IMPACT OF THE PROPHET’S (PBUH) RELATIONSHIP IN THE PROPAGATION OF ISLAM.

Praise be to Allah Who have perfected His grace on us, He had completed the religion, and made our community the best nation evolved for humanity. He had sent a Messenger from amongst us to read to us the verses, teach us the Book- Qur’an and the wisdom- Sunnah even though we were in manifest error prior to this. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah (SWT) alone, He Has no partner; He is the God of the former and latter generations, The Sustainer of the seven heavens and earths. I equally testify that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was no more than a servant and Messenger of Allah, the seal of all prophets and leader of the messengers. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his families, spouses and companions- eminent personalities of the right wing, and those who follow them in goodness till the day of recompense. Thereafter, I hereby implore everyone and myself to exercise the fear of Allah; therein lies the pleasure of Allah, attainment of Paradise and escape from hellfire. The Holy Qur’an came with the good news thus: “Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against Evil.” (Maryam: 63). O brothers in faith, be informed that a well- grounded study of the prophet’s (PBUH) history, his personality, and benefitting from the potential lessons therein- all derivable from the original texts of the Sunnah- are capable to restore the sense of pride and leadership of the Islamic Ummah and to amend every form of her moral and ethical decadences which were caused by the influx of foreign civilizations dominating every aspects of her education and public orientation with all its might, civilization and communication prowess. The prophet’s unparalleled personality captures every mind owing to its naturally endowed excellent character and reputable human relation, irrespective of religious differences. His expressly balanced disposition in anger and satisfaction, patience and forbearance, played a major role in people’s acceptance of his message and the spread of the religion. This mettle would not come as a surprise, Allah actually purifies him from above the seven heavens thus: { وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ } (القلم 4 ) “And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character.” (68: 4) On that premise we would like to respond to what is propagandize today in the west; describing Islam as a religion of barbarism and terrorism. They also claim erroneously that the method of inviting to Islam is not built on any moral standard. We would like to show another bright example of his message which was marred by persons who knew nothing of Islam, due to the actions of some Muslims today. HIS COMPASSION AND MERCY: Dear Muslims, The Prophet was the most compassionate and merciful person. { فَبِمَا رَحْمَة مِّنَ اللهِ لِنْتَ لَهُمْ وَلَو كُنْتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ القَلْبِ لانْفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ } (آل عمران159) . “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou do deal gently with them Were thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee” (3:159) This magnificent character endeared his message mostly for peoples’ acceptance. The prophet (PBUH) was distant from violence, hardness or wickedness. Due to his good disposition and honesty, his message penetrated into the houses in Makkah little by little, even into the homes of the eminent persons among the unbelievers in Makkah, they labeled him a sorcerer, breaker of ties between father and son, between brothers, and between a man and his kinsmen. (Seerah bn Hisham; vol 2, pg 105- 106) Brothers in Islam, let us bring forth some thought provoking stages in the history of the prophet (PBUH) to demonstrate his complete compassion, mercy and kindness for his Ummah: HIS COMPASSION AND MERCY TO HIS UNCLE- ABU TALIB Abu Talib was one of the greatest supporters and defenders of the prophet’s (PBUH) message, a reason why he (PBUH) sought for his becoming a Muslim, however that was not to be, but the knowledge of Allah encompasses all that. Saeed bn Musayb related from his father that: “When Abu Talib was about to die, the prophet visited him, he met Abu Jahl and Abdullah bn Umayyah bn Mughira in his presence, then the prophet said: “O my Uncle, say, ‘there is no god except Allah’, a statement I shall use as witness for you in the sight of Allah”. Abu Jahl and Abdullah bn Umayyah said: “O Abu Talib, will you denounce the religion of Abdul- Mutallib?” Allah’s Apostle kept on inviting Abu Talib to say it (i.e. ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah’) while they (Abu Jahl and Abdullah) kept on repeating their statement till Abu Talib said as his last statement that he was on the religion of Abdul Muttalib and refused to say, ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.‘ (Then Allah’s Apostle said, “I will keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden (by Allah) to do so.” Then Allah revealed: { مَا كَانَ للنَّبِيِّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن يَّسْتَغْفِرُوا لِلمُشْرِكِينَ وَلَو كَانُوا أُولِي قُرْبَى مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَابُ الجَحِيمِ } (التوبة : 113 ) “It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for Pagans, even though they be of kin, after it is clear to them that they are companions of the Fire.” (9:113) And God also revealed concerning his uncle Abu Talib, directing the message to the Holy Prophet (PBUH): { إِنَّكَ لاَ تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَّشَاءُ ، وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالمُهْتَدِينَ } (القصص : 56) “It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou love; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance.” (28:56) (narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Muslim said in Kitaab Al-eeman no. 24 thus: “and in this is a proof for the soundness or validity of the Islam of the one who is about to die but have not reached the gargling stage, also the abolition of praying for forgiveness for Pagans, and also whoever dies as a pagan will be one of the dwellers of hellfire, nothing will suffice to save him from that.” In addition to that, Abu Talib benefitted from his effort with the prophet (PBUH). Abbass bn Abdul- Mutallib (RA) said to the prophet (PBUH): “How have you benefitted your uncle?” he used to defend you and show anger for your sake” The Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) said: Yes; he would be in the most shallow part of the Fire: and but for me he would have been in the lowest depth of the Hell.” (narrated by Al-Bukhari 3/1408, in the book of the virtues of the companions, Abu Talib story section (3670). It means that the prophet (PBUH) interceded for him until the torment was reduced as stated in other collections. HIS COMPASSION AND MERCY TO THE JEW MAID BOY: We have in this a wonderful example of the prophet’s humility and mercy to this boy and in the way he invited him to Islam and his concern that he may not die as unbeliever. Anas may Allah be pleased with him said: A Jewish boy who do serve the Prophet, then he became ill, and the prophet visited him, and he sat by his head and said to him: “Accept Islam” he looked at his father who was present, and he (the father) said to him: “Obey Qasim’s father” and he accepted Islam, the prophet then left saying: “Praise be to Allah who saved him from the fire” (Bukhari, 1/455). This shows the Prophet’s kindness, and compassion to people in general which heralded the acceptance of Islam by this lad. HIS COMPASSION AND MERCY TO HIS PEOPLE- THE QURAISHITES: O Ummah of Muhammad! The prophet (PBUH) do worry and grief over his people greatly. Allah says: { عَزِيزٌ عَلَيهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيكُمْ بِالمُؤْمِنِينَ رَؤُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ } (التوبة : 128) . “It grieves him that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful.” (9:128) He fear they die unbelievers, the peak of his compassion and mercy is manifested in the passionate manner he invites them, insisting to rescue them from the fire, despite the harm, ridicule and jest he faced from them. On the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas [RA]. He said: "When the following verses were revealed: { وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الأَقْرَبِينَ } (الشعراء 214 ) “And warn your tribe (O Muhammad) of near kindred." [26:214]. Messenger of Allâh (Allah bless him and give him peace) ascended Mount As-Safa and started to call: "O Bani Fahr! O Bani ‘Adi (two septs of Quraish)." Many people gathered and those who couldn’t, sent somebody to report to them. Abu Lahab was also present. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "You see, if I were to tell you that there were some horsemen in the valley planning to raid you, will you believe me?" They said: "Yes, we have never experienced any lie from you." He said: "I am a warner to you before a severe torment." Abu Lahab promptly replied: "Perish you all the day! Have you summoned us for such a thing?" The verses were immediately revealed on that occasion, { تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَب وَّتَبَّ ، مَا أَغْنَى عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ } (المسد : 1 - 2 ) “Perish the hands of Abu Lahab! Perish he!, No profit to him from all his wealth, and all his gains!” (111:1-2) [Bukhari 4/1887] Another example of his encounter with his people was according to Urwah Ibn al-Zubayr narrated that Aisha, the wife of the Prophet told him thus: “I said to the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him: 'Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the (battle) of Uhud?" The Prophet replied, "Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of 'Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn 'Abd-Yalail bin 'Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha-alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Jubreel in it. He called me saying, 'Allah has heard your people's saying to you, and what they have replied back to you, Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, "O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akh-Shabain (i.e. two mountains) fall on them." The Prophet said, "No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him." (narrated by Al-bukhaari and Muslim in their true) In this example is the proof of his mercy and compassion despite severe injury he received, and the ability to retaliate. The prophet continued his message patiently, diligently, without despair, however his sadness stems from the lack of acceptance of majority of his people. Allah thus revealed to him: { لَعَلَّكَ بَاخِع نَّفْسَكَ أَلاَّ يَكُونُوا مُؤْمِنِينَ } (الشعراء 3) “It may be thou frettest thy soul with grief, that they do not become Believers.” Ibn kathir said: “This is an amusing word from Allah to his Prophet peace be upon him, regarding lack of faith for those who did not believe among the infidels as Allah said: { فَلاَ تَذهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ } (فاطر 8) “So let not thy soul go out in (vainly) sighing after them: for Allah knows well all that they do!” (35:8) similar to the words of Allah as follow: “Thou would only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.” (18:6) Mujahid, ‘Ikrimah, Qatadah, ‘Atiyah, Ad-Dahaak and Al-Hassan as well as other commentators said: the statement: { لَعَلَّكَ بَاخِع نَّفْسَكَ } (الشعراء 3) means “to cause yourself death” Allah made this amusement of him because of his griefs and worries over his people, he wish them to be Muslims, he fear for them the painful torment, but Allah made faith a matter decree on His choice. Allah says: {وَلَو شَاءَ رَبُّكَ لآمَنَ مَن فِي الأَرْضِ كُلُّهُمْ جَمِيعًا أَفَأَنْتَ تُكْرِهُ النَّاسَ حَتَّى يَكُونُوا مُؤْمِنِينَ } (يونس 99) . “If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!” (10:99) This is a great position demonstrated by the prophet (PBUH) despite the hostility but he never revenge rather he was patient, perseverant hoping they would be Muslims. HIS MERCY AND COMPASSION ON HUMANITY AT LARGE: From ‘Abdullah Ibn 'Amr Ibn Al-Aas, that the Prophet recited the words of Allah in Surat Ibrahim: { رَبِّ إِنَّهُنَّ أَضْلَلْنَ كَثِيرًا مِنَ النَّاسِ فَمَنْ تَبِعَنِي فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّي } (إبراهيم : 36) "O my Lord! they have indeed led astray many among mankind; He then who follows my (ways) is of me, and he that disobeys me,- but Thou art indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (14:36). And Jesus said: { إِنْ تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنْتَ العَزِيزُ الحَكِيمُ } (المائدة : 118 ) . “"If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise." (5:118). He then raised his hands and said: “O Lord, my Ummah, my Ummah, he cried, then Allah said: “O Jibreel go to Muhammed-and your Lord knows best-ask him why he cries? Jibril came to him, he asks him, the prophet replied him as said- he knew best- Allah said: “O Jibril go to Muhammad and say: “We will make you satisfied and pleased with your nation, and we would not be wicked to you (narrated by Muslim). This supported by Allah’s word: { وَلَسَوفَ يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضَى } (الضحى 5) . “And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.” (93:5) Perhaps one of the most emphatic manifestations of his compassion and mercy for his Ummah would be on the day of resurrection when he will intercede for them on a day when the newborn will turn grey hair due to the calamity of the day. In the hadith of Anas Ibn Malik which is very long, here is an excerpt of the hadith: “Then I will ask for my Lord's permission, and it will be given, and then He will inspire me to praise Him with such praises as I do not know now. So I will praise Him with those praises and will fall down, prostrate before Him. Then it will be said, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to; and ask, for your will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers! My followers!' And then it will be said, 'Go and take out of Hell (Fire) all those who have faith in their hearts, equal to the weight of a barley grain.' I will go and do so and return to praise Him with the same praises, and fall down (prostrate) before Him. Then it will be said, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers! My followers!' It will be said, 'Go and take out of it all those who have faith in their hearts equal to the weight of a small ant or a mustard seed.' I will go and do so and return to praise Him with the same praises, and fall down in prostration before Him. It will be said, 'O, Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers!' Then He will say, 'Go and take out (all those) in whose hearts there is faith even to the lightest, lightest mustard seed. (Take them) out of the Fire.' I will go and do so." (Muslim, 1/182-183, the book of faith) This represents bright images of what teaches us the great aspect of compassion and mercy of the Prophet to his nation. {لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ اْلآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا } (الأحزاب : 21) “O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (33:21) May Allah bless us all by the Holy Quran and benefit us with it. THE SECOND SERMON Praise be to Allah for His goodness and grace, I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, He has no partner, and I testify that Muhammad is his servant and Messenger, may Allah bless him and his families, brothers and companions. Thereafter, O servants of Allah! Fear Allah in the right manner and work by being obedient to Him. Dear Muslims, Allah created man in the best mould, in the most beautiful image, and He blessed him with all the necessities of life and livelihoods including food and water, health and wind, and other than that in the heavens and the Earth. Allah says: (وَسَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعاً مِّنْهُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَاتٍ لَّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ} (الجاثية:13). And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect. (45:13) He made laws that could guard his life, which will give him a peace and safety in life, happiness and contentment. He legislate what would safeguard for him all the five necessities of life, including; religion, intellect, soul, dignity, and wealth. Therefore shedding of innocent blood remains the greatest and most horrible sin because that act runs contrary to the divine essence of creation. It is not surprising that Islam considers killing as one of the greatest major sins, it places it next to joining partner with Allah in several verses. Allah says: {قُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلاَّ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئاً وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَاناً وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلاَدَكُم مِّنْ إمْلاَقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ} (الأنعام: 151). Say: "Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath (really) prohibited you from": Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want;- We provide sustenance for you and for them;- come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom. (6:151). He also listed the attributes of the servant of the Merciful God in Suratul- Furqaan thus: { وَالَّذِينَ لاَ يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهاً آخَرَ وَلاَ يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ وَلاَ يَزْنُونَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَاماً) إلى أن قال: (يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَاناً, إِلاَّ مَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلاً صَالِحاً فَأُوْلَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَّحِيماً}(الفرقان: 68 – 70). Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only) meets punishment. (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy, Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (25:68-70) Anas Ibn Malik may Allah be pleased with him, related from the Prophet (PBUH): “The greatest of major sins are: Joining partners with Allah, killing, disobedience to parents, and false speech” (Al-Bukhari). This is our religion, the religion of peace and tolerance. May Allah forgive the believers- men and women, Muslims- men and women, the living and the dead, for You are All- hearing, Ever- near and Ever- responsive to calls. O Allah make us thankful to you, uphold your remembrance, make us repentant. O Allah accept our repentance, cleanse our sins, answer our prayers, establish our proof, guard our hearts, strengthen our tongue, obliterate our rancor, Oh Allah give us tranquility in our nation and homes, safe us from trials and evils, reform our leaders. Our lord give us goodness in this life and the hereafter, and safe us from the torment of the hellfire.