Source: Istijabat as-Sahabah (the response of the Sahabah)
Introduction
All praises are due to Allah, He makes whom He wills to be guided to His obedience so that he may comply with His commands and submit to His Will, and He leads astray whom He wills, so he will be deprived from being near to Him, and Allah does not want to torment His slaves. I bear witness that there is no one who deserves to be worshipped but Allah, Alone with no partners, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger and His chosen Khalil.
When life is only a matter of eating, drinking, sleeping and breathing, it means that there is no difference between animals and humans whom the Lord has honoured. He Almighty said: “And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam.” [Al-Isra’ 17:70]
So when man is misguided and understands life to be lusts of the stomach (food and drink) and the sexual organs (sexual desires), it is as if he assimilates himself with beasts. “Verily! The worst of (moving) living creatures with Allah are the deaf and the dumb, those who understand not (i.e. the disbelievers).” [Al-Anfal 8:22]
or he may even become worse than them. “They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.” [Al-A’raf 7:179]
True life only happens when one complies with Allah Almighty’s Commands, obeys them, lives according to His way of life, and laws without hesitation or reluctance. “O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) calls youto that which will give you life.” [Al-Anfal 8:24]
It is a call to follow the teachings, verdicts and guidance of Islam (it is a call to life in all aspects and in the full meaning of life. He is calling unto them to a belief that revives the heart and mind, relieves them of the delusion of ignorance and superstitions, and from the pressure of fantasy, and from the humility of submitting to appearances and from slavery to anyone other than Allah and the humility of service to another man or lust, or other than that.” [Dhalal al-Qiran 3/1494]
It is a call for a life of strength and honour, a life of civilization and high morals, a life of only good and kind words, and a merciful heart, and an orderly life in this world.
“O you who believe! Answer Allâh (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) calls youto that which will give you life.” [Al-Anfal 8:24]
Ibn al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said: “A useful life is only achieved by obeying Allah and His Messenger, and if this obedience is not achieved then there is no life for him, and it is similar to the life of a beast, one of the lowliest beasts. A good true life is one in which he responds to the teachings of Allah and His Messenger, in one’s appearance outwardly and inwardly.”
Verily, those are truly alive even if they have died, and others are dead although they are living. Therefore, people whose lives are the most perfect are those who have responded to and followed the call of the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), because everything that he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) has summoned to are matters that enhance life, so those who have missed part of what he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) called to have missed part of life, and his life is considered only equal to the extent to which he answered the call of the Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).
- Only those who have elevated themselves will listen to the call, those whose souls have been purified and their hearing sharpened:
“It is only those who listen (to the Message of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)), will respond (benefit from it).” [Al-An’am 6:36]
As for those who are lost in their drunken states and drowning in their lusts, those will not wake up until the Hour has come suddenly whilst they are occupied.
“but as for the dead (disbelievers), Allâh will raise them up, then to Him they will be returned (for their recompense).” [Al-An’am 6:36]
- The good life was well defined and clear to the first generations, and they worked hard and strived to achieve it, and they got rid of their personal wants, and their low desires. Following Allah’s Commands was not something that they had to think about or postpone, nor was it something that they had to investigate or delegate to others; rather when a Command was placed each of the Companions thought they were the first ones meant by that Command.
The true obedience to Allah and to His Messenger’s Commands was the secret that changed the darkness of life to a clear bright light on the surface of earth.
We will mention a few examples that show the Companions’ obedience to Allah and His Messenger’s Commands, which will be listed in no particular order. To make it more interesting we have added some commentary.
Some Incidents that illustrate the obedience of the Companions.
- The business of Abu ad-Dahdaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)
Narrated ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): “When the verse: ‘Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan’ [Al-Baqarah 2:245] was revealed, Abu ad-Dahdaah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Does Allah want us to loan Him?’ He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Yes’, so he said: ‘Give me your hand, O Messenger of Allah.’ So he gave him his hand. He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘I have loaned my Lord my garden, a garden that has six hundred palm trees,’ and he walked to the garden where his wife Umm ad-Dahdaah was with the children, and he called out to her. She said: ‘At your beck and call.’ He said: “Leave this place! for I have lent this garden with the six hundred palm trees to my Lord.’
If you are surprised by Abu ad-Dahdaah’s act, then stranger still is his wife’s obedience. There are many verses that entice one to give in charity, as well as Ahadith that also encourage one to donate, and this Companion only had to hear one verse in order to move his emotions, and make him renounce this worldly life.
One should spend in Allah’s Cause and should not be anxious, certainly, Allah is the Sustainer Who increases or decreases the provisions to whomever He wills among His servants according to His Perfect Wisdom.
Allah descends (every night down to the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains) and Allah says: “Who would give a loan to He Who is neither poor nor unjust.” [Muslim] Allah may multiply it for him many times.
- The angels have bathed him
Hanthala bin abi ‘Aamer (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was married and once alone with his wife on his wedding night he consummated the marriage, he then heard the call to Jihad (Holy war): “Oh you warriors of Allah ride on.” So he dashed out of bed, took his sword and got on his horse into the battlefield. The two parties met in a swift and fierce battle and the young groom was killed and he fulfilled his happiness by martyrdom. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) looked up and said, “Your companion is being washed by the angels so go ask his wife about him.” His wife replied: “He left in a state of ‘janaba’ (i.e. in a state of sexual impurity) when he heard the call to war.” So he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “This is why the angels have bathed him.” Allah is Great. A caller called for Jihad on his wedding night and he answered the call, as he was longing for Paradise and to meet Allah, so he did not get a chance to bathe so as not to be late. [Salah al-Ummah fee Ulow al-Himma by al-Afani]
So by Allah tell me about a man who sleeps so peacefully, healthy and safe in his home, yet when he hears the call to the Salat (prayers) every morning: “prayers is better than sleep,” he does not move, rather his state repeats “Sleep is better than prayers.”
- O Allah! Have mercy on Bani Salamah
When the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and his Companions returned from Uhud, the battle that was fierce and many were wounded, and many of the best Companions were killed, while many more were injured, he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) offered the dawn prayers the following day then, he commanded Bilal (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) who called out: “The Messenger of Allah commands you to go and seek your enemy, and none but the ones who were in yesterday’s fight should go.”
So Sa’d bin Mu’ath (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) left and ordered his people to go to the fight. They were all wounded so he said: “The Messenger of Allah commands you to go out to meet the enemy.” Usaid bin Hudair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), who had seven wounds and was about to go and treat his wounds, said: “We hear and we obey Allah and His Messenger.” So he picked up his weapon and followed the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), forgetting about the medication for his wounds. More than forty wounded men from Bani Salamah, al-Tufail bin an-Nu’man had thirteen wounds, and al-Harith bin al-Simma had ten wounds. When they caught up with the Messenger of Allah and he saw them, he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Allah! Have mercy on ‘Bani Salamah’.”
- The two wounded men
Narrated Abi Sa’ib the freed slave of ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the daughter of ‘Othman (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) from Bani abd al-Ashhal had witnessed the battle of Uhud. He said: “My brother and I fought in the battle of Uhud with the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and we were wounded.” When the caller of the Messenger of Allah called out for them to go out and meet the enemy, I told my brother: ‘How can we miss fighting along with the Messenger of Allah?’ By Allah we didn’t have any ride and we were badly injured. My brother said the same thing to me. Yet we marched out with the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). I had less injuries than my brother, so when he would become weak, I would carry him. We continued like this until the Messenger of Allah arrived at Hamra’a al-Assad. Then this verse was revealed:
“Those who answered (the Call of) Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allâh, there is a great reward.“ [Aal-‘Imran 3:172]
They have mixed the heat of pain with the pleasure of obedience, therefore their moaning turned to longing, and their difficulty into yearning. And as for us: a tooth pain and a headache have deterred us; not from the battlefield but to respond to the call to prayers. And after all that, we ask and hope for victory.
- The cattle does not cause them defeat
In Hunain, when everyone abandoned the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and his Companions and only a few stayed behind with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered al-‘Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to call unto the people, “Where are the Companions of the Tree?” He said, “I called out to the people as loud as I could (and I was loud); ‘Where are the Companions of the Tree?’ and once they heard my call, I felt that their inclination was like the inclination of the cows on the little calves, and they said: ‘At your beck and call.'” He (al-‘Abbas) (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Go fight the disbelievers.” Ibn Ishaq said something similar to that and added: “Each man would try and turn his cattle but when he couldn’t, he would throw his shield and draw his sword, and follow the sound (call).” [Fat-h al-Baari]
This is the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) ‘s upbringing, to give one’s souls riches in the cause of Allah, and to answer the call of one who calls to Allah without fear or greed. Do you find any words that you can comment with on such bravery and standing?
- We have desisted! We have desisted!
When the Companions migrated to Madinah, alcohol was not yet prohibited, and people used to drink it freely as they would take any lawful food or drink. They would drink it in their gatherings and their clubs. So when the verse: “So, will you not then abstain?” [Al-Ma’idah 5:91] was revealed, they said: “We have desisted. We have desisted.”
Anas bin Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: “I was the cup-bearer of some people in the house of Abu Talha on the day when liquor was forbidden. Their liquor had been prepared from dry dates or fresh dates when the announcer made the announcement. He (Abu Talha) said to me: ‘Go out and find out (what the announcement is).’ I went out (and found) an announcer making this announcement: ‘Behold, liquor has been declared unlawful.’ He (Anas) said: The liquor (was spilt and) flowed in the lanes of Madinah. Abu Talha said to me: ‘Go out and spill it,’ and I spilt it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
It was sufficient for the Companions to hear one word in relation to forbidding something, upon which they would avoid it in complete compliance and obedience. History has not witnessed such obedience. They did not find excuses for not complying with the Command such as their being used to it, and they did not require time to abandon it gradually, rather they abandoned it immediately. Such is the case of strong-willed people, a will that is supported by faith, obedience and compliance with the Qur’anic verses. It is a great image of the community of the Companions.
Do we find in our society today people who are told that singing is prohibited, and smoking is forbidden, and usury is forbidden, that they reply: “We hear and obey?!” It is faith that fills the hearts and therefore lets it obey willingly. Compare that with what happened in the twentieth century in the United States when it wanted to save its nation from the danger of liquor. It tried to use the Islamic law. So in 1930, legislation was approved and a new law that banned liquor was enforced. It prohibited people from selling, buying, producing, exporting and importing liquor. It led the way for this new law, by advertising for it in the movie theatres, on the radio, in books, and letters by displaying the danger of alcohol using statistical information as well as scientific and medical research. It spent approximately sixty five million dollars, and nine thousand pages in advertising. The total expenses to put the law in act was approximately 4.5 million pounds. Statistics show that from the date of the approval of the law until October 1933, more than two hundred people were killed trying to enforce the law, while half a million people were put in jail, and fines paid by those who broke the law were a million and a half pounds. Money confiscated amounted to four hundred million pounds. After all this, the government had to cancel the law at the end of 1933. Although alcohol was proven to be very harmful, yet the large amount of money spent as well as the sacrifices that were made to make the people abandon alcohol was of no avail, because the law could not make the people respect and obey it. Whereas one word “Avoid that” [Al-Mai’dah: 90] that the Islamic law brought to the Arab Peninsula and to the people whose habit was drinking alcohol; with no advertisement or books or mail to warn people and prepare them, made them bridle their mouths from tasting wine and spill the liquor with their own hands. For this they did not need any guard or police to make people comply. [Al-Madkhal lidarasat al-Shari’ah al-Islamiyyah by Abdul-Kareem Zaidan]
- Souls that have controlled their desires
Below is another illustration of the response to Allah’s call and His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), and overcoming one’s emotional urges and one’s desire. We make this illustration at a time when many of our youth have sold their beliefs and religion for a momentary pleasure.
In Sahih al-Bukhari it is reported that when the Hawazin delegation came to Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) after they had embraced Islam and requested him to return their properties and war prisoners to them, Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) stood up amongst the Muslims, and after glorifying Allah as He deserves, he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Now then, these brothers of yours have come to us with repentance, and I see it logical that I should return their captives to them, so whoever of you likes to do that as a favour then he can do it, and whoever amongst you likes to stick to his share, let him give up his prisoners and we will compensate him from the very first Fai’ (i.e. war booty received without fight) which Allah will give us.” On that, all the people said. ‘O Allah’s Messenger! We have agreed willingly to do so (return the captives).’ Then Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to them, “I do not know who amongst you has agreed to this and who has not. You should return and let your leaders inform me of your agreement.” The people returned and their leaders spoke to them, and then came to Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and said, “All the people have agreed willingly to do so and have given the permission to return the war prisoners (without compensation).” [Al-Bukhari no. 4318]
Can you imagine this situation and notice the compliance; the booty was distributed and the slaves were distributed amongst them, and then the request had come to return the captives, after one has become attached and used to them. Ibn Hajar (Rahimahullaah) reported that Ibn Is-haq (Rahimahullaah) narrated: “Abu Wajza Yazid bin Obaid al-Sa’adi (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) gave ‘Ali bin Abi Talib a slave girl from the Hawazin and her name was Raita bint Haban bin ‘Umair, and gave ‘Uthman a slave girl called Zainab bint Khanas, and one to ‘Umar called Qulabah whom he gave to his son.” Ibn Is-haq said that Nafi’ reported on the authority of Ibn Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma): “I sent my slave girl to my uncles in Bani Jumah so that they may train her until I returned from my Tawaf around the Sacred House (Ka’bah). I was in the Masjid, and when I stepped out, I saw the people outside rejoicing. I asked: ‘What is the matter?’ They said: ‘The Messenger of Allah has returned our women and children.’ I said: ‘Your friend (which I took) is in Bani Jumah, so go and get her.'” [Fat-h al-Bari 8/46]
So after the hearts and souls got attached to the booty and reward, the people obeyed immediately to the request. We cannot say that Ibn ‘Umar is heartless, nor that he is without emotions, but this is faith and it does wonders.
- After the pots had boiled
Another illustration of the compliance of the community is given in the following Hadith. In Sahih al-Bukhari: narrated Ibn Abi Awfa (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that he said: “We were afflicted with severe hunger on the day of Khaibar. So we hunted down wild donkeys and put them in pots to cook. While the cooking pots were boiling and some of the food was well-cooked, the announcer of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) came to say, ‘Do not eat anything from the donkey-meat.'” Muslim reported: “Immediately the pots were overturned and everything in it was thrown.”
Imagine this: there was a famine and the pots were boiling, what longing the Companions had! And as much as their hearts were attached, yet when the Divine message had come that donkey’s meat has been prohibited, what did they do? Did they protest and demonstrate loudly in objection to the new law? No! they overturned the pots and threw all what was inside away.. and that was the end of the issue.
- Amazing organization
In the Hadith which Ka’b bin Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated (when he did not join the battle of Tabuk): read the amazing story in which he said: “The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) forbade all the Muslims to speak to us (the three persons out of all those who had remained behind in that Ghazwa.) So we kept away from the people and they changed their attitude towards us till the very land (where I lived) appeared strange to me as if I did not know it.
We remained in that condition for fifty nights. As regards my two fellows, they remained in their houses and kept on weeping, but I was the youngest of them and the firmest of them, so I used to go out and witness the prayers along with the Muslims and roam about in the markets, but no one would talk to me. When this harsh attitude of the people lasted long, I walked till I scaled the wall of the garden of Abu Qatada who was my cousin and dearest person to me, and I offered my greetings to him. By Allah, he did not return my greetings. I said, ‘O Abu Qatada! I beseech you by Allah! Do you know that I love Allah and His Messenger?’ He kept quiet. I asked him again, beseeching him by Allah, but he remained silent. Then I asked him again in the Name of Allah. He said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know it better.’ Thereupon, my eyes flowed with tears and I returned and jumped over the wall….”
When forty out of the fifty nights elapsed, behold! There came to me the messenger of Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and said, ‘The Messenger of Allah orders you to keep away from your wife,’ I said, ‘Should I divorce her; or else! What should I do?’ He said, ‘No, only keep aloof from her and do not cohabit with her.’ The Prophet sent the same message to my two fellows. Then I said to my wife, ‘Go to your parents and remain with them till Allah gives His Command in.”‘ [Al-Bukhari]
Look at the compliance of the Sahabah to the command of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) by not talking to Ka’b and his two companions till they felt strange in their own land. Look at the response of the cousin of Ka’b, Abu Qatadah, to the command of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), though the matter was too difficult especially since the partisanship was a matter rooted in the hearts of Arabs at the time of Jahiliyyah (ignorance). We should also not forget the great response of K’ab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), who was afflicted consecutively, to accept willingly the command of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) to be separated from his wife.
- Changing the direction of the Ka’bah
Narrated by al-Bara’ (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) prayed facing Bait-al-Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months but he wished that his Qiblah would be the Ka’bah (at Makkah). So Allah revealed [Al-Baqarah 2:142-144] (then) he turned [towards Qiblah (Ka’bah at Makkah)] and he offered ‘Asr prayer (in his Masjid facing Ka’bah at Makkah) and some people prayed with him. A man from among those who had prayed with him went out and passed by some people offering prayer in another Masjid, and they were in the state of bowing. He said, ‘I (swearing by Allah,) testify that I have prayed with the Prophet facing Makkah.’ On hearing that, they turned their faces to the Ka’bah while they were still bowing.” [Al-Bukhari no. 4486]
- Treating women
In the days of ignorance, men used to treat women in a bad manner, scorn them, believe that they were made to serve them, and had been created to cater for their needs. However, when the light of the Messengership shone, their hearts which were as hard as rocks in the days of ignorance turned soft with the remembrance of Allah and His Commands, seeking only His reward. Narrated ‘Erbad bin Sariya (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “If a man gives his wife water to drink, he gets a reward.” He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I got up and gave my wife water and told her what I had heard.” [Al-Silsilah as-Sahihah no. 2736]
- Swearing by Allah
In the days of Ignorance, people used to hold high and magnify their fathers and used to take oaths by swearing (by them). When the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) prohibited them, did they apologize or did they try to find an excuse saying that it was their habit?
Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) met ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) while the latter was going with a group of camel-riders, and he was swearing by his father. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Lo! Allah forbids you to swear by your fathers, so whoever has to take an oath, he should swear by Allah or keep quiet.”
‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “By Allah! I have never swore, neither intentionally nor by reporting the oath of someone else, ever since I heard the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) forbidding that.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
How many people use words that are not acceptable in our religion, cursing, insulting others by nicknames? And when you try to stop and prevent them, you find that it is going to take time to change that.
- Entrance (door) of women
Nafi’ reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “We should leave this entrance (door of the Masjid) for the women to use,” and since that day until the day he died, Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) never used that entrance again. And ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to prevent us from using it. The Companions knew it as the “Women’s entrance”.
This is the definitive submission and ultimate degree of obedience and response; it was enough for the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) to suggest something, and everyone would obey it as a command. In a Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “None of you will become a believer until his desire is in accordance with my commands (teaching).” [Imam an-Nawawi reported this Hadith in the Forty Hadiths and said that it is a Hasan Sahih Hadith]
- Pollinating the palm trees:
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) made a suggestion about a worldly matter, it was taken as a command. When he thought that one thing was better than another, that in itself would be sufficient for the people to submit to that and obey. Musa ibn Talha reported on the authority of his father Talha bin Ubaidullah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and I happened to pass by people who were in the tops of the date-palm trees. He (the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)) said: “What are these people doing?” They said: “They are pollinating them, i.e. they combine the male with the female (tree) and thus they yield more fruit.” Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “I do not think this would be of any use.” When the people were informed about it, they abandoned this practice. Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) was later on informed (that the yield had dwindled), whereupon he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “If there is any use of it, then they should do it, for it was just a personal opinion of mine, and do not go after my personal opinion; but when I say to you anything on behalf of Allah, then do accept it, for I do not attribute a lie to Allah, the Exalted and Glorious.” [Muslim]
The nations have marched forward and we have stopped, they advanced and we have moved backwards, and they have reached while we have become disconnected (come to a halt), and if we do not follow their footsteps then we are doomed, for the disability has paralyzed us and procrastination has kept us behind.
- They overcame their anger and selves
Another form of compliance draws a beautiful picture about renouncing something that is one’s right and forgiving the mistakes, out of obedience to Allah. Reported al-Bukhari that Ma’qil bin Yasar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) married his sister to one of the Companions. He assisted him in the marriage and helped him with the wedding expenses. After some time, that man divorced her and when her period of the ‘Iddah (three menstrual periods) was over, the man came again and asked for her hand in marriage through another man, but Ma’qil (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) got angry at what he had done; he had helped him get married, and helped him pay the expenses, then he divorced her – put yourself in his place! – He said: “I helped you get married, and I honoured you, and then you divorced her. Now you come to ask for her hand again? No, by Allah, she will never go back to you (again).” So Ma’qi l (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)disagreed to remarry her to him, although the man was good, and the wife wanted to go back to him. Then Allah revealed: “And when you have divorced women and they have fulfilled the term of their prescribed period, do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands.“ [Al-Baqarah 2:232] So when Ma’qil (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard this verse, he said: “Oh Messenger of Allah, now I will do it (let her go back to him).” So he married her to him again. [Al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]
By Allah this is amazing! It is the yielding to Allah’s order and magnifying it that made Ma’qil’s anger go away, and made him give up his pride.
- They have defeated their greed
Similar to the previous story, is what has been reported in Sunan Abu Dawoud that Umm Salamah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha)said: “Two men who were quarreling about their inheritance came to see the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and they had no proof except their own argument. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘I am only a human being, and opponents come to me (to settle their problems); maybe someone amongst you can present his case more eloquently than the other, whereby I may consider him true and give a verdict according to what I hear. So if ever I judge (in error) and give the right of a brother to his other (brother) then he (the latter) should not take it, for I am giving him only a piece of Fire.’ Then both brothers cried and said: ‘I leave what’s mine to you.'”
Compare this with our current days and situation whereby fights and hatred have increased, and scholars have raised their voices with: “The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion).” [Al-Hujurât 49:10], but there are only a few who respond.
- Humbleness towards one’s brothers
Narrated Ali bin Zaid that Musa’b bin Zubair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard that the commander of the Ansar had said something about him, so he got up to attack him. Anas bin Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) met him while he was in that state of rage and said that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Be good to the Ansar.” Or he said: “Be kind to the Ansar, accept the good deeds of the good doers among them and excuse the wrongdoers among them.’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] So Mus’ab lay on his bed and placed his cheek against the mattress and said: “I will obey the command of the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam),” and he left him. [Al-Silsilah as-Sahiha no. 3509]
The fire of enmity was extinguished as a respect to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). By Allah, what an honorable nation these people are related to.
- Treating the prisoners of war (captives)
Abu Aziz bin Umair the brother of Musa’b bin Umair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I was among the prisoners of the battle of Badr. The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Take good care of the prisoners.’ I was among a group of the Ansar. They would eat dates for lunch and supper, and they would feed me wheat, in compliance to the guidance of the Messenger of Allah.” [At-Tabarani in al-Kabeer 22/977]
- The will
‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having his last will and testament written and kept ready with him.” [Al-Bukhari] and Muslim added that Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “Since I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) say that, I would have my will ready every night.” [Muslim 1628]
- Executing the general commands
Al-Baihaqi reported with correct chain of narrators on the authority of Thabit that Ibn Abi Laila said: “‘Abdullah ibn Rawaha (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) entered the Masjid while the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) was giving a sermon. ‘Abdullah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) heard the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) say: ‘Sit’, so he sat immediately in his place outside the Masjid. When he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) finished, he said to him: ‘May Allah increase you in earnestness for obeying Allah and His Messenger.'” [Al-Isaabah]
Similarly, it is reported by Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to the people while giving a sermon, “Sit!” Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard that when he was at the gate, so immediately he sat; so the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to him: “O Abdullah! Enter.” [Hayat as-Sahabah, Ibn Abi Shaibeh reported the Hadith]
This indicates the discipline and the response of the Companions. This is the Truth which does not require pursue or observance. Compare this case with the case of the hypocrites, who were hiding from the people and they rejoiced when the eyes (of the people) were not aware of them. They used to slip away in order not to be burdened with any duty.
“Those of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to leave, from the Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam))” [An-Nûr 24:63]
- The response regarding the clothes
Narrated Sahl bin Hanthala (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that he was in Damascus and Abu ad-Dardaa’ (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said to him: “(Tell us) a word that will benefit us and it will not harm you.” He said: “The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘What an excellent man Khareem al-Asadi is, if only he would cut his hair and shorten his clothes (garment).’ So Khareem (Rahimahullaah) heard that and he immediately got a blade and shortened his hair and shortened his garment above his ankles, to half of his leg (lower leg).” [Reported by Ahmad]
How much time will it take to convince a youth now to shorten his garment or his hair, and to cease imitating the unbelievers in their hair styles and the clothes they wear?
- Al-Rayta (garment)
Narrated ‘Amr bin Shu’aib that his father narrated from his father who said: “We came down with Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) from a turning of a valley. He turned his attention to me and I was wearing a garment dyed with a reddish yellow dye. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) asked: ‘What is this garment that you are wearing?’ I recognized what he disliked. I then came to my family who were burning their oven. I threw it (the garment) in it and came to him the next day. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) asked: ‘O ‘Abdullah, what have you done with the garment?’ I informed him about it. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Why did you not give it to one of your family to wear, for there is no harm in it for women?'” [Abu Dawoud and authenticated by al-Albani]
Women are sisters to men, and they were as obedient as their fellow men. History has noted many of their wonderful stories that can be compared to the current era.
- Women and the veil
Ibn Hatem reported that Umm Salamah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said: “When Allah Almighty revealed the verse:
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way).” [Al-Ahzâb 33:59] The Ansari women went out as if there were crows on their heads out of calmness and tranquility, as they were wearing long black covers. [Sunan Abu Dawoud and authenticated by al-Albani]
- Modesty is a part of faith
‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said: “May Allah have mercy on the early immigrant women, the moment the verse was revealed: ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.).’ [An-Nûr 24:31], they took their Maroot (Izars, waist sheets) and tore them at the edges, and Akhtamar themselves with them (i.e. made it as veils and covered themselves).” [Al-Bukhari]
Allah is Great! Immediately they tore their clothes and covered themselves. They did not even wait to go to the shops to buy head-covers. The Sahabi women did not know the head-cover (veil) before Islam, yet when the command had descended, they immediately obeyed as if they had been covering for a long time.
Do believing women who have been born Muslims realize that and hurry to cover themselves and wear their veil? Believing women must take a lesson and hurry to cover themselves and wear their veil. They must realize that this is a Divine Command and emulate the behavior of the female Companions.
- No Mingling of males and females
Abu Dawoud recorded that Abu Usayd al-Ansari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) say when he was coming out of the Masjid, and men and women were mingling in the road (telling the women): “Keep back, for you must not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road.” Abu Usayd (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I saw the women were keeping so close to the wall that their garments were rubbing against it.” [Abu Dawoud]
Nowadays, you would find that it is some men who keep close to the wall, because the women have lost their modesty and do not feel shame.
These are a few examples of the Companions’ lives which were all in compliance with Allah and His Messenger’s Commands, and we have mentioned them so that one may take them as example:
“Certainly, there has been in them an excellent example for you to follow, for those who look forward to (the meeting with) Allah (for the reward from Him) and the Last Day. And whosoever turns away, then verily, Allah is Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all Praise.” [Al-Mumtahinah 60:6]
If we want a nation to be honorable and victorious, then we should follow the footsteps of our righteous ancestors from among the Companions, and their followers, as Imam Malik (Rahimahullaah) said: “The last (successor) of this nation will not be reformed except with what reformed its earlier (it follows the success of ancestors).”
Conclusion:
Obeying Allah (or responding to Allah) is not a choice that we have from two options; rather it is a Divine Command that we cannot deviate from. You are a servant and Allah is your Lord and the servant has but to obey: “O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) calls youto that which will give you life.” [Al-Anfal 8:24]
So if you are called and you did not answer, and He calls out and you did not reply, then read the rest of the Qur’anic verse for maybe the threat will awaken your heart and move your feelings:
“and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything).” [Al-Anfal 8:24]
Be aware of Allah coming between you and your heart such that no admonition will avail you or any advice will affect you, accordingly the heart will become sick and increase in sickness till the Ran (the covering) will cover the heart and cause its destruction. This is a terrifying state which is resulted because of turning away from Allah’s Commands and His Guidance.
Ibn al-Qayyim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Whoever abandons responding to Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), He will come between him and his heart as a punishment for him for leaving the response. He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) punishes the hearts by driving them away from the guidance consequently as they (the hearts) turned away from Allah at first. Allah said in Surat as-Saff (61:5):
“So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path).”
This state requires that one is always alert, and always cautious. Alertness to the beating of the heart, and cautiousness to any deviation for fear of slipping.” [Ad-Dalal 3/1495]
Be shy from turning away when the call of Allah comes to you. There is no repeller from Allah’s torment, and you have no supporter against Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala). Then no admonition will avail, nor any advice will effect you, and the heart becomes ill until it is sealed.
Ibn Al-Qayyim ((Rahimahullaah) said: “When one ceases to obey Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), he is punished by having his heart led astray so he becomes misguided. Therefore, answer the call and beware of delaying it.”
“Answer the Call of your Lord (i.e. accept the Islamic Monotheism, O mankind, and jinns) before there comes from Allah a Day which cannot be averted. You will have no refuge on that Day nor there will be for you any denying (of your crimes as they are all recorded in the Book of your deeds).” [Ash-Shûra 42:47]
It is truly frightful what the consequence is of turning away from Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).
“For those who answered their Lord’s Call [believed in the Oneness of Allah and followed His Messenger Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) i.e. Islamic Monotheism] is Al-Husna (i.e. Paradise). But those who answered not His Call (disbelieved in the Oneness of Allah and followed not His Messenger Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)), if they had all that is in the earth together with its like, they would offer it in order to save themselves (from the torment, it will be in vain). For them there will be the terrible reckoning. Their dwelling place will be Hell; – and worst indeed is that place for rest.” [Ar-Ra’d 13:18]
Oh Allah make us of those whom when You call upon, we answer Your call. Ameen
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