How companions revered Holy Prophet (SAWW)!
THE love and reverence of Holy companions for Holy Prophet (SAWW) were quite unparalleled; their love for Prophet (SAWW) surpassed everything that they have in their lives; be it tangible or intangible.
The chronological record of the companions’ life testifies to the fact that on a one beckon of Prophet (SAWW), they always remained ready to sacrifice their all belongings.
They disinterestedly helped Prophet (SAWW) by giving physical and financial sacrifices in the hour of need in order to cement the very foundation of nascent Islam.
To keep the relationship of love and veneration with Holy Prophet (SAWW) has strictly been ordained not only in the Holy Book (Quran) but also in the books of traditions.
Allah, the sublime says in last divine scripture “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, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause; – then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.” (9:24)
The books of traditions are also replete with countless Ahadis in which we find mention of enormous love demonstrated by holy companions for love of Holy Prophet (SAWW). It is narated By ‘Abdullah bin Hisham: We were with the Prophet and he was holding the hand of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab.
‘Umar said to Him, “O Allah’s Apostle! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet said, “No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then ‘Umar said to him, “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet said, “Now, O ‘Umar, (now you are a believer).”
In another Hadis Hazrat Asma (RA) reports:” Revelation was being sent to Prophet (SAWW) and his head was on the lap of Hadrat Ali (R.A) who had not prayed salat of Asr till yet, soon the Sun got set too, The Prophet (SAWW) asked: O Ali (R.A) have you prayed?, He replied: No, at this the Prophet (SAWW) made a plea in the court of Allah: O Lord He (Ali) was busy in Itaat of You and your Messenger (SAW), hence return the Sun for him , Hazrat Asma (R.A) said: I had seen the Sun being set but then I saw it rising back again and daylight became visible on mountains and land.” 🙁 Ibn Kathir in Al Bidayah wan Nihayah, Volume No. 6, Page No. 80, 81 and 85).
It is also narrated by ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: During the lifetime of the Prophet there was a man called ‘Abdullah whose nickname was Donkey, and he used to make Allah’s Apostle laugh. The Prophet lashed him because of drinking (alcohol). And one-day he was brought to the Prophet on the same charge and was lashed. On that, a man among the people said, “O Allah, curse him! How frequently he has been brought (to the Prophet on such a charge)!” The Prophet said, “Do not curse him, for by Allah, I know for he loves Allah and His Apostle.
”(Bukhari Volume 8, Book 81, Number 771)
In another Hadis, narrated By Anas (RA): A man asked the Prophet about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying, “When will the Hour be?” The Prophet said, “What have you prepared for it?” The man said, “Nothing, except that I love Allah and His Apostle.”
The Prophet said (SAWW), “You will be with those whom you love.” We had never been as glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet (ie, “You will be with those whom you love.”) Therefore, I love the Prophet, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to theirs. (Bukhari Vol 5, Book 57, Hadith Number 37).
Let me, finally quote, another worth quoting Hadis in which there is mention of reward of loving Holy Prophet (SAW).
It is recorded in the book of traditions that once a man came to the Prophet (SAW) and said, “Messenger of Allah, I love you more than my family and my possessions. I remember you and I cannot wait until I can come and look at you. I remember that I will die and you will die and I know that when you enter the Garden, you will be raised up with the Prophets.
When I enter it, I will not see you.” Allah then revealed, “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the Prophets, the men of truth, the martyrs and the righteous.
And such people are the best of company!” (Quran 4:69). The Prophet called the man and recited the verses to him.
— The writer is contributing columnist, based in Quetta Balochistan.
