In Search of the Prophet
O Prophet of Allah, where shall I find the source of my adoration for you? I have memorized hundreds of your sayings since my youth, taught your seerah (example) to numerous students, grown a beard, used the miswaaq, sang and proudly taught others odes (qasidahs) in praise of you.
But I did not find you in these rituals nor did any of these make me any more like you; rather they merely flung me into the fray of insignificant debates in the arena of so many of the sunnahless Muslims who see your sunnah only as an endless array of harsh laws and practices or as some justification for their cultural tendencies. O Allah, save me from being of those who consider the sunnah of Thy beloved as being expressed only through aimless imitations and who know Thy Prophet only as a conveyor of commands and warnings.
O Prophet of Allah, I did not truly find you in the books of fatawa (religious edicts), nor in grand seminars and conferences throughout the world, and certainly not in the harsh arguments between groups proclaiming mutually exclusive rights over you.
I found my source of adoration for you in the love and respect that the Almighty has proclaimed for you; in the honor that He bestowed upon you; in His confirmation of you as "the ultimate exemplar"; "seal of Prophets" and "mercy unto all existence". Allah has elevated the very memory of you and has made His boundless love accessible through obedience to you.
I catch but a dimension of you through the instances of compassion you extended to others; how you played with the poor orphaned boy when other children refused to play with him, how you prolonged your prostration out of consideration that your change in posture may inconvenience or hurt your beloved grandson who had climbed on your back; how you commanded your army away from the anthill in order not to disrupt the ants' activities; how you blessed with Paradise the sinful woman for saving the life of a cat by making the water of the well accessible with her shoes; how you intervened and prevented a man from abusing his wife by teaching him that "the best of men are those who treat their wives the best"; how you patched your clothes, mended your shoes and did your daily household chores; how you wrestled with your nephew and raced with your wife; how you joked with the kids and carried the baggage of the elderly; how you hosted the Christians of Najran in your mosque and stood up to honor the bier of a Jew.
O Prophet of Allah, why is it that so many of us who claim to be of you refuse to be like you. We sing for you and dress like you, but do not come near fulfilling the expression of love, care and beauty that generated from yourself. Why is it that we see in you that which suits our cultural, organizational and chauvinistic interests, yet ignore the essence of what is essential to your being. Others who are not of you proclaim the multi-dimensional and multi-faceted nature of your personality. "The personality of Muhammad is most difficult to get the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of him I can catch. What dramatic succession of picturesque scenes? There is Muhammad the Prophet; there is Muhammad the General; Muhammad the King; Muhammad the Warrior; Muhammad the Businessman; Muhammad the Preacher; Muhammad the Philosopher; Muhammad the Statesman; Muhammad the Orator; Muhammad the Reformer; Muhammad the Refuge of Orphans; Muhammad the Protector of Slaves; Muhammad the Emancipator of Women; Muhammad the Judge; Muhammad the Saint.. In all these magnificent roles and in all these departments of human activities he is equally a hero." (Professor Ramakrishna Rao). O Prophet! Your life-example is an integrated biography, history and law; it is above all a model of excellence.
O Prophet of Allah, you have certainly been adored by many much more worthy than I. Yet, neither the inability to capture my appreciation of you with the eloquence of poets nor my weakness as a believer debars me from qualifying as one who adores you; for in the commemoration of your being do I find the dignity and honor of my existence.
Shaikh Saadullah Khan studied Law in South Africa, Journalism in Britain and Islamic Studies in Egypt and USA. He has spearheaded youth development programs in South Africa and the USA. He has been an inspiring religious leader, motivational speaker, and educator. He currently serves as the CEO of Islamia College in Cape Town, South Africa.
Related Suggestions
freely inspite THAT SENTENCE BEING SO CRUDE AND BALSPHEMY AGAINST
ALLAH FOR DIRECTLY ADDRESSING[MUKHATIB]TO THE PROPHET..ITS A SHAME
THAT ISLAM CITY IS PRAISING AND PRINTING SUCH MATTERS IT CLEARLY
SHOWS THIS GROUP OR ORGANIZATION IS MANAGED BY THE INNOVATORS THE
SUFIS TYPE OF GROUP.
O Prophet of Allah, where shall I find the source of my adoration
for you?
O Prophet of Allah, I did not truly find you in the books of fatwa
I found my source of adoration for you in the love and respect that
the Almighty has proclaimed for you;
I catch but a dimension of you through the instances of compassion
you extended to others..
O Prophet of Allah, why is it that so many of us who claim to be of
you refuse to be like you
O Prophet of Allah, you have certainly been adored by many much more
worthy than I.
AND THE FACT IS THAT EVEN OUR DAROOD IS NOT REACHED DURECTLY TO HIM
AND YOUR ORGANIZATION IS PLAYING THE FOOL WITH THE UMMAH INSTEAD OF
BEING A SOURCE OF GUIDENCE YOURS IS SHAMEFUL OULET OS MISGUIDENCE-
"On Fridays recite the Salawat for me repeatedly! The Salawat will
be conveyed to me." (Ibn Habbaan, Ibn Majah) when it was asked
whether the Salawat would be conveyed to him after his Wisaal also,
the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) answered, "soil does not
rot Prophets' bodies. When-ever a Muslim says the Salawat for me, an
Angel informs me of it and says, 'so-and-so's son, so and so of your
Ummah sent his Salaam and prayed for you."
AND PL IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS REPLY TO ME AND ALSO DELETE THIS PERSON
MANE AND EVERYTHING CONNECTED WITH HIM BECASUE HIS EXPALNATION OF
THE QURAN ALSO WILL BE ANOTHER BLUNDER FOR THE NON MUSLIMS-
REGARDS
ALI YOUSUFF.
[email protected]
when it comes to following the Sunna of the beloved prophet. Jazak
Allah kheir.
Mashallah, this is what I am talking about. Excellent article, right on point. I really do enjoy going to islamicity every single day. Because, I always feel as though I am learning something, Mashallah. This is what I meant when I said that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was and is the best example for mankind. Not, W.D. but Prophet Muhammad. If we read the Holy Quran, and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), then we will never go astray. I am greatful to men (Scholars, and Sheiks, and Imams) also who have sacrificed to learn the ways of the Prophet (pbuh) as well and are able to help us out. Thanks Islamic city for this nice article. I pray that our brothers and sisters will stay on the right path. Please make Dua for me and for my family.
Salam Alaikum to all,
Sister Fatimah
Excellent article!!
It seemed that my heart is talking to me what I had been struggling to put in words. Maasha Allah, I can't tell you I have been going through similar phases...Have so many question...my heart is yearning to find an answer. So many offer to answer and none seem convincing and then how I wish I were in the time of our beloved Prophet Muhammad from whom I could seek all answers with sure conviction.....
Beautiful indeed !!!!
If you know the true meaning of all these titles that Almighty has proclaimed for me then you will find it very easy to love me. If I am the ultimate exemplar then it means that you are not supposed to do a single thing that goes against my teachings and yet many of you don't even want to know about me. If you know the meaning of the "seal of prophets" then you should know that I have stamped the seal of authentication on the prophet hood of all the previous prophets, and yet you moralize the killing the followers of those religions. If you knew I am the mercy to mankind then you would never feel happy for the barbaric acts of terrorism that some of you are doing in the name of Islam and in my name. No doubt Allah has elevated every memory of me but its you, O my nation its you who unknowingly is defaming my name by unwisely protesting over the cartoon issue.
SubhanAllah. Alhumdulillah wa salatu wa salam ala Rasool Allah.
MashAllah this is a rtical well written and surely is a reminder as to how we carry on in our lives and yet many of the times forget to remember Allah Swt and Rasool Allah sallahu alayhi wa salam.
Allah humma sulli alal Sayydinna Mohammed.
barak Allah feek wa jazakilahu khairin ameen akhi.
fee aman Allah, as salam alaikum.
it hurt to hear that many people on this earth trying to copy the prophet of Allah but then again never follow his footstep. on one hand who have many brothers&sisters reverting to islam on the other hand we are playing with the examples of the prophet. keep it it up and i like to thank you all for your strengh good work to present to this world. may Allah grant you all jannah and for the beautiful work that you all are doing. please do remember me and my family in your dua's ameen. May Allah unite the us all, stay strong in our deen (faith) make it easy on those who are going through a taugh time.ameen
masalaama.
the best remedies one can have to learn more about there faith is to sign for islamicity. forgive me if i have said or mention in my comment which are not to be right then please correct me.
Muhammad (s.a.w) The Husband. The perfect example of how a husband is to treat his wife(s) for all other Muslim Brs. to follow, Insha'allah.
Jazakalakhair.
Sister in Islam
Jazaak Allah Khair.
all creatures.
THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO READ ,AND IF I MAY ADD, SOURCE OF MUCH NEEDED "RELEASE TEARS" AND FOR THAT I AM THANKFUL.
Assalamu Alaikum
What we least recognise is that he was a prophet. How does a prophet differs from an ordinary person having all great qualities.
If we could understand the meaning of a prophet correctly, we will be able to understand Islam and present Islam to others.
As salaam u alaikum.
I am also an ardent fan of the Greatest Man who lived on earth. I am also trying to know the real person Mohammad Rasool Allah, Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him and his family.
I was very emotional in reading your article as it spoke of the words similar to what I have in my heart. I think if we can study and know the examplary life and character of this extradordinary Leader of Mankind, and then practice and teach others his real qualities, then I am sure we can by the Grace of the Almighty get back our self image as the Best People and Nation as Allah Intends us to be and instead of being misunderstood and persecuted, we will Insha Allah once again take back the leadership of the Human Society and lead the world towards peace and justice.
May Allah reward you for all the good efforts you are taking. Ameen
Alhamdulilah! You are a gifted poet Brother
Sadullah Khan. I started crying half way
through the 4th paragraph. May Allah Bless
you and all those touched by this piece.
Salams
follow the Habib of Allah SWT"
In Islam we should pray directly to Allah and follow the example of our prophet(SA). For example in a hadeeth Prophet (SA) said:"The most beloved thing with which My slave may come close to me is that which I have made obligatory (Fard) on him. My servant will continue to come closer to me by voluntary acts (of worship) until I love him. If I love him, I will be his hearing by which he hears, his sight by which he sees, his hand by which he grasps, and his foot by which he walks. If he asks Me anything I would give it and if he seeks refuge in Me I would protect him." Reported by Abu Hurayrah and collected by al-Bukhaaree (Sahih Al-Bukhari (Arabic - English). vol.8, pp.336-7. no. 509.
In regard to the teachings of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani may Allah rest his soul in peace who passed away 9 centuries ago, I will forward the following url and will let you see for yourself that the knowledge of Allah is so vast that we can only grasp what our souls can.
http://www.al-baz.com/shaikhabdalqadir/Books_and_Text_of_Wisdom/Sirr_al-Asrar/Sirr_Introduction/sirr_introduction.html
We should follow the example of our prophet(SA). The human mind is very complex and yet humble. The greatest challenge of all is the means to motivate and teach the humble mind. May Allah guide us all, Aamiin.
Webster's dictionary defines 'saint' as: "A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue"
In Islam saints are called awliy', or awliy'Allh, which means 'Friends of Allah'. Volumes have been written by the scholars of Islam on sainthood and its degrees.
[While Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani, may be a brother on the rightous path and is in keeping with everything Islamic...he is simply a servant of the Almighty and is not closer to him than you nor I.]
Sayyidina `Abd al-Qadir Jilani (radiAllahu `anhu wa naf`an Allah bih) is recognized as a wali (saint) by most, if not all of the luminaries of Islam who lived after him. It is un-Islamic to suggest that he is equal to sinners such as us (Allah be our refuge!), or that he is no closer to Allah Most High than we are!
Allah Most High has created means that we are obliged to recognize and use. Saints are a means to nearness to Allah Most High, just as scholars are a means to knowledge, medicine is a means to health, and food is a means to living. We wouldn't argue that seeking a physician is haram because it places a creature between a person and Allah, would we?!
Forgive me for any harm caused. Allah and His Messenger know best.
Was-Salam
Excellent Article.
NOTE to LuLu:
There are no such things as "saints" in Islam. While Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani, may be a brother on the rightous path and is in keeping with everything Islamic...he is simply a servant of the Almighty and is not closer to him than you nor I.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) according to ALLAH himself, his best of creation, is given access to Paradise ONLY by the grace and mercy of ALLAH and nothing he himself did...for he was HUMAN!
Saints and the concept of Saints are HARAM because they put a HUMAN between you and ALLAH.
Islam made the WHOLE EARTH worthy to pray and gives EVERY HUMAN access to the grace of ALLAH....you need no church, no one to interceed on your behalf and no savior....cause it's YOUR resonsibility to save your own soul.
Excellent one brother!
Allah hafiz
The only chosen people are the messengers of Allah whom God has given them special status and responsibilities
The heart is the organ that gets us closer to Allah. This is the only place where intentions stem from. Allah has direct access to it while it is veiled from everyone else. A place where you express you inner most feelings.This is the beauty of Allah and His privacy with His creatures a theatre/stage where you express your Love for Him and ask him questions.
For us muslims each day is another challenge another milestone to reach. Hence the writer of this article who expressed the beauty for longing to get closer to prophet Mohamed(SAS) of Allah a unique character of every muslim person and a whole knowledge in itself. To copy his example is a huge milestone for every muslim for Allah said that He Has sent him as a mercy to Mankind.
The following sayings of the prophet which I find very inspirational and relevant to our knowledge building" There are three agents that destroy religion: an ill-tempered scholar, a tyrannical leader, and ignorant theologian"
From a saint(Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani) "God said through the prophet(SAS), man is my secret and I am his secret. The inner knowledge of the spiritual essence is a secret of My secrets. Only I put this into the heart of My good servant, and none may know his state other than Me".
http://www.harunyahya.com/prophetmuhammad01.php
Dennouncing terrorism:
Oh America you are part of our mother earth, as human beings God gave us each one heart, one soul, your children are our children . 9/11 shattered our souls and hearts and may Allah heal your hearts and ours and comfort us all with His Mercy.
http://www.islamdenounc
And, then again, the best and most balanced portrait of Prophet Mohammed can be found in the Holy Qur'an. So, why do Muslims keep embellishing Prophet Mohammed portrait? is it necessary? The same question could be asked of those who keep producing different versions of the meaning/translation of the Qur'an in English, as if one were not sufficient to convey the message to non-Arab-speaking people.
If we Muslims wish to survive these modern times, we need to change our attitude and behavior accordingly. Being sentimental and shedding tears of joy goes only so far. After that, one needs to get up and live concrete, meaningful lives and work pragmatically. Uttering words of praise, shedding tears do not do much to alleviate the needs or sufferings of our fellow human beings. It merely allows us to delude ourselves that we are doing something for our Deen. And then, repeating the same thing over and over again is the mode of an oral tradition, not the written tradition that we live in today.
And then again, no amount of praise can surpass the blessings that Allah SWt showered on the Prophet.
da` ma idda`athu al-nasara fi nabiyyihim / wahkum bi ma shi'ta madhan fihi wa ihtakimi
Put aside what the Christians have claimed of their Prophet; then pronounce what you will in praise of him, and be wise;
fansub ila dhatihi ma shi'ta min sharafin / wansub ila qadrihi ma shi'ta min `izami
And attribute to his person whatever nobility you will, and ascribe to his worth whatever greatness you will,
fa inna fadla rasulillahi laysa lahu / haddun fa yu`riba `anhu natiqun bi fami
For the superiority of Allah's Messenger has no limit which a speaker can express with his mouth.
May Allah reward the Shaykh. A few points, insha'Allah:
1. The belief of Sunnis (Ahl al-Sunna) is that our Prophet and all other Prophets (upon our Prophet and them be peace and blessings) are alive. At least nine times a day Muslims address the Prophet (saws) with the words "Peace be upon you, O Prophet" (as-salamu `alayka ayyuha al-nabi) in our salat.
Hadith: "The Prophets are alive in their graves, praying to their Lord" (al-anbiy'u ahy'un fi qubrihim yusalln)
Shaykh Gibril Haddad cites it and says it is "a sound (sahih) tradition related on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (r) by: al-Bazzar in his "Musnad", Abu Ya`la in his "Musnad", Ibn `Adi in "al-Kamil f al-du`af'", Tammam al-Razi in "al-Faw'id", al-Bayhaqi in "Hayt al-anbiy' f qubrihim", Abu Nu`aym in "Akhbar Asbahan", Ibn `Asakir in "Trkh Dimashq", al-Haythami in "Majma` al-zaw'id" (8:211), al-Suyuti in "Anb' al-adhkiy' bi-hayt al-anbiy'" (#5), and al-Albani, in "Silsilat al-ahdith al-sahihah" (#621).
The Prophet (saws) addressed the dead mushrikin at Badr, and stated that they could hear him, as reported in the two Sahihs.
2. Let us hold a good opinion of our fellow Muslims. It is most certainly against the adab of Islam to charge millions of Muslims with shirk. Muslims in the Indian subcontinent do not worship saints, or any other than Allah Most High. Love and veneration of saints and scholars is far from worship.
3. The vast majority of Muslims scholars hold it permissible to commemorate and celebrate Mawlid. It is classified as a praiseworthy innovation by scholars such as the great Shafi`i mujtahid, Imam al-Suyuti (ra).
4. Love of the Prophet (saws) is the heart of Islam.
Allah and His Messenger know best.
Was-Salam
O Prophet of Allah, you have certainly been adored by many much more worthy than I. Yet, neither the inability to capture my appreciation of you with the eloquence of poets nor my weakness as a believer debars me from qualifying as one who adores you; for in the commemoration of your being do I find the dignity and honor of my existence.
Aslamualaikum.
I personally greatly appreciate and respect your
enunciation. The first thought that came to me was
'how I wish this reaches every Muslim'. Next step I am going to print, copy, and distribute to as many as I can. JazakAllahKhair.
Moin
Most of these remarks are little more than a fit of religious pique, but I will address your so called challenge (which is nothing more than an argument from ignorance fallacy so frequently committed by religious people)and then dispose of your other comments in subsequent postings.
You are certainly free to denounce disbelief, as I am free to question the various theisms, all I ask is that you give a straightforward argument, instead of raising questions that are very easily answered, and do not amount to a case for the truth of any claim. Nevertheless, I think it is first worth noting an important asymmetry between the atheism that you find so repulsive and theism. No atheist ever killed anyone because they believed in God or Allah. No nonbeliever called for the death of a writer such as Rusdie. I never read a nonbeliever who wrote in a fashion similar to these passages from the Koran: "And when the sacred months are passed, kill those who join other gods with God wherever ye shall find them; and seize them, beseige them, and lay wait for them with every kind of ambush." And this: "Believers! Wage war against such of the infidels as are your neighbors, and let them find you rigorous."
Countless people have lost their lives in religious wars or were persecuted because of the intolerance of those acting out of religious beliefs, including over 3000 people on September 11. When we choose which beliefs to "denounce" these facts should be given some prominence.
Bro. Imam Saadullah Khan
May Allah Bless You and Your Family.
Please dont stop serving the ummah by stopping your pen.
Jazak Allah Khair
-azhar
writing and sincere thoughts and reflections. It
is the heart that speaks best. Your passion for
Allah and trust in prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
and and his Sunnah resonnates so honestly
and so beautifully. Thank you for your great
poetic article. Wassalam. Reem
One can attain success in Deen & Duniya by completely following commandments of Allah and the way shown by Muhammed (SAW).
May allah accept us to come under the complete fold of Islam.
I am reading "In Search of the Prophet" in Islamicity.com's publication a few days after the 60 Minutes broadcast of Jerry Falwell which illustrated the vast ignorance about Islam and the Prophets life by the disbelievers. Jerry Falwell has called Islam's founder and most sacred figure, Mohammed, "a terrorist." There was no Muslim or Islamic point of view and the false statements of Jerry Falwell went unchallenged. So thank you for bringing Allah's Rahmah to the attention of those who love Prophet Muhammad.
An Imam once said during a Friday Kutbah that Prophet Muhammad was known to make Dua for all of the inhabitants of creation. It is the sincere prayer of the rightly guided that Allah grants of His good to all of creation the best situation and circumstance "Islam".
May Allah guide the world's population to come to know Prophet Muhammad and reward you for "In Search of the Prophet", Ameen.
"Man plans and Allah plans, and Allah is the best of planners"
I feel very disgusted by the latest remark labeling our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a "terrorist". Indeed, the person who issued this statement has revealed his ignorance of true virtues of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Far from being a terrorist, Allah s.w.t had instilled into him with the virtues of caring ,loving and mercy since his early childhood . Take this lovely siraa' as an example......
"...Once done with the funeral of Siti Aminah, the villagers of Abua went home, leaving Muhammad and his nanny, Ummu Aiman as the sun was setting down the horizon...
Muhammad sat down near his mother's fresh grave in utter silence with tears running down his cheeks. Ummu Aiman upon realising the sorrow of the child came closely to Muhammad caressing his hair lovingly and said " Dearest Muhammad, have patience my child! Let's go home... it's almost nightfall "
Muhammad drowned in his sadness and grief (as he was only 6 then) answered..."Where shall I go now, O Ummu Aiman?...My father had died long ago and now I have lost my beloved mother too...." Upon hearing this, from a little boy, Ummu Aiman shuddered suddenly. She cried and cried; trying hard to hold back the remorse she felt for this little child..."
(Extracted and Translated From "Kisah-Kisah An'biaa" (The Stories Of Prophets) compiled by Ustaz Safuan Fathi, Kuala Lumpur)
Wasalam
May Allah bless you.
A beautiful piece. So many of us miss the forrest for the trees. The actions of our beloved Prophet ought to be remembered and rehearsed more often than his words.
Jazak Allah Khair.
Salamun `alaykum. I applaud Professor Saadullah Khan for his touching and moving words of adoration and love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
And while I fully accept and endorse the sentiments and historical references expressed in this eulogy, I am duty bound to question the literary technique utilized by the Professor in his "direct address to the Prophet" as if he were alive!
Throughout the article (except for the quote from Professor Ramakrishna Rao), Imam Khan addressed the Prophet (according to English grammar) in the 'vocative case'; that is, 'direct address to the Messenger' as if he were alive!
Now, ordinarily this may not appear to be a problem and could be considered a minor point; however, under Islamic ethical rules for evoking eulogy, it is highly questionable to 'directly address' someone who is deceased, and especially so when that person is no other than our noble Prophet who is no longer around.
This type of 'direct' address is undoubtedly problematic from a Islamic standpoint. However, I am not, in any way, shape or form, impugning the Professor's good intention. But, I do fear that others may not discern the narrow distinction between what is simple, personal adoration versus saint worship, a practice very well known in the Indian subcontinent.
It is for this very reason that the Prophet's grave in Medinah is vigilantly safeguarded by Saudi police to prevent pilgrims from engaging in worship of the deceased Prophet at his gravesight. We are also are very familiar with the innovation (bid`ah) of Milad/Ta`zim, practiced especially around the Prophet's birthday.
Above all, the primary reason I question this 'form of direct address' to our deceased Prophet is that the Noble Qur'an itself has stated explicity in more than one verse: 'those in graves cannot hear...'
Thus, we have to be careful when expressing public eulogy on the personality of Allah's Messenger in the 'vocative' case.
i congrgulate you on a good article.
it was a good massege that you send me this is not
even a commen but Iam just thank you for send me
such massege thank you please keep it up.
While reading Sahih Al-Bukhari, I read that there a Ghazwa Al-Jamal. However, the Hadith did not explain it but just mentioned it.
What was this expedition about?
What was the outcome of this expedition?
Your help would be greatly appreciated Insha Allah.
Thanks,
Brother Abdullah.
our prophet(pbu).We hope every muslim should read
this to understand our duties towards religion humainity,society & brotherwood .We should practice all this in our practical life while dealing with other.Specially I will request our youth to come forward in order to regain our status & image which has tarnished due to
act of terrorisom in the name of Jihad.I will request the youths to explore the world through
education,reserch,personality,selfrespect based on
study from Quran & prophet's(pbu) life & let the
world realised Islam is only model religion to
be embraced.
tariq parkar,Mumbai-INDIA
I am looking for the whole story of the Prophet Mussa "Moses" in English ,also ,if you have a copy of the book called "Genocide in the holy land
thank you
O ummati,do you not know that his(SAW)inheritors are the possessors of sacred knowledge and on who was conferred the status of Anbiya(AS).O ummati what prevents you from being amongst such?
O ummati did he(SAW) not tell you that he(SAW)and iblees will never found in the same place?Why,O ummati do you then look for him(SAW)where iblees rules the roost,where disputation abounds.
O ummati,that he(SAW)was the Rehmat-ul-lil-alameen was manifested in each of his actions and was not merely a dimension of his(SAW).O,ummati do you not see his(SAW)mercy when he (SAW) asked you to emulate him(SAW), as much as you can,in what he recommended as good and desist totally from which he forbade.And did he(SAW)not forbid needless arguments as they lead to rancor.O,ummati why do you need crutches to see him(SAW).
O ummati why do we we become deaf dumb and blind in order to see him(SAW).Deaf to his(SAW) pronouncement that he is leaving his(SAW)sunnah behind with the Quran and it was transmitted to you and me.Blind ourselves to him by picking and choosing of what we will take from and of him(SAW) and rationalizing rest.Making ourselves dumb with needless disputation leading to arrogance at following sunna and justifications for abandoning it.O ummati do we not realize that neither was his way.O ummati when again will we love each other.O ummati you and I can never adore him(SAW) until we love what he(SAW)loved.That o ummati was Ummati.
Sayed Z.Qazi
Las Vegas
salaamun Alaikum !
Thanks alot for your islamic scriptures through this site. Almighty Allah bless in your all islamic activities.
Yours in Islam , Taaleb - e - Duah :
Shaikh Sulaiman .
I read the write-up and enjoyed it.It is full of truth and admiration for the Prophet of Allah.It also reminds a muslim of the duty to propagate islam to the entire world.
I pray that Almighty Allah leads each and every one of us in the right path,Inshallah.
masallam.
JTD
your website was extremely fantastic!.
it is realy helpful for students.
have written about our propht it relly just makes
peaple thank about haw our propht relly mad people think about islam if the muslims today followed his example the muslims would be much better of and it relly dose make
a diffrens when muslims act out islam in the right way because our islam is much more important
then anger and pain and people should now that islam is not just for the muslims but it is for every one that is why the propht pbu treted every
one and every liveing thing in the best possible way that is why he is an example for man kind and
what a butiful examaple he is relly thank my brother in islam imam saadullah khan for his butiful writeing sallam alakem
the prophet Muhammed who is but a man
when we can strive to be like the Almighty
himself. What about the parts of Quran which
instruct not so distinguish between the
prophets? Why not then aspire as much to be
like Abraham or Moses or even Jesus?
I have a problem with saying that the Prophet BLESS the sinful woman to entry PARADISE
May be peace upon you.The work you are doing is not possible to explain in words. It is beyond immagination. I heartly congratulate you and pray to Almighy ALLAH for your all success.
If you have more information about Prophet S
ZAMIR KHAN
that emulating the sunnah, reading and
teaching Quran, hadith and so on (things
mentioned in the article) and emulating
the Akhlaq of the prophet also sunnah are
not mutually exclusive. Even though I think
that is not what the author intended to say
yet it can be read that way.
The paragraph that caputered the akhlaq and
care of our prophet (saw) was very good. That
is why people flocked to him.
mohammed (saw) was sent as a messenger and
that is what he did, deliver the message of
ALLAH, it is upto to us to follow the message.
I hope we can develop tolerance for all,
including the mullah that everyone dislikes.
IslamiCity
Salamun `alaykum! Thank for the opportunity to provide comments.
I am in general agreement with the contents of Professor Saadullah Khan's reflection: "In Search of the Prophet."
However, I do raise a question on his direct address to: "O Prophet of Allah"--a literary device he used over four times in this piece.
While I understand that this is merely a rhetorical technique, it is nonetheless a questionable device for many reasons, including the fact that the Prophet (pbuh) is no longer among us. Hence, to address him in such a 'direct' manner is religiously problematic.
From an Islamic viewpoint, we do not, as a matter of principle, issue pleas to those who have have passed away--not to saints, not to imams, not to scholars, and not even to Prophets!
I do know that this is a practice that is done in certain parts of the world, but this is something that is also disapproved within Islam.
Above all, however, the Noble Qur'an tells us: 'you cannot make the dead hear....'
Finally, Professor Khan, in this enlightening and thought-provoking piece, has opened up for us a new vista in understanding and correctly interpreting the Prophetic sunnah.
Wa salamun `alaykum!
sister norazizah.
ASSALAM ALAIKUM
dear brothers thanks very much for this website
its realy helping a lot.Weare in a world that
behaves very negatively to the QURAN and SUNNAHS
But inshaalah GOD WILL HELP US FOLLOW
THEM as the prophet s,a,w. did
My question is HEAR IN EAST AFRICA theres aritual
that a lot of people are doing thus MAULID.Me as
a {TAALIBAN}ISLAMIC STUDENT to me i see it as
haram thus BIDAH {INNOVATIONS}.Pleas as a muslim brother help
Jazaakum Allaah Khayr for this article.
With reference to the story, it was a man who drank water from a well and gave drink to a thristy dog from his shoe. He was rewarded with Paradise for this act of kindness. There is also a story about a woman who was cruel to cat. She did not give it food or water. She would kick it and show other forms of cruelty. Her sins were not forgiven and she was sent to Hell.
In addition, the article mentioned >. Is there such a word as sainthood in Islaam?
Your sister in Islaam, Umm Khalid
May I suggest that you have more stories about the Holy Prophet and his companions ....... we desperately need role models in our "modern" everyday life.
Peace be with you
Indeed your essay was very nice.
I however believe We are the Messiah, the Prophets, the Manifestations of God and People of Spirit a Living Messiah in the Multitudes. We are all Messengers of God/Allah.
Essentail Allah said he breathed his spirit into mankind Surrah 15 Ayat 28-29.
The Spirit God breathed into them was The Holy Spirit therefore We are all Holy beings.
God expects each of us to do his bidding and he speaks to each of Us.
We are Messenegrs of God, bringing Allah's Message that We all need education and counseling.
I would love to discus this with any of you interested.
Please email me [email protected]
try so hard to the right thing by doing big things
and forget the simplest of things that Islam
stands for.
IT IS MY REQUEST THAT IF POSSIBLE SEND ME THIS BULITTEN ON MY POSTEL ADDRESS GIVEN BLOW
SIKANDAR ALI MEMON
P.O& VILLAGE WAZIRABAD TAULKA LAKHI, DISTRICT SHIKARPUR,SINDH,PAKISTAN.
In all i find the writing a interesting one on this supposed journey in life, and in this its our duty to understand why certain actions were done rather than look at the surface of the actions of our beloved prophet(S.A.W) and learn from the lessons. We should not waste our time with useless banters of groups who claim exclusive rights or dress like the prophet(S.A.W)but instead understand the meaning and way of life and in time we will find ourself embracing it automaticaly.
wa'salam
Aziz Miqaayil Ahmad
Allah Subhana Wataala has send us to worship Him and The holy Quran says " We have created Jinn and human for My worship. So let us start with Salath 5 Times, and Allah SWT says " Remember me in the dawn and Dust" The meaning of rememberering Allah Subhana wa Taala is Zikar.
Remember Allah when you eat, sit, sleep, and work and so on. The one who does not remember Allah is like a Dead man. So May Allah SWT guide us the right direction and guidance to worship Him.
Aameen Summa Aameen
Very nice... but one thing I thought needed to be pointed out (I think it must have been a slip) - Allah SWT is the one who blesses with Paradise, so far as I was aware, the most the Prophet (SAW) can do is interceded for his followers, inshaAllah, on the day of Judgement.
Salam. :)
keep up the good work for all that is good is straight from Allah and that which is bad is not
This is an excellent article. Please continue to publish this kind of work. It truly targeted the soul of Islam and the heart of our prophet's example. It establish a pertinent diagnosis to, in my opinion, the most difficult obstacle for dawa in non-Muslim societies. We need to teach our brothers and sisters that the sunah is not mainly about appearance but fundamentally about the prophet exemplifying behavior and his constant care about humanity. That was and remains the only way to get people interested in Islam.
Jazakum Allah khayr
EVERY PASSENGER CAN CARRY 5 METERES OF WHITE CLOTH AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF COTTON. THE REAL LUGGAGE MUST BE YOUR GOOD DEEDS, PERMANENT GOOD ACTIONS, OBEDIENT CHILDREN AND ILM(KNOWLEDGE)AND AMAL(PRACTICE-LEARNED BY ILM)WHICH YOU WILL GET BENEFIT FOR. APART FROM THIS CONTENT, EXCESS LUGGAGE(SINS) WILL BE CARRIED AT YOUR OWN RISK. THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY BOARDING CARD, PASSPORT OR ANY OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, BUT, YOU, THE PASSENGER, MUBT BE READY FOR THE ULTIMATE JOUNEY AT ANY MOMENT, AGAIN FOR THIS JOURNEY , YOU MUST GET GUIDANCE FROM ALLAH-THE MOST BENEFICENT AND MERCIFUL AND HIS PROPHET(PEACH BE UPON HIM)-THE PATH SHOWS-NEITHER YOUR WEALTH, STATUS, NAME WILL COME WITH YOU, NOR YOUR FRIENDS OR RELATIVES COME WITH YOU , ONLY THE GOOD DEEDS AND BAD DEEDS WILL COME WITH. ALL CONCERNED SHOULD ATTEND PRAYER 5 TIMES A DAY IN THE LOCAL MOSQUE. YOUR SEAT IS RESERVED AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY CONFIRMATION, PLEASE PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY, AS WE WISH YOU SUCCESS,
ALLAHA AND HIS PROPHET(PEACH BE UPON HIM)-GUIDES YOU AND ALL THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND ALL CREATURES OF ALL THE UNIVERSE.INSHALLAHA.AMEEN.
WITH WARM REGARDS AND WISHES
BROTHER
IQBAL
Sincerely,
Allia
The current want is the best because it is trying to shake the consience of the Muslims, to enlightens us beyond praying five times a day namaz and reading quran. please keep on giving us such info.
He then created and adopted mankind into the Family of God. And God defined the means to identify those who were to be His and those whom He would reject.
If you are a son of God, you then act like one.
This is how you will know those who abide in The Lord. Do they behave as servant or son? Do they rule their spirit as one with discernment; or have they given themselves over to depravity, and as such clothe themselves with shame and are forced to labor?
You shall know them by their fruits.
Bismillah ar-Rahman ir-Rahim,
Thank you brother for such a beautiful and refreshing statement.
May Allah open our hearts and minds to the reality and power of the Rahman, of the Rahim, of the Wad'ud.
Ya Wad'ud, Ya Wad'ud, Ya Wad'ud.
May the light that shines through the heart of the beloved prophet (S.A.W.S.) illuminate the path, that we may travel it.
Wa Salaamu Alaykum
A very fine and thought provoking writeup. Compasssion and Love of fellow being, essence of the message of Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi va sallam,is really ignored nowadays.
Thanking you,
Yahiamian
Is it being suggested that the books of the Salaf did not conform to the Quran and Sunnah (quote 'I did not find you in the books of fatwa' - unquote)? This is a fundamental point of the Deen. Please clarify the matter.
Quran 3:32 - Obey Allah and the messenger(SAWS).
Obeying the commandments of the messenger is more important than following his actions (those not commanded to follow). Are we setting a rule that those who talk about following the messenger's commands must also propagate following his (SAWS) actions which may be voluntarily followed and not part of the obligatory duties for an individual or those in authority). Should we not get our priority right?
The people who are keen to highlight the compassionate side of the prophet (SAWS) seem to ignore his commands and actions pertaining to the kuffar and their allies. Consider the noble verses of the Quran ordering to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, fighting the Ahle Kitabi (9:29), the ayat of the Sword (9:5) and the like.
There is no compassion for the kuffar as long as they do not surrender to the Muslims 'Fight them until there is no more fitnah (shirk, opression) and religion is entirely Allah's' Quran 2:193
There is no need to be apologetic for Islam and its principles. It would not help Islam. The dawah of Islam must not ignore the commandments of Allah and his messenger (SAWS). We can then look at the individual aspects of compassion and non-obligatory duties and acts - they should not be the starting and end point by any means.
May I request Islamicity to publish those articles backed up solid evidence from the Quran and sunnah.
May Allah help us all.
the sense of those who know our Prophet-
saw, through duty and not through devotion.
ALLAH describes Him as He should be
known, not as He is be regarded and so His
wives and His Companions revered Him
without any semblance of adoration. Women,
children and the needy came to know Him as
their defender and place of refuge, yet the
enemies of Islaam came to know Him as a
force to be reckoned with. All of this is well
documented and yet we, the mighty Muslims,
look for heroes and answers when we have
them all here, standing before us, calling us
to success, as success can only be defined -
if only we would listen with our hearts and not
just hear with our minds!
Wish this can be read by all humans, not just Muslims (who have to read it).
An Nabiyyu Awlaa Bil Muminina Min Anfusihum 33:6
(The Prophet is Closer
To the Believers Than
Their Own Selves)
Besides tha however, this bulletin makes an EXCELLENT point about LOVE as being the most important aspect of the prophet's personality and of Allah's nature as well, rather than the anger and intolerance that has become ingrained in too many Muslim institutions and persons...
The writing regarding our beloved Prophet(pbuh)was
so true and so moving. Truly it gives us all some things
to remember, and pray inshallah we will remember
more often & attempt to emulate.
May Allah reward the writer, both in this world & in the
next.
My salaams,
Sr. Mary
i also wanted to comment but cannot add what have not already said. how do we calm our turbulend souls in this atmospher of hopelessness.
we all pray but still we are killed and subjugated. we are driven from our homes , our sacred mosque`s doors have been slammed in our face by zionis... we are branded like cattle for wearing a beard...
what do we do ????
i always remember your famous quote...
ALLAH DOES NOT CHANGE THE CONDITIONS OF THE PEOPLE UNTILL THEY CHANGE IT SELF...
all this is happening while 1,2 billion claim to be part of this faith !!
SALAAM
KAMAL
Although I am not Muslim, I sincerely believe there is but One God and He is the Creator of all. We are, therefore, all His children. How, I wonder, will He treat those of us who, like Cain, kill our brother Abel, no matter the "reason".
We complain, correctly, about American bombing killing civilians in Afghanistan. Yet we ignore the killing of thousands of Muslims, by Muslims, in Afghanistan, killings which are justified in defense of Islam. How is it possible for Muslims who comprehend Muhammad's teachings properly, to this to other Muslims? Clearly we are focussed on form rather than substance, and using Islam as a cover to justify ethnic and political tussles.
I sincerely hope that Muslims can reform themselves, and develop the courage to interpret the Quran and Sunnah, without violating the true spirit of Muhammad's message and conduct.
Allahafiz
It is hard to express all my thanks to you for this beutiful article...so true it brought tears to my eyes, after struggling to listen to harsh and intolerant kutubahs. What a wonderful present for this ramadan, and a present to share with others!
Thank you again and may Allah be with you
Best Regards
Hala
I feel so bad and ashamed about all of us who call ourselves Muslms, that if Allah (swt) throws all of us into Hellfire it will be fitting.
Besides barely holding onto the Tawheed, we failed in everything else Allah and His Prophet has prescribed for. So why should we deserve Paradise.
It is a disgrace that the best of mankind, the most noble of all , was sent to us to teach us everything and be a mercy to us, but we only know him by name and thats it.
What a shame. Whaat a shame.
Dear brother, I felt like, upon reading your expressions, repeating each and every point of these solid facts to our brotheres around. Allah is witness that my eyes burned, turned red, hot crystal drops rolled up. During this holy month of Ramdan, this attempt is immensly laudable and I wish all mankind might have accessed to it, who ever could read and understand, enjoyed it and attained the blessings for dining upon this feast of love and recognition! amin. May Allah, Insha Allah bless us all with His merci, bounty and fogiveness in both the worlds. amin. What I observe is that, as you contemplated rightly, we, muslim brothers are lagging behind in applying and spreading what we have learnt, by Allah's grace, among our other brothers. Blessed be the name our Lord, the most merciful, full of bounty and honor!
I would appreciate your concentration in publishing, sure bringing in to public notice, each example with its relevant details of how our master acted, reacted, stood for and judged on different occasions of life. Hadits are there, but, a simplified english version with a bit of historical references will still be enticing to nonmuslim brothers as well. May Allah accept and bless us with His best of rewards for all the halal thoughts, deeds and prayers we offer unto him. amin.
I would appreciate a contextual approach to the present crisis all over this beautiful globe,in a way that would help those down trodden innocent human beings who undergo ferocious brutalities perennially. Some Quranic ref, & sayings of the prophet would be very useful,if carefully selected, composed and published. May Allah eleminate the blaze of man-made annihilations from this world anon! amin.
Pls pray for us all. ASMWM. Salm.
I share the opinion that the Prophet should be projected both in his exalted position as the true Messenger of God as well as a compassionate human being who did everyday things as we all do.
Unfortunately in this country the Prophet is projected as the messenger who should be emulated only in his practise of the religion but his compassion towards orphans,children,his wives and other less privilaged people is never promoted much less emulated by the muslims.
It is unfortunate that we have reached a state of such intolerance and indifference that we have forgotten the teachings of the Quran which state explicitly that it is with compassion that one has to deal with the unbelievers and the less privilaged and which the Prophet displayed through every action of his.
This is one quality that needs to be stressed upon in this country where religious passions are always high.
Masha-Allah and please keep up your valuable work.
Wasalaam,
Sulayman Abed-The Netherlands
I wholly agree with yur veiw.This is a desease which is spreading among us .I pray to Allah that we wake up and follow the real teachings of Islam and be an example to the rest of humankind.After all the whole race belongs to Allah,Almighty and He is one to guide us through the right path.Lets not be an eye sore in the eyes of humanity and spoil the name of our beloved Prophet for our personal gains.
May Allah forgive us and guide us on the right path.Ameen
Allahhafeez
jameel
This is great. i mean how many people follow our prophet's sunnah. we have muslim brothers and sisters having kafir as their role models but very few people think of prophet as their role model.
wasalaam
sister quratulaine
Hope u all r wel!jazakallahkher for this information and i couldn't agree with the person/s
more! May allah reward all of u and help us all to become better muslims and love the prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) as he should be loved!
walacumaslaam!
This is a wonderful article. I wanted to email it to several friends, but couldn't directly from the site (or at least I didn't see it). It would be great to add a feature such as one found on msn articles..."email to a friend". Thanks for taking the time to read this note. May Allah Bless you.
He is still in our souls. Allah's Mercy is beyond bounds. Alhamdullillah.
AllaHumma Salli Allaa Muhammad Wa'allaa Alihi Wasah bihi Wasa llim.
Allahu Akbar.
Jazakum Allahu Khayran....Wa'Alal Mu'umin Inshaallah Amin.
only a short question:
in the bulletin (11/18/2001) "in search of the Prophet" the following words have been written:
... how you blessed with Paradise the sinful woman for saving
the life of a cat by making the water of the well accessible....
i heard that there was a women with a cat who will be into hell, becausei n general she was a good one, but she tormented the cat, the cat died because of hunger...
the other , positive example is the example of a man, who gave a dog water in his shoes
and will be for that in paradiese...
i havent heard of a women who wil be there because of being friendly to a cat... can anybody tell me the story or the hadith about, pls ?
jazakAllahu chairan
salam alaikom
carolin
The fear,ignorrance and the outrages beliefs and practices of some of the muslims in the world have alienated Islam as a religion from another planet. Perhaps we need to talk more about our greatest leader, for the great things that are being implimented today our prophet(pbuh)preached and practised.
salam.
You have written beautifully about the Prophet perhaps the appropriate picture of the Prophet(pbuh) which is soo often misinterpreted by many, may Allah make us follow the exact of Quran and Sunnah.
Allah hafiz
As always, your messages are so appropriate. "In Search of the Prophet" (PBUH) is precious to me. Alhamdulillah. Shukran. Happy Ramadan!(I highly
recommend "Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum" by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri, Dar-us-Salam Publishers)
Warm wishes,
Angela Collins
Could you provide any editorial comment along with the article to explain or expand on the topic. Or provide an opposing viewpoint.
Many thanks!
Leo
"O Prophet of Allah, you have certainly been adored by many much more worthy than I. Yet, neither the inability to capture my appreciation of you with the eloquence of poets nor my weakness as a believer debars me from qualifying as one who adores you; for in the commemoration of your being do I find the dignity and honor of my existence."
I will forward it to everyone on my list.
The writer of this article used the word "adoration" a couple of times, while talking about the prophet. In the dictionary, the word adoration means:
1 : to worship or honor as a deity or as divine
2 : to regard with loving admiration and devotion
My suggestion is that, to avoid sending the wrong message to others, we should use a different word to distinguish between the Worshipped (God), and the worshipper(his profit).
I apologize for any inconvenience my email would have caused.
God bless you,
Alex
Salam,
Ayesha Nawaz
May this open the hearts and minds of the Ummat and serve as a reminder to all believers that we must not get caught down seperating ourselves in sects, cultures and nationalities thinking that we are better than other Muslims. We all need to continue to strive to do the Good and righteous deeds that the Prophet did. Not letting big ideas and big definitions of righteousness let us forget to do the small things like helping the needy, the sick, treating our women and children with respect, honor and love just as the Prophet did. The Prophet (SAW) even opened the Masjid to non-believers. These actions prove that we in out new technology, education and cutlural manifestations must not forget that Allah has blessed us with a perfect example--The Prophet Muhammed (SAW). Let's not only look at the dress of the Prophet and imitate this or his syle of beard----lets imitate his noble, honorable and loving ways! This is most important in the sight of Allah.
May Allah bless all the Muslims in the world to have an understanding such as the one expressed in this writing.
As Salaam Alaikum, Ramadan Mubarak
Please keep articles like this coming. It touches the heart and remind us of our true role model.
Salam,
Hisham