Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 665 [Read full issue]
Vulnerability and Power
The Prophet, peace be upon him, knew where both his vulnerability and his power came from, when so many enemies tried to deceive, lure or destroy him. The signs in creation, his ability to marvel at events or at the seemingly slight details of life, to recognize the heart's charity in a person's generous word ("A benevolent word is charity." [Bukhari]) or through a fellow being's smile ("The smile you offer your brother [your sister] is charity." [Tirmidhi]), gave him that strength to resist and persevere. Being constantly with the One, and remembering His presence through a look or a gesture as the presence of the Friend and Protector rather than that of a judge or a censor - such is the meaning of excellence (al-ihsan), of the power of the heart and of faith: "Excellence is worshipping God as though you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He indeed sees you." [Bukhari, Muslim]
His companions recognized those qualities in him, loved him, and drew their spiritual energy from his presence among them. He taught them to constantly deepen that love: "None of you believes [perfectly, completely] until I am dearer to him than his father, his son, and all humankind." [Muslim] They had to carry on their spiritual and loving quest, love the Prophet, and love one another in God.
Compiled From:
"In The Footsteps of The Prophet" - Tariq Ramadan, p. 135