| 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 ones 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
Prophets 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 Allahs 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
Prophets 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
Prophets character or on any aspect of his religion, the best religion sent to
mankind. |