Rights of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-`Uthaymeen
Rights of the Prophet are the most important, after the rights
of Allah. There is no human who has more rights than the
Prophet. Allah said, what translated means: "Verily, We
have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a
bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner. In order that
you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His
Messenger, and that you assist and honor him
(Muhammad)…" [48:8-9]
Therefore, love for the Prophet should be more than one’s
love for himself, his children, family and worldly possessions.
The Prophet said, what translated means: "None of you will
reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children,
parents and all humans." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
The Prophet has many rights. Respect and appreciation for
him should be practised in the best manner. Respecting the
Prophet includes respect of and adherence to his Sunnah
after his death. Due rights should be given to the Prophet
without exaggeration. When one reads how the companions
used to love and respect the Prophet, one knows the
importance of this matter. When Quraish (the Prophet’s tribe)
sent Orwa Ibn Masud to negotiate with the Prophet in the
Hudaibia area, he was greatly impressed by how the
companions treated the Prophet. He said, "I have visited the
kings of Persia, Rome and Abysinia, but I have not seen any
leader more revered and respected by his people than
Muhammad. If he ordered them to do anything, they do it
without delay. If he performs Wudu` (washing up for prayer)
they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never
look at him in the eye, out of respect." This is how the
Prophet was treated by his companions. He was Allah’s
Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of
conduct ever.
The rights of the Prophet include believing him in matters of
religion and the past, present and future happenings he told
us about. Adherence and submission to his orders are some
of his rights. When a Muslim believes in the Prophet and
wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that he
Prophet’s way is the best way. Believing in the Prophet
includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion.
Allah said, what translated means: "But no, by your Lord,
they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all
disputes between them, and find in themselves no
resistance against your decisions, and accept (them)
with full submission" [4:65], and, "Say (O Muhammad to
mankind): If you love Allah then you follow me, Allah
will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [3:31]
To defend the religion of the Prophet is one of his rights
upon believers. Defending the religion can be done by using
arms, the tongue and writings. To ignore attacks on the
Prophet or on his religion is impermissible to Muslims.
Muslims must strive to reject, in the best manner, attacks on
the Prophet’s character or on any aspect of his religion, the
best religion sent to mankind.
Courtesy Of: Islaam.com
