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From Issue: 450 [Read full issue]

Living the Quran

Al-Taghabun (Loss and Gain)
Chapter 64: Verse 15 (Partial)

Fatherly Feeling
"Your wealth and your children are but a trial."

Buraydah b. al-Husayb was present at one of the Prophet's sermons. He relates to us the following account that illustrates to us the depth of fatherly feeling that the Prophet (peace be upon him) possessed. He says:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) had begun to address us when his little grandchildren al-Hasan and al-Husayn approached him. They were both wearing red shirts. They were tripping over themselves and getting up again.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) came down from the pulpit, picked them up, and then carried them up onto the pulpit with him. He then said: "Allah spoke the truth when He said: 'Your wealth and your children are but a trial.' When I saw these two, I couldn't resist." Then he commenced to deliver the sermon.

What does the Prohpet mean here by mentioning this verse that says our wealth and our children are a "trial"? Should we understand that the Prophet's behaviour on this occasion was an example of him succumbing to a trial that Allah has warned us against?

This certainly cannot be the case. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is far above succumbing to that which incurs Allah's displeasure. Anyway, what negative consequence came about because of the Prophet's behaviour? None at all. Did he fail to deliver the message properly? Did he corrupt the people or compromise their welfare? Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) even break off his sermon without resuming it? Nothing of that sort took place.

We are compelled to see that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was presenting us with a good example for us to follow. His behaviour was a sign of his impeccable prophetic character and his humanity. He was truly the best of people and the most beloved of people to Allah.

The Prophet's conduct on this occasion was Islamic conduct, and it can be used as evidence for questions of Islamic law. It shows us that people in important positions and those who hold high office are not permitted to let their hearts harden. They are not allowed to let their human feelings die. They should not lose sight of their humanity for even a moment. Our humanity is our salvation when we are faced with serous and stressful situations. Otherwise, our difficulties will make us hard-hearted and cruel.

The reason why the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited that verse on this occasion is to show that there are different kinds of trials that come to us through our children, and we should understand that not all of the feelings we have are being prohibited by the verse. There is a difference between the feelings of a father that try him and make him show kindness to his children – feelings that should certainly not be suppressed – and the partiality that makes a father fail to distinguish right from wrong when it comes to his children.

Another way to understand his quoting this verse is to see it as an admission that his heart, like any human heart, is changeable, and he needs Allah to preserve and guide his heart just as much as the rest of us. Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited this verse on this occasion to communicate his need for his Lord to preserve him. He recited it simply to remind himself that his love for his grandchildren must be kept within proper bounds, and not lead him to distraction from his duty to his Lord.

Source:
"The Prophet & His Grandchildren" - Hâtim al-`Awnî
Understanding the Prophet's Life

Identify Yourself

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did not like visitors not identifying themselves properly. Jabir ibn Abdullah reported that he went to consult the Prophet concerning a debt that his father had. Jabir said, "I knocked at the door, and he said, 'Who is it?' I said, 'It isI.' He said, 'It is I. It is I.' He sounded as though he disliked my reply" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

In Islam, it is proper manners to seek permission before entering someone else's home or room, and it is necessary to start with a greeting of peace. This is the normal Islamic greeting of "As-salamu Alaykum," which means "peace be upon you." Then one follows that with seeking permission to enter. This is confirmed in the following hadith reported by Abdullah ibn Abbas: Umar sought permission to enter the house of the Prophet, saying, "Peace be to Allah's Messenger. Peace be with you all. May Umar enter?" (Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).

This is the perfect example of seeking permission to enter a place. Umar, a very close Companion of the Prophet, was always highly respectful of Allah's messenger. To him, no one including himself could be of equal status to the Prophet. Hence, when he greeted the people inside after knocking at the door, he offered the first greeting to the Prophet personally, before extending a similar greeting to whoever was inside the Prophet's home. He then identified himself by name seeking entry. Thus, he did not leave the people inside in any doubt about the identity of their visitor. This enabled them to decide immediately what to say. If the visitor could be admitted without difficulty or embarrassment, then they would say so. Otherwise, they would let him know that the timing of the visit is inconvenient.

Source:
"Remember Before You Enter" - Adil Salahi
Blidspot!

Riyaa (Showing Off)

The word riyaa is taken from the word ruyah (to be seen). Riyaa is of many types and forms, its nature and tendency is that it invalidates the actions.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "What I fear for you the most is the minor shirk, that is ar-riyaa. Allah will say on the Day of Judgment when He is rewarding the people for their actions: Go to those for whom you did riyaa for in the world then see if you find the reward with them." [Related by Ahmad]
 
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the maseeh ud-dajjaal? It is the hidden shirk. It is when a man stands up for prayer, then beautifies his prayer for another to look at." [Related by Ibn Maajah (2604)]

The scholars and the active worshippers, who made great efforts to tread the path to the Hereafter, were even put to trial by it. When they took control of themselves and abstained from desires, they were not being allured to the apparent and open sins committed by the limbs. However when they became relaxed, they began to pretend to show knowledge, actions and attend gatherings, to be observed by the people with reverence and esteem. They felt great delight and they looked down upon the idea of leaving sins. So while they are thinking that they are from amongst the sincere worshippers of Allah their names have been confirmed as one of the hypocrites. This is a great deception and no one is safe from it except the angels.

O Allah, Lord of the Heavens and the earth, purify our hearts from hypocrisy and our actions from riyaa. Make us firm upon Your straight path so that we achieve certainty. Ameen

Source:
"Invalidation of Actions" - Saleem al-Hilaalee

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