Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 913 [Read full issue]
Counselling and Uplifting
[continued from issue 912]
8. Counselling (Nasiha)
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that Fatimah bint Qays mentioned to God's Messenger (peace be upon him) that both Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan and Abu Jahm had proposed to her. The Prophet said to her: "Abu Jahm never puts his stick down, whereas Muawiyah is a mere wandering pauper." This statement does not imply that it is not permissible for a woman to marry a poor man. It simply means that Fatimah bint Qays sought the advice of the Messenger of God, who advised what was best for her.
9. Spiritual uplifting of people (takmil al-nufus)
Numerous examples of the commands and prohibitions of God's Messenger can be found whose aim was to perfect the character of his Companions and encourage them to follow the course befitting their high standing in Islam, such that it would be extremely hard for the entire Muslim community to follow, were it required to do so. He drove them to assume the most perfect of states by strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood in its utmost forms, shunning the glitter of this lower world and delving deep into the teachings of the religion so as to understand it. This is because they were being prepared to be the bearers and disseminators of Islam.
An example of such commandment is narrated by Abu Dawud from Ali ibn Abi Talib, who said: "God's Apostle forbade me to use gold rings, to wear silk clothes and clothes dyed with saffron, and to recite the Quran while I am in ruku and sujud [bowing and prostration in prayer]. I am not saying he forbade you these things," meaning that some of the things mentioned here were not forbidden to the entire Muslim community, but only to Ali.
..... [to be continued]
Compiled From:
"Treatise on Maqasid Al-Shariah" - Ibn Ashur, pp. 41-44