The Rights of prophet Muhammad(SAWW)
Our noble Prophet (SAWW) has some rights over every Muslim. And it is our duty to remember his(SAWW) rights in every condition.
1. To Believe in Him:
One hadith says: ‘I have been ordered to fight mankind till they testify that there is no god but Allah and until they believe in me and what I was sent with.’ [Muslim, no.34]
The first right of the Prophet (SAWW) is belief in him and in his message, for whoever does not believe in the Messenger of Allah (SAWW) and that he is the last of the Prophets and Messengers is a disbeliever, even if he should believe in all of the Prophets who came before him.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the Light( The Qur’an) which We have sent down.” [Surah taghaabun 64:8]
And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not …” [Surah Hujuraat 49:15]
Allah states that disbelief in Allah and His Messenger [i.e. Muhammad (SAWW)] is a cause of destruction and painful punishment, saying (interpretation of the meaning):
“And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” [Al Qur’an 8:13]
And the Prophet (SAWW) himself said:
“By Him in whose hand is Muhammad’s soul, no one from this nation or a Jew or a Christian will hear about me and then die without believing in that with which I was sent but that he will be of the inhabitants of the Hellfire.” [Narrated by Muslim]
2.To Obey Him:
It is not enough to believe in him(SAWW). Instead, true faith necessitates that we be guided by his message and obey its demands:
l “ O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him when you hear him speak.” [Al Infa’al 8:20]
l “He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah.” [Al Nisa 4:80]
One hadith declares: ‘All my nation will enter Paradise save those who refuse.’ They asked: O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse? He replied: ‘Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, whoever disobeys me has in fact refused.’ [Al-Bukhari, no.7280]
Following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the real evidence of belief in him. Anyone who claims faith in the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) but then does not obey his order has [in reality] lied about his faith. For faith is what has settled in the heart and is proven by deeds.
“So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.” [Al Airaaf 7:156-157]
In addition, Allah has promised a bad consequence for those who ignore the guidance of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and oppose his instruction. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet’s order, lest fitnah (i.e. a trial) strike them or a painful punishment.” [Al Noor 24:63]
And Allah commanded wholehearted compliance with the judgments of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), saying (interpretation of the meaning):
“But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, (O Muhammad), judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” [Al Nisa 4:65]
3.To Emulate His Example:
Allah says in Holy Quran about His beloved Prophet(SAWW)
“ Verily, you are upon an exalted (tremendous/magnificent) character” [Surah Qalam 68:4]
It should come as no surprise to enlightened minds that imitation of the Prophet(SAWW) is also a right we owe him. The Qur’an states:
Say: “If you love Allah, then follow me.” [Aal- Imran 3:31]
At another place Quran tells us:
“You have in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful example.” [33:21]
One celebrated hadith says:
‘Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.’ [Al-Bukhari, no.5063; Muslim, no.1401]
No doubt, within the overall obligation of Ittiba‘ (ie, to “follow” or “emulate” him ) there are certain matters where emulation is obligatory, and other places where it is highly recommended and encouraged, but not mandatory (there are even some matters recorded about his life that are just descriptive, not prescriptive). A sound knowledge of Fiqh should help distinguish between these levels of imitation and emulation. With that being so, believers try their best to conform to the prophetic example, and mould their lives in the light of his Sunnah, as far as possible. For it is in him that the perfection is found and the beauty of behaviour made obvious.
4.To Love Him:
In the Qur’an Allah says:
Say: “If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, the wealth you have gained, the trade you fear my slacken, and the home you delight in are more loved by you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait till Allah brings about His command. Allah guides not the corrupt. [Al Tawbah 9:24]
Indeed, love of the Prophet is what distinguishes believers in their perfection of faith, as one hadith says:
‘None of you believes until he loves me more than his father, his children and the whole of mankind.’ [Al-Bukhari, no.15; Muslim, no.44]
Among the rights of the Prophet (SAWW) upon his followers is complete and perfect love for him, as he himself said:
“None of you [truly] believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his parent and all people.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
So any person who does not love the Messenger of Allah (SAWW) cannot be a (true) believer, even if he should have a Muslim name and identity. The greatest degree of love for the Messenger of Allah (SAWW) is to love him more than oneself.
`Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once said to him, “O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than everything except myself.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “No, by the One in whose hand is my soul – not until I am more beloved to you than yourself.” Then `Umar said, “Now, by Allah, you are more beloved to me than myself.” So the Prophet (SAWW) said, “Now (you have believed), `Umar.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
5. To Supporting him:
This is among the most clearly confirmed of his rights both in life and after death. During his lifetime his Companions fulfilled this duty in the best way. After his death, however, supporting him by preserving his Sunnah and defending his Nobel person (whenever he might be abused, ridiculed or described in an unsuitable manner).
In recent times, there has been an increase in campaigns to dishonour and discredit the Prophet of Islam (SAWW). If one loves somebody, it is hard for him to allow or tolerate others to insult or hurt his beloved. Same rule applies to the Muslim Ummah, It hurts a true believer when someone insult his beloved prophet. The Ummah tries to defend the Prophet (SAWW) by every means possible to stop opponents to end their lies, insults and slander. It tries to translate the love for the Prophet (SAWW) into practical action.
But we’ll only be able to meet the prophet(SAWW) with heads high on the Day of Judgement if we defend him the Right way. So gear up. Learn more about him and his life. Our attitude will not be reformed until we adhere to the Book of Allah and the sunnah of the Prophet (SAWW) according to the methodology of the righteous predecessors of the Ummah as well as the everlasting heritage of the Prophet in all walks of life whether it be political, economic, social, ideological, and so on. Doing this will be a shield that protects us from our enemies and it will also be a shield against innovations and falsehood. If you follow in his footsteps, you will be guided.
Ibn Taymiyyah writes:
Thus, there are three necessary qualities: “knowledge, gentleness, and patience.”
Moreover, not every Muslim must respond to every attack against Islam. Only those who have knowledge and good manners should do so, as it is only a collective obligation. If some Muslims respond in a graceful way, others need not do so.
Good manners is, in reality, one of the most important aspects of responding to attacks against Islam. Not only should we know what we are talking about, but we must behave like true believers. This means to respond to attacks against Islam with Knowledge, kindness, and forbearance. Our manners often speak louder than our words.
Gain knowledge about Deen. It is also a shield against innovation and misguidance.
His right over us is even more acute for those of us who possess some knowledge or have been blessed with some skills or expertise.
6.To Honour and Respect Him:
True faith (Iman) not only demands that he be loved, but that he be honoured and revered too, This is a higher degree than that of love. The Qur’an insists:
l “Those who believe in him, honour him, support him, and follow the light that was sent down with him: those are the successful.” [Surah Ara’af 7:157]
l “That you may honour him and revere him.” [Surah Fatah 48:9]
This is among the rights which many people have neglected. However, Allah says :
“Indeed, We have sent you as a witness, as a carrier of good news and a warner. So that you (O, people) may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honour him and respect the Prophet and glorify Allah morning and evening.” (Surah Fatah 48:8-9)
Ibn Sa`di (may Allah have mercy on him) explained [these verses as follows]: “To honor and respect the Messenger (SAWW) means to revere him, hold him in esteem and fulfill his rights because of the great debt of gratitude you owe him.”
The Prophet’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to revere him so much that when he (SAWW) spoke they would listen to him attentively, as if birds were perched on their heads.
Allah says in Quran;
“O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or do not speak loudly to him as you speak loudly with each others, lest your deeds become worthless without you realising it.” (Surah Hujuraat 49:2)
After the above verse of the Qur’an was revealed,] Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “By Allah, I will not speak to you after this except (softly) with facial expression.”
Now when Prophet(SAWW) is not among us, this rule still applies upon us by respecting him(SAWW) and his orders, by following his Sunnah, by acceptance of his rulings from our heart, by courtesy toward his sayings and by not preferring any opinion or school of thought over his teachings.
Imam al-Shafi`i (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “All Muslim scholars agree that whoever has understood the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger is not permitted to abandon it for the opinion of another.”
7. To Believe that Prophethood Ended With Him:
Our Prophet, upon whom be peace, is khatim al-nabiyyin – “the Seal of the Prophets” – The Qur’an declares it in these words:
Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surah Ahzaab 33:40)
Needless to say, when something is “sealed”, it is complete or finished and so there is no need of further addition to it. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad sealed the cycle of prophet hood and brought it to a close: he is the last Prophet, after whom there will be no other prophet. However, revealed truths shall be revived and strengthen by scholars but never again by prophets.
It is also confirmed in many Hadiths; one of which says: ‘There will arise among my nation thirty liars, all of them claiming to be a prophet. But I am the final Prophet; there will be no prophet after me.’ [Muslim, no.2889; Abu Dawud, no.4252]
8. To Send Blessings (Salat) and Salutations of Peace (Salam) Upon Him:
Qur’an states:
Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe! Send blessings upon him and salute him with a worthy salutation. (Surah Al Ahzaab 33:56]
How does Allah and angels send Salat on Prophet(SAWW)? As for what it means for Allah to “bless” or “send salat” on the Prophet, Abu’l-‘Aliyah, a famous tabi‘i, explained: ‘Allah’s salat is His extolling( praise enthusiastically) him to the angels; the angels’ salat is their supplication (for him).
Al-Tirmidhi records: ‘It is related from Sufyan al-Thawri and others from the people of knowledge that salåt of the Lord is His mercy, and salat of the angels is their seeking forgiveness for him.
Accordingly Allah blesses the Prophet by the continuous effusion of Rahmah/mercy descending upon him; such divine mercy referring to: light, knowledge, revelation, support, protection, swift response to prayers, exalting in rank and closeness to Him, honourable mention of him in divine script, as well as other things that only Allah and His Beloved know.
The angels bless the Prophet by praying for him and supporting him. The believers, by invoking Allah’s blessings upon him. As for salutations (salam), it is praying for protection, safety and peace upon him.
The hadith literature records: ‘Whosoever invokes one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings on him.’ [Muslim, no.384]
And at another occasion the Prophet (SAWW) said:
: ‘Those closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are those who invoke most blessings upon me.’ [Al-Tirmidhi, no.484]
There is an other Hadith : ‘The miser(stingy) is he who, whenever I am mentioned in his presence, does not invoke blessings upon me.’ [Al-Tirmidhi, no.3546]
9: Spreading his messege:
Our loyalty to the Messenger of Allah (SAWW) includes spreading his invitation to Islam throughout every part of the earth, because he himself said:
“Convey from me, even if only one verse.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari 3461]
He (SAWW) also said:
“That Allah should guide through you a single man is better for you than possessing red camels (i.e. precious possessions of this world).” [Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim]
And another Hadith states:
“Through you (Muslims) I will have more numerous followers than (other) nations on the Day of Resurrection.” [Narrated by Ahmad]
Actually Da'wah, is an obligation and an individual responsibility upon every Muslim man and woman. This is the way his nation will increase through da`wah ( or invitation to Allah) and Da’wah brings people into Islam. Allah stated that invitation to Him has always been the occupation of the Prophets and their followers.
"O'Muhammad (SAWW) invite mankind to the way of your lord (Islam) with wisdom, and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. (Surah Nahl 16:125)
At another place Allah states;
“Say, ‘This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.’” [Saurah Yusuf 12:108]
The Muslim Ummah must fulfil the duty for which Allah raised it, which is da`wah and delivery of the message, enjoining right and forbidding wrong, as Allah says;
"You (the followers of Prophet Muhammad SAWW) are the best of all nations who have been ever raised up for mankind; you command for what is right, and forbid from evil( I.e you enjoin Al-Ma'roof/good and forbid Al-Munkar/evil), and you believe in Allah." (Surah Aal Imran 3:110)
10:Associate with his allies and hatred of his enemies:
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“You will not find people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their families. Those He has decreed within their hearts faith and supported them with spirit from Him. And We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him – those are the party of Allah. Unquestionably, the party of Allah – they are the successful.” [Surah Al Mujaadalah 58:22]
Associate to him (SAWW) also means alliance to his Companions and his family and the scholars of Quran and Sunnah (may Allah be pleased with them) and love for them, affection, devotion and respect to them, acknowledgement of their rights, following their footsteps, asking forgiveness and blessings for them, refraining from discussing their disagreements and also animosity toward their enemies among the disbelievers, the hypocrites and those who advocate innovation [in religion] and error, also those who insult or discredit them. And it means associate to his family, support and defence of them, but at the same time, avoiding excessive praise and exaggeration of their attributes.
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