Chapter 12: LOVE FOR NABI ⟦AR:a2396⟧

What we have read so far about the achievements of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ in their time was because of their love for Allah Ta’ala and His Nabi ﷺ . Love was a very important force in the lives of Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . It was this love that made them sacrifice their comfort, forget their lives, give up all their wishes and wealth, ignore all suffering and have no fear of death. Love is not a thing that can be expressed by words but rather it is a condition of the heart. Love is such a thing that once a heart is filled with it, it makes the mind unmindful of everything else except that of the beloved. Nothing else is of importance, neither honour nor disgrace. May Allah Ta’ala through His Grace give us His own love and that of his Nabi ﷺ , so that we may be blessed with being devoted to his ibaadat and find comfort in all our difficulties faced in His service.

Those who accepted Islam in the beginning had to keep their Imaan a secret as far as possible. As the Muslims were always being treated badly by the Quraish, even Nabi ﷺ asked all the new Muslims to practice Islam secretly, so that they might not have to suffer at the hands of the Quraish. However, when the number of Muslims reached thirty-nine, Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ suggested the open preaching and practicing of Islam. Nabi ﷺ did not agree, but when Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ insisted, he gave him permission and so all of them went to the Haram Shareef to invite the people to Islam. Hadhat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ began to speak and the Khutbah (lecture) given by him was the first ever in the history of Islam. Hadhrat Hamzah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who was Nabi’s ﷺ uncle and the leader of the Shuhadaa (martyrs) accepted Islam on that very day, while Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ came into Islam on the third day after this lecture. As soon as Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ started speaking, the idol worshippers and disbelievers of the Quraish attacked the Muslims from all sides. Despite the fact that he was considered to be one of the noblest and most respectable of all the people in Makkah Mukarramah, Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was beaten so much that his nose, ears and his whole face were covered in blood. He was kicked, thrashed with shoes, trampled and handled very roughly and brutally. He fell down unconscious and looked half dead. No one believed that he would ever survive this brutal attack. Banu Teem, the people of his family, came and carried him to his house. They also announced in the Haram that if Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضِاللهُ عَنا passed away because of his injuries, they would kill Utbah bin Rabee’ah in revenge, who had assaulted Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ the most. Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ remained unconscious for the whole day. People around him shouted his name again and again to know if he was in his senses, but he would not speak. However, late in the evening he opened his eyes and showed signs of consciousness. As soon as he was able to speak, he asked: “How is Nabi ?” The people were most disappointed with him and they said:

“How is it that, despite all this hardship and after remaining close to death all day long because of Nabi ﷺ , he has nothing else to talk about but asking about Nabi ﷺ himself, as soon as he becomes conscious again.” Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , love for Nabi ﷺ left them disappointed, but they were satisfied that he was out of danger. They advised his mother Ummu Khair to give him something to eat. However, not worried about his food, Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ would again and again and impatiently ask his mother the same question i.e. “How is Nabi ﷺ ?”

Because she did not know about the condition of Nabi ﷺ , Hadhrat Abu Bakr ﷺ begged her to go to Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا (Umar’s sister) and find out from her the latest news about Nabi ﷺ . The mother could not refuse her son in this sorry condition and hurried to Ummu Jamil’s house to ask about the condition of Nabi Muhammad ﷺ . Like other Muslims of that time, Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا was also keeping her Imaan a secret. She, therefore, acted as if she did not know about Nabi ﷺ saying: “Who is Muhammad and who is Abu Bakr? I am sorry to learn about the condition of your son. If you like, I can go with you to see him.” Ummu Khair agreed and they both came to Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . On seeing Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in that miserable condition,

Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ could not contain herself and began to cry uncontrollably, saying: “Destruction to the ruffians for what they have done to a man like Abu Bakr رض الله عَه . May Allah Ta’ala punish them for what they have done!” Regardless of what Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا said, Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had the same words on his; lips: “How is Nabi ﷺ ?”

Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا (pointing towards Ummu Khair) asked: “Is it safe to say anything in front of her?” Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “Do not worry about her.” Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا answered: “He is quite well.” And she gave futher reassurance. Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ asked: “Where is he at this moment?” Ummu Jamil رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا replied: “He is at Arqam’s place.” Abu Bakr رضِواللّهُ عَنهُ took an oath: “By Allah! I will not eat or drink anything until I see him.” His mother was very eager to feed him. She knew that when he had sworn by Allah, he would not break his oath; therefore, he would not eat under any circumstances. She, therefore, agreed to take him to Arqam’s place. She had to wait till the later part of the night, when the streets were quiet and she was able to take him without being seen by the Quraish. When they both reached Arqam’s place, Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ saw Nabi ﷺ and held onto him weeping profusely. Nabi ﷺ also held him close and cried, and all the Muslims who were present there also began to weep over the condition of Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ .

Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ then introduced his mother Ummu Khair to Nabi ﷺ , saying: “She is my mother, O, Nabi of Allah! Make dua for her and encourage her to accept Islam.” Nabi ﷺ first made dua for her and then invited her towards Islam. She accepted Islam there and then.

Note: Many people can claim to be lovers while they are in ease and comfort, but a true lover is he who is able to prove his love even in difficulty and hardship.

Everyone knows of the bravery, courage and strength of Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . Even after 1400 years, hearts shiver with fear and respect when his name is mentioned. A person could not announce that he was a Muslim, nor could he preach Islam openly before ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ accepted Islam. As soon as he accepted Islam, the Muslims started performing Salaah in the Haram, as no one could dare harm them with ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ on their side. Despite all this, he could not bear the shock of the passing away of Nabi ﷺ . He stood with a sword in his hand, very confused and dazed saying: “I shall cut off the head of the person who says that Nabi ﷺ has passed away. Nabi ﷺ has only gone to visit Allah Ta’ala, just as Hadhrat Musaعَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ had gone to Mount Toor. He will shortly return and cut off the hands and feet of those who were spreading the false news of his death.”

On the other hand, Hadhrat ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was stunned with grief on this occasion. He could not speak a single word, even till the next day and walked about without speaking. Hadhrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ too, was in terrible grief. He sat still and didn’t move. Only Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , with all his love for Nabi ﷺ as we have seen in the last story stood, firm as a rock and did not lose himself in this atmosphere of grief. He calmly entered Nabi’s ﷺ house, kissed his forehead and came back to the people. He asked Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to sit down, and began to speak to the people. He began his lecture as follows: “Whoever worshipped Muhammad ﷺ , let him know that Muhammad ﷺ is no more and whoever worshipped Allah Ta’ala then he should know that Allah Ta’ala is ever-living and forever.” He then read the following Aayat of the Qur-aan:

Translation: “Muhammad ﷺ is a messenger. Indeed many messengers have passed before him. If He passes away or is martyred, would you (Muslims) then turn on your heels? He who turns back on his heels can never harm Allah Ta’ala in the least. Allah Ta’ala shall soon reward those who are grateful.” (Surah Aale I’mraan – Aayah 144)

Since Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was destined to be the Khalifah after Nabi ﷺ , it was important that, unlike other Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , he behaved with the calmness and patience that was needed on an occasion like this. Again, it was Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ alone who knew better than anybody else about the laws regarding the burial, inheritance, etc, of Nabi ﷺ . When there was a difference of opinion amongst Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ whether Nabi ﷺ should be buried in Makkah Mukarramah or Madinah Munawwarah or Jerusalem, it was Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who explained that Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِم السَّلَامُ are buried where they had passed away. There were many other Ahaadith known only to Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that helped solve many of the other problems on the demise of Nabi ﷺ .Some of these Ahaadith were:

In the battle of Uhud, the Muslims suffered heavy losses and quite a large number of them were killed. When the shocking news of their heavy losses reached Madinah Munawwarah, the women came out of their houses to know who had been killed. On seeing a crowd of people at a place, a woman of the Ansaar asked: “How is Nabi ﷺ ?” When she was told that her father was killed in the battle, she said ‘Inna Lillahi wainna ilayhi rajioon’ and impatiently asked the same question about Nabi ﷺ , This time she was told that her husband had been killed, her brother was dead and that her son too had passed away. With even more worry, she repeated the same question about Nabi ﷺ . She was told that he was safe and sound, but she could not be at rest and insisted on seeing Nabi ﷺ herself. When at last she had seen him, she said: “O Nabi of Allah, every difficulty is easy and every worry removed after seeing you.” She then held onto Nabi’s ﷺ robes and said: “O Nabi of Allah! You are dearer to me than my parents. The death of my family has lost its pain for me when I have seen you living.”

Note: There are several incidents of this kind that occurred after the battle of Uhud. It is, perhaps, for the large number of such incidents that different names have been reported by different narrators about these women. In fact, such incidents happened in large numbers with many women of that time.

The campaign of Hudaybiyyah took place in the year 6 A.H., when Nabi ﷺ with a large number of Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ were going to Makkah Mukarramah to perform ‘Umrah. The Quraish came to know of this and decided to stop them from entering Makkah Mukarramah. They also decided to invite the neighbouring tribes of Makkah Mukarramah for help and made full preparations for battle. When Nabi ﷺ reached Zul Hulayfah, he sent a man to find out about the Quraish. When Nabi ﷺ reached Asfaan, the person returned from Makkah Mukarramah with the news that the Quraish were fully armed and ready to stop Nabi ﷺ entering Makkah Mukarramah and that the neighbouring tribes were also with them. At this, Nabi ﷺ made mashwara (consulted) with the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ about the situation. One idea was to attack the houses of the tribes who had sent their men to help the Quraish so that they might leave the Quraish in order to protect their own homes and another idea was to march straight towards Makkah Mukarramah. Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: “O Nabi of Allah! You have come to perform ‘Umrah. There is no intention of fighting with the Quraish. Let us go ahead. If they stop us we shall fight, otherwise not.” Nabi ﷺ agreed to the suggestion of Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and decided to march ahead towards Makkah Mukarramah. When he reached Hudaybiyyah, Budail bin Waraqa Al-Khuzaa'ee met him with a group of people. He said: “Under no circumstances will the Quraish allow you to enter Makkah Mukarramah. They are ready for battle.” Nabi ﷺ replied: “We have come to perform ‘Umrah only, and have no intention to fight. Many battles have already caused heavy losses for the Quraish. Therefore, if they agree, I am prepared to talk about a peace agreement with them, that they stop their opposition towards me and I too would not fight them. However, if the Quraish do not accept this suggestion, then by Him who holds my life in His hand, I will fight them till at last either Islam succeeds or I am made shaheed.” Budail returned to the Quraish and explained to them what Nabi ﷺ had told him. They did not agree to the peace agreement of Nabi ﷺ . However, discussions between the two sides continued, and at one time Urwah bin Mas’ood Saqafi was sent by the Quraish for discussions. Urwah had not until then accepted Islam. He accepted Islam later. Nabi ﷺ talked to him in the same way as he had talked to Budail. ‘Urwah said: “O Muhammad (ﷺ ), If you want to kill all the Arabs you cannot possibly do so, as none before you has ever finished off all the Arabs. On the other hand if the Arabs are victorious over you, then these people around you will disappear in no time, leaving you all alone, for I don’t find any people of high birth among them. In fact they are all from a low class, coming from all corners and will desert you in times of trouble.” Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , who was standing close by, was very angry at this, and angrily told ‘Urwah: “Go and please your goddess Laat! We will never run away and leave Nabi ﷺ by himself.” ‘Urwah asked: “Who is he?” Nabi ﷺ replied: “He is Abu Bakr.” ‘Urwah then said: “Abu Bakr! I am thankful to you for a favour you have done to me in the past. If it was not for this, I would have replied to your vulgarity.” ‘Urwah then continued his discussion with Nabi ﷺ . According to the Arab custom, ‘Urwah occasionally touched the beard of Nabi ﷺ as he talked to assist in persuading. The Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ could not bear this. ‘Urwah’s own nephew, Mughirah bin Shu’bah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , was standing nearby armed with his face concealed by a helmet. He struck Urwah’s hand with the handle of his sword and said: “Keep your hand away.” ‘Urwah asked: “Who is he?”

Nabi ﷺ replied: “He is Mughirah.” ‘Urwah responded: “Oh! You traitor! How dare you hurt your uncle, who is still suffering because of your crimes?” (Before Islam, Mughirah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had killed a few people. Urwah paid the blood money for him, and was referring to this). During his long talk with Nabi ﷺ , ‘Urwah had been quietly watching the behaviour of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ towards Nabi ﷺ . When he returned to the Quraish he told them: “O, Quraish! I have been sent to many great kings as an envoy. I have seen the courts of Caesar, Chosroes and Negus. By Allah! Nowhere have I seen the people around a king so respectful to him as I found the friends of Muhammad ﷺ . When Muhammad ﷺ spits, they rush to receive the saliva in their hands before it touches the ground and wipe their faces with it. When he gives a command, all of them run to carry out his wish. When he makes wudhu, they fight with one another to collect some of the used water before it falls to the ground. If anyone fails to get that water, he touches the wet hands of the person who had got it and then rubs his hands on his own face. When they speak in his presence, they speak softly. They do not lift their eyes to look at his face, out of respect for him. A hair falling from his head or beard is kept safely to get blessings from it and is seen as very mubaarak. In short, I have never seen any group of people as loving and devoted to their master as I have seen the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ of Muhammad ﷺ towards him.” Finally, Hadhrat Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was chosen by Nabi ﷺ to go and negotiate with the Quraish, as he was still respected by them in spite of him accepting Islam and there wasn’t great fear for his safety in Makkah. When Hadhrat 'Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had left for Makkah Mukarramah, some of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ envied the opportunity given to Hadhrat ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , as they thought that he would be able to perform Tawaaf of the Ka’bah. Nabi ﷺ on the other hand said: “I do not think that Hadhrat ‘Usmaan ﷺ will ever like to do Tawaaf without me.” However, when Hadhrat ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ entered Makkah Mukarramah, Abaan Bin Sa’eed took the responsibility for his protection and told him: “You can move around freely. Nobody can touch you.”

Hadhrat ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ continued the negotiations with Abu Sufyaan and the other chiefs of Makkah Mukarramah on behalf of Nabi ﷺ and when he was about to return, the Quraish themselves told him: “While you are here at Makkah Mukarramah, you can perform Tawaaf before you return.” He replied: “How can it be possible for me when Nabi ﷺ has been stopped by you people from entering Makkah Mukarramah.” This reply was not liked by the Quraish and they decided to detain Hadhrat ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in Makkah Mukarramah. A rumour reached the Muslims that Hadhrat 'Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had been killed. On receiving this news, Nabi ﷺ took an oath from all the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ to fight to the last drop of their blood. When the Quraish learnt of this, they got frightened and immediately freed‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ .

Note: In this story, Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ scolding ‘Urwah, Mughirah’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ striking his uncle, the Sahaabah’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ behaviour towards Nabi ﷺ , as ‘Urwah had seen and ‘Usmaan’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ refusing to do Tawaaf without Nabi ﷺ , all show clearly the intense love of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ for Nabi ﷺ . The oath of allegiance mentioned in this story is known as Bay’atush Shajarah (The oath under the tree) and is mentioned in the Qur-aan (Surah Fath -Aayah 18). This ayah will be referred to later.

Translation: Once Nabi ﷺ had some blood removed by cupping and the blood was given to Abdullah bin Zubair رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to be buried somewhere. He returned and informed Nabi ﷺ that the blood had been taken care of. Nabi ﷺ asked him: “What did you do with it?” Ibn-Zubair رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “I have swallowed it.” Nabi ﷺ said: “The person who has my blood in his body, cannot be touched by the fire of Jahannam. However, you will kill people and people will kill you,” (referring to something that will take place later in his life).

Note: Everything coming out of Nabi’s ﷺ body is clean. Therefore, no doubt remains in understanding Ibn Zubair’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا action. However, the last words of Nabi ﷺ refer to the battles for power which Ibn Zubair رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا had to fight with Yazid and Abdul Maalik. In the latter part of his life, Ibn Zubair رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا was killed in one of these battles. Even at the time of Ibn Zubair’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا birth, Nabi ﷺ had mentioned that he was a sheep among the cloaked wolves.

At one time, during the battle of Uhud, Nabi ﷺ was fiercely attacked by the enemy and two pieces of the helmet worn by him were stuck deep into his head (or face). Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hadhrat Abu ‘Ubaidah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ ran to help him. Abu ‘Ubaidah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ started pulling out the pieces with his teeth. By the time one piece was out, he had lost one of his teeth. Without caring about his lost tooth, he again used his teeth to pull out the other piece as well. He managed to take out that one too, but lost another tooth in the effort. When all the pieces were pulled out, blood began to flow out from Nabi’s ﷺ body. Maalik bin Sinaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , the father of Abu Sa’eed Khudri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , licked the blood with his lips. At this, Nabi ﷺ said: “The fire of Jahannam cannot touch the person who has my blood mixed with his.”

Before Islam, Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was once travelling in a caravan with his mother who was going to her father’s town, when the caravan was attacked by the Qais tribe. They took Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ as a slave and sold him in Makkah Mukarramah. Hakeem bin Hizaam bought him for his aunt Khadijah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا , who offered him as a present to Nabi ﷺ when she married him.

Zaid’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ father was in great grief at the loss of his son as it ought to have been. He roamed about in search of him, crying for Zaid in the following heart-breaking poem:

“I weep in memory of Zaid, whilst I do not know whether he is alive (to be hoped for) or finished by death. O! Zaid, By Allah, I have no knowledge, whether you are killed on soft soil or on a rock. Ah, I wish I knew whether you would ever come back to me, for that is the only desire I am living for. I remember Zaid when the sun rises in the East. I remember him when the rain falls from the clouds. The blowing wind makes stronger the fire of his memory. Alas, my grief and suffering are very long. I shall run my swift camels in search of him. I shall search for him throughout the world. The camels may get tired, but I shall not rest, till I die, for death is the end of every hope. I shall still command my sons and such and such people, to keep searching for Zaid even after my death.”

Some people of his family once met Zaid رَضى اللهُ عَنهُ during their journey to Makkah Mukarramah. They told him the story of his father’s grief and pain and read to him the couplets which he sang in his memory. Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ sent a letter to his father with these people. The letter had three couplets addressed to his father telling him that he was in Makkah, quite well and that they should not worry because he was with very noble people. When the people went back, they informed his father of his location and delivered Zaid’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ message to him. After receiving the letter, his father and his uncle left for Makkah Mukarramah with enough money to buy Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . When they came to Nabi ﷺ they said: “O, son of Haashim and the chief of Quraish. You are living in the Haram and you are the neighbour of Allah Ta’ala. You are known for freeing the prisoners and feeding the hungry. We have come to you asking for our son. Accept the ransom money for Zaid and set him free. We are willing to pay even more than the ransom money. Please, show mercy and be kind to us.” Nabi ﷺ asked: “What do you wish to do with Zaid?” Zaid's father replied: “We want to take him back home with us.”

“Is that all?” asked Nabi ﷺ . “All right, then call Zaid and ask him. If he wishes to go with you, I shall let him go without taking any money, but I shall not send him if he doesn’t want to go.” Zaid’s father replied: “You have shown us more favour than we deserve. We most gladly agree to what you say.” Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was sent for. When he came, Nabi ﷺ asked Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ : “Do you know these men?”

Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “Yes, I know them. This is my father and that is my uncle.” Nabi ﷺ then said: “And you know me too. They have come to take you back to your home. You have my full permission to go with them. If on the other hand, you choose to stay on with me, you may do so.” Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “How can I prefer anybody else over you? You are everybody for me, including my father and my uncle.” Zaid’s father and uncle were surprised and said: “O, Zaid! Do you prefer to be a slave? How can you leave your own father, uncle and other members of your family, and remain a slave?” Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “I have seen something in my master that makes me choose him over everybody else in the world.” Nabi ﷺ then took Zaid ﷺ in his lap and said: “From today, I adopt Zaid as my son.” The father and uncle were quite satisfied with the situation and gladly left Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ with Nabi ﷺ and returned without him. Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was only a child at that time. His choosing to remain a slave and refusing to go with his own father, giving up his home and family, shows his great love for Nabi ﷺ .

When the Muslims were losing in Uhud, somebody spread the rumour that Nabi ﷺ had been killed. You can imagine the Sahaabah’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ grief and sadness over this terrible news. Quite naturally, this caused most of them to lose heart.

Anas bin Nadhr رَضَ اللّٰهُ عَنْه saw Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hadhrat Talhah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ with a group of Muhaajireen and Ansaar in a state of total panic. He told them: “Why am I seeing you all so confused?” They replied: “Nabi ﷺ is killed!” Anas ﷺ said: “Then who will like to live after him? Come, let us go forward with our swords and join our dear Nabi ﷺ .” After saying these words, he attacked the enemy and fought till he was killed.

Note: In fact, Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ had such an extreme love for Nabi ﷺ that he did not consider this life worth living without seeing and being in the company of Nabi ﷺ .

During the battle of Uhud, Nabi ﷺ asked: “What about Sa’ad bin Rabee’? I don't know how things have gone with him.” One of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ was sent to search for him. He went to the spot where the bodies of the dead lay in heaps. He shouted Sa’ad’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ name to know if he was alive. At one place, while he was announcing that he was sent by Nabi ﷺ to find out about Sa’ad bin Rabee’ , he heard a weak voice coming from one side. He turned in that direction and found that Sa’ad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was lying amongst those who were killed and was about to breathe his last. Sa’ad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was heard saying: “Give my Salaams to Nabi ﷺ with my message, ‘O Nabi of Allah! May Allah Ta’ala give you on my behalf a reward higher and more handsome than the one Allah Ta’ala has ever given to a Nabi on behalf of any of his followers and tell my Muslim brothers, ‘Nothing will save them from blame on the Day of Qiyaamah, if the enemy reaches Nabi ﷺ before all of you have been killed.’” With these words, Sa’ad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ breathed his last and passed away.

اللّهُ عَنَّا افْضَلَ مَا جَزُى صَحَابِيًّا عَزْ فَجَزَاهُ اللهُ عَنَّا افْضَلَ مَا جَزْى صَحَابِيًّا عَنْ أَمَّةٍ نَبِيِّهِ

“May Allah Ta’ala give you on my behalf a reward higher and more handsome than the one Allah Ta’ala has ever given a Nabi on behalf of any of his followers,”

As a matter of fact, the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ have clearly shown their love for Nabi ﷺ . While they suffered wound after wound and were on their last breath, they had no complaint, no worry nor any wish on their lips and could not think of anything else except the safety of Nabi ﷺ . How I wish that a sinner like me be blessed with an atom of the love that the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ had for Nabi ﷺ .

A woman came to Hadhrat Aa’ishah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا and said: “Take me to the grave of Nabi ﷺ , so that I may be fortunate to look at it.” Hadhrat Aa’ishah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا opened the room in which was the grave of Nabi ﷺ and let her go inside. The woman after seeing the grave started crying in love and memory of Nabi ﷺ . In fact she wept so bitterly and continuously that she fainted and passed away there and then (May Allah bless her). The blessed lady remembered the happy days when Nabi ﷺ was alive, and the pain of separation caused her to pass away.

Note: Can the records of history show another example of such love, that the lover is giving up his life at the grave of the beloved?

Somebody asked Hadhrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ : “How much was the Sahaabah’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ love for Nabi ﷺ .”

He replied: “By Allah! To us Nabi ﷺ was dearer than our money, our children and our mothers, and was more valuable than a drink of cold water at the time of severest thirst.”

Note: There is no doubt in Hadhrat Ali’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ words. As a matter of fact, the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ reached this state because of the perfection of their Imaan. It had to be so because Allah Ta’ala has written in the Qur-aan-e-Kareem;

Translation: “Say! If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your families, your wealth that you have earned, your businesses in which you fear a loss, and your houses that you love so dearly are more beloved to you than Allah, His messenger and striving in His path, then wait till Allah brings His command (punishment). Allah Ta’ala does not guide the sinful ones.” (Surah Taubah – Aayah 24)

This Aayat warns against anything else becoming more attractive than the love of Allah Ta’ala and His Nabi ﷺ . Hadhrat Anas ﷺ and Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reported that Nabi ﷺ once said: “None of you can be a believer until his love for me is more than his love for his parents, children and all the people of the world.” Ulama say that the love mentioned in this Hadith refers to the love which is developed in the heart and not the natural love. If, however, it is taken to mean the natural and instinctive love, then the word Mo’min will mean the imaan of the highest degree, for instance that of Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ .

Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says that he heard Nabi ﷺ saying, “There are three things which, when found in a person, will cause him to taste the sweetness of real Imaan. These are:

Ta’ala, and

STORY 1 - THE LOVE OF HADHRAT ‘UMAR رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ FOR NABI ﷺ

Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ once told Nabi ﷺ : “O Nabi of Allah, you are dearer to me than anybody else in the world except my own self.” Nabi ﷺ replied: “Nobody can be a perfect believer until I am dearer to him than even his own self.” Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ then said: “Now you are dearer to me than even my own self.” Nabi ﷺ replied: “Now, O ‘Umar.” The ‘Ulama have given two meanings to the last words of Nabi ﷺ namely:

Sahal Tastari رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says: “No one can have enjoyment of the Sunnah until he takes Nabi ﷺ as his Master and considers himself as Nabi’s ﷺ slave.”

STORY 2 - ON THE DAY OF QIYAAMAH YOU WILL BE WITH WHOM YOU LOVE

A person once came to Nabi ﷺ and asked: “When shall be the Day of Qiyaamah? O, Nabi of Allah!” Nabi ﷺ asked him: “What preparations have you made for that Day, that you are awaiting it?”

The person replied: “O, Nabi of Allah! I do not have much Salaah, Fast and Sadaqah, but I do have the love of Allah Ta’ala and His Nabi ﷺ in my heart.”

Nabi ﷺ said: “On the Day of Qiyaamah, you will surely be with those whom you love.” Nabi ﷺ has also said: “A person shall be resurrected with those that he loves.” This has also been mentioned by other Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , amongst whom are Abdullah bin Mas’ood, Abu Musa Ash'ari,

Safwan, Abu Zar , etc. Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: “Nothing made the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ happier than these words of Nabi ﷺ .” They had every reason to be happy because the love of Nabi ﷺ had gone deep into every part of their body.

STORY 3 - HADHRAT HAARISAH عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ OFFERS HIS HOUSE TO NABI

ﷺ FOR FAATIMAH رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا

In the beginning, Hadhrat Faatimah’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا house was a bit far from Nabi ﷺ . Nabi ﷺ once told her: “I wish that you were living near me.”Faatimah ﷺ replied: “Haarisah’s عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ house is close by. If you ask him to exchange his house with mine, he will very gladly do it.” Nabi ﷺ said: “He has already exchanged once when I asked him, I feel shy to ask him again.” However Haarisah عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ somehow came to know that Nabi ﷺ wanted Faatimah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا to live near him. He at once came to Nabi ﷺ and said: “O, Nabi of Allah! I have come to know that you wish Faatimah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا to live near you. Here are my houses for you to choose from. No other house is closer to yours than these. Faatimah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا can have her house exchanged with any of these. O, Nabi of Allah. By the name of Allah, what you accept from me is dearer to me than what you leave for me.” Nabi ﷺ accepted the offer, saying: “I know that you are quite sincere in what you say,” and made dua for him.

STORY 4 - COMPANY OF NABI ﷺ AFTER DEATH

A person came to Nabi ﷺ and said: “O Nabi of Allah! You are dearer to me than my life, my wealth and my family. When I am at home and think of you, I become restless till I come and see you. O, Nabi of Allah, death is sure to come to both of us. After death, you will be in the high position of the Ambiyaa و عَلَيْهم السَّلَامُ , while I shall be somewhere else and perhaps I may not be able to see you. I am very worried and troubled when I think of this separation from you.” Nabi ﷺ remained quiet and he did not know what to say; Then Jibraa-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ came with this Aayat:

Translation: “Those who obey Allah Ta’ala and the Rasool, (in the Aakhirah) they will be with those upon whom Allah Ta’ala has shown favours from the Ambiyaa, the Siddeeqeen, the Shuhadaa (martyrs) and the Right-eous ones. These are really the best of companions. This is a favour from Allah Ta’ala, and Allah Ta’ala is sufficient as the knower.” (Surah Nisaa’ – Aayaat 69-70)

These type of stories happened quite often with the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . Such fear, in the hearts of lovers, is quite normal.

Poetic Translation: Intense love brings forth thoughts of thousands of suspicions Nabi ﷺ read these Aayaat to remove their fears. A person once came to Nabi ﷺ and said: “O Nabi of Allah, my love for you is such that when I think of you, I cannot rest till I run to see you, for I am sure I would die if I did not see you. Now I am very worried when I think that, even if I am able to enter Jannah, it will be very difficult for me to see you, for you will be in a position which will be far above me. I will have great difficulty not being able to see you.” Nabi ﷺ comforted him by reading the above Aayaat. In another Hadith, it is mentioned that a person from the Ansaar came to Nabi ﷺ looking very worried. He asked: “What makes you look so sad?” The person replied: “O, Nabi of Allah! I am concerned about something.” Nabi ﷺ asked: “What is it?” The person replied: “O, Nabi of Allah! We come to you every morning and evening. We are blessed with seeing you and are delighted to be in your presence. But one day, we will be separated from you, as you will be in the Jannah of the Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِم السَّلَامُ which we cannot reach.” Nabi ﷺ kept silent, but when the above Aayaat were revealed, he sent for that person and gave him the good news contained in these Aayaat. According to another Hadith, many Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ had these fears until Nabi ﷺ read these Aayaat to them, and they were satisfied. The Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ once asked Nabi ﷺ : “Ambiyaa ﷺ will surely be in a much higher position than their followers. How will their followers be able to see them?” Nabi ﷺ replied: “Those in higher positions will come down to their friends in lower positions to sit with them and talk to them.”

STORY 5 - FOLLOWERS COMING AFTER NABI ﷺ WISH TO SEE HIM

Nabi ﷺ once said: “Some of my followers coming after me will love me very much. They will wish that they could see me, even if they had to spend their wealth, leave their families and give away all their possessions for it.” Khaalid’s رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ daughter, Abdah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا says: “My father, while in bed, would talk about and remember Nabi ﷺ with love and eagerness. He would also remember each and every Muhaajir and Ansaari (by name) and would say, ‘Some of them are my elders and others are my juniors. My heart is eager to meet them all. O, Allah! Call me back soon, so that I may be able to meet all of them.’ He would keep on doing this until he would fall asleep.”

STORY 6 - ABU BAKR رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ WISHES FOR THE UNCLE OF NABI ﷺ TO Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ once told Nabi ﷺ : “My desire is greater for your uncle Abu Taalib to accept Islam than for my own father, as I know that it would please you more.” Similarly, Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ once told ‘Abbaas رَضَ اللهُ نْهُ , the uncle of Nabi ﷺ : “I was more pleased at your accepting Islam than that of my father, because your Islam made Nabi ﷺ happier.”

STORY 7 - AN OLD LADY SINGING POEMS IN LOVE OF NABI ﷺ

One night, while Hadhrat 'Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was on his security patrol, he saw a light and heard a sound coming from a house. He heard the voice of an old lady who was spinning wool and singing a few couplets with the following meaning: “May Allah Ta’ala accept the duas of the pious and the chosen ones who are seeking blessings for Muhammad ﷺ .”

“O, Allah's Nabi! You worshipped each night and you wept before dawn each day.”

“I wish to know if I could be together with my beloved [Nabi ﷺ ].”

“For death comes in different ways and I do not know how I shall die.”

“And whether I’ll have the opportunity of meeting You or not.”

Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ on hearing these couplets also sat down weeping in love and memory of Nabi ﷺ .

STORY 8 - HADHRAT BILAL رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ WISHES TO MEET NABI ﷺ

The story of Hadhrat Bilal رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ is known to all. At the time of his death, his wife sat by his side crying in grief: “O, dear! Alas!” He replied angrily; “Subhaanallah! What a lovely thing it is to die and be able to meet Nabi Muhammad ﷺ and his Sahaabah رَضَ اللهُ عَنْ .”

STORY 9 - ZAID’S رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ LOVE FOR NABI ﷺ

We have already read the story of Hadhrat Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in Chapter five. When he was about to be killed, Abu Sufyaan told him: “How would you like it if Muhammad ﷺ is killed in your place, and you be set free to enjoy life with your family.” Zaid رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied: “By Allah, I cannot sit happily with my family while even a thorn is pricking Nabi ﷺ .” Abu Sufyaan then said: “There is no example anywhere in the world for the love which the friends of Muhammad ﷺ have for him.” Important Note: The Ulama have given different signs of what is true love. Qaadhi Iyaadh writes: “A lover prefers his beloved above all other things and persons. If this is not the case, then it is merely a claim of love, but not true love. Therefore, it is necessary for those who claim to love Nabi ﷺ that they follow him in his words and actions, carry out his orders, give up everything that he has disliked and follow his way of life, the Sunnah, in good and bad times.” Allah Ta’ala has said in the Qur-aan-e-kareem:

Translation: “Say (O, Muhammad ﷺ ), If you love Allah then follow me (Muhammad ﷺ ), Allah Ta’ala will then love you and forgive you your sins. Allah Ta’ala is most Forgiving, most Merciful.” (Surah Aale I’mraan - Aayah 31)

– OUR CONDUCT WITH THE SAHAABAH رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ

The stories given in the previous pages are examples for us. In fact a detailed account of the lives Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ cannot be covered even in big volumes. It is now quite a few months since I started writing this small book. My engagements in Madrasah and other matters needing immediate attention have already delayed this work. I, therefore, propose to finish the book at this stage, so that people may at least benefit from these pages. However, I have to write an important warning before I conclude. In this era of freedom, just as we are falling short in our duties we owe to Islam, so are we very seriously neglectful in our respect and admiration that we ought to show the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . Some neglectful people even say bad words against them. We must remember that the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ are those people who laid the foundations of Islam. They are the ones who propagated Islam to the rest of the world. We can never be grateful enough to them. May Allah Ta’ala shower His choicest blessings on them for their efforts in learning Islam from Nabi ﷺ and teaching it to those after them. In this regard, as a conclusion to this kitaab (book), I am reproducing below the translation of a chapter from “Shifa” by Qaadhi Iyaadh: “If we claim to admire and honour Nabi ﷺ , we must also respect his Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . As Muslims, it is necessary for us to understand their rights over us, to follow them, to praise them and to ask forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala for them. No doubt they had their differences, but we have no right to talk bad about them. We must beware and distance ourselves from the stories made up by the Shiah’s, innovators and even some biased historians, whose ulterior motive is to slander and cause harm to some of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ and insult others. We must never doubt the sincerity and honesty of Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . When we read or hear about something which appears to lower their position in our eyes, we must give a positive explanation on their behalf and attribute it to sincere motives, for they really deserve this. We should always speak of their good habits and stop our tongues from saying anything that would belittle them. Nabi ﷺ himself has said,

‘Don’t say anything about my Sahaabah رَضَ اللّهُ عَنْ تُمْ when they are mentioned with disrespect.’” There are many virtues of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ given in the Qur-aan and Hadith. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur-aan-e-Kareem:

Translation: “Muhammad ﷺ is a Rasool of Allah Ta’ala. And those with him (the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ ) are stern against the disbelievers, (yet) compassionate among themselves. You (O, Muhammad ﷺ ) will see them sometimes making ruku and sometimes falling in sajdah (in Salaah), (always) seeking the bounty of Allah Ta’ala and His pleasure. Their hallmark (sign by which they are recognised) is on their faces because of the effects of making sajdah. This is their description in the Torah. Their description in the Injeel is like that of a plant that sprouts out its shoot and makes it strong, after which it becomes thick and stands on its own stem, pleasing the farmer so that He may make the disbelievers angry with (the sight of) them. Allah Ta’ala has promised forgiveness and a great reward for those of them who have Imaan and do good deeds.” (Surah Fath – Aayah 29)

Translation: “Allah Ta’ala was very pleased with the believers (the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ ) when they pledged their allegiance to you (O Rasulullah ﷺ ) under the tree. Allah Ta’ala knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down peace/ tranquillity to them and rewarded them with a close victory, and abundant booty that they will take. Allah Ta’ala is ever Mighty, Wise.” (Surah Fath – Aayaat 18-19)

Translation: “From the believers there are men who are true to what they promise with Allah Ta’ala. Some of them have fulfilled their vow/ pledge (by being martyred in battle), and some of them are still waiting (to receive their martyrdom), and they have not changed in the least.” (Surah A’hzaab – Aayah 23).

Translation: “And Allah Ta’ala is pleased with the first to lead the way (in accepting Islam) from the Muhaajireen, the Ansaar, and those who followed them with sincerity and they are very pleased with Him. He has prepared for them such Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will live forever. That is the ultimate success.” (Surah Taubah – Aayah 100)

In the above Aayaat of the Qur-aan-e-Kareem, Allah Ta’ala has praised the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ and expressed His pleasure with them. Similarly in the books of Hadith, numerous virtues of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ are mentioned:

4. “Beware (of using your tongue) in insulting (saying bad things about) my Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . Do not make them the target of your insults. Who loves them, loves them for his love for me, and who hates them hates them for his hatred for me. Who causes hurt to them, has caused hurt to Me, and who causes hurt to Me, annoys Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala will very soon catch the person who annoys Him.”

5. “Do not insult my Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . If any of you (persons coming after Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ ) has spent gold (in Sadaqah) equal in weight to Mount Uhud, he cannot get a reward equal to what my Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ get while spending one or even half a mudd of grain only.” (A mudd is about 1kg.)

Allah Ta’ala, the Malaaikah and of all men put together. Neither his Fardh nor his Nafl is accepted by Allah Ta’ala.”

Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ above all His creation. He has again favoured four of my Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ over the rest of them. They are Abu Bakr رضى اللهُ عَنا , ‘Umar اللّهُ عَنْه , ‘Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ .”

8. “O, people! I am pleased with Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . You should realise his high position. I am also pleased with ‘Umar, Ali, ‘Usmaan, Talhah, Zubair, Sa’ad, Sa’eed, Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf and Abu Ubaidah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . You should realise their high position. O, people! Allah Ta’ala has announced the forgiveness of all those who took part in Badr and who took part at Hudaybiyyah. O, people! You should think of me when dealing with my Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , especially those who are my family by marriage. Beware of doing wrong to them, otherwise they may complain against you on the Day of Qiyaamah and you may not be forgiven.”

9. “Think of me when dealing with My Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ and My sons in law. The person who has regard for Me shall be in the protection of Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Qiyaamah. Allah Ta’ala is free of any responsibility to him who has no regard for Me. He may catch him at any time.”

رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ .”

Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , shall be able to reach me when I shall be at Kausar, while the person who has no regard for me in his dealing with them shall not be able to come to me. He may have a look at me from far.”

Ayyub Sakhtiyaani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says: “Whoever loves Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , strengthens his Imaan. Whoever loves ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , receives guidance on the right path. Whoever loves Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , is brightened with the light of Allah Ta’ala. Whoever loves Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , holds fast to the rope of Allah Ta’ala. Whoever honours the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , can never be a Munaafiq (hypocrite). Whoever insults them, he is surely an innovator, or a Munaafiq or one who is against the Sunnah. I am afraid that no good action of such a person will be accepted by Allah Ta’ala, until he cleans his heart of their hatred and begins to love all of them.” Sahl bin Abdullah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says: “He who does not honour the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , has actually not believed in Nabi ﷺ .”

May Allah Ta’ala, in his grace and kindness, save me, my friends, my supporters, my colleagues, my Mashaaikh, my pupils and all the Muslims from His anger and from His beloved Nabi’s ﷺ displeasure, and may He fill our hearts with the true love for the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . Aameen.

بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا ارْحَمَ الرَّاجِمِيْنَ وَأْخِرُ دَعْوَانَا انِ الْحَمْدُ لِلهِ رَبّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ وَالصَلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ الْاَتَمَانِ الْآَكْمَلَانِ عَلَى سَيِّدِ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى الِهِ وَٱصْحَابِهِ الطَّيِّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْنَ وَعَلَى انْبَاعِهِمْ حَمَلَةِ الدِيْنِ الْمَتِيْنِ قمّت by (Hadhrat Moulana) Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlavi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ 12 Shawwaal 1357 (HIJRI)