Supporting the Messenger of Allah
Supporting the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah Be Upon Him.
- Categories: Good Manner Towards Allah, his Book, and his Messenger - Love of the Prophet -
Supporting the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah Be Upon Him.
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists), The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). I praise Him, the Almighty, and thank Him. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the One who has no partner and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. He is the best of His creation, the truthful of His revelation, and the Messenger of Him to His slaves. He sent him as a mercy to the universe, an example to the worshippers, a clear target for those who follow the right path, and a plea for all the slaves. He sent him after a period of suspension of the messengers, so, he guided us to the straight path and the clear way.
Allah prescribed upon His servants his obedience, love, promotion and his respect, as well as fulfilling his rights.
In addition, He made following his path as the only way to enter paradise. He opened his chest, raised his fame high, and removed from him his burden. Moreover, He prescribed lowliness and humiliation over him who disobeyed his orders. He (Allah) made him guide people after going astray, made him teach people after ignorance. He increased [the number of Muslims] through him after being few, enriched with him after poverty, bestowed insight with him after being blind, guided people through him to abandon sins, and opened with his message blind eyes, deaf ears, and dark hearts.
Therefore, he delivered the message, fulfilled the trusts, advised the nation, fought for the sake of Allah sincerely, and worshipped Allah until certainty (death) came unto him. He neither left good without informing us about it nor left evil without warning us against it, and he prohibited the way that leads to it.
He opened the hearts by faith and the Holy Quran and fought the enemies of Allah by hand, heart, and tongue. He called to Allah with pure knowledge and lived among the nation very well with justice, benevolence, and his great attitude. That is why the earth shone with his message after darkness and the hearts were united after dispersion.
In addition, his call was spread as the shining of the rays of the sun across the countries, and his right religion reached as what the day and the night reach. Moreover, the hearts submitted to his true religion willingly and submissively and were filled with belief and safety after their disbelief and fear. Therefore, may Allah reward him well and send many blessings on him that they fill the places of the earth and the sky.
O slaves of Allah! Fear Allah and obey Him, and know that there are many proofs from the Holy Book, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the nation which clarified and explained the rights, veneration, respect, honoring, glorification, and love that are a duty [on believers] towards the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Therefore, Allah Almighty forbids harming him and the nation agreed unanimously on killing his abuser and those who revile him, Allah Almighty says, {Verily, those who annoy Allâh and His Messenger Allâh has cursed them in this world, and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating torment.} [Surat Al-Ahzab 33:57]
and He Almighty says, {But those who annoy Allâh’s Messenger (Muhammad) will have a painful torment.} [Surat At- Tawbah 9:61]
Thus, anyone who slenders, abuses, or degrades the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and anyone who belittles the Prophet, his lineage, religion, or one of his characteristics, he should be killed as being considered in a state of disbelief. The same punishment will be incurred on the one who gives indirect reference to such things, or likens him to something out of abuse, degradation, or humiliation.
There are many proofs about this, among them:
Abu Dawûd and An-Nassâ’i reported on the authority of ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, that he said, “A blind man had a slave-mother who used to abuse the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and disparage him. He forbade her but she did not stop. He rebuked her but she did not give up her habit. One night, she began to slander the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and abuse him, therefore, he took a dagger, placed it on her belly, pressed it, and killed her. A child who came between her legs was smeared with the blood that was there. When the morning came, the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was informed about it. He assembled the people and said, ‘I adjure by Allah the man who has done this action and I adjure him by my right to him that he should stand up.’ Jumping over the necks of the people and trembling, the man stood up. He sat before the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I am her master; she used to abuse you and disparage you. I forbade her, but she did not stop, and I rebuked her, but she did not abandon her habit. I have two sons like pearls from her, and she was my companion. Last night, she began to abuse and disparage you, subsequently, I took a dagger, put it on her belly and pressed it till I killed her.’ Thereupon the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Oh be witness, no retaliation is payable for her blood.’“
The Sheikh of Islam ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “They mocked the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, when he prohibited them from polytheism. The polytheists are still mocking the prophets and describing them with foolishness, going astray, and madness. They do so if they call them to the monotheism because of the great polytheism in their hearts. That is why whenever anyone who is like them [the polytheists] sees someone calling to monotheism, he mocks him because of his state of disbelief.”
Al-Bukhâri narrated that Anas ibn Mâlik, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat Al-Baqarah and Âl-’Imrân, and he used to write [the revelation] for the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. Later on, he converted to Christianity and he used to say, “Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him.’ Then Allah caused him to die, and the people buried him, but in the morning they saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, ‘This is the act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and took his body out of it because he had run away from them.’ They dug the grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning, they again found that the earth had thrown his body out. Therefore, they believed that what had befallen him was not done by human beings and had to leave him thrown (on the ground).” [Reported by Al-Bukhâri 3617]
The Sheikh of Islam ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “This is an unfamiliar matter. It proves that this is a punishment for what he had said and that he was a liar. This is because most of the dead bodies are not befallen with this. However, this sin is greater than mere apostasy, as the majority of apostates are not befallen with this. Actually, Allah takes revenge to His Messenger from those who abuse and slander him, and He makes His religion victorious. In addition, Allah reveals the matter of the liar if people cannot carry out the penalty.
Like this, what we were told about a number of just Muslims of the jurists and experts who recounted of what they did many times in besieging the forts and the countries in the Levant (Greater Syria) coasts when Muslims besieged the Romans in this age.
They said, “We used to besiege the fort or the city for a month or more while it was very hard to be conquered and we were about to give up hope. Just when the people of that fort or city started to abuse the Messenger of Allah and insult his honor, we hurry up to conquer it and it is facilitated for us. It does not take more than one or two days to be conquered.” What a great epic. They said, “If they insulted the Prophet, we would see it as a good omen to hasten to conquering.” This is because the hearts are full of anger about what they said. Many trustworthy scholars told us that the Muslims of Morocco deal with Christians in the same way. It was known that from the established way of Allah that He sometimes tortures His enemies with a punishment from Him and sometimes by the hands of His slaves; the believers.” He said in another situation, “We were informed about this in many events.”
Allah Almighty, the Most Truthful in His statements spoke about this showing how He confronts the evil of those people, He says, {Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allâh and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ismâ’îl (Ishmael), Ishâq (Isaac), Ya’qûb (Jacob), and to Al-Asbât [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya’qûb (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Mûsâ (Moses) and ‘Îsâ (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islâm).” (136) So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allâh will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:136 -137]
How far it is between the people of Islam, the pious and the pure ones who believe in all Messengers, glorify them and respect them and between those who have enmity towards their Messengers now and then. Such enmity is inherited from their ancestors both the Jews and the Christians.
O slaves of Allah! It is the established way of Allah Almighty to take revenge from the one who harms the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, both in the worldly life and the Hereafter. The incidents, which indicate that in the Prophetic Biography and after the age of the Prophet, are many. Allah Almighty says, {Therefore proclaim openly (Allâh’s Message - Islâmic Monotheism) that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al-Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, and disbelievers). (94) Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers,} [Surat Al-Hijr: 94-95]
Moreover, the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, wrote to Khusro and Caesar, and both of them did not embrace Islam. However, Caesar honored the message of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and honored the messenger delivering it. That is why his kingdom was steadfast.
Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his book (As-Sârim), “It is said that the throne will remain in his descendants to this day. The throne is still inherited in some of their countries. As for Khusro, he tore the book of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and mocked him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. A short time after that, Allah killed him and, destroyed his throne. Thus, there was no throne left to his dynasty. This is supposed to be the interpretation of the verse in which Allah Almighty says, {For he who hates you (O Muhammad), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter).} [Surat Al-Kawthar: 3]
Thus, Allah eliminates and destroys whoever hates, antagonizes, or have enmity towards him.
The Caliph Hârûn Ar-Rashid asked imam Mâlik about the ruling of a man who insulted the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and that some of those who are supposed to be jurists sentenced him to be whipped. Mâlik became angry and said, “O prince of the believers! How come that the nation can stay after cursing its Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him! Whoever insults the prophets must be killed.”
O slaves of Allah! Whoever completes his faith by believing in the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, will know that His love, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, should be more than his love for his parents, sons and all people. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, should even be more beloved to him than himself. Al-Bukhari narrated from the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Hisham. He said, “We were with the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and he was holding the hand of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab. ‘Umar said to Him, “O Messenger of Allah! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” Upon which the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said, “No, by Him in Whose hand my soul is, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then ‘Umar said to him, “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet said, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, “Now, O ‘Umar, (now you are a believer).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 6632]
On the authority of Anas ibn Mâlik, may Allah be pleased with him, the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said, “None of you believes (has complete faith) until I am dearer to him more than his father, his sons and all the people.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 15]
In another version by Muslim, “….until I am dearer to him than his family, his wealth, and all the people.” [Reported by Muslim: 44]
This is because Allah saves us from fire and guides us from going astray, by him. when the slave of Allah meditates on the benefits that come from the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and how he was directed by Allah to take him out of the darkness of disbelief into the light of faith, directly or indirectly, he will know that the Prophet is the reason for his survival and of being in the eternal bliss. In addition, he will know that the benefit that comes from him is incomparable. That is why he deserved to be loved more than others are; because the benefit that results in loving him is more than that of others. Therefore, it is obligatory to love and support him and his Sunnah. It is obligatory, as well, to defend his religion. In addition, one should hate those who hate him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and fight them as possible as one can.
Among the reasons of loving him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and increasing his love is increasing sending blessings and prayers on Him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. This is because if the slave frequently mentioned his beloved, remembered him in his heart, remembered his merits, and the reasons for which he loves him, his love will be multiplied. In addition, his longing for him will be increased to that extent that he will seize all his (the slave) heart. On the other hand, whoever turns his heart away from remembering his beloved or his merits, his love of him will decrease in his heart. Thus, we should strive ourselves to plant his love, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in the deeps of our hearts. Moreover, we should bring up our children on loving him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. This love should be free from extremism or disaffection, excessiveness or negligence. There are people who exaggerated in their love for the Prophet to the extent that they became polytheists. They recited the poem of Al-Bûsîri, which is called Al-Burdah (Poem of the Mantle).
On the other hand, other people turned away from his love to the extent that this matter (loving the Prophet) never came to their minds and they avoided his Sunnah. Those are in a great danger if they are Muslims.
However, the moderate Muslims follow in the footsteps of the honorable companions in that they loved the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, by their hearts and followed him by their organs. In addition, they said that he is a slave of Allah that should not be worshipped, and a Messenger that should not be belied; rather, he is to be obeyed and followed.
People heard what happened from some of the western newspapers of their insistence on attacking and degrading the master of the sons of Adam, the seal of the Prophets and Messengers, the best of the whole creatures, and the Messenger of mercy for the worlds. This hurting issue obligates certain actions on Muslims such as supporting and honoring him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, because Allah Almighty ordered us to do so. He says, {In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allâh and His Messenger, and that you assist and honour him,} [Surat Al-Fath: 9]
Therefore, it is obligatory to support him and prevent any harm that may befall him. In addition, we should glorify, honor, and love him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
The Sheikh of Islam ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “And as for slandering the honor of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, it is absolutely inconsistent with the religion of Allah. This is because when the honor is slandered, respect and glorification will fade away. In doing so, what he brought of the Message [of Allah] will fall down and thus the religion will be null and void. Therefore, praising, admiring, glorifying, and honoring him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, lead to raising the religion, and the falling down of all these leads to the falling of the whole religion. That is why we should have revenge on those who slander him, Allah Almighty says, {For he who hates you (O Muhammad), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter).} [Surat Al-Kawthar: 3]
He Almighty told us that the one who hates him “his hater” is to be cut off.
Ibn Taymiyyah said about this verse, “Allah Almighty cuts off the hater of His Messenger from all the good. Thus, He cuts off his mention, his family, and his money that he will lose them in the Hereafter. In addition, his life will be cut off that he will neither take advantage from it nor gain benefit from it to the hereafter. Moreover, his heart will be cut off that it does not realize the good, know Allah or love Him, or believe in His messengers. In addition, He cuts off his deeds so that He does not guide him to worship, cuts him off from his supporters that he does not find any supporter or helper, and cuts him off from all pious and good deeds that he does not find its sweetness in his heart.”
Al-Subky mentioned the reason of writing his book As-Sayf Al-Maslûl ‘ala man sabba Ar-Rasûl (The drawn sword against who abuses the Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) saying, “I was asked about a Fatwa (advisory opinion) on a Christian who abused the Messenger and did not embrace Muslim. I said that he should be killed as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, killed Ka’b ibn Al-Ashraf. By this, the dignified Messenger would be purified from the traces of the drinking of the dog (i.e. his honor will be dignified and protected from the blasphemous words of the abusers.”
The great honor is not free from being harmed,
until blood is shed around all his sides.
This is until As-Subky said, “I do not have the authority to take revenge from this cursed abuser by my own hands, and Allah knows that my heart hates and denies this. However, denying by heart is not sufficient here. Therefore, I do my best in fighting by tongue and pen (writings). I ask Allah not to blame me for my negligence and to save me as He saved those who forbade evil and truly, He is Ever Pardoning and Ever Forgiving.”
What is meant is that the people of Islam should strive generally to defend the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and to take the right of his honored rank, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. I sacrifice everything for him even my father and mother. Everyone should exert their utmost efforts towards fighting this event and the similar events, even through boycotting the products of the abusers. In addition, the Muslims should loath the Jews, Christians and polytheists (who commit such repugnant actions) from their hearts and supplicate- during prostrating, prayers and others- that they become defeated and the Muslims become victorious. O Allah, destroy those who insulted Your Messenger! O Allah, make their life time like the severe years of Joseph! O Allah, intensify Your Power over them, tear them completely and destroy them fully. There is no God but Allah, the Great and the Ever Forbearing. There is no God but Allah the Lord of the Heavens, of the earth and the Lord of the Great Throne. Exalted is He Who responds to our supplication. Exalted is He Who helps those who are in great need. O Allah, rescue us by the victory of Your Prophet and the victory of Your religion. Send a quick punishment that does not leave the oppressing people. Send it to those who abused Your Messenger, mocked him, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and blessings be upon him, his family, his companions, and his sincere followers to the Day of Judgment.
The sermon of sheikh Abdullah ibn Ibrahim Al-Qara’awi
The Imam and Preacher of Khâdim Al-Haramayn Ash-Sharîfayn (the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques) Mosque in Buraidah