Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Sublime Character
Al-Qalam (The Pen) Sura 68: Verse 4

"Most certainly, yours is a sublime character."

The whole universe echoes this unique praise of the Prophet (peace be upon him). No writer can describe the value of this testimony by the Creator of the universe; no imagination can give it its words. It is a testimony by God, according to His own measure, given to His servant, in His own words. A sublime character has, according to God's measure, its own unique value which no other creature can imagine.

This testimony confirms Muhammad's greatness in several ways. First of all, by the fact that it is God's own testimony, given in His majesty, and appreciated by the whole universe and echoed by everyone on high. Secondly, his greatness is seen by virtue of the fact that Muhammad was able to receive God's testimony, live with it and know who was saying it. It was God Almighty, in His absolute power and knowledge, that stated it. The Prophet knew his own position in relation to such absolutely great power. He could appreciate this position as no one else could. The fact that Muhammad held his position firmly as he received this word, from its sublime source, without being crushed by the pressure it brought on him, and that he remained calm and stable is the best evidence of his own greatness.

There are many reports about the Prophet's greatness given by his Companions. Indeed, his practical conduct is better evidence than anything reported about him. However, this testimony, given by God Almighty, is greater still than any reported evidence. The message of Islam is so perfect, beautiful, comprehensive and truthful that it could only be delivered by a man who deserved such testimony from God, and by one who would receive such divine testimony with confidence. At the same time, however, God remonstrated with the Prophet for some of his actions but all the while imbibing the same confidence and reassurance. He declared both aspects to all people, hiding nothing. In both situations, he was a noble Prophet, an obedient servant and a trusted deliverer of the divine message.

Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol 17, pp. 180-181

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Divine Ties

The ties which bind Muhammad, upon him be peace, to the Light of the Heavens and Earth are beyond all counting. His every effort was devoted to transforming his environment into one of worship, submission to Allah, remembrance of his name, and thanksgiving.

Imam Nasai related on the Authority of Yaqub ibn Asim that two of the Prophet's Companions heard him say:

A believer never says, 'There is no god but Allah. He is One and has no partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise; and He is powerful over everything,' with the sincerity of his soul, the veracity of his heart, and the full power of utterance of his tongue, except that Allah parts the heavens asunder so that He may look down on that man on earth! And, of course, a man that Allah has especially looked upon deserves to receive what he asks for!

What the hadith purports to say is that a believing heart, overflowing with sincerity and truth, will propel a declaration of belief from the lips of the believer directly to the throne of the Almighty: and that thereafter the believer will never want anything!

Compiled From:
"Remembrance & Prayer" - Muhammad Al-Ghazali, p. 145

Blindspot!

The Essential Sunna

The technical definition of Sunna is all that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did, said, or approved. When the term Sunna is used, our minds are diverted immediately to the manners and morals which we are so careful to observe, while dressing and eating, walking and praying.

I have no intention of belittling the importance of these relatively minor acts that he left behind. It reminds me of a beautiful incident from his life. A man and his son came to meet the Prophet. As he came out of his house, the buttons of his shirt were open. Both of them shook his hand and went away. That was the only occasion in their lives when they came face to face with the Prophet. But, for their entire lives they always kept the buttons of their shirts open - not because it was obligatory, but once you fall in love with someone, each and every action that he does, and each and every thing that he says, becomes dear to the heart. It has to be followed.

If, however, you consider the technical definition of Sunna, and if you look at the life of the Prophet from the moment he received revelation in the cave of Hira till he breathed his last in Madina, what is it that stands out as his most dominant concern and his main activity? The most outstanding feature of his life was that every moment was spent in dawa, in inviting his fellow human beings to live in submission to their Creator. He lived every moment of his life in purifying individuals and making them grow in their love and submission to Allah. Every moment of his life, he talked about and carried out his mission. In the streets of Makka, in the valley of Taif, on the battlegrounds of Badr and Hunayn, and in the totality of affairs in Madina - dawa was his essential concern. That was his essential Sunna.

Compiled From:
"In The Early Hours" - Khurram Murad, pp. 92, 93