, you congratulate him;" وَإِذَا أَصَابَتْهُ مُصِيبَةٌ عَزَّيْتَهُ "and when he faces a calamity, you offer him condolences;" وَإِذَا مَاتَ اتَّبَعْتَ جِنَازَتَهُ، "and when he dies, you follow his funeral procession;" وَلَا تَسْتَطِيلُ عَلَيْهِ بِالْبِنَاءِ تَحْجُبُ عَنْهُ الرِّيحَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ "and do not build your structure high to block his air, unless with his permission;" وَلَا تُؤْذِيهِ بِقُتَارِ قِدْرِكَ إِلَّا أَنْ تَغْرِفَ لَهُ مِنْهَا "and do not trouble him with the smell of your cooking pot unless you offer him some of it;" وَإِنِ اشْتَرَيْتَ فَاكِهَةً فَاهْدِ لَهُ "and if you buy fruit, send some as a gift to him;" فَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَأَدْخِلْهَا سِرًّا، وَلَا يَخْرُجُ بِهَا وَلَدُكَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهَا وَلَدَهُ "and if you do not, then bring it into your house secretly, and do not let your children go out with it to upset his children." أَتَدْرُونَ مَا حَقُّ الْجَارِ "Do you know what the right of a neighbor is?" وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ مَا يَبْلُغُ حَقُّ الْجَارِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِمَّنْ رَحِمَ اللهُ فَمَا زَالَ يُوصِيهِمْ بِالْجَارِ حَتَّى ظَنُّوا أَنَّهُ سَيُوَرِّثُهُ "By the One in whose hand is my soul! Few are those who truly fulfill the right of a neighbor, except those upon whom Allah has mercy. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ kept emphasizing the rights of neighbors to such an extent that people thought he would make the neighbor an heir." (Shu'ab al-Iman, Hadith 9113)
A way to increase love for one's neighbor
There can be various ways and methods to increase love. A beautiful way to increase love in the neighborhood has been described by the Holy Prophet ﷺ: *: يَا عَائِشَة إِذا دخل عَلَيْك صبي جَارك فضعي فِي يَدَيْهِ شَيْئا فَإِن ذَلِك يجر مَوَدَّة * Translation: Sayyidatuna Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me: "O Aisha! When the child of your neighbor comes to you, place something in his hand, for that increases affection." (Al-Firdaws bi-Ma'thur al-Khitab, Hadith 8630)
Sharing your cooked food with your neighbor
Our Master ﷺ has so clearly emphasized the importance of a neighbor that it is generally in the home that food is cooked. He ﷺ said that more broth should be added to the food so that some of it can be given to the neighbor. It is narrated: عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ: إِنَّ خَلِيلِي صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَوْصَانِي: إِذَا طَبَخْتَ مَرَقًا فَأَكْثِرْ مَاءَهُ، ثُمَّ انْظُرْ أَهْلَ بَيْتٍ مِنْ جِيرَانِكَ، فَأَصِبْهُمْ مِنْهَا بِمَعْرُوفٍ Translation: Sayyiduna Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه narrates that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ advised me: "O Abu Dharr! When you cook broth (i.e., meat, etc.), add more water to it. Then take care of your neighbor's household and send some of it to them in a kind manner." (Muslim, Hadith: 2625) In this Hadith, there is a very clear encouragement to take care of neighbors. Alas, these beautiful aspects of the teachings of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ are disappearing from our society. May Allah grant us the good fortune to act upon them.
Pleasant relations
The beauty of a society lies in its pleasant environment. Unrest, bitterness in hearts, malice, envy, jealousy, and quarrels cause disorder and unpleasantness in society. Especially in the place where we live, having a pleasant environment among ourselves is extremely important. For this very reason, Islam has commanded the honoring and respecting of neighbors and has linked it with faith in Allah and faith in the Hereafter. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَه Translation: Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should honor his neighbor. (Bukhari, Hadith 6019) Regarding what constitutes honoring a neighbor, Allama Zarqani رحمۃُ اللہِ علیہ writes: That is, to meet him with a cheerful and welcoming face, to benefit him and bring him good, to remove harm from him, and if he experiences any trouble from him, to bear it patiently. (Monthly Faizan-e-Madina, referencing Zarqani, June 2024) When the manner of living in a neighborhood is like this, the environment will remain pleasant, and there will be mutual love. From the radiant teachings of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ seerah, we learn about the rights of neighbors, honoring them, giving them from our food, and refraining from causing them trouble and harm. May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to be good neighbors.
How did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fulfill his promises?
Final Messenger ﷺ: a fulfiller of promises:
Living in this world without the help of one another is very difficult. To strengthen this cooperation, reassurance is needed at every step, and one means of this reassurance is a promise. Stable relationships, ease in transactions, peace in society, and the establishment of an atmosphere of mutual trust are possible by fulfilling promises. That is why Islam has greatly emphasized the fulfillment of pledges, i.e., keeping promises. In the Quran and Hadith, there is a frequent command to fulfill promises when you make them. Allah Almighty states: وَ اَوْفُوْا بِالْعَهْدِۚ-اِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْـٴُـوْلًا "And fulfill (your) promise; indeed, (every) promise will be asked about (on the Day of Judgement)." (Surah Bani Israel: 34) Here, there is a command to adhere to promises, and the importance of promises has been further emphasized by informing us of accountability for not fulfilling them. In the sayings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ as well, there is encouragement to fulfill promises. Our Beloved Master ﷺ said: "The best among you are those who fulfill their promises." (Musnad Abi Ya'la, Vol. 1, p. 451)
Adherence to promises
Making a promise and then fulfilling it naturally feels good to human nature, and people appreciate it. The religion of Islam has greatly emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises to its followers, and the blessed seerah of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ provides practical examples of keeping promises. The Holy Prophet's ﷺ attribute of fulfilling promises was a well-known and famous quality among the people of Makkah even before he declared prophethood. They knew him as 'Sadiq-ul-Wa'd,' meaning truthful in his promises, and that he always did what he said. To understand the extent to which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ adhered to his promises, consider this narration from Abu Dawud Sharif: عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي الْحَمْسَاءِ، قَالَ: بَايَعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِبَيْعٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُبْعَثَ وَبَقِيَتْ لَهُ بَقِيَّةٌ فَوَعَدْتُهُ أَنْ آتِيَهُ بِهَا فِي مَكَانِهِ، فَنَسِيتُ، ثُمَّ ذَكَرْتُ بَعْدَ ثَلَاثٍ، فَجِئْتُ فَإِذَا هُوَ فِي مَكَانِهِ، فَقَالَ: «يَا فَتًى، لَقَدْ شَقَقْتَ عَلَيَّ، أَنَا هَاهُنَا مُنْذُ ثَلَاثٍ أَنْتَظِرُكَ Narrated Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abi Al-Hamsa رضي الله عنه: I made a trade transaction with the Beloved Prophet ﷺ before his prophethood, and some money remained outstanding with me. I promised him that I would bring him the remaining amount at the same place. However, I forgot, and three days passed. Then I remembered and went there. I found him ﷺ still at the same place. He ﷺ said: 'O young man! You have put me in hardship. I have been here for three days waiting for you.' (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 4996)
Fulfilled the promise despite the shortage of manpower in a state of war
We all know that in the Battle of Badr, the number of Muslims was small, while the number of disbelievers was double, or even more than double, that of the Muslims. On this occasion, two companions of the Holy Prophet ﷺ were on their way when the disbelievers intercepted them. The disbelievers took a pledge from them that they would not participate in this battle, and then they let them go. When both companions presented themselves before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and narrated the entire incident, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ did not permit them to participate in the battle, saying: انْصَرِفَا، نَفِي لَهُمْ بِعَهْدِهِمْ، وَنَسْتَعِينُ اللهَ عَلَيْهِمْ We will adhere to the pledge in all circumstances; we only need the help of Allah Almighty. (Muslim, Hadith: 1787)
Excellent trader
Excellent trader
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ is perfect and complete in every matter. He ﷺ has guided us in every aspect of life, and why not, when the Lord of the Worlds has stated: لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِیْ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰهِ اُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ "Indeed, for you following the Messenger of Allah is best" (Quran 33:21) The importance and necessity of trade in human life is not hidden from anyone. To run and develop it in a good and excellent manner, it is necessary to have good dealings, truthfulness, and honesty. At the same time, there is emphasis on avoiding lies, deceit, and breaking promises. From the blessed seerah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, we learn the fundamental principles of trade. Moreover, we also find such sayings and encouragements from our Beloved Prophet ﷺ that he imparted to his Ummah. If these teachings are followed in trade and business, along with social and societal development, economic progress can also be achieved.
The best partner
Dealing with people in a good manner is one of the virtues of Islam. Through this, a person becomes distinguished from others and an influential figure in society. If this very quality is present in our business dealings, success will embrace us, and non-Muslims will be inclined towards the religion of Islam. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Sa'ib رضي الله عنه narrates that I was a business partner of the Holy Prophet ﷺ during the era of ignorance. When I came to Madinah Munawwarah, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked, "Do you recognize me?" I replied, "Why not! You ﷺ were my perfect business partner; you neither delayed any matter nor argued with anyone." (Monthly Faizan-e-Madinah, October 2021, referencing Khasa'is-ul-Kubra)
honest merchant
Considering the current times, people have abandoned trustworthiness and seek benefit in dishonesty. However, the basis of true benefit lies in following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and adopting the Islamic way. Regarding the honest merchant, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: اَلتَّاجِرُ الصَّدُوقُ الاَمِينُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّينَ ، وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ ، وَالشُّهَدَاء "The truthful and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful ones, and the martyrs (in Paradise)." (Jami' al-Tirmidhi: 1209) It is narrated that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ traveled to Syria, Busra, and Yemen for trade and conducted his business with such honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity that his partners and all the people in the marketplace started calling him by the title "Al-Ameen" (the trustworthy). (Seerat-e-Mustafa, page 103)
Effort and striving
The Holy Prophet ﷺ was interested in trade and work from the very beginning. Even at the age of twelve, he undertook a trading journey with his uncle. After that, on various occasions, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ made trading journeys. Besides traveling, while residing in Makkah, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ also looked after the goats of the people of Makkah. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ himself said to his companions on one occasion: مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ نَبِيًّا إِلَّا رَعَى الغَنَمَ "Allah did not send any prophet but that he pastured sheep." The Companions asked in astonishment, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, did you also pasture sheep?" The Holy Prophet ﷺ replied: نَعَمْ، كُنْتُ أَرْعَاهَا عَلَى قَرَارِيطَ لِأَهْلِ مَكَّةَ "Yes, I used to pasture them for the people of Makkah for a few Qirat (small coins)." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2262) The Noble Prophet ﷺ has provided guidance for traders and businessmen in many ways. The purpose of this course is solely to describe the social aspects of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ life, and therefore we will suffice with this. Insha'Allah, our app will have a separate course that will discuss the economic aspects of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ life, where its details will also be explained.
The legislation of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Social and Societal Legislator
The fundamental purpose and ultimate aim of law (rules and principles) are to establish peace and order in society and to protect and safeguard the legitimate rights of every individual. Every law that fulfills this purpose, and the more effectively it does so, the more trustworthy and respectable, praiseworthy and commendable, and popular and beneficial that law will be. Consequently, the one who presents such a law will also be considered a greater benefactor of humanity and more deserving of appreciation and praise. For those who formulate laws, whether they are involved in politics or the administrative affairs of any place, the noble seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ provides the best guidance. In Islamic legislation, the Holy Prophet ﷺ considered the psychology and natural inclinations of all the nations of the world and every region, and he took effective measures to make it applicable to people coming until the Day of Judgment and to future circumstances and events. It is with this objective in mind that fundamental principles were considered during the formation of Islamic law, which clearly demonstrates its comprehensiveness and universality.
Law of Equality and Equity
Another beauty of the laws given by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is that they present a practical model of human equality. Islam came and made all people equal in rights, and indeed, equality is the greatest and most fundamental principle of justice. The very foundation of the edifice of justice is equality. The Holy Prophet ﷺ made all Muslims equal in Islamic commandments, whether they were rich or poor, Arab or non-Arab, black or white. The Holy Quran stated that the basis of honor is piety (Taqwa). No one has superiority over another based on lineage or color, and this is what the Holy Prophet ﷺ stated in his sermon during Hajjat al-Wida (the Farewell Hajj): يَا اَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اَلَا اِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ وَاحِدٌ وَاِنَّ اَبَاكُمْ وَاحِدٌ اَلَا لَا فَضْلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلٰى عَجَمِيٍّ وَلَا لِعَجَمِيٍّ عَلٰى عَرَبِيٍّ وَلَا اَحْمَرَ عَلٰى اَسْوَدَ وَلَا اَسْوَدَ عَلٰى اَحْمَرَ اِلَّا بِالتَّقْوَى Translation: O people! Your Lord is one, and your father is one. Listen! No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, and no non-Arab has superiority over an Arab. No white person has superiority over a black person, and no black person has superiority over a white person, except through piety. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23489) The Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself implemented this law of equality in his practical life. For instance, in a case of theft, when a woman from a high-ranking family committed theft, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a historic verdict, setting an example for the rest of the world. It is narrated by Sayyidatuna Aisha Siddiqa رضی اللہُ عنہا that a woman from the Makhzumi tribe committed theft, which worried the Quraysh (as to how to save her from punishment). People among themselves said, "Who will intercede with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ regarding her?" Then they said, "No one dares to intercede except Sayyiduna Usama bin Zaid رضي الله عنه, who is beloved to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ." So, Sayyiduna Usama رضي الله عنه interceded. Upon this, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, "Do you intercede concerning one of the prescribed punishments of Allah?" Then the Holy Prophet ﷺ stood up to deliver a sermon, and in that sermon, he said, "What destroyed the people before you was that if a noble person among them committed theft, they would leave him unpunished, and if a weak person among them committed theft, they would inflict the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah! If Fatima bint Muhammad were to steal, I would surely cut off her hand." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6788)
The Principle of Opting for Ease in Two Difficult Situations
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ explained two levels in fulfilling commands: عزیمت (strict adherence) and رخصت (concession), so that a person could choose whichever suits their ability and state. It was the noble practice of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ that whenever he was given a choice between two things, he would choose the easier of the two out of compassion and kindness for his Ummah, as long as it was not sinful. As the Mother of the Believers, Sayyidatuna Aisha Siddiqa رضي الله عنها narrated: مَا خُيِّرَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بَيْنَ اَمْرَيْنِ اِلَّا اَخَذَ اَيْسَرَهُمَا مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ اِثْمًا فَاِنْ كَانَ اِثْمًا كَانَ اَبْعَدَ النَّاسِ مِنْهُ Translation: Sayyidatuna Aisha Siddiqa رضي الله عنها narrated that whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was given a choice between two things, he would choose the easier of the two as long as it was not sinful. If it involved sin, he would be the furthest person from it. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2327)
The Lesson of Adhering to Principles Even in the Battlefield
Even for the state of war, let alone normal circumstances, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ legislated in such a way that those who champion human rights are unable to present an example of such laws. When the Leader of both worlds ﷺ would dispatch an army for war, observe the instructions he would give to the commander of the army. It is mentioned in a sacred Hadith: قَالَ اغْزُوا بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ فِى سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَاتِلُوا مَنْ كَفَرَ بِاللَّهِ اغْزُوا وَلَا تَغُلُّوا وَلَا تَغْدِرُوا وَلَا تَمْثُلُوا وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا وَلِيدًا Translation: He ﷺ said, "Wage war in the name of Allah, in the path of Allah. Fight those who disbelieve in Allah. Wage war, but do not commit treachery, do not break your pledges, do not mutilate (the dead), and do not kill children." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1731)
The best well-wisher
The best well-wisher
Indeed, every mannerism of the Final Prophet of Allah ﷺ is filled with goodness and benefit for us. However, his benevolence style is unique, so much so that the truthful word of Allah, the Holy Quran, introduces it to us. This is so that we may love him wholeheartedly and, by adopting his way of showing goodwill, improve our lives in this world and the hereafter. First, let us understand how Allah Almighty has described the Messenger of Allah's ﷺ manner of benevolence. Thus, it is stated: "حَرِیْصٌ عَلَیْكُمْ" Translation: He immensely desires your well-being. (Part 11, Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 128)
Benevolence towards Sayyidatuna Umm Qais’s رضی اللہ عنہا sick son
Offering helpful advice to someone ill or in difficulty and showing sympathy towards them is also an act of goodwill. There is a practical example of this in the seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. A Muhajirah (female emigrant) companion, Sayyidatuna Umm Qais رضي الله عنها, who was the sister of Sayyiduna Ukasha رضي الله عنه, came to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. With her was her young child, who had a throat ailment. When the Beloved Prophet ﷺ saw this, out of his goodwill, he said: "عَلَى مَا تَدْغَرْنَ أَوْلاَدَكُنَّ بِهَذَا الْعِلاَقِ، عَلَيْكُمْ بِهَذَا العُودِ الهِنْدِيِّ، فَإِنَّ فِيهِ سَبْعَةَ أَشْفِيَةٍ" Translation: It is narrated by Sayyidatuna Umm Qais رضي الله عنها that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Why do you treat your children's throat inflammation by pressing their uvula? You should use this Indian incense wood (an herb), for indeed it contains seven cures." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5715)
He showed goodwill towards those who caused him pain by supplicating for them
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ announced his prophethood, those who used to consider him truthful and trustworthy became enemies of his life and inflicted much pain upon him. On one occasion, the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ manner of goodwill was such that this supplication came to his blessed lips: "رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِقَوْمِي فَاِنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ" Translation: "O Allah! Forgive my people, for they do not know." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3477)
Benevolence towards the Ummah
Behold a glimpse of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ compassionate approach towards his Ummah: It is narrated by Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka'b رضی اللہُ عنہ that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah Almighty granted me three requests. I have already presented two of them in this world: اَللّٰہُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِاُمَّتِیْ اَللّٰہُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِاُمَّتِیْ وَاَخَّرْتُ الثَّالِثَۃَ لِیَوْمٍ یَرْغَبُ اِلَیَّ الْخَلْقُ کُلُّہُمْ حَتّٰی اِبْرَاھیمُ O Allah! Forgive my Ummah. O Allah! Forgive my Ummah. And I have reserved the third for a Day when all of creation will need me, even Sayyiduna Ibrahim علیہ السّلام." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 820)
The Lesson of Benevolence Towards Prisoners
When Sayyiduna Mus'ab bin Umair's رضی اللہُ عنہ brother was also taken prisoner during the Battle of Badr, despite this, he himself described the good treatment he received in this way: "I was among the prisoners on the day of Badr. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: اِسْتَوْصُوا بِالْأُسَارَى خَيْرًا "Treat the prisoners well." I was imprisoned with a group under the custody of the Ansar. May Allah reward them excellently! Whenever they ate their meals in the morning and evening, they would suffice themselves with dates and feed me bread because of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ instruction. Whosoever among them received bread would bring it to me. I would feel shy eating alone, so I would return the bread to him, but he would not even touch it and would force it upon me." (Reference: Seerat Ibn Hisham)
The moderation of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
The moderation of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Islam is a pure religion that guides us in all aspects of life, including religious, ethical, and social matters. By teaching moderation, Islam has highlighted its numerous benefits and has condemned extremism and negligence in any matter. Moderation and balance are synonymous terms, meaning the state between excess and deficiency. If we are accustomed to moderation in our daily routines, such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and waking, this good habit will benefit us in this world and the hereafter. The Holy Quran commands moderation in several places: كُلُوْا وَ اشْرَبُوْا وَ لَا تُسْرِفُوْا ۚ-اِنَّهٗ لَا یُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِیْنَ Eat and drink, and do not cross the limit; indeed, He does not like those who cross the limit (i.e. the extravagant). (Part 8, Surah Al-A'raf, Verse 31) The blessed seerah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ also teaches us moderation and balance in our personal and social affairs, by adopting which we can make our social life peaceful. Understand how moderation and balance are related to social and societal matters with a simple example: If we do not adopt moderation in worship, meaning we indulge in excess or negligence in prayer and fasting – for example, continuously fasting, which leads to weakness – then along with harming our physical well-being, we will also fall short in fulfilling the rights of our family members, which is certainly disliked by the pure Sharia. Similarly, if we do not practice moderation in spending, we will put ourselves as well as our family in financial distress. Likewise, if we do not practice moderation in eating and drinking, it will lead to physical harm and prevent us from fulfilling the rights of our family. For this reason, Islam has commanded Muslims to practice moderation and balance in all matters so that life remains peaceful and social rights are also fulfilled. Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّ نَبِيَّ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: إِنَّ الْهَدْيَ الصَّالِحَ وَالسَّمْتَ الصَّالِحَ وَالِاقْتِصَادَ جُزْءٌ مِنْ خَمْسٍ وَعِشْرِينَ جُزْءًا مِنَ النُّبُوَّة. It is narrated by Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas that the Prophet of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, good conduct, good manners, and moderation are the twenty-fifth part of prophethood." Under this sacred Hadith, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi علیہ الرحہ states: "Moderation is good in everything: in earning, in spending, in eating, in dressing, even in nafil prayers and in every aspect of life, neither being too deficient nor excessive. This practice is that of the Noble Prophets, especially the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Stating it as the twenty-fifth part is one of the divine secrets (secrets of Allah), and whatever its meaning, it is the truth." (Mira'at al-Manajih Sharh Mishkat al-Masabih, Volume 6, Hadith 5060)
Moderation in Worship
Islamic Sharia has commanded humans to fulfill their responsibilities in social matters along with performing acts of worship. It has neither encouraged nor promoted monasticism and complete detachment from worldly life to the extent that a person isolates themselves from society. Rather, it is absolutely clear from the teachings of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ that when some companions intended to do so, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ excellently reformed them. عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ: جَاءَ ثَلَاثَةُ رَهْطٍ إِلَى أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَسْأَلُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَةِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، فَلَمَّا أُخْبِرُوْا بِهَا كَأَنَّهُمْ تَقَالُّوْهَا، فَقَالُوا: أَيْنَ نَحْنُ مِنَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَقَدْ غَفَرَ اللّٰهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ؟ فقَالَ أَحَدُهُمْ أَمَّا أَنَا فَأُصَلِّي اللَّيْلَ أَبَدًا، وَقَالَ الآخَرُ: أَنَا أَصُومُ النَّهَارَ أَبَدًا وَلَا أفْطِرُ، وَقَالَ الآخَرُ: أَنَا أَعْتَزِلُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَا أَتَزَوَّجُ أَبَدًا، فَجَاءَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِلَيْهِمْ فَقَالَ: "أَنْتُمُ الَّذِينَ قُلْتُمْ كَذٰا وَكَذٰا؟ أَمَا وَاللهِ إِنِّي لأَخْشَاكُمْ وَأَتْقَاكُمْ لَهٗ، لَكِنِّي أَصُومُ وَأُفْطِرُ، وَأُصَلِّي وَأَرْقُدُ، وَأَتَزَوَّجُ النِّسَاءَفَمَنْ رَغِبَ عَنْ سُنَّتِيْ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّيْ*. مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ It is narrated by Sayyiduna Anas رضی اللہُ عنہ that three men came to the wives of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ asking about the worship of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. When they were informed about it, it was as if they considered it little. So they said, "Where are we in comparison to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, while Allah has forgiven his past and future sins?" Then one of them said, "As for me, I will pray all night forever." Another said, "I will fast every day and never break my fast." And the third said, "I will abstain from women and never marry." Then the Beloved Prophet ﷺ came to them and said, "Are you the ones who said such and such? By Allah, I am the most fearful of Allah among you and the most pious towards Him, but I fast and break my fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5063)
Moderation in eating
Allah Almighty has created various blessings for our food and drink, which hold countless benefits for us. Eating and drinking are necessities for our bodies. If we were to abstain from food and drink for a few days, weakness would hinder us from performing obligatory acts of worship and other affairs; it could even lead to death. Therefore, eating and drinking in moderation to maintain energy and health is not bad but rather a right of the body. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said to a companion who used to observe excessive nafli fasts: "فَإِنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا" Translation: "Indeed, your body has a right over you." (Bukhari, Hadith: 1975) Meaning that continuous fasting would weaken your body (Mirat-ul-Manajih, Vol. 3, p. 188). It is clear that eating and drinking are necessary for physical strength and vitality, and abstaining completely is a bad thing. Similarly, excessive eating is also a reprehensible act. Some people appear to be the practical embodiment of the slogan "Eat, drink, and build your body!" and never tire of eating and drinking. Such people also violate Islamic teachings and social etiquette. Just as not eating and drinking at all is harmful to physical health, so too is overeating detrimental to health. Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رضی اللہُ عنہ said: "Beware of eating and drinking to your fill, for it corrupts the body, causes diseases, and brings laziness to prayer. And you must observe moderation in eating and drinking, for it reforms the body and saves one from extravagance." (Kanz-ul-Ummal, Hadith: 4170)
Moderation in spending
There are prominent aspects in the blessed life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and the training of his Companions where the Beloved Prophet ﷺ commanded moderation in spending. Moderation in expenses is extremely important, especially in our era where inflation is rampant and income is comparatively low. In such times, everyone, particularly the poor and the middle class of society, should control their expenses so that they do not have to face the hardship of begging or taking loans from others. A narration in Mishkat al-Masabih states: عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: الِاقْتِصَادُ فِي النَّفَقَةِ نِصْفُ الْمَعِيشَةِ Translation: Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Moderation in spending is half of one's life." (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 5067) Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi رحمۃ اللہ علیہ comments on this hadith: "Subhan Allah! What a wonderful saying. Prosperity depends on two things: earning and spending. However, spending is far more crucial. Everyone knows how to earn, but only a few know how to spend. The one who learns the art of spending wisely will, Inshallah, always be happy." Whether rich or poor, everyone needs money to fulfill their desires and necessities. Whoever has more money spends accordingly in their affairs. Just as Islam has outlined the rules for earning wealth, it has also taught the etiquette of spending it and commanded moderation therein. Moderation in spending wealth is a good deed in Islam, while extravagance and miserliness are bad qualities that do not befit a Muslim. The Holy Quran describes a quality of the believers: "And those who, when they spend, neither exceed the limits nor act miserly, and stay in moderation between the two." (Part 19, Al-Furqan: 67) Therefore, when spending wealth, one should neither be so extravagant that nothing is left for their own needs later, forcing them to beg from others, nor be so miserly as to refrain from spending where it is necessary according to Islamic and social norms. Rather, one should spend moderately, as much as is required in each situation. In a hadith, it is stated: "من اقتصد أغناه الله، ومن بذر أفقره الله" (Whoever practices moderation, Allah Almighty enriches him, and whoever squanders, Allah Almighty makes him poor). (Kanz-ul-Ummal, Hadith 5437)
Great conqueror
The Greatest Messenger ﷺ, The Greatest Conqueror
Generally, every conqueror in the world (meaning one who overcomes their enemy or opponent) treats their defeated enemies with humiliating conduct and quenches the fire of their revenge with their blood. And in the joyous celebrations of victory, they seem to break all moral boundaries, which is unimaginable in normal circumstances. However, in this aspect of the seerah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, there exists an excellent model of behavior that is an unparalleled example for all times to come.
On the occasion of the Conquest of Makkah, a general amnesty was announced
When Makkah was conquered and your enemies were brought before you, they were all present with their heads bowed in shame. Recalling each of their sins and oppressions, their hearts were restless and anxious, wondering what would happen to them that day. Their minds and hearts were overwhelmed with the thought of their dreadful fate, a tremor ran through their bodies, and they looked at their lives with farewell glances. In such despairing circumstances, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ moved his sacred tongue and said: "Today, I say to you what my brother Yusuf said to his brothers: 'There is no blame upon you today... May Allah forgive you all... And He is the most merciful of the merciful... Go! ... Go... You are all free by my decree.'" This good news was given to them by the Holy Prophet ﷺ: to those who had called him a poet and a liar, who had called him a sorcerer and a madman... to those hard-hearted people who had confined him in Shi'b Abi Talib for three years... to those who had plotted to martyr him... to those who had continuously inflicted mountains of oppression and cruelty upon his companions for thirteen years for the crime of abandoning idol worship and worshipping Allah alone... to those who had forced the Muslims to leave Makkah, abandoning all their homes and property... and when the Muslims had left, they had seized all their wealth and possessions... and when they had come to Madinah after leaving everything behind, they had brought an army of ten thousand to annihilate them and had made a vile attempt to crush them... to those enemies who had killed hundreds of his companions... and had pierced their hearts with countless arrows of oppression and cruelty. The Holy Prophet ﷺ gave them this good news at a time when he had achieved complete victory and the banner of Islam was flying high in the skies of Makkah. Such unique treatment of forgiveness and pardon, generosity and kindness, and affection and love towards enemies has not been shown by any general, any conqueror, or indeed anyone else in the world. And the truth is that such conduct is beyond the capacity of anyone except a true Prophet of the One God. (Summarized from: Zia-un-Nabi, Vol. 4, p. 446)
Praise and gratitude to Allah Almighty upon victory in war
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ achieved success and victory in any battle, instead of expressing any greatness of his own, he would praise Allah Almighty and raise slogans of His greatness and majesty. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud رضي الله عنه narrates that after killing Abu Jahl and striking the final blow on him, I presented myself before the Holy Prophet ﷺ and informed him of Abu Jahl's death. At that moment, he ﷺ still raised the slogan of Takbir (Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest) and said, "Is Allah the one besides whom there is no other god?" I replied in affirmation, "Indeed, Allah is the one besides whom there is no other god." Then, when the Holy Prophet ﷺ stood by the corpse of Abu Jahl, he said: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَخْزَاكَ، هَذَا فِرْعَوْنُ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ "All praise is due to Allah who has disgraced you. This was the Pharaoh of this Ummah (nation)." (Mu'jam al-Kabir al-Tabarani, Vol. 9, p. 82, Beirut)
Best advisor
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ - The Best Advisor
The radiant teachings of Islam and the blessed seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ contain encouragements for seeking counsel and giving beneficial advice. Allah Almighty bestowed upon the Beloved Prophet ﷺ more understanding and wisdom than all of creation. Despite this, Allah Almighty commanded the Holy Prophet ﷺ in the Holy Quran to consult with his noble companions. The divine command is: وَ شَاوِرْهُمْ فِی الْاَمْرِ Translation: "And consult with them in the matters." (Part 04, Surah Al-Imran, Verse 159) In one instance in the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty praised the practice of the noble companions رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمْ by stating: وَ اَمْرُهُمْ شُوْرٰى بَیْنَهُمْ Translation: "And whose matters are [decided] with mutual consultation."
Advice to Acquire a Prayerful Slave
On one occasion, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said to Abu al-Haytham رضي الله عنه: هَلْ لَكَ خَادِمٌ؟ Translation: "Do you have a servant?" Abu al-Haytham رضي الله عنه replied, "No, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I do not have a servant." The Beloved Prophet ﷺ said, "When captives come to us, then come to us." Subsequently, two individuals were brought to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, and Abu al-Haytham رضي الله عنه came to him. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ said, "Choose one of them." Abu al-Haytham رضي الله عنه said: يَا نَبِيَّ اللّٰهِ اخْتَرْ لِي Translation: "O Prophet of Allah, choose for me" (meaning, advise me which slave to take). The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: إِنَّ الْمُسْتَشَارَ مُؤْتَمَنٌ. خُذْ هٰذَا فَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُهٗ يُصَلِّي وَاسْتَوْصِ بِهٖ مَعْرُوفًا Translation: "The one whose counsel is sought is Ameen (trustworthy). Take this one, for I saw him praying, and accept my advice to treat him kindly." (Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2369)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ Accepted the Advice of a Companion and Praised Him
Seeking consultation is a sign of wisdom, whereas undertaking matters without consultation is a sign of foolishness. Without doubt, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was the wisest of all, yet he ﷺ would seek the counsel of the Companions رضي الله عنهم in important matters. If their advice was beneficial, He ﷺ would accept it, and at times, he ﷺ even gave preference to their opinions over His own. For example, during the Battle of Badr, when it came to deciding the place for the Muslim army to camp, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ chose to camp near one of the wells of Badr. Sayyiduna Hubab bin Mundhir رضي الله عنه asked: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Did Allah command you to camp here, or is this a matter of military strategy, since in warfare there is no room for changing positions?” The Beloved Prophet ﷺ replied: “No, this is my opinion, chosen as a military strategy.” Sayyiduna Hubab bin Mundhir رضي الله عنه then suggested: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! This is not the most suitable place. Kindly advance further and set camp at the well nearest to the Quraysh. We will then build a reservoir there and fill it with water, so that we may drink whenever we wish, while they will not have access to it.” Upon hearing this advice, the Noble Prophet ﷺ said: “لَقَدْ أَشَرْتَ بِالرّاْيِ — You have given an excellent suggestion.” He ﷺ then acted upon this counsel and, by midnight, the army camped near the well closest to the enemy. (Monthly Faizan-e-Madina, November 2023)
Consultation with the Companions Regarding the Adhan
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrates that when the Muslims arrived in Madinah, they would gather together and estimate the prayer times, but there was no call (Adhan) given for the prayers. One day, they discussed this matter. Some suggested adopting something like the bell of the Christians, while others said to make something like the trumpet (musical horn) of the Jews. Then Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه said: “Why not appoint someone to announce the prayer?” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Sayyiduna Bilal رضي الله عنه: يَا بِلاَلُ قُمْ فَنَادِ بِالصَّلاَةِ “O Bilal, stand and call the people to prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 604)
The Holy Prophet ﷺ Advised Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه to Keep Consulting
On one occasion, Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه said to the Noble Prophet ﷺ: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! If a matter arises before us regarding which there is no clear ruling—neither a command nor a prohibition—then what do you advise us to do at that time?” The Noble Prophet ﷺ said: تُشَاوِرُونَ الْفُقَهَاءَ وَالْعَابِدِينَ، وَلَا تُمْضُوا فِيهِ رَأْيَ خَاصَّةٍ “Ali, in such a situation, consult the scholars (fuqaha) and the devout worshippers, and do not decide based solely on your own opinion.” (Al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat, Hadith 1618)
The generosity of the Last Prophet of Allah ﷺ
The munificence of Messenger of Allah ﷺ
The most prominent characteristic of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was his generosity. This was the reason that even in a society where people naturally loved to be generous and did not hesitate in the slightest to slaughter their most prized camels for the hospitality of their foreign guests – in fact, they felt great joy in doing so and considered it a matter of pride – despite their own habits of generosity and munificence, when they witnessed the splendor of the generosity and munificence of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, their tongues were silenced, and their minds were drowned in an ocean of amazement. They were so impressed by it that despite their intense hatred and animosity, they could not prevent themselves from coming under his compassionate shade. When a person possesses the quality of generosity and uses their generosity in the right places, they gain great social benefits. Every needy person becomes prosperous, poverty is eradicated, and beggars disappear. That is why the Noble Messenger ﷺ also trained his companions in this special quality and narrated the virtues of generosity.
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ buying a goat and feeding it to his 130 companions during a journey
عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ، قَالَ: كُنَّا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثَلَاثِينَ وَمِائَةً، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «هَلْ مَعَ أَحَدٍ مِنْكُمْ طَعَامٌ؟» فَإِذَا مَعَ رَجُلٍ صَاعٌ مِنْ طَعَامٍ أَوْ نَحْوُهُ، فَعُجِنَ ثُمَّ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ مُشْرِكٌ مُشْعَانٌّ طَوِيلٌ بِغَنَمٍ يَسُوقُهَا، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أَبَيْعٌ أَمْ عَطِيَّةٌ؟» أَوْ قَالَ: «أَمْ هِبَةٌ؟» ، فَقَالَ: لَا بَلْ بَيْعٌ، فَاشْتَرَى مِنْهُ شَاةً، فَصُنِعَتْ وَأَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِسَوَادِ الْبَطْنِ أَنْ يُشْوَى، قَالَ: وَايْمُ اللهِ، مَا مِنَ الثَّلَاثِينَ وَمِائَةٍ إِلَّا حَزَّ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حُزَّةً حُزَّةً مِنْ سَوَادِ بَطْنِهَا، إِنْ كَانَ شَاهِدًا أَعْطَاهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَ غَائِبًا خَبَأَ لَهُ، قَالَ: وَجَعَلَ قَصْعَتَيْنِ فَأَكَلْنَا مِنْهُمَا أَجْمَعُونَ وَشَبِعْنَا، وَفَضَلَ فِي الْقَصْعَتَيْنِ، فَحَمَلْتُهُ عَلَى الْبَعِيرِ أَوْ كَمَا قَالَ Narrated Sayyiduna 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Bakr رضي الله عنه: We were one hundred and thirty men with the Beloved Prophet ﷺ [on a journey]. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked, "Does anyone among you have any food?" It turned out that one man had a sa' (a measure) of food (flour). So, it was kneaded. Then a tall, disheveled polytheist came driving some sheep. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked, "Is it for sale or a gift?" or he said, "Or a donation?" He said, "No, rather for sale." So, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ bought a sheep from him, and it was prepared. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered the liver to be roasted. He (Sayyiduna 'Abdur-Rahman) said: By Allah, there was no one among the one hundred and thirty men but that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ cut a piece of its liver for him. If he was present, he gave it to him, and if he was absent, he kept his share for him. He said: Then two large bowls were prepared, and we all ate from them and were satisfied, and some food remained in the two bowls. I loaded it onto the camel, or as he said. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2056)
Even by taking a loan, the need of the needy is fulfilled
It is narrated from Hazrat 'Abdullah Hawzani رحمۃ اللہ علیہ that he met Sayyiduna Bilal رضي الله عنه, the Mu'adhdhin of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, in the city of Halab (Syria). I asked him about the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he informed me that: ‘I was entrusted with the responsibility of spending whatever wealth the Messenger of Allah ﷺ possessed. This task remained with me from the time of his Prophethood (Bi'that) until his noble passing.’ وَكَانَ إِذَا أَتَاهُ الْإِنْسَانُ مُسْلِمًا، فَرَآهُ عَارِيًا، يَأْمُرُنِي فَأَنْطَلِقُ فَأَسْتَقْرِضُ فَأَشْتَرِي لَهُ الْبُرْدَةَ فَأَكْسُوهُ، وَأُطْعِمُهُ "When a Muslim person would come to him ﷺ and he would see him unclothed, he would order me, so I would go and borrow, then buy a cloak for him and clothe him, and also feed him." (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 3055)
Whatever Was Left from Charity, the Holy Prophet ﷺ Himself Ensured It Was Given Away Immediately
Once, the Noble Prophet ﷺ was leading the Asr prayer. After completing the prayer, he suddenly went straight to his home and then returned to the Companions. The Companions were quite surprised at this, so the Noble Prophet ﷺ said to them: ذَكَرْتُ وَأَنَا فِي الصَّلاَةِ تِبْرًا عِنْدَنَا، فَكَرِهْتُ أَنْ يُمْسِيَ - أَوْ يَبِيتَ عِنْدَنَا - فَأَمَرْتُ بِقِسْمَتِهِ “While I was in prayer, I remembered that there was some gold (meant for charity) in our house. I disliked that the night should fall—or that it should remain overnight—with us, so I went and ordered it to be distributed.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1221)
The Holy Prophet’s ﷺ bestowed with such generosity that the fear of poverty would vanish
Sayyiduna Safwan bin Umayyah رضي الله عنه (before accepting Islam, during the Battle of Hunain) asked the Noble Prophet ﷺ for a herd of goats that filled the valley between two mountains. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ gave all of them to him. Safwan رضي الله عنه then went back to his people and said: أَي قوم أَسْلمُوا فو الله إِنَّ مُحَمَّدًا لَيُعْطِي عَطَاءً مَا يَخَافُ الْفَقْرَ “O my people! Embrace Islam! By Allah, Muhammad ﷺ bestows with such generosity that the fear of poverty vanishes.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 5806)
The Beloved Prophet of Allah ﷺ as the best host
The Beloved Prophet of Allah ﷺ as the best host
The hospitality of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was such a prominent characteristic that when the first revelation descended upon him and he returned home from the Cave of Hira, his blessed body was trembling from the majesty of the divine word. Umm al-Mu'minin Sayyidatuna Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها reassured him and, while describing Allah's special favor upon him, mentioned several of his attributes, one of which was: "وَتقْرِي الضيفَ" meaning, "And you are hospitable to the guest." If we reflect a little here, we will realize that this was at the very beginning of divine revelation, even before the declaration of prophethood. Despite this, this attribute of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was so well-known that his respected wife, Umm al-Mu'minin Sayyidatuna Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها, mentioned his hospitality as one of his virtues. Now that we have Islam's teachings and the Holy Prophet's ﷺ exhortations regarding the merits of hospitality, it is disheartening to see that in our society, the arrival of guests often brings worry to faces and unease to hearts. Does this befit a Muslim, when Islam commands hospitality, the Holy Prophet ﷺ highlights its virtues, and one who claims to love the Beloved Prophet ﷺ becomes troubled by the arrival of a guest? Absolutely not. We need to understand the importance of this aspect from the Seerah of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ so that we can practice hospitality in the light of his Seerah. While encouraging hospitality, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: عَنْ أَبِي شُرَيْحٍ الكَعْبِيِّ: أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ: مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَاليَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ، جَائِزَتُهُ يَوْمٌ وَلَيْلَةٌ، وَالضِّيَافَةُ ثَلاَثَةُ أَيَّامٍ، فَمَا بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فَهُوَ صَدَقَةٌ، وَلاَ يَحِلُّ لَهُ أَنْ يَثْوِيَ عِنْدَهُ حَتَّى يُحْرِجَهُ Translation: Abu Shuraih al-Ka'bi reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest; his special treatment is a day and a night, and hospitality is for three days, and what is beyond that is charity. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host until he troubles him." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6135)
He ﷺ personally served food to the guests
ضِفْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ فَأَمَرَ بِجَنْبٍ فَشُوِيَ، وَأَخَذَ الشَّفْرَةَ فَجَعَلَ يَحُزُّ لِي بِهَا مِنْهُ، Sayyiduna Mughira bin Shu'ba رضي الله عنه narrates: One night, I was a guest of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He ﷺ ordered a shoulder of lamb to be roasted, and with his graciousness, he took a knife and began to cut it and place it before me. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 188)
He ﷺ arranged for the hospitality of the guest
A person came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ and expressed his hunger. At that time, the Holy Prophet ﷺ had nothing to feed him. To honor this person as a guest, the Holy Prophet ﷺ sent a message to each of his noble wives. From all of them came the same reply: there was only water in the house. What a state of self-sufficiency! The Holy Prophet ﷺ is the one who bestows upon all, the owner of Paradise. If he had wished, provisions for his guest could have been arranged from Paradise. However, perhaps this was the day for the greatness of one of the Companions, a servant, to be revealed. When no food could be found even from the households of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ wives, he ﷺ announced among the Companions: مَنْ يُضِيفُ هَذَا اللَّيْلَةَ رَحِمَهُ اللهُ؟ "Who will host this person tonight, may Allah have mercy on him?" An Ansari Companion stood up and accepted this responsibility. He took the person to his home. Upon arriving home, he asked his wife if there was any food in the house. His wife replied: "We have nothing except the children's food." The Ansari Companion suggested: "When it is time for Isha prayer, distract the children and put them to sleep. Then, when we sit down to eat, we pretend to adjust the lamp and put it out. What will happen if we remain hungry tonight?" So, they did just that. In the morning, when that person presented himself before the Holy Prophet ﷺ, he ﷺ said: قَدْ عَجِبَ اللهُ مِنْ صَنِيعِكُمَا بِضَيْفِكُمَا اللَّيْلَةَ "Allah was amazed by what you both did for your guest last night." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2054)
Hospitality of the students
Once, Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه was on his way, feeling hungry, when the Beloved of Allah ﷺ arrived and understood his condition by looking at his face. He ﷺ took him along to his noble house, where a bowl of milk was present, which someone had sent as a gift. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ instructed Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه to go and call the Ashab-e-Suffa (these were students of faith who stayed in Masjid-e-Nabawi to learn about Islam). Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه thought in his heart, "What will become of the people of Suffa with just one bowl of milk? If this milk were given to me, it would suffice for me." Nevertheless, acting upon the command of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he called the Ashab-e-Suffa. Now, he was instructed to take the bowl and give milk to everyone. He took the bowl and went to one of the Ashab-e-Suffa. When he drank his fill, Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه took the bowl from him and went to another person. One by one, when all those present had drunk their fill of milk, he took the bowl to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. The Holy Prophet ﷺ took the bowl and placed it on his blessed hand, looked at Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه and smiled, saying, "Now only you and I remain." Then he said, "Sit down and drink." Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه sat and drank the milk. He was commanded again, "Drink," and he drank again. The Noble Messenger ﷺ kept saying, "Drink," and Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه kept drinking until he submitted, "By the One who sent you with the truth! There is no more room in my stomach." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ took the bowl from him, praised Allah Almighty, said "Bismillah," and drank the remaining milk. (Bukhari Sharif)
Best mentor
Best mentor
The word Murabbi means “one who nurtures and trains.” Allah Almighty sent the Noble Prophet ﷺ as a Messenger for all of creation. Before his blessed arrival, nearly five hundred years had passed since the time of Sayyiduna Isa عليه الصلاة والسلام, during which no prophet or messenger had been sent. When the Noble Prophet ﷺ was sent, the world was immersed in various forms of corruption and social ills. Yet, with his blessed mission came a complete transformation. The endless cycles of tribal warfare that had been passed down through generations were replaced with bonds of love and brotherhood. Women—whether as mothers, wives, daughters, or sisters—had no status in society, but the Noble Prophet ﷺ reformed this mindset with remarkable wisdom and compassion. He ﷺ declared that Paradise lies beneath the feet of the mother, engraving her greatness into the hearts of people. He elevated the status of wives by making them the honor of the household and instilling in husbands a sense of protective responsibility toward them. He ﷺ gave glad tidings of Paradise to those who nurture and care for their daughters and sisters, planting deep concern for their well-being in the hearts of fathers and brothers. As for the slaves who were subjected to cruelty, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ called them “brothers,” commanding that they be cared for, fed, clothed, and treated with kindness. In short, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ nurtured society in such a way that the entire era was transformed. What should a true mentor be like? What was the Beloved Prophet’s ﷺ method of nurturing and training? And what strategies did he adopt to bring about such swift and remarkable reform in society? These are matters every person entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing others must reflect upon. A true mentor should be a model of noble character, possess a spirit of sincere goodwill, deal with others with forgiveness and forbearance, embody humility, remain cheerful, smile at the right occasions, be refined in nature, and live with the consciousness of Allah. If we truly wish to nurture people into sincere Muslims, see them succeed in this world and the Hereafter, and attain success ourselves, then we too must guide and nurture them in the best of ways.
Saved from All Sins Through the Training of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ
Once, a man came to the court of the Noble Prophet ﷺ and said: “I wish to bring faith in you, but I love drinking wine, committing adultery, stealing, and lying. People have informed me that you declare these things forbidden, yet I do not have the strength to abandon all of them. If you forbid me from just one of these, then I will accept Islam.” The Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: “Leave lying!” The man agreed to this and embraced Islam. After leaving the court of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, someone offered him wine. He thought to himself: “If I drink it and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ asks me about it, what will I say? If I deny, that would be a lie and against the promise I made. And if I admit, I will be subjected to the prescribed punishment.” Thus, he refrained from drinking wine. The same thought came to him when faced with adultery or theft. Each time, he realized that lying would expose him, so he refrained. When he once again presented himself in the court of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, he said: “You did a great favor to me. By forbidding me from lying, you closed the doors of all other sins upon me.” In this way, the man repented from all of his sins. (Tafsir Kabir, Part 11, Surah at-Tawbah, under verse 119, vol. 6, p. 167)
Training in Self-Reliance and Hard Work
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had such a captivating way of educating and training his Companions that one could sacrifice oneself for it. He did not merely train through words; rather, he gave practical training as well. Once, a needy Companion asked him for something. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ trained him by selling some of his household items for two dirhams and then said: “With one dirham, buy food for your family, and with the other, purchase an axe and bring it to me.” When the Companion brought the axe, the Noble Prophet ﷺ himself fixed a handle onto it with his blessed hands and said: “Go, cut wood and sell it, and do not come to me for fifteen days.” The Companion left, and within fifteen days, he earned fifteen dirhams. With this, he bought food and clothing. Seeing him, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: هَذَا خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنْ أَنْ تَجِيءَ الْمَسْأَلَةُ نُكْتَةً فِي وَجْهِكَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ Translation: “This is better for you than coming (on the Day of Judgment) with begging being a blot upon your face.” (Meaning: Do not lower yourself by asking from others, for such disgrace is like a blemish that stains one in both this world and the Hereafter.) (Abu Dawood, Hadith 1641)
An Effective Method of Correcting Mistakes
The Holy Prophet ﷺ would, when needed, correct a mistake directly—but with utmost gentleness and affection—so that the person would be willing to accept the truth. Sayyiduna Muawiyah bin Hakam رضي الله عنه narrates: Once I was offering prayer behind the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. During the prayer, someone sneezed, so I said: Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you). The Companions began signaling to me with their eyes. I said, “What is the matter with you? Why are you looking at me?” When they saw me speaking, they began striking their thighs with their hands. I then realized that they were trying to make me quiet, though I thought I was already being quiet. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ finished the prayer, he explained to me. And how beautifully he explained! He himself narrates: فَبِأَبِي هُوَ وَأُمِّي، مَا رَأَيْتُ مُعَلِّمًا قَبْلَهُ وَلَا بَعْدَهُ أَحْسَنَ تَعْلِيمًا مِنْهُ، فَوَاللهِ، مَا كَهَرَنِي وَلَا ضَرَبَنِي وَلَا شَتَمَنِي، قَالَ: «إِنَّ هَذِهِ الصَّلَاةَ لَا يَصْلُحُ فِيهَا شَيْءٌ مِنْ كَلَامِ النَّاسِ، إِنَّمَا هُوَ التَّسْبِيحُ وَالتَّكْبِيرُ وَقِرَاءَةُ الْقُرْآنِ "May my parents be sacrificed for him; I have never seen a teacher before or after him better in teaching than him. By Allah, he neither scolded me, nor hit me, nor insulted me. He only said: ‘This prayer is not suitable for any of the speech of people. It is but glorification (tasbih), magnification (takbir), and the recitation of the Qur’an.’" (Abu Dawood, Hadith 1641)
Positive Manner of Training at Mealtime
Observe yet another incident of the training by the Holy Prophet ﷺ and see with what wisdom and loving manner he corrected a mistake. Sayyidatuna Umm Salama رضي الله عنها relates that her son, Sayyiduna Umar bin Abu Salama رضي الله عنه, said: “I was brought up under the care of the Noble Prophet ﷺ. While eating, my hand used to wander around the bowl. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ said to me: يَا غُلامُ سَمِّ اللہَ وَكُلْ بيَمِينكَ وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ ‘O young boy! Say the Name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.’ He (Umar bin Abu Salama رضي الله عنه) narrates: “After that, I always ate in that manner.” (Bukhari, Hadith: 5376) How admirable is the training method of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ! With such affection and positivity, he began by teaching the etiquette of eating so that the child would not feel as if he was being rebuked. Finally, he added the etiquette of eating from what is near him in the bowl—correcting the mistake so gently that it seemed just another instruction among the rest.
Training the Companions رضي الله عنهم to Show Gentleness
Once, a Bedouin came into Masjid al-Nabawi and began to urinate in one corner of the mosque. The Companions رضي الله عنهم rushed forward to stop him and deal with him firmly. However, the Noble Prophet ﷺ stopped them and said: دَعُوهُ وَهَرِيقُوا عَلَى بَوْلِهِ سَجْلًا مِنْ مَاءٍ، فَإِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُمْ مُيَسِّرِينَ، وَلَمْ تُبْعَثُوا مُعَسِّرِينَ “Leave him, and pour a bucket (or a large container) of water over his urine. For indeed, you have been sent to make things easy, not to make them difficult.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 220)
The Messenger of Allah's ﷺ conduct with servants
The Messenger of Allah's ﷺ conduct with servants
The rank of the Last Prophet of Allah ﷺ is truly unique. To behold him was a comfort for the hearts of the believers, to love him is a sign of complete faith, and to live in accordance with his noble way is a guarantee of success and prosperity. The way the Noble Prophet ﷺ honored his servants is beautifully expressed in this couplet: آتا ہے فقیروں پہ انہیں پیار کچھ ایسا خود بھیک دیں اور خود کہیں منگتا کابھلا ہو He shows such love towards the poor, That he himself gives alms and himself prays for the beggar’s well-being. The manner of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ in treating his attendants was truly remarkable. In reality, all the Companions رضي الله عنهم—and indeed the entire Ummah—are servants of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, and if he accepts us in his service, that is an honor for us. However, there were certain Companions رضي الله عنهم who were assigned specific duties of service in the blessed presence of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. The way he dealt with them is a model for us. In this course, we are studying the social life of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, and every aspect of it is beautiful. How was his manner with those who served him? Once we come to know this, each of us must reflect on our own conduct with those who serve us—whether it is a woman who comes to work in our homes, or our driver, cook, security guard, or other employees under us. How do we treat them? If our behavior does not align with the noble example of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, then it is necessary for us to change it. Of course, this does not mean that if someone working for us shows negligence in their duties, they should never be corrected. At times, a degree of firmness—sufficient to achieve the purpose—is permissible. But what is often seen, unfortunately, is physical punishment, humiliation, or actions that wound a person’s dignity. We must avoid such behavior, and instead, train and guide them with wisdom and kindness.
Gentle treatment of servants
The renowned Companion, Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه, had the opportunity to serve in the court of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ from a young age. He described the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ conduct during his service in this way: "I stayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in travel and at home for service, مَا قَالَ لِي لِشَيْءٍ صَنَعْتُهُ لِمَ صَنَعْتَ هَذَا هَكَذَا؟ وَلاَ لِشَيْءٍ لَمْ أَصْنَعْهُ لِمَ لَمْ تَصْنَعْ هَذَا هَكَذَا؟ He ﷺ never said to me regarding anything I did, 'Why did you do it this way?' nor regarding anything I did not do, 'Why did you not do it this way?'" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2768)
Visiting a servant at home when they are sick
The blessed life of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was not made a perfect example for us without reason. Every aspect of his ﷺ Seerah is so magnificent that the heart itself inclines towards following it. We generally do not care about our servants. If a servant takes a day off, instead of checking on their well-being the next day, we scold them for taking leave, threaten to fire them, and who knows what else we might do. But look at the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ way: when a servant fell ill, he ﷺ himself went to their home to inquire about their health. It is even more astonishing to know that the servant had not yet embraced Islam at that time. Despite this, the Holy Prophet ﷺ visited him. What was the result of this? Let's see in the light of a narration from Sahih Bukhari: عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: كَانَ غُلاَمٌ يَهُودِيٌّ يَخْدُمُ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ، فَمَرِضَ، فَأَتَاهُ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعُودُهُ، فَقَعَدَ عِنْدَ رَأْسِهِ، فَقَالَ لَهُ: «أَسْلِمْ» ، فَنَظَرَ إِلَى أَبِيهِ وَهُوَ عِنْدَهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ: أَطِعْ أَبَا القَاسِمِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَأَسْلَمَ، فَخَرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ: «الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَنْقَذَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ Narrated Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه: A young Jewish boy used to serve the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and he fell ill. The Beloved Prophet ﷺwent to visit him. He sat down by his head and said to him, "Embrace Islam." The boy looked at his father, who was sitting beside him. His father said to him, "Obey Abu Al-Qasim ﷺ." So, the boy embraced Islam. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ came out saying, "All praise is due to Allah Almighty Who saved him from the Fire. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1356)
Caring for the Needs of Servants
Being concerned about the needs of one’s servants is also a part of the noble Seerah. Generally, servants do not express their needs before their masters, or they feel hesitant to do so, fearing that they might be dismissed from their work or humiliated. For this reason, one should either directly ask one’s servants about their needs, or maintain such a manner with them that their needs become apparent without hesitation. Once a need is known, one should try—within one’s capacity—to fulfill it. The Noble Prophet ﷺ would ask his servants about their needs. And indeed, this is the door of the Master of Paradise; when needs are asked about here, their fulfillment is assured. For this reason, the servants of the Holy Prophet ﷺ did not even seek worldly necessities. There is a Hadith in this regard: عَنْ زِيَادِ بْنِ أَبِي زِيَادٍ، مَوْلَى بَنِي مَخْزُومٍ، عَنْ خَادِمٍ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، رَجُلٍ أَوْ امْرَأَةٍ، قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مِمَّا يَقُولُ لِلْخَادِمِ: «أَلَكَ حَاجَةٌ؟» قَالَ: حَتَّى كَانَ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، حَاجَتِي قَالَ: «وَمَا حَاجَتُكَ؟» قَالَ: حَاجَتِي أَنْ تَشْفَعَ لِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، قَالَ: «وَمَنْ دَلَّكَ عَلَى هَذَا؟» قَالَ: رَبِّي قَالَ: «إِمَّا لَا، فَأَعِنِّي بِكَثْرَةِ السُّجُودِ Hadith: Ziyad bin Abu Ziyad, the freed slave of Banu Makhzum, narrated from a servant of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ—whether a man or a woman—that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ would sometimes say to his servant: “Do you have any need?” One day, the servant replied: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I have a need.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ asked: “What is your need?” He said: “My need is that you intercede for me on the Day of Judgment.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ asked: “Who directed you to this?” He replied: “My Lord.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ then said: “Very well, then assist me by increasing your prostrations.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 16076)