Teachings For the Muslims of Steadfastness to Suffering — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 1

Introduction

In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Teachings For the Muslims of Steadfastness to Suffering.

Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: VI-Commencement of Prophethood
Pages: Book pp. 201–205 (PDF pp. 225–229)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Anguish Inflicted Upon the Holy Prophet (sa)] | Next: [Migration to Abyssinia] »

Historical Account

Therefore, this was a very sensitive time for Islām and the Muslims. The Holy Prophetsa did not care for his own personal suffering, but was most definitely worried on account of the hardships of the Muslims, especially the weaker Muslims. But on the other hand, the Holy Prophetsa also knew well that nations are moulded by trials and tribulations. Therefore, from this vantage point, the Holy Prophetsa considered these hardships a means of training for the Muslims and would give his companions teachings of patience and forbearance. He would mention the hardships of the past Prophets and their followers, and would tell them that it had always been customary that the prophets of Allāh and their followers are given grief, but ultimately victory lies with the believers. As such, there is a narration that once, the Holy Prophetsa was reclining near the Ka‘bah, when Khabbāb bin Al-Arat and various other companions presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and said, “O Messenger of Allāh! The Muslims are receiving countless grievances from the Quraish, why does the Holy Prophetsa not pray against them?” Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa immediately sat up, his face turned red, and he said:

“Look here! There were a people before you, whose flesh was stripped of their bones, with iron prongs, but they did not waver in their faith. And such a people have passed, who were cut into two pieces by saws run upon their heads

but their steps faltered not. Look here, God shall indeed fulfill this mission, such as one shall travel on the back of a camel from Ṣan‘ā’ (in Syria) to Ḥaḍra Maut, and shall fear none save God. But you are being impatient.”

[Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābu Manāqibil-Anṣār, Bābu Mā Laqiyan-Nabiyyusa wa Aṣḥābahu minal-Mushrikīna bi-Makkah, Ḥadīth No. 3852]

At another instance Ḥaḍrat ‘Abdur-Raḥmān bin ‘Auf, along with a few other companions, presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and said:

“O Messenger of Allāh, when we were idolaters, we were revered and none dared lay a sight upon us. But after we have become Muslim, we have become weak and powerless and we must bear persecution at the hands of the Quraish in disgrace. O Messenger of Allāh! Permit us to fight these disbelievers.”

The Holy Prophetsa responded:

اْاِنِّیْ اُمِرْتُ بِالْعَفْوِ فَلَا تُقَاتِلُو

Meaning, “I have been ordered by Allāh to pardon. I cannot give you permission to fight.”

[Talkhīṣuṣ-Ṣiḥāḥ * Sunan Nasa’ī, Kitābul-Jihād, Bābu Wujūbil-Jihād, Ḥadīth 3086 (Publishers)]

The companions of the Holy Prophetsa were fully submissive before every word of the Holy Prophetsa. They exhibited a model of steadfastness and tolerance the likes of which history is unable to present.

VII

Days of Struggle

VII Days of Struggle

Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Section: VI-Commencement of Prophethood | Navigation: « Previous: [Anguish Inflicted Upon the Holy Prophet (sa)] | Next: [Migration to Abyssinia] »