We are pleased to annouce the launch of our New Website Design!
<<click here>> |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
Love for the Prophet Sallallahu`alaihi wasallam
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
True love with Prophet (SAW) is an integral part of our Iman (Faith). One, who lacks such a love, can neither understand the place of Prophet (SAW) in Allah�s sight, nor can he follow him. On the other hand the one who understands the exalted place of Prophet (SAW) in the scheme of creation cannot help but love him (SAW). Perfect Iman and true following also automatically creates committed love with Prophet (SAW). Both the Holy Qur�an and the Traditions exhorts us to love, firmly believe in him and follow him (SAW). Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 24 of Surah Tawba:
�Say [Rasul Allah], �if your fathers, sons, brothers, wives, tribes, the wealth you have acquired, the trade which you fear will decline, and the dwellings you love are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and the struggle in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His punishment��
The right inclination of the spirit is called Love and the right track for the soul leads to Love. No one loves any one without reason. Personality, character and attributes create a charisma in a person to be loved. Love is never intentional. It is the magnetic force of the beloved which involuntarily draws a lover to love. �Junoon� is an Arabic word, which if used in a positive sense means an overpowering craze, a strong inner drive to get close to someone, or a condition of being possessed by a burning desire for someone. �Ishq� is another Arabic word and it is a kind of �junoon�. There are two words in Arabic for love. One is �Hub� and the other is �Ishq�, and as per linguists of classical Arabic there is a subtle difference between the two.
The one who does Ishq is called Aashiq, and the one who is object of Ishq is called �Maashooq�. The �Maashooq� must have an �Aashiq� to be recognized as a Maashooq.
The other word �Hub� also means love as does �Ishq�. The one who does �Hub� is called �Muhib� and the one who is loved is called �Mahboob�, but according to lexicographers of classical Arabic, �Mahboob� possesses that intrinsic attribute which draws not one person but any one who happens to know, see or come into contact with the person who has that intrinsic attribute. Such a person is loved and adored by all. There are difference stages of love. Love can be measured by the attributes of the beloved, the higher the attributes, the higher will be the quality of the love. The more one knows about the attributes of the beloved, the more passionate love will drive the lover to the beloved. Aayah 165 of Surah Baqarah says:
�Even so there are some who choose to worship others besides Allah as rivals to Him, loving them with love due to Allah, but the believers have greater love for Allah��
According to Hafiz Ibn-e-Qayyim (RemA), the word �Ishq� has not been used in any tradition of Prophet (SAW), but the word �Muhabbat� has been used in the Holy Qur�an for Prophet (SAW). One of the greatest attribute of Prophet (SAW) is that he is loved by Allah (SWT); hence a love for him is but natural for the Muslims.
There are countless endearing characteristics and attributes of Prophet (SAW). In the sight of a Momin, he (SAW) is most exalted, esteemed, loved, and obeyed after Allah (SWT).
Let me mention to you briefly just a few attributes of Prophet (SAW):
the people who chased the camel to stop. He endears the camel by showing food, comforts, and brings the animal back home. If I loose patience like you, people will run away from me. Like the camel owner, I bring back my Ummah with patience and tolerance.� [Kitab-us-Shifa. p. 55]
Cast a general glance on Prophet (SAW) personality. You will find in him attributes of extreme nobility, humility, hospitality, benevolence, generosity, patience, tolerance, magnanimity, sympathy, love and affection. You may recall that after the first revelation, when Prophet (SAW) came home over burdened with responsibility of Prophet Hood and worried, Ummul Momineen Khadija (RAnha) consoled him (SAW) in these words: �You are kind to relatives, share the burden of others, help the poor, assist the needy, look after the destitute, and rescue those who are in trouble; Allah will never let you down.� [Bukhari]
Love of the companions with Prophet (SAW) was exemplary and unique. Submission, obedience, loyalty, respect and committed love can be imagined when they say anything about Prophet (SAW).
Anas (RA) said: �Prophet (SAW) excelled everyone in noble conduct and generosity. I have never touched the silk or velvet or any thing else softer than the palm of Prophet (SAW).
Some one asked Jaabir bin Umrah Samurah (RA) about Prophet (SAW)�s face if it was brighter than the sword. He (RA) replied: �No it was like the sun and the moon.�
If you read the Al-Shamayil of Imam Tirmidhi, you will discover what (SAW)�s companions thought and said about him and how they have adored Prophet (SAW), who was their ideal and most beloved personality.
Our love with Prophet (SAW) should be expressed through actions of obedience and loyalty to him. Allah (SWT) has clearly says in Aayah 31 of Surah Al-Imran:
�Say, [to people Ya Rasul Allah] �If you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins; Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.�
This is the month if of Rabi-ul-Awwal. According to the consensus of historians Prophet (SAW) was born on the 12th day of this month. Let us take this opportunity to renew our allegiance to him, let us reinforce his teachings in our life, let us re-dedicate ourselves to his love, and let us join Allah (SWT) and his angels in sending Darud-o-Salaam on the greatest benefactor of humanity, the Mercy to the worlds, the beloved of Allah (SWT) and the beloved of Momineen. �Allahumma Salley Ala Muhammad (SAW) wa Barik Wassallim.�
Note: SWT = Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala SAW = Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam
AS =
AlehisSalam RAnha= Radhiyallaho anha
The Friday Khutbahs are published to enhance your knowledge of Islam. The references of Quran and Hadith are the approximate translation of the Arabic text. The editors have not verified the accuracy of the the English translation. The scholarly reader is encouraged to refer to the original Arabic script if there is any doubt. Kindly notify us if the translation can be enhanced. |
Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use |