In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
As the world becomes increasingly individualistic, things that used to be a big deal, they stopped being a big deal. Cultures around the world that used to have respect for things -- elders, art, children's songs, women of dignified families and women in general, whatever it maybe, that you don't poke fun around it, have stopped having the reverence and respect for these things. More and more people don't even see themselves as part of their own family and barely associate themselves with their own parents, let alone their community, society, city, nation, etc.
There is a loss of reverence universally. And if you are living in a society that generally has no reverence, the replacement is cynicism. We are increasingly cynical as a people and so we celebrate being cynical. And the only worth reverence left is yourself -- that the one that should not be made fun of is you...was that a comment about my gender, my race, my ethnicity, my profession? People have become extremely on the edge about themselves. Everybody has become really super sensitive about their own individual integrity but not nearly as sensitive about anything or anyone else.
Many of us are not people necessarily born with or raised with the highest level of Islam. We are exposed to many cultural forces or psychological forces that are directly completely opposite to our ancestors who were raised with Islam. The things they have regard and respect for that came naturally for them don't occur naturally for us. So we have to build it. And that is not difficult if we are committed to guidance.
Those who are committed to guidance, Allah will increase them in guidance.
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ زَادَهُمْ هُدًى وَءَاتَىٰهُمْ تَقْوَىٰهُمْ ﴿١٧[Qur'an, Muhammad 47:17]
And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness. (17)
So, put an effort into listening the words of His Messenger (ﷺ). We are not blessed to hear his voice but we still have his words. His voice may not be here, but his words carry on.
Allah Almighty says,
فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ أَن تَأْتِيَهُم بَغْتَةً ۖ فَقَدْ جَآءَ أَشْرَاطُهَا ۚ فَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمْ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ذِكْرَىٰهُمْ ﴿١٨[Qur'an, Muhammad 47:18]
Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then what good to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance? (18)
What more is there for us to look forward to in this life if it is not the words of His beloved Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)? The greatest event in the world history has come to pass -- the death of the Prophet (ﷺ). The great event left after the Prophet (ﷺ) is the coming of the Hour. So if you are not anticipating holding on to every word he left, then the only thing you are looking forward to is the Hour.
Allah commanded us to obey the messengers of Allah and to have deep-seated respect for them.
Obedience to Allah’s final Messenger (ﷺ) comes from following his sunnah. A conscious and meticulous adherence to the sunnah can only be possible through a true perception of the importance attached to the Prophets in the Qur’an.
The following will give us a glimpse of the Qur'an on how our attitude and behaviors should be toward the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
***Not Preferring Oneself to the Messenger (ﷺ), Supporting and Defending Him
In the Qur’an Allah reveals that his messengers are special people with superior moral virtues. A messenger is an appointed representative of Allah on Earth, a standard of the morality of Islam, and a leader of the believers. Among His servants, His messengers are those who display the code of ethics most pleasing to Allah. They fear no one but Allah, unconditionally obeying and submitting to Him. They are men of the highest morals, who set the best example for believers in every matter. They are very important in Allah’s Sight and He keeps them under His protection.
Allah made prophets and messengers superior in rank to other people. In the Muslim community, they therefore assume a privileged and central role. For this reason, a believer must prefer the Prophet (ﷺ) over himself.
... مَا كَانَ لِأَهْلِ ٱلْمَدِينَةِ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ أَن يَتَخَلَّفُوا۟ عَن رَّسُولِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَرْغَبُوا۟ بِأَنفُسِهِمْ عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ[Qur'an, at-Tawba 9:120]
It was not [proper] for the people of Madinah and those surrounding them of the bedouins that they remain behind after [the departure of] the Messenger of Allah or that they prefer themselves over his self...
Owing to this distinguished status, Allah commands believers to defend and support His Messenger (ﷺ).
فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ ۙ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١٥٧ ...[Qur'an, al-A‘raf 7:157]
...So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful. (157)
إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ شَـٰهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًۭا وَنَذِيرًۭا ﴿٨﴾ لِّتُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَتُعَزِّرُوهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوهُ وَتُسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا ﴿٩[Qur'an, Al-Fath 48:8-9]
Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner (8) That you [people] may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor him and respect the Prophet and exalt Allah morning and afternoon. (9)
We don't really know what tasbih (exalting Allah) means until we have proper regard for the Prophet (ﷺ). Our tasbih really does'nt mean much if we don't have honor and respect for the Rasululullah (ﷺ). We learn tasbih from Rasululullah (ﷺ) and if you don't show respect to the teacher, we will be learning tasbih but we won't be doing tasbih. The closeness of Allah to the Messenger (ﷺ) is shown when He talks to the Messenger He said "We" إِنَّآ and tell us to honor and respect him (the Messenger) ... وَتُعَزِّرُوهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوهُ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا ﴿٥٦[Qur'an, al-Ahzab 33:56]
Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet [ﷺ], and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace. (56)
The honor that Allah has given His Messenger (ﷺ) are beyond fathom. Another example is when the Prophet (ﷺ) was honored to go up to siddratul muntaha in mi'raj. The angel Jibril alayhissalaam could only accompany the Prophet (ﷺ) to the seventh heavens because if Jibril go further his wings would burn off. Imagine this...Jibril's wings would burn off but the skin of the Prophet (ﷺ) was fine.
There are people that look at the Prophet (ﷺ) and the only respect they have for him is that he is the carrier of the Qur'an. But actually that itself is a huge disrespect of the Prophet (ﷺ). We should honor him as the person that Allah chose as being the most qualified, the best example for mankind and on top of that he has the Qur'an. Then there are some people that reduced the Prophet (ﷺ) as being only a vessel for guidance -- he is not special in of himself. Actually, in the Qur'an before the revelation started, Allah made a big deal of the Prophet (ﷺ).
***Not Putting Oneself Before Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)
As Allah describes in the Qur’an, the messengers are gifted people in terms of intelligence, reasoning, comprehension and wisdom, and thus superior to other believers. They display the attributes of a believer in the best manner. Muslims should in this respect be aware of their own standing in humility and in the face of the apparent superiority of the Messengers, show them great respect and honor, and support and follow them. Allah expresses this in the Qur’an as follows.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تُقَدِّمُوا۟ بَيْنَ يَدَىِ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:1]
O you who have believed, do not put [anyone, anything, philosophy, idea, agenda, etc] before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (1)
Putting oneself before Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), which is not proper in terms of respect, may assume various forms, such as implying the superiority of one’s own intelligence or interrupting while he is speaking. It is unlikely that any believer would deliberately dare to commit such undesirable acts. Yet he should always be on guard so as not to transgress Allah’s limits thoughtlessly.
***Not Raising One’s Voice Above the Prophet’s (ﷺ)
The messengers have a special and superior status among the other believers due to their strong character and faith as described in the verses of the Qur’an. Indeed, Allah makes clear every detail of conduct regarding Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), including one’s speech and tone of voice, as the basis of a sincere and correct understanding of respect.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَرْفَعُوٓا۟ أَصْوَٰتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا۟ لَهُۥ بِٱلْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَـٰلُكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ ﴿٢[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:2]
O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not. (2)
Allah reminded believers not to raise their voice above the voice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as they did to one another. The matter that deserves attention here is that beyond being good manners, it is a commandment of Allah. Indeed, the mention of a contrary attitude that would nullify good deeds marks the importance of this issue. It is incorrect to think of this commandment as ordinary encouragement of good manners, rather than an absolute command. The same mistake is often made with other Qur’anic rulings, as well.
We don't have the Prophet's (ﷺ) voice anymore but we have his words. When his words are being cited or something is being attributed to him, correctly or incorrectly, if you don't know for sure, don't raise your voice (above the Prophet ﷺ). Not only we should learn to be quiet when he is being talked about but we listen and not respond. Don't get into the daleel (evidence) tennis match which inevitably will turn the noble words of Prophet (ﷺ) into toys and weapons to further your own ego. Don't get involve in such argument on the Prophet's (ﷺ) words. Don't call the Prophet (ﷺ) out loud, i.e don't have a conversation about him like anybody else.
The fact is that honoring Allah’s messenger (ﷺ) is actually honoring Allah. Similarly, an adverse attitude toward the Messenger (ﷺ) reflects one toward Allah, and deliberately lacking in respect for His Messenger (ﷺ) is most displeasing to Allah. However, it is essential for anyone, even if he is a believer, who raises his voice in the presence of the messenger with no such deliberate intent, out of ignorance or thoughtlessness or a mistaken conception of honesty, to immediately abandon that error and display the kind of behavior that will most nobly and politely express his profound respect for and devotion to the messenger.
The significance of this topic is revealed by Allah in the following verse.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَٰتَهُمْ عِندَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱمْتَحَنَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٣[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:3]
Indeed, those who lower their voices before the Messenger of Allah - they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for righteousness. For them is forgiveness and great reward. (3)
In a similar manner, Allah reveals in the Qur’an that addressing the Messenger (ﷺ) from outside his rooms was a sign of lack of consideration that believers must strongly avoid.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنَادُونَكَ مِن وَرَآءِ ٱلْحُجُرَٰتِ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٤[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:4]
Indeed, those who call you, [O Muhammad], from behind the chambers - most of them do not use reason. (4)
If there is an argument over something and the other person quotes a hadith, which you might not agree as how he used the hadith, or a hadith you may not even heard before, or maybe you are not sure about the authenticity, before you think about "I want to counter that one" your immediate response should be "as far as I am concerned it is over," because he just brought in the Prophet (ﷺ). You should do your investigation afterwards but at the time, out of reverence for the Prophet (ﷺ), even if don't get it, listen carefully, then Allah will guide you.
***Complying with the Prophet’s Words Willingly and Sincerely
A believer is obedient to the orders of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ); while complying with the Prophet's (ﷺ) judgments, he feels not a speck of distress or discomfort in his heart. He knows that everything that Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) command is the truest, the best and the most beneficial. Aware that every commandment of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) is best for him, a believer complies willingly under any circumstances. This sincere and submissive approach emanates from the believer’s faith.
On the other hand, an obedient appearance that lacks heartfelt submission could point to weakness in faith.
فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا۟ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا ﴿٦٥[Qur'an, an-Nisa’ 4:65]
But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission. (65)
For various reasons a hypocrite may display apparent obedience and meticulously observe certain commandments. Yet it is not true faith, so long as one does not obey with ardent submission. Hesitation reveals that a person still harbors some doubts and concerns about Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). The lack of a deep and inner obedience and submitting only physically to Allah vitiates a person’s deeds. Pretended submission can leave one bereft of rewards in the Hereafter. This being the case, any believer will welcome a commandment from the Messenger (ﷺ) with inner joy and happiness and relish the resulting feeling of compliance. Downheartedness or disappointment over any just decision are attitudes incompatible with faith.
***Not Considering the Messenger (ﷺ) Indebted for One’s Islam or Service to the Religion
Allah may commission anyone, even unbelievers, to serve His religion. That Allah subjected devils to the service of Prophet Sulayman alayhissalaam is indeed a fact related in the Qur’an. Be he a believer or unbeliever, everyone is merely a means for the accomplishment of Allah's decree. It is Allah Who possesses the will and power, and essentially, He will make Islamic moral values victorious through His means.
In the Qur’an, Allah mentions the corrupt character of those who, unaware of such facts, presented their acceptance of Islam and their services as a favor to the Messenger (ﷺ) due to their inferior mentality.
يَمُنُّونَ عَلَيْكَ أَنْ أَسْلَمُوا۟ ۖ قُل لَّا تَمُنُّوا۟ عَلَىَّ إِسْلَـٰمَكُم ۖ بَلِ ٱللَّهُ يَمُنُّ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْ هَدَىٰكُمْ لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ ﴿١٧[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:17]
They consider it a favor to you that they have accepted Islam. Say, "Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful." (17)
In the verse Allah shows that the truth is otherwise; a person who embraces the religion does not do Islam any honor; rather, Islam grants honor to him.
In several verses, Allah states that He will replace people who reject His ordained way of life with others.
وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ يَسْتَبْدِلْ قَوْمًا غَيْرَكُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوٓا۟ أَمْثَـٰلَكُم ﴿٣٨ ...[Qur'an, Muhammad 47:38]
...And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you. (38)
People with such a mistaken outlook must fear falling under the terms of the scope of these verses and immediately alter their perspective. More than anyone else, people of faith should take this admonition to heart. Allah will certainly give rewards to a believer who seeks His good pleasure with a sincere heart and pure intent.
May Allah guide us and increase us in guidance. May Allah increase our love and reverence for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala alihi wasahbihi wassallam
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
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