The Prophet Muhammad

Outline

• Introduction
• Definition of “Prophet” and What it Means to be a Prophet
• The Difference between Miracles and Magic
• The Uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad
• The Prophet is the Only One We are Obliged to Follow Blindly
• When Love Comes in, for the Prophet
• Signs of True Love for the Prophet
• So, Who is the Prophet?
• The Difference Between the Prophet and Men
• Conclusion

Introduction

Alhamdulillah infinitely, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, Who has awarded us a great favour, in sending a Messenger from among ourselves, to recite His revelations to us, to purify us, and to teach us the Book and wisdom (Sunnah). No god but Allah. We seek His Forgiveness at all times; and to Him alone we repent. May His Peace and Blessings be upon the Gifted Mercy; Habibi Muhammad, His household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path, till the Day of Judgement.

This article studies and presents the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, to the dearest readers of Gsalam.Net and to visitor readers as well, in the way that a Muslim is supposed to know him.

I will ensure that, any fact I present in this article is supported with authentic evidence from the Qur’an and/or from the authentic Sunnah of Habibi Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam. This is important because the Prophet is the focus point, through whom, we can attain Allah’s Pleasure. It's also important to know who the Prophet is, as knowledge leads to appreciation, and the latter will lead us, Muslims, to better value the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, who has already been highly appreciated granted the highest ranking a creature can ever attain.

Before anything, how is “Prophet” defined, and what does it mean to be a Prophet?

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Definition of “Prophet” and What it Means to be a Prophet

When we study the Prophet in Islamic context, we are talking about “Nabi” or “Nabiyy” and “Rasul” at the same time. Those are familiar terms, but have different indications.

“Nabiyy” is translated in English as “Prophet,” and is Islamically defined as ‘someone who is given revelation, but is obliged to follow the message of the messenger (prophet) before him.

“Rasul” is translated into English as “Messenger” or “Apostle,” and is Islamically defined as a prophet who is given an order to convey the message of Allah to his people or to mankind. To achieve that, he teaches them the religion of Allah, warns them of Allah's displeasure and punishment if they disobey him, and also gives them good news of Allah's rewards if they obey Allah's commandments. “Rasul” (a Messenger) in this case doesn't have to follow Prophets who were sent before him, he is to be followed, instead.

From the brief definitions above, it's understood that, every “Rasul” is a “Nabiyy” but the vice versa is not true.

We don't know (the stories) of all the prophets and messengers sent (by Allah), but the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, has indicated, that Allah has sent more than a hundred thousand (100,000) prophets and messengers all together combined. More than three hundred (300) of them were apostles (Rasul(s)/Rusul). Of the entire figure, only 25 of them are mentioned in the Qur'an, and a few more are mentioned in the Sunnah.

Abu Umamah, radhiya Allah ‘anhu, narrated a Hadeeth which was classified as an authentic (Saheeh) by Shaikh Al-Albani, that Abu Zharr, radhiya Allah ‘anhu, said:

قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، كَمْ وَفَاءً عِدَّةُ الأَنْبِيَاءِ؟ قَالَ: مِئَةُ ‏أَلْفٍ وَأْرَبَعَةٌ وَعِشْرُونَ أَلْفاً، وَالرُّسُلُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ. ثَلاثُمِئَةٍ وَخَمْسَةَ عَشَرَ، جَمًّا غَفِيراً‏

It means, “I (Abu Zharr) said, “O Rasulallah, how many are the number of the messengers?” He said, “124,000 (one hundred and twenty-four thousand), messengers. 350 (three hundred and fifty) among them were, a huge crowd.”

A Prophet or a Messenger is usually hardly believed and trusted until he proves his claim prophethood with evidence. Such evidence must be extra ordinary to the people' norm or knowledge. They are therefore given miracles as proof of their prophethood.

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The Difference between Miracles and Magic

I find it important here, to mention the difference between miracles and magic (Sihr).

A miracle is an act of Allah that (mostly) happens through the hands of Prophets. Miracles are proof of Prophethood. It demonstrates as a proof of a prophet's declaration of Prophethood.

The purpose of a miracle is so that people are guided towards the religion, to which the Messenger is calling his people.

Miracles can, however happen through the hands of ordinary people, if Allah wills. An ordinary person can gain miracle through Mercy and Compassion of Allah.

When a miracle happens through a Prophet, it's called (in Arabic) “Mu'jizah,” and it's called “Karamah” (an honour) when it happens to/through an ordinary person.

Prophets remain human beings, even after revelation is descended to them. They don't turn into different form(s) of creatures.

Ordinary persons, who achieve “Karamah” have gained Allah's Compassion and Mercy, but they don't turn with that, into prophets. Prophecy is achieved with revelation. Revelation is descended via an Angle!

As for magic, it's usually motivated and practised, to put on a show for people, and to gain worldly benefit, which can be money, power or fame. Magic is usually supported by Jinn and has harmful consequences on the societies, as it's used for cheating and robbing people, spiritually. It can also practiced by “Muslims” and non-believers.

The non-believers of Makkah challenged the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, to show them a proof of his prophethood. He prayed to Alalh and the moon was made split into two immediately. That was an example of Mu'jizah (miracle for a Prophet)

Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Mas-oud, radhiya Allah ‘anhu, said in a Hadeeth authenticated by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim:

اِنْشَقَّ القَمَرُ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِرْقَتَيْنِ، فِرْقَةٌ فَوْقَ الجَبَلِ، وَفِرْقَةٌ دُونَهُ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: اِشْهَدُوا

It means, “the moon split into two parts, during the time of the Apostle of Allah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, a part above the mount (or Hiraa), and the other part below it. The Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam said, “Bear witness!”

Pharaoh (Fir'aun) had arranged for a public contest between his allies (the magicians) and Sayyidina Musa, ‘alaih al-salam.

When the magicians threw their staffs, they turned into illusionary snakes. When Sayyidina Musa, ‘alaih al-salam threw his staff, it too, turned into a snake, but swallowed all the snakes of the magicians. The snakes of the magicians were magic (Sihr), and the snake of Sayyidina Musa, ‘alaih al-salam was a miracle (Mu'jizah).

Sayyidina Musa, ‘alaih al-salam then picked up his snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. The magicians immediately embraced Islam (the religion of  Sayyidina Musa, ‘alaih al-salam), as it was made clear to them that magic has its limitations whereas a miracle is only through the will of Allah, subhanahu wata'aalaa, which is beyond any magic and human ability.

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The Uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad

Everything about the Prophet is unique. One of the most unique things about him is that Prophet Muhammad was the first in human history to be named “Muhammad”. After he was chosen and sent as the final Prophet, the blessed name (Muhammad) has been the most preferred name for Muslim babies around the world.

“Muhammad” (مُحَمَّد) is derived from the Arabic root word “hamd” (حَمْد), which means “Praise”. “Muhammad” is therefore the empathic passive participle of that root, and can be translated as “the Oft-Praised”.

Practically, the Prophet Muhammad has never been insulted. Those who pretend to insult him end up praising him, by calling him ‘Muhammad' which will eradicate all they might have said earlier. Subhana Allah!

The Prophet Muhammad, although was last and final Prophet and Messenger, was chosen, by Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, to be the leader of all Prophets and Messengers, when he was sent on night journey from Makkah to the Al-Aqsa mosque, and was ascended to the heaven (Al-Israa wal-Mi’raaj), he led all of them (the Prophets and Messengers) in prayers (solat).

The Prophet is also set to lead mankind, to plea to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, on the Day of Judgement to initiate the procedures of judgement, so everyone will know their eternal destination, in the Hereafter, accordingly.

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, narrated a Hadeeth, authenticated by Imam Muslim, that the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:

أَنَا سَيِّدُ وَلَدِ آدَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَأَوَّلُ مَنْ يَنْشَقُّ عَنْهُ الْقَبْرُ، وَأَوَّلُ شَافِعٍ، وَأَوَّلُ مُشَفَّعٍ

It means, “I will be the leader of the sons of Adam on the Day of Resurrection, and the first one for whom the grave is opened, and the first one to intercede and the first one whose intercession will be accepted.”

In fact, the Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, did mention some of the qualities, that made him unique, in a Hadeeth narrated by Sayyidina Jabir Ibn Abdillah, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, and authenticated by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim:

أُعْطِيتُ خَمْسًا، لَمْ يُعْطَهُنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ قَبْلِي: نُصِرْتُ بِالرُّعْبِ مَسِيرَةَ شَهْرٍ، وَجُعِلَتْ لِي الْأَرْضُ مَسْجِدًا وَطَهُورًا، فَأَيُّمَا رَجُلٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَدْرَكَتْهُ الصَّلَاةُ فَلْيُصَلِّ، وَأُحِلَّتْ لِي الْمَغَانِمُ، وَلَمْ تَحِلَّ لِأَحَدٍ قَبْلِي، وَأُعْطِيتُ الشَّفَاعَةَ، وَكَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إلَى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إلَى النَّاسِ عَامَّةً

It means, “I have been given five things that were not given to any of the Prophets before me: I have been supported with fear (cast into the hearts of my enemies) for a distance of one month’s travel; the earth has been made a place of prostration and a means of purification for me, so when the time of prayer comes for any man among my Ummah, let him pray; war booty has been permitted for me; I have been given the power of intercession; and a Prophet would be sent only to his own people, but I have been sent to all of mankind.”

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The Prophet is the Only One We are Obliged to Follow Blindly

Prophet Muhammad, salla Allah ‘alaihi wasallam, is the only person every Muslim is obliged to follow blindly. There is no way I can put this statement in a “nicer way”. Muslims have to follow Prophet Muhammad blindly. Why not, and the Prophet did not speak out of his own desire, but rather according to a revelation revealed to him from Allah subhanahu wata'aalaa:

وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ * إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

It mean, “He does speak out of his own desire. It is nothing but revelation sent down to him [Qur’an, Surah Al-Najm, 53:3-4].

It is also fundamentally known that Islam means (total) submission to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, and His Prophet. We are therefore in no position to show disobedience, once instruction is given by Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, or by Allah, through the Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

The Qur'an and the tradition (Sunnah) of the Prophet have clearly indicated the importance of following the Prophet in all his deeds, with exception to those that are exclusively for him, or with exception to where we are given options.

In Surah Aali Imran, 3:31, Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, declares that, we are able to attain His Love only when we follow the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam:

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّـهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّـهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ، وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ * قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَالرَّسُولَ، فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ

It means: “Say [O Muhammad], “If you love Allah, then, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is most Forgiving, and most Merciful.” Say [O Muhammad], “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away, then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.”

In other words, purposely disobeying the Prophet may lead to infidelity (Kufr), which nullifies one’s religion.

Also in Surah Aali Imran, 3:132, Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, declares, that we are granted His Mercy, provided we show obedience to Him and to the Prophet:

وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

It means, “[And] obey Allah and the Messenger, so that you may obtain mercy.”

In Surah Muhammad, 47:33, we are informed that our deeds are rightly accepted and rewarded, provided we show obedience to Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, , and to the teacher, the leader and the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam. For that, Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبْطِلُوا أَعْمَالَكُمْ

It means, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger; and do not let your deeds go to waste.”

Once our deeds do not go to waste, greater reward is then granted accordingly, as a price, for following and obeying Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, through following and obeying the Prophet. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:71:

وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

It means, “Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great success.”

There is no success greater than securing your place in the Jannah (Paradise). The easiest way to achieve that is to show obedience while following the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wassalam. In fact, the one who rejects and refuses to show obedience will be dealt with accordingly. Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, says in Surah Al-Fath, 48:17:

وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُ يُدْخِلْهُ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ، وَمَن يَتَوَلَّ يُعَذِّبْهُ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

It means, “Allah will admit anyone who obeys Him and His Messenger to Gardens through which rivers flow. But whoever turns back shall be severely punished by Him.”

Now, what is the implication of Following the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wassalam?

There will be obvious rewards for following or refusing to follow the Prophet. But in this life, the one who follows and obeys the Prophet sincerely, will develop a special taste of love for the Prophet. Anyone who follows sincerely will fall in love for the followed figure. This takes us to the next part of this article; when love comes in, for the Prophet.

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When Love Comes in, for the Prophet

Before we further emphasize on how and why we are supposed to love the Prophet, let's remember that the Prophet had always shown compassion and longing for every single person among his Ummah. This applied to those who surrounded him, as it applied to those whom he was told would come in later generations, which includes you and me, and those to come, till the sun rises from the west.

Al-Qur'an confirms the feelings the Prophet had for us, in Surah Al-Taubah, 9:128:

لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

It means, “There has come to you a Messenger of your own. Your suffering distresses him: he is deeply concerned for your welfare and full of kindness and mercy towards the believers.”

He once shed tears, not only because his uncle and guardian, Abu Talib passed away, not only because his first wife, our mother, Sayyidah Khadijah, radhiaya Allahu ‘anha, passed away, not only because his son Sayyiduna Ibrahim, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu. passed away in his childhood, not only because he visited his mother’s grave and had missed her, not only because he buried some of his companions who died or were martyred in his presence, in all those occasions he wept, but this time around, he wept in compassion for his Ummah, whom will come after his departure from this world.

In a Hadeeth narrated by Sayyidina Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr (authenticated by Imam Muslim), he said that the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, recited from Surah Ibrahim, 14:36, where Allah says in the words of Sayyidina Ibrahim, what means: “My Lord, they [the idols] have led so many men astray! Anyone who follows me is with me, but if anyone turns against me, You are surely Forgiving and Merciful…” and the saying of Sayyidina Isa, in Surah Al-Maidah, 5:118, what means: “and if You punish them, they are surely Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are surely the Mighty and Wise.” Upon reading this, the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, raised his hands and supplicated to Allah saying: “O my Lord, Ummati… Ummati! (my nation! My Ummah!)” and he wept. So Allah said: “O Jibril, go to Muhammad [though your Lord knows fully well] and ask him what makes him weep.” Jibril therefore went to him and asked him, and the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, informed him about what he had said (though Allah knows fully well). Upon this, Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, said, “O Jibril, go to Muhammad and say, ‘Indeed, We shall please you with regard to your Ummah and shall not make you sad.’”

وَلَسَوْفَ يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضَىٰ

It means, “And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.” [Surah Al-Dhuha, 93:5]

This is in addition to the hardship and challenges he had to bear, just so that we (you and I) will conveniently claim our Islamic identity today.

Do you remember the postman who delivered to you the message that carried the most awaited good news to you? What about your teacher who led you to excellence? Their kindnesses are such impactful on you that you can't forget them, or let's say you have special love for them. This is despite you met coincidently and may not ever meet again. The love you have for the postman, and for your teacher, is due to the favour they made you.

If this postman did not deliver the message, another postman on duty would have done so. If the teacher who happened to have helped you didn’t come your way, maybe, another teacher would have come your way. Appreciation is human nature (fitrah), and the more we appreciate the hardwork of someone, the more we fall in love for them.

The Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, has done us a greater favour. Although he didn’t choose himself to carry the message, but was rather chosen by Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, he was an exemplary and responsible leader, who succeeded in conveying the message of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, and carrying out his mission perfectly.

As we have come to the agreement that we are obliged to follow and obey the Prophet, we have also come to where we need to be informed or be reminded that the effect of the obedience discussed in the previous part is expected to be unconditional love for the Prophet.

It's also important, that we realize, that our love for the Prophet is connected to our love for Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa,. Allah Himself loves the Prophet more than He loves any of His Creatures. In addition to that, none can attain full level of iman until he loves the Prophet more than he loves himself. The most challenging fact is that, one loves him/herself more than they love anything else. Isn't it?!

Sayyiduna Umar radhiya Allah ‘anhu, once said to the Prophet, “Yaa RasulAllah! I love you more than anyone or anything else, except myself.” The Prophet looked at him, smiled and said, “No Umar, until you love me more than you love yourself.” Sayyiduna Umar then said, “Yaa RasulAllah! I love you more than anyone or anything else, even my own self.” The Prophet looked at him, smiled and said, “Now Umar… “

A clear instruction that we should prioritize the Prophet over our own selves. For that Allah says, in Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:6:

النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ

It means, “The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves”

Sayyiduna Anas said in a Hadeeth reported by Imam Muslim, that Rasulullah salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, said:

لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَلَدِهِ وَوَالِدِهِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ

It means, “None of you will be true believer, until I become the most beloved to him, over his child, his father and all people.”

When one accepts Islam and fully submits him/herself to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, they might encounter situations where they have to choose Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, and His Prophet or choose their non-Muslim family members. It will be wise to do anything possible to win our non-Muslim family members (in the hope of calling them to Islam in future), but in no circumstance should we prefer them, nor anyone else over the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam. In Surah Al-Taubah, 9:24, Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, says:

قُلْ إِن كَانَ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَانُكُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَالٌ اقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَارَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَجِهَادٍ فِي سَبِيلِهِ فَتَرَبَّصُوا حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ اللَّـهُ بِأَمْرِهِ، وَاللَّـهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ

It means, “Say: ‘If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight -are dearer to you than Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, brings about His decision: and Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, guides not the rebellious.”

Imagine the teacher you never enjoyed his class, although the subject (and the class) has been very interesting, simply because you have no love for the teacher. Until you learn to develop love for the teacher, and connect with him or her, you will never enjoy the class and the lesson, no matter how interesting, you are told, it is.

The Prophet is the teacher. Islam is the Class. Iman is the Lesson. To enjoy Islam and have a true taste of Iman, one must unconditionally have (develop) love for the Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

Love can’t be a perpetual claim. It has to be proven. This takes us to the next part of the article; signs of true love for the Prophet.

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Signs of True Love for the Prophet

Islam is actions and deeds, more than it is words. In other words, love is proven by actions, and only actions engrave love in hearts.

وَقُلِ اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللَّـهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ

It means, “Say [O Muhammad], “Do as you will. Allah will see your conduct and so will His Messenger and the believers.” [Surah Al-Taubah, 9:105]

Our unconditional love for the Prophet, salla Allah ‘alaihi wasallam, is expected to be translated in following his sunnah unconditionally. Not only that, we have to do that with pride. Love also means respect for the loved one. Our respect for him should therefore be a reflection of our love for him. When we respect someone, we take his affairs seriously, whether in his presence or his absence.

The following outlines the deeds and habits that we can observe in our deeds to show our true love for the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam:

We should show utmost respect for the Prophet: By sending blessings (salawat) upon him frequently. One should also not mention his name barely without designation of prophecy. Instead of “Muhammad” one should say Prophet Muhammad, The Prophet, The Messenger, Sayyiduna Muhammad, Rasulullah and the likes. We should also show respect when we are in his mosque, or visiting his grave, as we should treat Madinah (his city) differently. Also, when learning Hadeeth, the prophetic sayings, we should treat it as a sacred knowledge.

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ، يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا

It means, “Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, 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.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56].

Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas, radhiya Allahu ‘anhuma, narrated a Hadeeth authenticated by Imam Muslim, that Rasulullah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, said:

مَنْ صَلَّى عَلَيَّ صَلَاةً صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ بِهَا عَشْرًا

It means, “Whoever asks Allah to confer blessing upon me one time, Allah will confer blessing upon him [person who asks] ten times.”

We must prioritize the Prophet over anyone else: The teachings and sayings of the Prophet should come before the sayings of anyone else, except the Qur'an. Sometimes, we need the prophetic sayings to understand the Qur'an, though.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ، إِنَّ اللَّـهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ * يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ

It means, “O you who have believed, do not push yourselves before Allah and His Messenger. Fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak as loudly when speaking to him as you do when speaking to one another, lest your actions come to nothing without your realizing it.” [Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:1-2]

Sadly, the Sunnah of the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, is totally abandoned today. I once met a (n American) brother who was denied an employment opportunity in an “Islamic” organization. The reason? He was “too Islamic!”

We have to accept what he is reported (authentically) to have said: The Prophet was sent on night journey from Makkah to the Al-Aqsa mosque, and was ascended to the heaven, an event know as Al-Israa wal-Mi’raaj. He returned before the next morning. And when he mentioned that to the people of Makkah, almost none believed him. When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, radhiya Allah ‘anhu, was informed, he believed him immediately without verification; so long as he salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, had said so. This is how we should accept the authentic Hadeeth of the Prophet.

As part of following and showing obedience (and also respect) for the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, we shouldn't spread fabricated Hadeeth(s) which are falsely linked to him. We shouldn't spread lies to justify our love for the Prophet. That will not honour him.

The Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam said in a Hadeeth authenticated by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim:

إِنَّ كَذِباً عَلَيَّ لَيْسَ كَكَذِبٍ عَلَى أَحَدٍ. مَنْ كَذَبَ عَلَيَّ مُتَعَمِّدًا فَلْيَتَبَوَّأْ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ

It means, “Telling lies about me is not like telling lies about anyone else. Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.”

He, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam also said in another Hadeeth authenticated by Imam Muslim:

مَنْ حَدَّثَ عَنِّي بِحَدِيثٍ يُرَى أَنَّهُ كَذِبٌ فَهُوَ أَحَدُ الكَاذِبِينَ

It means, “Whoever narrates a hadeeth from me that he thinks is false is one of the liars.”

Accept and obey his Sunnah: We don't have to understand the wisdom behind the Prophetic sayings before we submit ourselves to them.

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّـهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ، وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُّبِينًا

It means, “It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:36].

The Prophet is known to have grown his beard and cut his moustache, and verbally encouraged Muslim men to do so too. How many of Muslim men today, hide behind “fatwa” from Imams (Abu Hanifah, Malik, Al-Shafiee and Ahmad) to get away without keeping their beard?

The Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, had continuously shown consciousness about hygiene. Why are Muslims today so unconscious, when it comes to hygiene?!

The Prophet liked whomever he liked for Allah's Sake, and he hated whomever he hated for Allah's Sake. Do we love the celebrities we love today for Allah's Sake or…?

The Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, had continuously advised men to be responsible towards their wives and children. Sadly, this is one of the most forgotten advise of the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

As for my Muslim sisters, the wives and daughters dressed modestly, in accordance to what Allah decreed upon them. You surely can't dress the way the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, dressed, but you are expected to dress the way his wives and daughters did. Aren't you proud of them or to be like them? Are you are proud to be seen like non-Muslim celebrities?

In his last breath, Rasulullah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam did not fail to advise and remind his Ummah, which was classed as authentic by Shaikh Al-Albani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.to embrace their solat, and to take care of what their right hands possess. He repeatedly said:

الصَّلاةَ، الصَّلاةَ، اِتَّقُوا اللهَ فِيمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ

It means, “[Be ever mindful of] The solat, the solat! And fear Allah with regard to those whom your right hands possess.”

How often do we respond to the call for Solat, even when we are near the mosque? How do we treat our maids, servants and workers? Did the Prophet treat them that way?

The above mentioned signs of love for the Prophet and the examples given are just a few from the numerous there in the Seerah of the Prophet. The companions are the best followers who have genuinely presented how true love for the Prophet can be translated into actions.

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So, Who is the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam?

To this point, it's clearly understood, that every Muslim is obliged to love Rasulullah, unconditionally, more than he or she love anyone else on the earth. However, love doesn’t mean, and shouldn't give the impression that Muslims worship the Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

This kind of reminder was necessary, even in the era of the Prophet himself, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam. When the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, passed away, some of the companions couldn’t believe that he’s passed away. That reflects the extend, to which the companions loved the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, the one who none had ever been by the side of the Prophet, nor believed or loved him, as much as he had done, he came forward and went up the minbar, and said:

“He who worships Muhammad should be informed that Muhammad has died. He who worships Allah should know that Allah is Ever-Living and does not die.”

He then recited the following verse from Surah Aali Imran, 3:144:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ، أَفَإِن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰ أَعْقَابِكُمْ

It means, “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on, before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]?”

No doubt, the Prophet is the most privileged servant of Allah, whom existence has ever seen. He’s the chosen servant to be the most beloved to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa,. He’s the chosen to be the leader of all the chosen prophets and messengers; those we know of, and those we know not of.

With that, we, his Ummah are the most privileged nation (Ummah) to be citizens and followers of his nation.

لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللَّـهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

It means, “Indeed, Alla has conferred a great favour on the believers in sending a Messenger from among themselves, to recite His revelations to them, and purify them, and teach them the Book and wisdom, for, before that they were surely in manifest error. [Surah Aali Imran, 3:164].

Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, was Muhammad, son of Ismail, son of Ibrahim, son of Adam, ‘alaihimus salam. In other words, he was a prophet, son of a prophet, son of a prophet son of a prophet, may Allah's Peace be upon all of them.

The Prophet was a human, a child (son) to a mother and a father, a nephew, a cousin, a neighbour, a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, a grandfather, a leader and a holistic role model. He lived and died as human lives and dies. He ate and walked about in market-places like human does.

The fact that the Prophet was a human has never been an issue (doubted) among the companions. Even the among the non-believers.

That's why, one of the reasons (excuses) given by the non-believers, for rejection the call of the Prophet, is that, they (the non-belivers) are wondering why Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, would chose to a human to send to them as a prophet

وَمَا مَنَعَ النَّاسَ أَن يُؤْمِنُوا إِذْ جَاءَهُمُ الْهُدَىٰ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا أَبَعَثَ اللَّـهُ بَشَرًا رَّسُولًا

It means, “Nothing has prevented men from believing whenever guidance came to them, save their query, “Has God sent a human being as a messenger?”

They (the non-believers) also protested and said:

وَقَالُوا مَالِ هَـٰذَا الرَّسُولِ يَأْكُلُ الطَّعَامَ وَيَمْشِي فِي الْأَسْوَاقِ، لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ فَيَكُونَ مَعَهُ نَذِيرًا

It means, “They say, “What kind of a messenger is this who eats food and walks about in the market-places? Why has no angel been sent down with him to warn us?”

In response to that, Allah, subhanahu wa ta'aalaa, guided the Prophet to inform them, that an angel would have been sent as a prophet, if the inhabitants of this earth were angels.

قُل لَّوْ كَانَ فِي الأَرْضِ مَلائِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ مَلَكًا رَّسُولاً

It means, “Say, “If there had been angels walking around on earth, We would have sent an angel down from Heaven as a messenger for them.” [Surah Al-Israa, 17:95]

In short, the Prophet salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, did fast some days as well as he enjoyed food and drinks on other days. He slept in some parts of night as well as he worshiped and praised his Lord in some parts. In fact, he got married and enjoyed marriage life to the ultimate extent a human can enjoy, but in a guided and righteous manner.

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The Difference Between the Prophet and Men

The difference between the Prophet and any other human being is the revelation bestowed upon him. And that (revelation descended upon him) makes a whole lot of difference!

قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَى إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَـهُكُمْ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ، فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا، وَلا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا

It means, “Say, “I am only a human being like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your God is One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord do good deeds and let him associate no one else in the worship of his Lord.” [Surah Al-Kahf, 18:110]

This being said, it's important that we realize that, receiving revelation requires physical and spiritual preparations, which Rasulullah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, was taken through, from his childhood till to the moment Angel Jibril a.s. came to him in the cave of Hiraa and said to him: Iqra' (Read)!

Emphasizing on the fact that Habibi Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, was a human, does not degrade him in any way. The human type honoured, among other creatures of Allah, subhanahu wata'aalaa.

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا

It means, “We have honoured the children of Adam, and have borne them on the land and the sea, given them for sustenance things which are good and pure; and exalted them above many of Our creatures.” [Surah Al-Israa, 17:70].

In the end, the Prophet is was man, but better than any other man. The Prophet was a human, but better than any ohter human. The Prophet is honoured that he was born as a man, lived as a man and died as a man.

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Conclusion

This is the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam. I'm pretty sure, that all readers know the birth date of the Prophet. We also know the names of both his parents, his wives, his children, as well as most of the stories in his Seerah.

I hope this article has succeeded in presenting Rasulallah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, in a way that can get us closer to him, and more closer to Allah, subhanahu wata'aala.

I hope we have also learnt, that the Prophet was sent to us, as our ultimate role model. We have learnt that his teachings, and Sunnah are all achievable, especially that he lived the life that every Muslim can emulate, regardless of their social ranking, or family lineage.

O Allah! Bestow Your Peace and Blessings upon Your most Beloved creature to You, our master of all time, Habibi Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam.

O Allah! Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Habibi Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, whenever he is remembered or forgotten.

O Allah! We ask You to grant us Your Love, love for Your Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, love for those who love You and Your Prophet, and love for deeds that will take us closer to Your Love… Ameen.

Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂

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