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#10 – Virtues of The Prophet (ﷺ)
Oct 11, 2021 – Oct 17, 2021
Rabi ul-Awwal 5, 1443 – Rabi ul-Awwal 11, 1443

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Virtues of The Prophet (ﷺ)

What have Allah and His Messenger said about

Virtues of The Prophet (ﷺ)

لَقَدْ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ لَفِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ
Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

Surah Ali ‘Imran (3) – Verse 164
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

Surah Al-Anbya (21) – Verse 107



لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you [i.e., your guidance] and to the believers is kind and merciful.

Surah At-Tawbah (9) – Verse 128

عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ أَنَا سَيِّدُ وَلَدِ آدَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلاَ فَخْرَ وَبِيَدِي لِوَاءُ الْحَمْدِ وَلاَ فَخْرَ وَمَا مِنْ نَبِيٍّ يَوْمَئِذٍ آدَمُ فَمَنْ سِوَاهُ إِلاَّ تَحْتَ لِوَائِي وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ مَنْ تَنْشَقُّ عَنْهُ الأَرْضُ وَلاَ فَخْرَ ‏”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I am the master of the children of Adam on the Day of Judgement, and I am not boasting. The Banner of Praise will be in my hand, and I am not boasting. There will not be a Prophet on that day, not Adam nor anyone other than him, except that he will be under my banner. And I am the first one for whom the earth will be opened for, and I am not bragging.”

[Tirmidhi 3975]
عَنِ الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ، قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ قُرَيْشًا جَلَسُوا فَتَذَاكَرُوا أَحْسَابَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ فَجَعَلُوا مَثَلَكَ كَمَثَلِ نَخْلَةٍ فِي كَبْوَةٍ مِنَ الأَرْضِ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَلَقَ الْخَلْقَ فَجَعَلَنِي مِنْ خَيْرِهِمْ مِنْ خَيْرِ فِرَقِهِمْ وَخَيْرِ الْفَرِيقَيْنِ ثُمَّ تَخَيَّرَ الْقَبَائِلَ فَجَعَلَنِي مِنْ خَيْرِ قَبِيلَةٍ ثُمَّ تَخَيَّرَ الْبُيُوتَ فَجَعَلَنِي مِنْ خَيْرِ بُيُوتِهِمْ فَأَنَا خَيْرُهُمْ نَفْسًا وَخَيْرُهُمْ بَيْتًا ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ ‏.‏ وَعَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْحَارِثِ هُوَ ابْنُ نَوْفَلٍ ‏.
“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Indeed the Quraish have sat and spoken between themselves about the best of them, and they made your likeness as that of a palm tree in a wasteland.’ So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Indeed, Allah created the creation and made me [from the best of them,] from the best of their categories, and the best of the two categories (Arabs and Non-Arabs), then He chose between the tribes and made me from the best tribe, then He chose between the houses and made me from the best house. So I am the best of them in person and the best of them in house.'”

[Tirmidhi 3966]
Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) was an ordinary human being who served as a great example to mankind. Although he was subject to the same limitations as any man, and faced many trials and tribulations, yet still accomplished outstanding success in delivering his divine mission. The Prophet of Islam was sent as a mercy to all mankind, not to a specific group or race. Muhammad ﷺ epitomized good moral character and behavior. He was chosen by God – Allah to teach the people about morality and righteousness, and to worship Allah alone.

Reputation of Honesty

Although Muhammad ﷺ lived in a time when immorality and ignorance was rampant, he was still renowned for his upright and righteous character. Truthfulness and honesty were such an intrinsic part of his disposition, that he became known as Al-Amin (the honest). Even the non-Muslims would entrust him with their valuable possessions and would go to him as an impartial judge in their disputes.When he first received revelation from Allah, Muhammad ﷺ stood on Mount Safa and called upon the people, “If I were to tell you that there was an army behind this mountain ready to attack you, would you believe me?” They responded with a resounding yes, in recognition of his character and truthfulness. But when he said, “I am a warner sent to you…” they refused to accept his message. They disbelieved and revolted. Allah revealed the following verse in testament of the Prophet’s ﷺ truthfulness:

“We know indeed that what they say certainly grieves you, but surely they do not call you a liar; but they unjustly deny the verses of God.” [Noble Quran 6:33]

Compassionate to All

Muhammad ﷺ was deeply grieved that so many people rejected his message. He was compassionate towards his people and desperately wanted them to be guided, but Allah reassured him:

“Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.” [Noble Quran 28:56]

At all times, he was concerned about the welfare of his people. He never took revenge for personal matters. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said:
“ALLAH WILL NOT BE MERCIFUL TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT MERCIFUL TO THE PEOPLE.” [SAHIH BUKHARI]

Obedient to Allah

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was focused and subservient to Allah. He had total conviction and trust in Him. Muhammad ﷺ said: “O Allah! To You I have submitted, and in You do I believe, and in You I put my trust, to You do I turn, and for You I argued.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Taught Justice and Equality

Muhammad ﷺ was a just and noble individual. He emphasized that all members of society were equal and duty bound to resist oppression and should not be content as onlookers. Justice and equality was paramount importance to him. He was meticulous and resolute in administering this. “Help your brother whether he is the oppressor or the oppressed one.” When his companions asked him how they should help an oppressor, he replied, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Pleasant And Friendly

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to have a pleasant and friendly countenance. It is well known he often had a smile on his face, even in the midst of the stress of being outcast by his friends, neighbors, and some family members. One of his companions, Ibn Jaz narrated: “I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MAN WHO SMILED AS MUCH AS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH ﷺ.” [TIRMIDHI]
Family Man

Despite being a public figure, Muhammad ﷺ was a family man. He had immense concern and empathy for his household and community. Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best of you is he who is the best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.” [Tirmidhi] When Ayesha, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, was asked how he occupied himself when he was at home, she said he helped with household duties, patched up his clothes, mended his shoes, and was a kind and affectionate companion. [Ahmad]

Humble Lifestyle

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led a very simple and humble life. He advised his followers to be likewise and content with what they had. He said: “Look at those who are less fortunate than yourselves, not those who are better off than yourselves, so you will not belittle the graces of Allah.” [Sahih Bukhari] He achieved great success and victory, including the conquest of Makkah. The city which had treated him so cruelly and driven him away, was given back to him without the need for any bloodshed. The Prophet ﷺ rode into Makkah in complete humility and delivered a sermon to the assembled people. He spoke of brotherhood and equality of man.

Generous and Charitable

The Prophet of Islam ﷺ was conscious of his community and the poor amongst them. Although he had little wealth, he was extremely charitable and continuously emphasized the importance of giving charity. Muhammad ﷺ said: “ON THE DAY WHEN ALL OTHER SHADE WILL BE GONE, ALLAH WILL PROVIDE HIS SHADE FOR THOSE WHO GIVE CHARITY.” [SAHIH BUKHARI]

Patient and Steadfast

Throughout his life, Muhammad ﷺ endured many trials and hardships and the ‘Year of Sadness’ was particularly poignant. Three years before the historic migration to Madinah, the Prophet lost both his beloved wife Khadijah, and his uncle Abu Talib, who had been a great supporter and sincere guardian. These were two great associates of Muhammad ﷺ and after their deaths, the persecution of the Prophet and his small group of companions increased dramatically. Despite the pain and hardship, he remained patient and forbearing, uncompromising in his determination to spread the word of Allah.

Wise and Influential Diplomat

Muhammad ﷺ was an influential and charismatic leader who inspired, encouraged and motivated those around him. He led by example and practiced all that he taught. He was a visionary with exceptional wisdom and foresight. He made treaties and alliances with many tribes, which demonstrated great diplomatic skills built on morality and honesty. He sat amongst his companions, ate with them and consulted with them. He also fought valiantly alongside them on the battlefield.

Epitome of Mankind

Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ maintained an impeccable demeanor. His character imbued virtue and righteousness. Allah approved of Muhammad’s legacy and said: “Verily, you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah much.” [Noble Quran 33:21] When Ayesha, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, was asked regarding his character, she answered: “HIS CHARACTER WAS THE QURAN.” [SAHIH MUSLIM]



Muhammad ﷺ was gentle and forgiving. He was respectful and loving to the young and old alike. He promoted family unity, social cohesion and exemplified the virtues of maintaining good moral conduct at all times. He was an advocate of respecting parents, visiting the sick and maintaining the rights of neighbors. He was a great leader, warrior, husband, father and role model for all mankind, until the end of time. He portrayed a message of peace, unity, morality and justice. He was Muhammad ﷺ, the last of the Prophets of Allah.

[Adapted from islamfaith.com]

Spiritual Reminders

The Birth of The Prophet (SAW)
The night that the prophet (SAW) was born, many things were happening around the world. We talked about what was happening in his family when he was born, and meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in the Persian empire, something else was happening; fourteen chandeliers in the Persian king’s palace collapsed and a fire burning in the temple for the last 1000 years suddenly went out. Then, the king, who was a state of worry and fear, called his council and asked, “What is going on?” As he called them, his high priest said, “I have just seen a dream. In this dream, there was a camel pulling many horses and they were coming across the land towards us.” So, he said, “What does it mean?” The priest replied, “I’m not sure, but it looks like something big is happening in the region of the Arabs.” The king needed to find more details, so he called a man, Abdul Masih, to come and tell them. He said, “I do not know the information you are asking but I am sure my uncle who lives in Sham knows.” The king told him, “Go to him personally and get this information from him.”

This man, Abdul Masih, goes chasing the horizon all the way back to Syria, and there he sees his uncle on his deathbed, about to breathe his last. Abdul Masih reaches him and sees that he still has consciousness, and his uncle says, “I know why you are here. 14 chandeliers crashing, the fire of a thousand years being extinguished, rivers drying up, those dreams – I know what brings you here. In fact, those fourteen chandeliers that came crashing are a sign that, very quickly, the Persian empire will change hands fourteen times. Kings and queens will come and go very rapidly, and fourteen dynasties will come and go. This dream of the camel pulling the horses is an indicator that the last prophet is here.”
The chaos in that region made the people confused and worried. Meanwhile, back in Makkah, the prophet (SAW) is born unlike any other child. Firstly, he is born in such a state that he is completely clean, and some narrations mention that when he was born, he started doing the zikr of Allah (SWT). On the seventh day, Abdul Muttalib organized the Aqiqah and named him Muhammad. People asked, “Why did you give him this name? No one else in your tribe or lineage has this name.” He replied, “I saw a dream where a chain extended to the sky, the earth, the east and the west, and turned into a tree. Some were holding onto it and some were trying to attack it. Every time they came closer, someone came and pushed them away. When I asked people the interpretation of the dream, they said, ‘In your progeny, there will be a child who will be praised by the followers in the heavens and the earth and will have followers in the east and the west.’ It came in my heart that I should name him Muhammad, meaning he who is praised by everyone.”

Interestingly, Aminah, the mother the prophet (SAW) also saw dreams telling her that she is about to have a son and his name should be Muhammad or Ahmad. All of these things came together and this child was named Muhammad. One of Allah (SWT)’s names is Hamid, meaning “one worthy of praise”, and “hamd” is “praise”. “Muhammad” is derived from the same root word and means “the one who is praised”. One sahabi says, “Allah gave this prophet a name from his own name.”

[Adapted from a lecture given by Mufti Aasim Rashid]

YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF

Sirah

Salutation upon the Prophet (ﷺ)
Ka’b b. ‘Ujrah said:

We said or the people said: Messenger of Allah, you have commanded us to invoke blessing on you and to salute you. As regards salutation we have already learnt it. How should we invoke blessing? He said: Say: “O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. O Allah, grant favors to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You granted favors to the family of Ibrahim; Indeed You are Praiseworthy and Most Glorious.

[ Sunan Abi Dawud 976 ]

Read Next Blog: The Finality of Prophethood

Sunnah Acts

The Best Dua
`Amr bin Malik Al-Janbi narrated that he heard Fadalah bin `Ubaid saying:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) heard a man supplicating in his Salat but he did not send Salat upon the Prophet (ﷺ), so the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘This one has rushed.’ Then he called him and said to him, or to someone other than him: ‘When one of you performs Salat, then let him begin by expressing gratitude to Allah and praising Him. Then, let him send Salat upon the Prophet (ﷺ), then let him supplicate after that, whatever he wishes.’”

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3477 – Grade Hasan]

Adhkar/Dua

Salutations for The Prophet (ﷺ)
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ في الأولينَ وَصَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ في الاخِرينَ وَصَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ في المَلأِ الاعْلى إلى يَومِ الدِّيْن
ʾallāhumma ṣalli ʿalā muḥammadin fil awaleena wa salli ʿalā muḥammadin fil akhirina wa salli ʿalā muḥammadin fil mala el a’alā ilā yaumid deen

Oh Allah send blessings on Muhammad among the first and send blessings on our Muhammad in the last and send blessings on Muhammad in the highest assembly until the Day of Judgment.
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