Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 1033 [Read full issue]
Transitory Stage
It is well known that subjects and wealth of a kingdom are subjected to the will of the king, and his service. As for Muhammad (peace be upon him) he knew that this life was a transitory stage.
Ibraheem b. Alqamah said that Abdullah said: "The Prophet lay down on a straw mat which had marked his side, so I said: 'O Messenger of God! I ransom you with my mother and father! Allow us to put bedding on this mat that you lay on, so your side would not be affected and marked.' The Prophet said: 'My example in this life is like a rider who took rest under the shade of a tree then continued on his journey.'" (Ibn Majah)
An-Numan b. Basheer said: "I saw your Prophet (during a time) when he was not able to even find low-quality dates to fill his stomach." (Muslim)
Abu Hurairah said: "The Messenger of God never filled his stomach for three consecutive days until his death." (Bukhari)
This does not mean that he could not obtain what he wanted; for the money and wealth would be placed in front of him in his Masjid, and he would not move from his spot, until he distributed it amongst the poor and needy. Among his Companions were those who were wealthy and affluent - they would rush to serve him and would give up the most valuable of things for him. The reason the Prophet renounced the riches of this world, was because he knew the reality of this life. He said: "The likeness of this world to the Hereafter, is like a person who dipped his finger in the ocean - let him see what would return." (Muslim)
Compiled From:
"Muhammad: The Messenger of God" - Abdurrahman al-Sheha, pp. 67, 68