IMPACT OF THE PROPHET’S (PBUH) INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP IN THE PROPAGATION OF ISLAM. (PART 2)

Praise is for Allah, we thank and seek His help, we seek refuge in Him from the evils of our souls and deeds. Whom Allah guides, no one can mislead and whom He misleads no one can guide aright. I testify there is no god but Allah solely, without any partner. I testify also that Muhammad was the servant and messenger of Allah. Muhammad was sent as mercy to the entire universe, as giver of good news and Warner from painful chastisement and caller to the ways of Allah and he was the illuminating light, on the approval of Allah. May Allah bestow grace and peace in manifolds on him, his families, companions and all followers of his guidance till the day of recompense. And after that, O Muslims keep your duty to your Lord dearly in utmost piety. Revere your Lord, comply with His commands, and avoid His prohibitions. Taqwa (fear of Allah) enriches dignity in this life and the hereafter, Allah will grant you ease in all your difficult affairs for keeping taqwa. Allah says: { وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًا } (الطلاق 4) . “and whoever fears Allah, He grants him ease in all his affairs.” (At-Talaaq: 4) Dear Muslims, it is pertinent to know that there is no alternative route to achieving success, greatness and ultimately paradise except in the following and obedience to the prophet. {لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الاْخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيراً} (الأحزاب:21) “Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” (33:21) An objective peruser of the prophet’s biography and his personality will come to a no other conclusion than to affirm him as the greatest personality in human history. The inter-personal relationship he established influenced people’s acceptance of his call in a big way. Some of these qualities could be explained as follow: His Humility and kindness The prophet was a humble personality who never strove for the world and its adornments. Had he wished for that, he would have amassed a treasure from it, however, he only longed for provisions in the sight of Allah and the home of the hereafter. Consequently, Allah granted him the honour of this world and the hereafter, and he equally honoured him by linking his name to His name. Mujahid, in his commentary on the word of Allah: { وَرَفَعْنَا لكَ ذِكْرَكَ}(الضحى : 4) “And we raised high for you your esteem remembrance” (94:4) “… They will not mention My Name except along with your name- I testify there is no god except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah” (Imam Muhammad Idris Ash-Shaafi’ in his masnad, pg; 233) SOME MANIFESTATIONS OF HUMILITY IN HIS METHODOLOGY OF DAWAH While the prophet called to Islam in Makkah, the weak and the poor people of the land formed the majority of his adherents. The prime factors that aided in this were his soft treatment, gentleness, and style of teaching, until he was able to establish firm faith in their hearts, and so were the followers of the prophets. Allah mandated him to be in their company and gathering saying: { وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالغَدَاةِ وَالعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ وَلاَ تَعْدُ عَينَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا } (الكهف : 28) “And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (18:28) From Sa’d, he said: “We were a group of six people with the prophet (PBUH) when the pagans said to him (PBUH): “Send away these people, they should not be audacious to stay over us” ; Myself, Ibn Mas’ud, a man from Huthayl, Bilaal, and two other men I may not mention their names. Then a thought came to the prophet’s mind as permitted by Allah, and Allah- the exalted revealed: { وَلاَ تَطْرُدِ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالغَدَاةِ وَالعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ } “Do not send away those who call their Lord in the morning and the night seeking His face” (18:) (Muslim; the book of merits). Once the prophet (PBUH) was preoccupied with one of the great personalities among the Quraish, calling him to Islam, while Abdullah bn Ummi Maktuum- the blind companion approached, but the prophet (PBUH) turned away from him, only to concentrate on the dignified personality. But Allah reproved him mildly on this action. (Ibn Hibaan; 2/293) In the described manner Allah perfected his manners and characters. The prophet therefore became humble to people and they in turn accepted and believed in his call, they trusted him and assisted him until Islam established its reign over virtually all the Arabian peninsula for many years. Thereafter, Islam stretched beyond the Arabian Peninsula during the era of the rightly guided caliphs, it reached Damascus, Iraq and Egypt which were the world’s major capitals during this period. HIS NON-DISPLAY OF SUPERIORITY OVER HIS COMPANIONS Part of the prophet’s manifestations of humility is that he never distinguished himself from his companions either through his clothing, or in the gathering, or in other manners. A stranger approaching his gathering would not be able to identify him among his companions. Dhomaan bn Tha’labah came to them riding on his donkey, he made it kneel down in the mosque and tied it. Then he said to those within the mosque: “Who among you is Muhammad? ” while the Prophet (PBUH) was reclining in their midst. They said: “This white man reclining” (Bukhari 1/35). This scenario seems to be repeated always, where the companions took up the responsibility of having to identify him in order not to stress the one who have come to ask him questions. From Abu Dharr and Abu Hurairah, they said: “The prophet (PBUH) would sit amidst his companions and a stranger would approach without recognising him (the prophet) among them until he asks. So we requested the prophet (PBUH) that we make a place for him by which a stranger could recognize him when he comes.” “And we built a bench for him made with the clay, and he would sit on it while we sit on his flanks. (Abu Dawud; 4/225) The sight of the prophet was most lovely to behold among people such that none could be compared to him in this respect. When they sight him (PBUH) they would not stand for him as a sign of respect, because they know he dislikes that practice. (Bukhari) IN THE COMPANY OF THE WIDOW, THE POOR AND THE CHILDREN The Prophet (PBUH) would see to the needs and supports of the widow, the poor and the children. Abdullah bin Abi Aofaa said: “The Prophet (PBUH) never scorns or refuses to walk with the widow and the poor to cater for their needs” (Daarimi 1/48). Through this example, the prophet sets the finest example of humility and softness, as a teacher and a guide he said: “No one is humble for Allah, except that Allah raises him” (Muslim; 4/201). Anas related that: “A woman had a feeling bothering her mind, and she said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have an issue for you? And he said: “O mother of so and so! Which side of the road do you wish (to stay) as I (listen) to fulfill your need? And he stayed with her until he had completed her need.” Anas bn Malik also reported that when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had completed his dawn prayer, the servants of Medina came to him with utensils containing water, and no utensil was brought in which he did not dip his hand; and sometime they came in the cold dawn (and he did not feel reluctant in acceding to their request even in the cold weather and dipped his hand in them. (Muslim 4/1812) This scenario shows the sublime character of the messenger of Allah and his humility drawing closer, the young and old and the servants and the women. HIS VISITATION TO HIS COMPANIONS, HONOURING THEIR INVITATIONS AND EATING OF ANY FOOD He responded to whoever invited him without refusal, no matter how insignificant it may be. Anas bn Malik related that a tailor in madinah invited the messenger of Allah (PBUH) to a banquet done with only bread and barley …” (Ibn Hibban, 12/103) HIS SERVICE TO HIS HOUSEHOLD He was like every mortal in his household, he handles his personal needs and at times he equally assisted his family in the domestic chores. He set forth through this action an exemplary model for people to emulate. The prophet said: “The best among you is the best in relating with his family, and I am the best of you (in relating) with his family” Al-aswad said: “I asked Aishah: What does the prophet do at home? She said: “He used to be at the services of his family, and when it is time for solat (prayer), he leaves” (Bukhari 1/239) In another narration she said: “The prophet used to amend his sandal, he sews his cloth, and he works at home the way anyone of you works at home” (Ibn Hibbaan; 14/351) Also in another narration she said: “He is no other than a mortal; he removes lice from his cloth, he milks his cattle, and serves himself” (Ibn Hibbaan; 12/488) It is morally required from us- servants of Allah to show humility to people, following the path of the messenger of Allah. You should be gentle to them and wish them good and give good advice on all matters. It is also required that you accord every person of honour and virtue the deserving respect, so that you could be acceptable and your words trusted so that the beauty of Islam could be behold by your targets. O dear enjoiners of goodness and forbidders of evil, humility is sacrosanct, beware, do not resolve to humiliation and debasement of people, do not have evil intention in your effort at calling to goodness. Enjoin goodness and forbid evil according to God’s law, let humility be your lead in all your affairs. Let your strive to be enjoining good and forbidding evil emanate out of your kindness, goodness, and compassion and love for people and ultimately rescuing them from hellfire. Do not rejoice at their misfortune, do not make jest of them, do not despise them, and only address them with soft and gentle speech. Allah said to the prophets in addressing his greatest enemy: {فَقُولاَ لَهُ قَوْلاً لَّيّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَى} (طه:44). “But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear (Allah)." (Taha: 44). O you scholars, you are the custodians of knowledge, let knowledge be a reason for humility on your part, and a cause for lowering your wings. If knowledge calls to humility, then it becomes useful and beneficial but if it calls to arrogance, self pride and being fooled by self deceit it becomes useless and evil, may Allah forbid. However, useful knowledge guides to humility. May Allah make the Qur’an a blessing for all of us and profit us from its verses and wise remembrance. Having concluded this speech, I seek forgiveness from Allah on my behalf and for you all and for all Muslims, He is all-forgiving, most-merciful. The second sermon All praises are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify there is no god except Allah solely exclusive without any partner; He is the protector of the righteous. I testify also that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, may Allah bestow His blessing on him, his household and all his companions. Thereafter, I hereby admonish you all and myself on fear of Allah and obedience to Him and I warn you against disobedience to Allah and contravening Him. O You Muslims, if damage is doubled, the evil becomes manifold and Allah alone is the only saviour from such reality. Allah says: { أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَاءَ اْلأَرْضِ أَإِلَهٌ مَعَ اللَّهِ قَلِيلاً مَا تَذَكَّرُونَ}(النمل 62) “Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!” (27:62) { وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ , وَهُوَ الْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْخَبِير} (الأنعام : 17 - 18) "If Allah touch thee with affliction, none can remove it but He; if He touch thee with happiness, He hath power over all things. "He is the irresistible, (watching) from above over His worshippers; and He is the Wise, acquainted with all things." (6:17-18) When grief and sorrow become successive and unending there remains no other than Allah to wipe it … { وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَى فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ , فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ } (الأنبياء : 87 - 88) “And remember Zun-nun, when he departed in wrath: He imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the deptHs of darkness, "There is no god but thou: glory to thee: I was indeed wrong!" So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.” (21:87-88). When calamity and trials descend there is no one except Allah to divert it … “So his Lord hearkened to him (in his prayer), and turned away from him their snare: Verily He heareth and knoweth (all things).” (12:34). Whenever adversity and suffering increases there is no refuge except in Allah. { فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ }(يوسف : 34) “Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!“ (51:50). Connection with Allah, the exalted, certainty over His promises, hope in Him for victory, expressing satisfaction for His decrees, and being fearful of his punishment, and relying on His power and might. All these are the reliable and trusted foundations for anyone in every confused and distress situation. May Allah forgive the believing men and believing women, Muslim men and women, the living and the dead, You are All-hearing and Ever-responsive. O Allah, honour Islam and the Muslims, humiliate idolatry and the idolaters, and destroy your enemies- the enemies of Islam, O Lord- the most powerful, most enduring. And make this country- Nigeria safe, and other Muslim lands, through your mercy Oh merciful Lord.