The Reverence for the Prophets in Islam

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Allah’s Name to commence with, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Assalamu Alaikum & Welcome!! As the “Foundational Islamic Beliefs” Series is running in this article we are going to know the integral role of love and reverence for the Prophets in Islam (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), highlighting its precedence over worship, examples of devotion by companions, and its significance for believers.

Reverence for the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) is Integral to Faith

The reverence and esteem for the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) are not merely acts of devotion but foundational aspects of faith. This belief is derived from numerous incidents demonstrating that honoring the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) surpasses even obligatory acts of worship in importance.

For instance, during the return from the Battle of Khaybar, at the place of Sahba, after the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) prayed the Asr prayer, and He (Peace Be Upon Him) took a short nap by placing His blessed head on the thigh of Sayyiduna Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ). Though aware that the time for Asr was running out, Sayyiduna Ali refrained from disturbing the Prophet’s rest, allowing the sun to set.

When the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) awoke, He ordered the sun to return, and it did, enabling Sayyiduna Ali to perform his prayer.

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) was receiving revelation while his head was in the lap of Ali. Ali missed the Asr prayer until the sun had set. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him, ‘Did you pray, O Ali?’ He replied, ‘No.’ The Prophet then supplicated:

‘O Allah, he was in obedience to You and Your Messenger, so return the sun for him.’

Asma said: I saw it (the sun) set and then rise again after it had set, shining over the mountains and the earth. This occurred at al-Sahba’ in Khaybar.”

Allah commands:

“Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 238).

In Tafsir al-Tabari, under the explanation of this verse, volume 2, page 569, hadith 5385: Abu Kuraib narrated to us, saying: Abu Hayan narrated from his father, on the authority of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:

“The middle prayer is the Asr prayer.”

This incident shows that even Salah, particularly the middle prayer of Asr, was delayed out of reverence for the Prophet’s (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) comfort. It highlights that Namaz is granted to us through Him (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم).

Abu Bakr Siddiq’s (رضی اللہ عنہ) Reverence in the Cave of Thawr

Another profound example is the incident in the Cave of Thawr. Before inviting the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) to enter, Abu Bakr Siddiq (رضی اللہ عنہ) tore his clothing to plug the holes in the cave, leaving only one uncovered, which he blocked with his foot.

Despite being bitten by a snake, Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) did not move, fearing it might disturb the Prophet’s (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) rest. When the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) awoke, He healed the wound with His blessed saliva. This venom would revisit Abu Bakr yearly, eventually leading to his martyrdom after 12 years.

These events underscore that reverence for the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) takes precedence over all actions.

Continuing Reverence in the Absence of His Physical Presence

The obligation to revere the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) remains as vital today as when He (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was physically present among His companions. When His (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) name is mentioned, one must listen with utmost humility and promptly recite *Durud Sharif (Salawat).

“اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا وَمَوْلَانَا مُحَمَّدٍ مَعْدِنِ الْجُودِ وَالْكَرَمِ وَآلِهِ الْكِرَامِ وَصَحْبِهِ الْعِظَامِ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمُ.”

Signs of True Love for the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم)

1. Frequent Mention and Salutations

Loving the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) manifests in the frequent recitation of His praises and sending abundant Durud upon Him. Writing His name should always be followed by the full phrase: “صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم”. Abbreviations like “صلم” are impermissible and disrespectful, likewise (PBUH).

2. Love for His Family and Companions

True love for the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) necessitates love for His family (Ahl-e-Bayt), His companions (Sahabah), and all those associated with Him. Similarly, enmity towards His adversaries is mandatory, even if such adversaries are one’s own kin.

“It is impossible to love Allah and His Messenger (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) and simultaneously maintain affection for their enemies. One must choose their allegiance.”

3. Speaking About Him With Utmost Respect

Words used for the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) must reflect the highest respect. Even a hint of disrespect in speech or action renders one a disbeliever (Kaafir). Calling Him by His name alone like (“O Muhammad”) is impermissible; one must address Him with titles like “O Prophet of Allah!” or “O Messenger of Allah!”.

4. Etiquette During a Visit to Medina

In Medina, standing before the blessed resting place of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) requires humility, with arms folded and gaze lowered, akin to the posture in Salah. One must speak softly, avoiding any act that might display irreverence.

Belief: Anyone who views any saying, action, deed, or state of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with disdain is a disbeliever.

Absolute Authority of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is the absolute deputy of Allah Almighty. The entire universe has been placed under the authority of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He may do as he wishes, grant to whomever he wishes, and take back from whomever he wishes.

No one in the entire universe who can reverse his command. The entire creation is subordinate to him, and he is subordinate to none except his Lord (Allah). He is the master of all humanity, and whoever does not acknowledge him as their master is deprived of the sweetness of faith.

The entire earth belongs to him, and Paradise is his personal estate. The dominion of the heavens and the earth is under his command. The keys to Paradise and Hell have been handed over to his blessed hands. All provisions, blessings, and every form of bounty are distributed from his noble court. The world and the Hereafter are merely a portion of his generosity.

Legislative authority has been entrusted to him, such that he may declare something permissible for whomever he wishes, forbid something for whomever he wishes,

or forgive any obligation as he wishes.

In conclusion, love and reverence for the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) are the essence of faith. May Allah grant us the strength to honor Him (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) as He deserves, in this world and the Hereafter.

The Rank of Prophethood Granted First to the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم)

The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was the first to receive the esteemed rank of Prophethood. On the Day of the Covenant (Yawm-e-Mithaq), all the Prophets were made to pledge their faith in the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) and vow to assist Him. This pledge was the condition under which the honor of Prophethood was bestowed upon them.

The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) is the Nabi al-Anbiya (Prophet of all Prophets), and all other Prophets are His followers (ummati). During their respective times, they carried out their duties as representatives of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم).

Allah Almighty made the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) the manifestation of His Divine Essence. Through the light (noor) of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), the entire universe was illuminated.

Note: Mentioning the Mistakes of Prophets is Prohibited

It is prohibited (Haram)—and gravely prohibited (Gravely Haram)—to discuss any apparent lapses or mistakes attributed to the Prophets (علیہم السلام) outside the context of Quranic recitation or Hadith narration. Ordinary individuals lack the authority to comment on such matters.

Allah Almighty is their Creator and Sovereign; He alone has the right to describe their actions as He pleases. These Prophets are His beloved servants, and any expression of humility they display before their Lord is a testament to their servitude and obedience.

If someone misuses such incidents to draw his own conclusion or to pass judgment, he is accursed.

Example of Prophet Adam’s (علیہ السلام) Apparent Error

Take, for example, the apparent lapse of Prophet Adam (علیہ السلام). If it were not for this event, he would not have descended from Paradise, and the earth would not have been inhabited. Without this, there would have been no revelations, no Messengers, no struggles in the path of Allah, and no countless doors of blessings and rewards would have opened.

Thus, this single act, which might be termed as a “mistake,” became the basis for the flourishing of humanity and the establishment of all that followed.

Elevated Status of Prophets’ Actions

To view any act of the Prophets (علیہم السلام) as a mistake is to misunderstand their unique status. Even their apparent lapses are far superior to the virtuous deeds of the most righteous among Siddiqeen believers.

In summary, the Prophets (علیہم السلام) are the epitome of Divine grace and perfection. As believers, we must approach their lives and deeds with utmost reverence and humility, recognizing their unparalleled status in the eyes of Allah Almighty.

I’ve shared some key foundational beliefs in Islam, with more insights coming soon. Stay connected to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. Missed Foundational Islamic Beliefs: Part 6? Click here!

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