Such was the great love for the Prophet (sa) that his companions were even more elated when he told them that every time they supplicated to Allah for praise and venerations upon him, (and even after Allah had taken him to Himself) an angel would come to him (in his resting place, rawdah) and inform him of the supplication and that Allah, in His Mercy, increased the supplication tenfold. It is no wonder that no matter whether the companions were engaged in their work, daily chores or family life that one would see and hear them continuously supplicating for blessings upon our beloved Prophet (sa) and exalting Allah by remembering Him in His Precious Names.
SALMAN AND ABU DARDA
There were, however, some companions that had become over zealous in their devotions and when it was brought to the attention of the Prophet (sa) he advocated moderation, for his manners were those established in the Holy Al-Quran and he did not desire hardship for his followers. He recommended that the twenty−four hours of the day and night be ideally divided into three sections, a third for worship, a third for work and a third for the family. One day, Salman decided to visit his friend Abu Darda. When Abu Darda's wife opened the door, he could not help but notice that her appearance was somewhat unkempt, so he inquired what the matter was, whereupon she told him that her husband had no desire for her. Abu Darda heard the voice of his friend and came to greet him then prepared some food for Salman but told him to eat alone as he was offering voluntary fast. Salman refused to eat and told him that he would not eat unless he ate with him. So, Abu Darda broke his voluntary fast and they ate together, after which he invited Salman to spend the night with him. During the middle of the night Abu Darda arose to offer some voluntary prayers but Salman told him to go back to sleep, so he went back to bed. Later, Abu Darda arose again and Salman told him yet again to go back to bed. Towards the latter part of the night, Salman awoke him and together they offered their voluntary prayers. After the conclusion of their prayers Salman reminded his friend that it is indeed true that one owes one's duty to his Lord, but, at the same time, the body has rights as well as his wife, and as such he must fulfill those duties accordingly. The next morning the two friends went to the Prophet (sa) to relate the matter whereupon the Prophet (sa) confirmed that Salman's moderate approach was the better.
THE FAST OF AMR
Abdullah, Amr's son told a friend of his intention to fast every day and spend the night offering voluntary prayers reciting the Al-Quran in its entirety each night. When news of Abdullah's intent reached the Prophet (sa) he sent for him and asked if the report he had heard was correct whereupon Abdullah confirmed it to be so. The Prophet (sa) was concerned for Abdullah and told him that his intention would prove too difficult, and advised that he offer the voluntary fast just three days a month as the value of a good deed is tenfold, and by fasting just three days a month his fast would be equal to the fast of a lifetime.
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PROPHET (SA) TO RECITE THE AL-QURAN ONCE A MONTH AND TO FAST THREE DAYS A MONTH
Abdullah, who was a strong young man, told the Prophet (sa) that he was capable of better than that, so the Prophet (sa) suggested that he fast every third day instead. When Abdullah persisted with his intention, the Prophet (sa) advised him to fast alternate days. He told him that this way of fasting was the same way in which David, peace be upon him, had fasted and that his fast was the most fair, and there was no fast better than that. The compassionate wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (sa) could not dissuade Abdullah, and so he fasted every day, prayed and recited the Al-Quran during the night. When old age overtook Abdullah, he told his family and companions that he wished he had taken the advice of the Prophet (sa) to fast three days during the month and complete the recitation of the Al-Quran once during month. However, not wishing to abandon the word he had given to the Prophet (sa), he continued to fast until death overtook him, but would offer his complete recitation of the Al-Quran over the course of the day and night.
THE VALUE OF THE CHAPTER "AL IKLAS − THE ONENESS"
When the Prophet (sa) wished to tell his companions about a certain subject, he would not force them to listen, rather, in humility he would ask if they would like to know something. On one such occasion he asked his companions, "Would any among you find it burdensome to recite one third of the Al-Quran during the night? By He in whose Hands is my life, the recitation of the chapter "Al Ikhlas − the Oneness" is equal to one third of the Al-Quran." This short chapter is the essence of the Islamic belief and the simple unchanged and unchangeable message the Prophet (sa) brought:
"Say: 'He is Allah, the One, the called upon. Who has not given birth, and has not been born, and there is none equal to Him." Al-Quran Chapter 112 Al Ikhlas − The Oneness
Such was the degree of the companions sincerity not only in belief, actions and deeds that the Prophet (sa) described them as being like the stars shinning brightly in the dark night sky. Whenever he ordered them to stop doing something, they had no hesitation in abandoning it completely. He would often tell them of a voluntary deed which, by its doing, would benefit them in the Hereafter, of these deeds he recommended that they were done as often as his companions were able, for he disliked imposing hardship upon his followers.
THE DAILY LIFE OF THE PROPHET (sa)
The Prophet (sa) would neither turn away nor look down upon anyone, no matter whether they happened to be a believer or an unbeliever, rich or poor. His patience and genuine care were unparalleled, and no one, except the most hard−hearted, ever left his company except with a gladdened heart.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SA) PRACTICED WHAT HE PREACHED
Prophet Muhammad (sa) led an exemplary life. He practiced what he preached, and Allah honors him and bears witness in the Holy Al-Quran saying: “Surely, you (Prophet Muhammad) are of a great morality.” 68:4
He taught his followers to care for one another and not to ignore a fellow Muslim when they greeted with peace, but to respond with a greeting like it or one better. Under his guidance, the elderly were now respected and looked after with kindness. He encouraged the visitation of the sick, and protecting one’s neighbors no matter whether they were believers or not. He encouraged truthfulness, forbearance, and suppression of anger saying that anger was from the heat of Hell, and promoted tolerance and forgiveness. Amongst the many other noble qualities was that when a fellow Muslim passed away one should walk in the funeral procession and pray for the deceased. He warned his followers not to pass slanderous remarks, to lie, to be greed, miserly, rude, arrogant and conceited. He warned of obscene language, envy, injustice and amongst other harmful, destructive characteristics, oppression. One day Saad, Hisham’s son asked Lady Ayesha about the Prophet’s character. She asked Saad if he recited the Al-Quran, whereupon he replied that he did. Then she told him, “The moral nature of the Messenger of Allah (sa) was that of the Al-Quran.” Amongst his practice and characteristics mentioned in the Al-Quran are:
“Allah orders justice, and good deeds, and giving to one’s kindred. He forbids indecency, dishonor and insolence. He admonishes you in order that you take heed.” 16:90
“Surely, he who bears patiently and forgives, indeed that is true constancy.” 42:43 “… Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not yearn that Allah forgives you?” 24:22 “Repel with that which is most just, and see, the one whom there is enmity between you will be as if he were a loyal guide.” 41:34
“who spend in prosperity and in adversity, for those who curb their anger and those who forgive people. And Allah loves the charitable.” 3:134
“Believers, abstain from most suspicion, some suspicion is a sin. Neither spy nor backbite one another.” 49:12
JUSTICE PREVAILS
Whenever disputes arose between Muslims and other citizens of Medina, he would arbitrate fairly between the parties and as one might expect, justice always prevailed regardless of belief. In his personal life he treated his wives with equal fairness. He had no room of his own and devised a rota whereby he would stay one day with one wife, the next with another and so on. Even though he was the greatest prophet (sa), he did not consider it beneath himself to help with the daily household chores and would often be found modestly helping around the house and when the need arose mending his clothes.
THE PROPHET’S LOVE OF LITTLE CHILDREN
He loved being in the company of little children and always had time to spare for them. He would listen to them and talk gently to them, and there was nothing the little ones loved more than when he kissed them or they held his hand as they walked with him. O mummy dear, O mummy dear, why do trees bow in the wind? My darling child, my darling child, they bow in obedience to Him. O mummy dear, O mummy dear, how many leaves grow upon trees? My darling child, my darling child, Allah alone knows the number of these. O mummy dear, O mummy dear, who should I love best? My darling child, my darling child, It’s Allah and His Prophet, the kind, the blessed!
AL HASAN AND AL HUSSAIN
It was always a great delight when Lady Fatima brought her two very young sons, Hasan and Hussain, to visit −− they were very dear to him and he would play with them and refer to them as "his sons". Little Hasan and Hussain loved to accompany their beloved grandfather to the Mosque and would pray as best they could alongside him. However, one day as the Prophet (sa) prostrated in his prayer, one of his young grandsons climbed upon his back and sat there for quite a while. The Prophet (sa) showed no sign of irritation and waited patiently for his grandson to climb down and then continued with his prayer. The companions who were praying behind the Prophet (sa) were also prostrate and did not know the cause of its prolongation and wondered whether perhaps a new command had been sent down to extend it. After the conclusion of the prayer they inquired about the length of the prostration whereupon the Prophet (sa) smiled and told them what had happened. Through the blessing of Allah, and the example of His last Prophet (sa), there was harmony among the believers and no human being became dearer to them than their beloved Prophet (sa). In the years that followed, the Prophet (sa) told his companions that when they were asked to lead the congregational prayer on Friday, they should make the sermon brief out of consideration for the young and those in the congregation who were sick.
PROMOTION OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
He also spoke to his companions on matters of personal hygiene and advised them to brush their teeth with the splayed end of a twig called a "Mishwak", and informed them that their stomach should be filled with a third of food, another third with liquid and the remaining third with air.
ANXIOUSNESS FOR HIS COMPANY
Many were the occasions that Prophet Muhammad (sa) invited his companions to share a meal with him. However, in their anxiousness for his company and to learn more from him, some had taken to arriving before the meal and then lingering after they had eaten, which was an intrusion on the Prophet's time. Then Allah sent down the verse:
"Believers, do not enter the houses of the Prophet for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless you are given permission. But if you are invited, enter, and when you have eaten, disperse, not desiring conversation, for that is hurtful to the Prophet and he would be shy before you; but of the truth Allah is not shy." Al-Quran 33:53
On other occasions, rather than disturbing the Prophet (sa), some of his companions had taken to asking his wives to relay their matters to him, this they did from behind a curtain as Allah had sent down the instruction:
" ... And when you ask his wives for any thing, speak to them from behind a curtain, this is cleaner for your hearts and theirs." Al-Quran 33:53
Allah also informed the companions that they were not permitted to marry his wives after the death of the Prophet (sa) saying:
" ... nor shall you ever wed his wives after him, surely, this would be a monstrous thing with Allah." Al-Quran 33:53
THE BEDOUIN AND THE MIMOSA TREE
It is unclear on which journey this story occurred, but one day when the Prophet (sa) and some of his companions were traveling they reached a wadi where they met another Bedouin. The Prophet (sa) asked where he was going and the Bedouin replied that he was returning to his family. Then the Prophet (sa) asked, "Would you like something which is good?" "What is it?" inquired the Bedouin. "It is that you bear witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His worshiper and Messenger." The Bedouin asked, "Who will bear witness to what you say?" Whereupon the Prophet (sa) said: "That mimosa tree." Without hesitation the tree uprooted itself and came walking to the Prophet (sa). The Prophet (sa) asked the tree to bear witness to the truth whereupon it confirm the truthfulness of the matter three times then returned to its place.
THE SON OF ABU TALHA
Abu Talha's young son had been taken very ill and the family became very concerned about his condition. Much as he would have liked, Abu Talha was unable to stay by his son’s side all the time and had left the house to attend to a certain matter, and it was during that time the angels took away the little one's soul. There was great sadness in the house and his mother, Umm Sulaim, asked the rest of her household not to speak of the matter to Abu Talha until she had done so. That evening when Abu Talha returned he asked his wife about his son whereupon she replied, "He is more settled than he was," and gave him his evening meal. After he had eaten they slept together then she broke the news to him gently saying, "Abu Talha, tell me, if someone lends something to another and afterwards asks for it back, would the borrower be right to withhold what was borrowed?" Abu Talha answered, "No," whereupon she softly said, "Then hope for your reward from Allah for that which has overtaken your son." Abu Talha became upset and exclaimed, "You kept me in ignorance about my son's condition until after we had been together!" The following morning Abu Talha went to the Messenger of Allah (sa) and told him what had happened, whereupon the Prophet (sa) asked, "Were you and your wife together last night?" and Abu Talha replied that they had been. The Prophet (sa) raised his hands in supplication saying, "O Allah, bless them both." Umm Sulaim had become pregnant on the night she lost her son and nine months later, as they were returning with the Prophet (sa) from a journey Umm Sulaim's contractions started. She knew it would not be long before her baby arrived so Abu Talha stayed with her whilst the Prophet (sa) continued on to Medina, which was but a few halts away. Abu Talha had always been anxious to accompany the Prophet (sa) no matter where he went so he supplicated to Allah saying, "O Lord, you know I am eager to go with the Prophet (sa) wherever he goes, and to be with him upon his return, now I am detained as You see.
No sooner had he supplicated than Umm Sulaim said, "Abu Talha, I no longer feel the pain, let us continued." So they continued and when they reached Medina she gave birth to a baby boy. Abu Talha took his infant son to the Prophet (sa) who named him Abdullah, then, he chewed upon a date and placed some in the baby's mouth and supplicated for blessings upon the baby. Abdullah was indeed a very blessed child, when he grew up he had nine sons and each one was able to recite the Al-Quran by heart.
THE DAUGHTER WHO WAS BURIED ALIVE
One day a Bedouin who had just embraced Islam went to the Prophet (sa) and with great shame told him that before he embraced Islam he had buried his five−year old daughter alive in a certain valley then taken her gold and silver. The Prophet (sa) asked the Bedouin to take him to the valley and so he took him there. Upon reaching the place where the little girl lay buried, the Prophet (sa) called her saying, "By the permission of Allah, live," whereupon she was restored to life and her head appeared above the ground. The Prophet (sa) told her that her parents had embraced Islam and if she wished she could be with them, but the little girl declined saying, "I have no need, Allah is kinder and more merciful than they."
THE BEDOUIN AND THE GAZELLE
Lady Umm Salamah related that one day when the Prophet (sa) was in the desert, and came across gazelle that had been caught by a Bedouin. When the gazelle saw the Prophet (sa) it cried out in human speech, "O Prophet of Allah (sa), a Bedouin has caught me and wants to kill me. I have young; please ask him to release me so that I may go and suckle them, and then return." The Prophet (sa) asked, "Will you return or not?" "Yes," replied the gazelle, "I will." So he released her and went to suckle her young, then, as promised, returned. The Bedouin asked what the Prophet (sa) wished him to do with her so he told him he would like him to release her, whereupon the gazelle was set free and as she ran off to her young she raised her voice and said, "I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and you are His Prophet."
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