The noble character of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi wasallam is known to the whole universe. Allah Ta'aala has also mentioned this in the Qur-aan.. 'And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature'.-Suratul Qalam, 4. His noble character and habits are regarded as an example to the world today. The etiquette of Muhammad Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam has fame, pomp and honour in the world, and what more can be said after Allah Ta'aala Himself has praised Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Allah Ta'aala says in Suratul Qalam: 'And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature'. In this aayah it has been stressed in many ways that 'Verily you are of the most noble character'. It is difficult to count and fully describe the noble character of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. A great portion has been written on this subject in the books of hadith. Examples of these are mentioned by the author in this chapter, where he mentions fifteen ahaadith.
(326) Hadith Number 1.
Khaarijah bin Zayd bin Thaabit Radiyallahu 'Anhu says that a group
came to Zayd bin Thaabit (his father) and requested him to describe to
them some facts about Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. He replied.
"What can I describe to you of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi 'Wasallam.
(It is beyond my means to describe them). I was the neighbour of
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. (Therefore he was mostly present
and knew many facts. He was also a writer of the wahi-revelation). When
wahi was revealed to Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, he sent for
me, I came and wrote it. (Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
always showed kindness, and made us feel at ease). Whatever we discussed,
he discussed the same. If we discussed some worldly affairs, he also spoke
of it. (It was not that he only spoke about the hereafter to us,'and despised
the talking of worldly affairs). When we spoke of the hereafter, he too
spoke of the hereafter. When we began speaking of the hereafter, he described
its events etc in detail). 'When we spoke of food, Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam also spoke of it. (Its etiquette, benefits, tasty foods,
foods that are harmful, etc. In the previous chapters many such commands
of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam are mentioned. i.e.
'What a wonderful curry vinegar is'. 'Use olive oil, it is from a mubaarak
tree'. etc.). All this I am saying are facts on Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam"'.
Commentary
Many things are mentioned in this hadith, of which many have been explained
in the hadith (in brackets). The translation of the last sentence according
to the mashaa-ikh of teaching is as mentioned above. According to this
humble servant in the beginning of the hadith where it is mentioned 'What
can I describe to you of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam' is connected
to this last sentence, and the translation will be this that 'I can describe
to you all the conditions of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Whatever
type of question you may ask me about, I will explain it to you, as I was
a neighbour of Rasulullah Sallallahu.'Alayhi Wasallam and also the writer
of the wahi (revelation). Every religious and worldly activity, eating,
drinking etc. was found among the practices of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam, therefore what should I describe to you and what can I say, as
every memoir of his is wonderful, and every time and condition beautiful'.
In this hadith Sayyidina Zayd Radiyallahu 'Anhu saying, when wahi was revealed,
he was called. This was mostly done because he lived nearest to Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. There were other Sahaabah also
who wrote the wahi, among them were Sayyidina 'Uthmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu,
Sayyidina 'Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu, Sayyidina Ubay Radiyallahu 'Anhu, Sayyidina
Mu'aawiyah Radiyallahu 'Anhu, Sayyidina Khaalid bin Sa'd Radiyallahu 'Anhu,
Sayyidina Hanzalah Radiyallahu 'Anhu, Sayyidina 'Alaa Hadrami Radiyallahu
'Anhu, Sayyidina Abaan bin Sa'eed Radiyallahu 'Anhu. These nine Sahaabah
wrote the wahi. In the above hadith a question may arise, that speaking
of worldly -affairs such as eating, drinking etc. is a useless conversation,
and it was the noble habit of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
not to waste time in useless things, as has been mentioned in many ahaadith.
It has also been, mentioned in the seventh hadith of the previous chapter
that Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam controlled his tongue
and spoke only that which was necessary. The reply to that is not every
worldly discussion is useless, but many discussions about eating and drinking
and other worldly affairs are necessary, and were waajib for Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Among these, are what is permissible
and not permissible, what is good or bad, etc. can only be known if Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
explained them, or when they were discussed before him he did
not comment on them. It has also been mentioned in this hadith that Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam inquired about the people and encouraged
their good deeds and explained to them the detrimental effects of bad deeds.
It is for this reason that worldly affairs were discussed in the gathering
of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, and not for the sake
of wasting time.
(327) Hadith Number 2.
'Amr ibnul 'Aas Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports: "(Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam gave attention, spoke and showed love to the worst person
of a nation. So that, the person may feel he is being given special attention).
He used to give attention, and spoke to me also in a manner, that I began
to feel that I was the best among the community. (Therefore one day) I
asked: 'O Messenger of Allah, am I better or is Abubakr better?' He replied:
'Abubakr'. I then asked: 'Am I better, or 'Umar?' He replied. "Umar'. I
asked: 'Am I better or 'Uthmaan?' He replied: 'Uthmaan'.When I asked him
these questions, Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam told me the truth.
(He did not tell me I was better to keep me happy. Afterwards I felt ashamed
of myself on this deed). I felt I should not have asked such a question".
Commentary
This Sahaabi in the beginning due to the special attention given to
him by Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam felt he was the
best among the community. We find from the first lengthy hadith already
mentioned, that it was his noble habit to give preference to the best.
But, at times, to make one's heart happy and in politeness he gave preference
to that which was not the best. He even showed special love to the non-believers
and the munafiqeen (hyprocrites). In the hadith, the order in which the
question were asked, is because in the time of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum regarded Abubakr Radiyallahu
'Anhu as the best amongst the people. It is also narrated in the ahaadith
that in the time of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam we regarded
Abubakr as the best, and after him 'Umar. Sayyidina Ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu
'Anhu relates that in the time of Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam
we did not regard anyone equal to Abubakr, after him was 'Umar, and after
him 'Uthrnaan. After that the other Sahaabah were not given preference.
This means that the superiority of these three Sahaabah in this order was
manifest. In the time of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam we the
Sahaabah accepted this. Muhammad, the son of 'Ali (Radiyallahu'Anhu), once
asked his father 'Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu who was the best person after Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam?.He replied: 'Abubakr Radiyallahu 'Anhu' I
asked after him who? He replied: "Umar'. There are many other ahaadith
wherein during the time of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
this order is mentioned. Therefore 'Amr Radiyallahu 'Anhu asked the question
in this order. He competed with the one who was regarded as the best then
the second, then the third best. If I am not better than the first then
surely I might be better then the second or third.
(328) Hadith Number 3.
Anas bin Maalik Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "I remained in the service
(of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam for ten years. He never once
told me 'Oof '. When I did something, he never asked me, why did you do
so? When I did not do a certain task, he never asked me why I did not
do it. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had the best character
among all people. (and also possessed the most excellent features, so much
so,) that I never felt a silk cloth, nor pure silk, nor any other thing
softer than the palm of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Nor did
I smell any musk or any other fragrance, more sweet smelling than the sweat
of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam".
Commentary
This is not an exaggeration, or something to do with faith. The perspiration
of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu.'Alayhi Wasallam was collected and used
as a fragrance. The one with whom Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam shook hands, a fragrance emitted from that hand for a whole day.
It is a proven fact that by committing excess evil the body gives off a
disgraceful smell. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam not
uttering even the word 'Oof' on anything is due to his high and noble character
and humbleness. He did not regard Sayyidina Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu fulfilling
or not fulfilling a duty to be something from Sayyidina Anas Radyallahu
'Anhu's own side, but something that is from Allah, and was always contented
with it. In another hadith this has also been stated that Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam used to say.' 'Only that shall happen that
Allah wills. If it is destined to happen it shall happen'. This is the
uttermost pleasure from a beloved's deed. In the technical terms of the
sufis the essence of 'Rida bil Qadaa' (contentment and acceptance of divine
decree) has a different certificate. There is a famous saying of Raabi'ah
Basriyyah, the translation of which is, 'O Allah, if you cut me into pieces,
as a result, my love for You will surely increase' . The acts of all the
accomplished sufis are taken from the many noble acts of Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. The personality of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam was perfect and most complete in all aspects. After him
the state of 'All inclusive perfection' did not remain. Therefore among
the sufis, a certain habit of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
was evident and at another place another habit was evident. Here it is
worth noting that this state of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam was regarding his own person. Sayyiditina 'Aayeshah Radiyallahu
'Anha says.'Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam never took revenge on
his own behalf (or for any wrong done to him), but if a command of Allah
was transgressed (i.e. haraam deed was committed) then he surely punished
the evil doer'. A similar incident is also mentioned in hadith number three
in the chapter on the speech of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam.
A PLEASANT INCIDENT: There is a surprising story regarding the last
portion of the hadith under discussion, from which we find the complete
love of the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum for Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
Alayhi Wasallam. That is, Sayyidina Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu once began saying
with complete love and happiness, that I shook the mubaarak hands of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam with these hands of mine. I did
not feel any silken cloth or pure silk softer than the hands of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. The student before whom this hadith
was mentioned, showed his desire, that I also wish to shake hands with
those hands that shook the hands of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
Thereafter, this chain continued in such a manner that today after more
1,350 years it is still continually practised. It is well known as the
hadith of musafahah (hand shaking) as the hand shaking is continued. Shah
Waliyullah Dehlavi has also mentioned this in his book 'Musalsalaat', through
whom it had reached my respected ustaadh Maulana Khalil Ahmad Saahib (May
Allah fill his resting place with nur).
(329) Hadith Number 4.
Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "A person who was wearing yellow coloured
clothing was sitting by Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. It was
the habit of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam not to bluntly express
things he did not approve of. (Therefore he kept silent). When that person
left, Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said to those present 'It
would have been better if you had told him not to wear yellow clothing"'.
Commentary
This was a great kindness of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam on the ummah. He did not usually prohibit anything to
an individual, because it was possible that that person may reject it or
may become a cause for one to raise an objection, which could lead to kufr.
When Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam felt that it would
not lead to this, he prohibited that which was undesirable. It is stated
that Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam prohibited Sayyidina
'Abdullah bin 'Amr ibnul 'Aas Radiyallahu 'Anhu from wearing such clothing.
Many other such instances are mentioned in the books of hadith. Also this
delaying and not openly prohibiting a thing were only in such circumstances
where it was feared to be detrimental or where there was no fear of harm
if it was delayed. This method was not adopted where a haraam thing was
committed. It is therefore found in hadith number three in the chapter
on the speech of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, where
in a detailed narration of Sayyidina Imaam Hasan Radiyallahu 'Anhu it is
related that when one transgressed the truth, at that time no one could
endure his anger, nor
could anybody stop him, till Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam avenged that deed. A similar incident will be mentioned in the
ensuing pages.
(330) Hadith Number 5.
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha reports, that: "It was not the nature of
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to talk indecently, nor did he engage
himself in the use of obscene language. Nor did he shout and talk in the
bazaars (which is against dignity). He did not avenge a bad deed with a
bad one, but forgave it, and thereafter did not even mention it".
Commentary
Some people are by nature indecent and habituated to telling obscene
jokes, some, in order to keep a gathering happy, indulge in indecent conversations.
For this reason Sayyiditina 'Aayeshah Radiyallahu'Anha refused both. There
is no harm if one goes into the bazaar to fulfil one's needs, but to go
there and shout about is against dignity. One should in a quiet manner,
complete ones needs and return. This also does not mean that by not shouting
in the bazaar, he made a noise at other places. The object is that it is
generally found that people make noise in the bazaars (while dealing etc.).
If one is calm in the bazaars, it is apparent that at other places too
one will be calm. The whole history of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi
Wasallam is filled with incidents where he did not avenge a bad deed with
a bad one. What types of torments and suffering did he not suffer at the
hands of the nonbelievers? What did he not confront in the Battle of Uhud?
When the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum could not bear these happenings, they
requested' Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to curse these
non-believers. Instead Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
made this du'aa: 'O Allah, grant my nation hidayah, for they know not'.
Zayd bin Sa'nah Radiyallahu'Anhu who was a Jew, once began saying: 'There
was not a sign of prophethood in Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
which I had not found in him, except for two signs, which I did not have
the opportunity to test. The first is that his hilm (gentleness) will overcome
his anger. The second is, the more one acts foolishly towards him the more
he will tolerate it. I looked for a chance to test these two signs, and
kept on coming and going to his gatherings. One day Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam came out of his house. 'Ali was with him. just then a
badawi type of person came and said:'O Rasulullah, my community have accepted
Islaam, and I had told them that, if they became Muslims, they shall receive
abundant sustenance. And now such a time has come where drought has befallen
us. I fear that they will leave Islaam. If the idea is suitable, it is
suggested that you assist them. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam looked towards a person who may have been 'Ali. He replied, 'Ya
Rasulullah, there is nothing available'. Sayyidina Zayd Radiyallahu 'Anhu
who was of the Jewish faith at that time, was witnessing this incident,
he said. 'O Muhammad, if you can do this, a certain amount of dates of
a certain person's palm grove be given to me at a fixed time, then I shall
pay now in advance and collect the dates at the appointed time. Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam replied this was possible, but if you do not
stipulate the palm grove I can make an agreement. I accepted it, and paid
eighty mith-qaal of gold (according to well known sayings one mithaqaal
equals 100 grains or four and half maa-shaas approx. four and half grams).
Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam gave the gold to this badawi
and said to him, do not forget to be just, and fulfil their needs with
this. Zayd Radiyallahu 'Anhu further says, when two or three days were
left for the time to collect the dates, Rasulullah was sitting near a well
while returning from a funeral with the Sahaabah, among whom were Abubakr,
'Umar, and 'Uthmaan. I came and caught the hem of the kurtah and sheet
of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and cynically said:
'O Muhammad, you do not want to pay my debt. I swear by Allah, that I know
all the children of 'Abdul Muttalib very well. You are very poor payers'.
'Umar looked at me in anger and said:
'O enemy of Allah! what are you mumbling? I swear by Allah, that if I did
not fear (the presence of Rasulullah) I would have severed your head'.
Rasulullah was looking at me very calmly, and said smilingly to 'Umar:
''Umar, This person and I are in need of something more. He should have
told me to take care in fulfilling his rights and should have advised in
a better manner when putting forward his claim. Go take him and fulfill
his rights, and for having scolded him give him in lieu twenty saa' (approximately
two mann approx 66,5 kg) dates extra in excess of his right'. Umar took
me and fulfilled my rights and gave me the twenty extra saa'. I asked:
'For what are these twenty extra saa'? ''Umar replied: 'This is the command
of Rasulullah'. Zayd Radiyallahu 'Anhu said:''Umar do you know me? 'Umar
replied: No' I said: I am Zayd bin Sa'nah. He asked: 'The Allaamah (great
learned) of the Jews? 'I replied: 'I am that very person'. He said: 'Being
a man of such calibre, why did you behave before Rasulullah in such a manner?'
. I replied: 'Two signs from the signs of prophethood were left, which
I was not able to test. The first is the hilm (gentleness) of Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam suspersedes his anger. The second is that,
the more one acts foolishly towards him, the more he will tolerate it.
Now I have tested these two also, therefore I make you witness to my acceptance
of Islam.
I give half of my wealth in charity (sadqah) to the ummah of Muhammad
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam''. Therefore he returned to the noble presence
of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and accepted Islaam. Later he
took part in many battles and was martyred in the Battle of Tabuk (May
Allah be pleased with him). -Jam'u; Fawaa-id and Jam'ul Wasaa-il.
(313) Hadith Number 6.
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha reports: ''Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam did noy hit anything with his mubaarak hands, besides the time
when he made jihaad in the Path of Allah. He did not hit a servant nor
a women (wife, slave girl etc.)''.
Commentary
Hudhud is included in the Path of Allah and also jihaad. By hitting,
it is meant to hit in anger, this in general usage is called hitting. This
is not against one hitting un-intentionally and playfully, as has been
mentioned in some ahaadith.
(332) Hadith Number 7.
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha says: ''I have never seen Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam avenge himself for a personal affliction, but if one transgressed
a prohibited thing from those prohibited by Allah, (To commit a haraam
act. The commentators on hadith say the rights of man are also included)
then there was no one more angry than Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
Whenever Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was given a choice between
two things, he always chose the one that was simple, if it did not lead
to any type of sin".
Commentary
It is written in the books of history that in the Battle of Uhud when
'Utbah threw a stone at Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
and his mubaarak teeth became shaheed, and his blessed face became full
of blood. A few among those present said. 'Make du'aa for the curse of
that wicked person'. Instead Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
made this du'aa: 'O Allah, grant my people hidayah, for they do not know'.
Once a badawi came and pulled the sheet of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam so hard that it made a mark an his mubaarak neck, the
badawi then said: 'Load grain on these camels of mine. You do not give
from your or your father's wealth (He meant as if the wealth in the baytul
maal (treasury) belongs to us and not to you). Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam said. 'Till you do not compensate for pulling the sheet,
I shall not make grain available to you'. He said: 'I swear by Allah, that
I will not compensate you'. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
was smiling and had grain loaded onto his camels. We are among those who
used his mubaarak name and claim to follow him. If anything is said or
done against our dignity, or if one uses a harsh word then we feel it against
our dignity. The meaning of the last sentence in this hadith is that when
Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was given a choice by
Allah between two things, especially that which was in the interests of
the ummah, he always chose the easy and simple thing for the ummah. In
the same manner in worldly matters where a choice between two things were
given, he chose the simple one as long as it did not have a shar'ee shortcoming
in it. In many ahaadith under different subjects, that to put oneself into
unnecessary difficulties was not liked by Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam.
(333) Hadith Number 8.
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha reports. "A person asked permission to
present himself before Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam while I was
with him. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said: 'What a bad person
is he among his community'. After saying this, he gave him permission to
enter. After the person entered, he spoke very softly to him. When the
person left I said: 'O Rasulullah, you said what you said before he entered,
then
you spoke so softly to him,. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said:
'O 'Aayeshah, the worst person is that who stops speaking to one because
of his indecency"'.
Commentary
Most of the 'ulama have written that this person's name was 'Uyaynah.
It is said that till then he had not sincerely accepted Islaam, but hypocritically
and outwardly. Upto that time Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
treated the hyprocrites in the same manner as he had treated the Muslims.
Therefore he treated him in the same manner. After the death of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam when some people began turning away
from Islaam (irtidaad), he also became a murtad, and openly declared the
kufr that was in his heart. When he was brought before Sayyidina Abubakr
Radiyallahu 'Anhu, the children of Madinah began jeering him that this
person has also become a murtad (turned apostate). He replied: 'Since when
have I been a Muslim that it may be said that I have become a murtad. He
later became a Muslim, and took part in jihaad in the time of Sayyidina
'Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu.
It is for this reason that Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam pointed out this fact before he entered. Since this was intended
to rectify (islaah) and to save others from harm, therefore this saying
of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam cannot be termed according
to the shari'ah as ghibah (backbiting). To mention a bad deed of a person
with the intention that others may not fall into it, or be tricked into
it, is not classed as those prohibited in ghibah. Some of the 'ulama have
stated that this person was an open faasiq. It is permissible to make ghibah
of the one who openly indulges in fisq and fujur. When he arrived in the
presence of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, to make him
feel at ease and captivate his heart, Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam spoke softly to him, as was his noble habit. It was also the noble
habit of sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to speak softly to everyone.
It is for this reason that Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
made this clear to Sayyiditina 'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha and others,
so they may not feel that by the courtesy shown by Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to this person, that this person is honest
and a well wisher, and due to this one may be deceived and fall into some,
calamity, or a secret may be said before him. It is the habit of hyprocrites
to discuss the secrets of others so that they obtain special status and
one's inner secrets. In the last sentence of the hadith the words 'worst
person' could have two meanings. This may be referring to the person that
presented himself. In order to keep away from his rudness, he was treated
in this manner, or this may be referring to the noble personage of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam that, 'When did you find me to be
a rude person, that you were waiting for such a thing. He is an indecent
person, and due to his indecency people will refrain from coming to him,
and if I also speak like this, people must also stop coming to me'. As
a result of which only he shall be a loser, but how could Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam tolerate him being a loser.
(334) Hadith Number 9.
Imaam Hasan Radiyallahu 'Anhu says, (my younger brother) Husayn said:
"I asked my father (Sayyidina 'Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu) about the conduct
of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam in his assemblies' He replied..
'Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was always happy and easy mannered.
There was always a smile and a sign of happiness on his blessed face. He
was soft-natured and when the people needed his approval, he easily gave
consent. He did not speak in a harsh tone nor was he stone-hearted. He
did not scream while speaking, nor was he rude or spoke indecently. He
did not seek other's faults. He never overpraised anything nor exceeded
in joking, nor was he a miser. He kept away from undesirable language and
did not make as if he did not hear anything. If he did not agree with the
next person's wish he did not make that person feel disheartened, nor did
he promise anything to that person. He completely kept himself away from
three things: from arguments, pride and senseless utterances. He prohibited
people from three things. He did not disgrace or insult anyone, nor
look for the faults of others, he only spoke that from which thawaab and
reward was attained. When he spoke, those present bowed their heads in
such a manner, as if birds were sitting on their heads. (They did not shift
about, as birds will fly away on the slightest move). When he completed
his talks, the others would begin speaking. (No one would speak while Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam spoke. Whatever one wanted to say,
it would be said after he had completed speaking). They did not argue before
him regarding anything. Whenever one spoke to him the other would keep
quiet and listen till he would finish. The speech of every person was as
if the first person was speaking. (They gave attention to what every person
said. It was not as is generally found that in the beginning people pay
full attention, and if the talk is lengthened they became bored, and begin
to pay less attention). When all laughed for something, he would laugh
too. The things that surprised the people, he would also show his surprise
regarding that. (He would not sit quietly and keep himself aloof from everyone,
but made himself part of the gathering). He exercised patience at the harshness
and indecent questions of a traveller. (Villagers usually ask irrelevant
questions. They do not show courtesy and ask all types of questions. Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam did not reprimand them but exercised
patience). The Sahaabah would bring travellers to his assemblies (so that
they thernselves could benefit from the various types of questions asked
by these people, and also hear some questions regarding which they themselves,
due to etiquette, would not ask). Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam'
would say: 'When you see a person in need, then always 'help that person'.
(If someone praised him, he would detest it). If someone, by way of thanks
praised him, he would remain silent, (because it is necessary that
one 'thank a person for a good favour or good deed. It is like one fulfilling
one's duty. Some of the 'ulama have translated this as: 'If one did not
exceed in praising him, he would keep silent'. That means if he exceeded
he would prohibit him). He did not interrupt someone talking and did not
begin speaking when someone else was busy speaking. If one exceeded the
limits he would stop him or would get up and leave (so that that person
would stop)".
Commentary
This hadith is a portion of hadith number seven in the previous chapter.
The complete hadith of Sayyidina Imaam Husayn Radiyallahu 'Anhu is mentioned
in the Jam'ul Fawaa-id and the Shifa of Qaadi 'Iyaad. lmaam Tirmidhi has
mentioned this hadith in portions according to the relevant chapters.
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(335) Hadith Number 10.
Jaabir Radiyallahu 'Anhu says. "Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
never said 'No' to a request of a person".
Commentary
If he was in possession of the required article at that moment, he
gave it, otherwise he would promise to give it at another time, or he would
make du'aa for the person, that Allah fulfil the person's need by some
other means.
(336) Hadith Number 11.
Ibn 'Abbaas Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam was the most generous among people in performing good deeds (No
one could compare with him in generosity. He himself led a simple
life, but in giving he would put a king to shame.At a time of great need
a woman presented him a sheet, and he wore it as he was in need of it.A
person came to him, and asked him for it, he presented the sheet to that
person. Taking of loans and fulfilling the needs of.others, when the creditors
came, and if something had come from somewhere, he would pay the debts,
and did not go home till everything was given to the needy. There exists
many incidents of this nature, so much so that it is not possible to enumerate
them). Particularly in the month of Ramadaan, he would be more generous
till the month ended. (His generosity in this month exceeded all the other
months). In this month when Jibra-eel 'Alayhis Salaam came and recited
the Qur-aan to Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, at that time his
generosity exceeded the wind that brings forth heavy rains".
Commentary
Here the wind is described with speed, that the wind did not blow as
fast, as did the generosity of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam, or it is his widespread benefits, the benefits of rain are not
so widespread, as that of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
The example of rain is just to illustrate, otherwise what connection has
the rain with the generosity of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi
Wasallam, as the rain only benefits in the growing of material things.
The shower of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam benefits
materially, spiritually, worldly and religiously. Rain gives life to the
earth, and he gave life to the hearts. It is narrated in Tirmidhi that
once there came for Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam ninety
thousand Dirhams, the equivalent of which is more than twenty thousand
Rupees. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had the amount
spread onto a sack, and had it distributed there and then. After it was
distributed a person came to ask, the incident of which is mentioned in
the commentary of hadith number thirteen in this chapter. Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam said to him, I have nothing left by me. You
may loan from someone on my behalf, when I have something I shall pay that
debt. This was the noble habit of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam What can one ask regarding this in the month of Ramadaan. It was
a time when from the Lord of all the heavens, the best words were revealed
at the best time, to the best of the creation by the malaa-ikah (angels).
Sayyidina Rasulullah Salallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was blessed with the highest
and complete rank; and the highest rank is to have the qualities of Allah
the Almighty. If one wishes to see a sample of the great mercies and blessings
of Allah that descends in this month, read the book of this humble servant,
titled 'Virtues of Ramadaan'.
(337) Hadith Number 12.
Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "Rasulullah. Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
did not store anything for the next day".
Commentary
Whatever he possessed, he fed it to the people till nothing was left.
He did not keep anything, thinking that he would need it the next day.
This is an example of the complete reliance of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam on Allah Ta'aala, that what the Lord had given today,
He will give it tomorrow too. All this is regarding himself. The wives
were given their expenses so that they might spend it in the manner they
wished. If they wished they could have kept it or distribute it, but they
too, being the wives of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
had this spirit. Once two bags of Dirhams were presented to Sayyiditina
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha as a gift, the total of which amounted to more
than one hundred thousand Dirhams. She ordered a tray, filled it and distributed
it till there was nothing left. At the time she was fasting and had only
one roti and olive oil, with which she made iftaar. The slave girl said.
'If we had purchased meat for one Dirham today, we could have broken our
fasts with it'. She replied: 'What is the use of complaining now; if you
had reminded me at that time I would have purchased it for you'. In the
Hikaayatus Sahaabah, a few such incidents of these truthful followers have
been
compiled. If the meaning of the hadith is, that he did not leave anything
for himself nor for his family till the next day, then too it will not
be out of place.
(338) Hadith Number 13.
'Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports that once a needy person came to ask
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam for his need. Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam replied: "I do not have anything at present. Go and purchase
something on my behalf. When something arrives I will pay for it". 'Umar
Radiyallahu 'Anhu said: "O Messenger of Allah, whatever you possessed you
have already given away. Allah Ta'aala did not make you responsible for
that which is not in your means". Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
felt annoyed at this saying of 'Umar Radiyallahu'Anhu. Thereupon a person
from among, the Ansaar said: "O Rasul, of Allah, spend whatever you wish,
and do not fear any lessening from the Lord of the 'Arsh (Throne)". (That
Great Deity that is the Lord of the'Arsh, nothing will decrease in His
Bounties by giving you). Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam smiled
and the happiness could be seen on his mubaarak face due to the saying
of the Ansaari. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam than said: "Allah
Ta'aala has commanded me to do this".
Commentary
Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam also commanded Sayyidina
Bilaal Radiyallahu 'Anhu to do this. Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah Radiyallahu.
'Anhu says Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi wasallam once saw a
heap of dates by Sayyidina Bilaal Radiyallahu 'Anhu. Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam asked what is this. He replied: 'I have kept
it for my future needs'. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
said: 'Do you not fear that because of this, tomorrow on the day of qiyaamah,
the smoke of jahannam will reach you'. After this he also said. 'Spend
O Bilaal, and do not fear the Lord of the 'Arsh, that it will become less'.
Who has the strength to cover all the incidents of the generosity of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. For his generosity it was not necessary
that he possessed something. It was the general practice of Sayyidina Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to take a loan and spend on the needy, as is
mentioned in the hadith under discussion. Sayyidina Bilaal Radiyallahu
'Anhu was once asked: 'What was the method of the expenditure of Rasulullah
Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam?'. He replied: 'Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam did not keep anything. Till the end I was responsible for handling
it. It was his noble habit that when a person accepted Islaam and came
to him and if he saw this person unclothed, he commanded me to clothe that
person. I would obtain a loan from somewhere and purchase clothing and
food for that person. Once a person from the mushrikeen (polytheists) came
to me, and began saying that I have a lot of wealth, whatever loan you
may need take it from me, and it is not necessary to take a loan from anyone
else. I began to obtain loans from him. One day I performed wudu and as
I was preparing to call out the adhaan, I saw that mushrik (polytheist)
coming with a few merchants. Upon seeing me he began to say 'O Habshi'
I replied: 'I am present.'. He began to swear at me in a cynical manner,
and asked: 'How many days are left till the end of this month?' I replied:
'The month is nearly ending'. He said: 'Four days are left. If you do not
pay your loans by that time. I will make you a slave in lieu of my debt.
The way you were grazing sheep before in slavery, your position will become
the same'. Sayyidina Bilaal Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: 'Whatever becomes of
a person as a result of such threats, the same overtook me.
After 'eshaa I came in the presence of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam and narrated the whole incident to him, then I said: 'There is
no way to pay this debt so quickly, nor do you have anything nor do I have
anything I will hide away. When you pay the debt I will come out, otherwise,
that mushrik will disgrace me very much'. Before the morning prayers a
person came running to me and said that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam
is calling you. When I presented myself, Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam
said: 'Allah Ta'aala has made a means to pay your debt. These four camels
are standing, and are laden with gifts sent by the ruler of Fadak. I paid
the full debt that morning, and informed Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam that Allah Ta'aala has freed you from debts. Rasulullah Sallallahu
'Alayhi Wasallam asked: 'Is there anything left from the gifts or not?'.
I replied: 'A little is left'. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said:
'Distribute it, so that I may be at ease'. The evening fell and yet there
was some left. After 'eshaa Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam inquired
again, upon which I replied: 'The needy ones did not arrive, there is still
some left'. Thereupon Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallarn spent the
night in the masjid and did not go home. The next day after 'eshaa he inquired
again, whereupon I replied: 'Allah Ta'aala has freed you from its responsibilities.
Everthing has been distributed'. Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam
then thanked Allah, and went to his home. -Abu Daawud.
(339) Hadith Number 14.
Rubayyi' bint Mu'awwidh bin 'Af-raa Radiyallahu 'Anha says: "I brought
to Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam a tray full of dates, and some
small cucumbers. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam gave me a handful
of jewellery".
Commentary
This hadith has been explained in hadith number six and seven, in the
chapter of the fruits of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
(340) Hadith Number 15.
'Aayeshah Radiyallahu 'Anha reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi
Wasallam accepted gifts, and also gave presents in return.
Commentary
It is a sign of complete etiquette, that the feeling of a person is
taken into consideration in returning a present. There is no benefit for
one in not recompensating a gift. Many a time due to intense love one goes
through hardships to give presents. In recompensating a present one is
also made happy. It does not result in a loss, but is of benefit. Therefore
in some ahaadith instead of 'Wa yuthibu minha' (and he recompensated it),
'Wa yuthibu khayram minha' (and he recompensated some- thing better than
it) is mentioned. From other ahaadith too this noble habit of Sayyidina
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam is evident, that he gave more in
return for a present received.
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