If we want to be successful, we must follow those who have been successful. In the Deen of Allah, all the prophets, Rasulullah s.a.w. and The Companions are those who are successful and Jannah is assured for them even when they are still in this world.
Legends and history is full of heroes. Even the movies from time to time produce heroes. Even our children can point them out to you from cartoons and animated stories. Well, Islam too has its fair share of heroes, but just how many of us are capable of pointing them out?
We may be able to identify the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Umar, Othman and Ali and a few other Companions by name but how much do we really know about them? The answer is hardly much, and the reason for this is that we have not popularized these individuals – we are simply too busy with our worldly affairs.
The Qur’an provides us with countless examples of the Prophet’s status and position. For example Allah says, Say (O Muhammad): “If you love Allah then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:31].
The Qur’an explicitly declares that the Prophet (s.a.w.) was sent as a ‘mercy to creation’; that he was sent to both ‘jinn and mankind’. In fact he was sent to the whole of creation i.e. the vegetable kingdom, the animal kingdom etc, otherwise you will not come across incidences mentioned in Ahadith of trees, stones etc speaking to the Prophet (s.a.w.).
The honoured position of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is so great that even on the Day of Judgement all Prophets will seek His intercession (shafa’ah) with Allah. Even during his Ascension to the Heavens (Mik’raj) we find the Angel Gabriel (a.s.) unable to proceed beyond a certain point in time. In this respect the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “I have a time with Allah to which even Gabriel, who is pure spirit, is not admitted.” If the Prophet Moses (a.s.) had to be content with His glory cast upon a mountain face, well, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) had the pleasure of coming within the presence of Allah. The Qur’an describes it as the ‘distance of two bow lengths’ which is indeed very close. [Surah Najm 53:9]. It is here (the Arsh) that Allah spoke to the Prophet (s.a.w.) directly without being seen.
Whether we realise it or not, or whether we are willing to accept it or not, but the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. remains relevant as a key is to a padlock, when you speak about the Qur’an or Islam. Allah is the goal and objective of existence but the path prescribed by Him lies through the example of His Messenger and Beloved, Muhammad s.a.w..
You cannot make it on your own by just believing in Allah or following the Qur’an. You have to follow in the footsteps of the one who was blessed with the duty of receiving revelation from Allah. Because only in this person who is both the receiver and guide, will you be guided rightly.
“And thus have We by Our command, sent inspiration to you (O Muhammad). You knew not what revelation was, and what faith was: but We have made the (Qur’an) a light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily you do guide to the Straight Way – the Way of Allah.” [Surah Shura 42:52-53].
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the object of our devotion simply because he is the beloved of our Lord. A sound Hadith related by Imam Ahmad and Hakim relate the following narration by Ubay bin Ka’ab: “I once asked the Prophet (s.a.w.), ‘O Messenger of Allah, I invoke much. What portion of that should be of prayer upon you?’ The Prophet (s.a.w.) replied, ‘However much you wish.’ To this I said, ‘A fourth?’ He replied, ‘If you wish, but should you increase that number, it will be better for you.’ I then asked, ‘A third?’ And he said, ‘If you wish, and if you increase it, it is still better for you.’ ‘A half?’ I asked. He replied, ‘If you wish, and if you do more, it is still better for you.’ I then said, ‘Indeed! Then I shall make all my prayers upon you!’ To this he responded, ‘If you do that, then you will be freed of anxiety and your wrongs pardoned!’”
The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Do not reflect upon Allah but reflect on the blessings of Allah.” What greater blessings can a Muslim possess in the personality of the Prophet (s.a.w.). And if you think that you can manage this journey solely on your own then reflect upon the Prophet’s words when he said, “Your entry into paradise is not the result of your deeds but it is due to Allah’s mercy.” And that mercy comes in the form of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) who has been granted intercession for his community on the Day of Judgement.
Allah has revealed: “If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming men of faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell – what an evil refuge!” [Surah Nisa 4:115].
Your devotions will not be accepted unless the name of His Beloved is uttered. And this is one of the reasons why we go through the formality of reciting praise on the Prophet at the end of any supplication. Many do so just to fulfil a requirement without truly realising the implication and significance of such.
The Qur’an provides us with an insight to the intimate relationship between Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.). In Surah Ahzab 33:56 it has been revealed, “Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe! Send you blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.”
In fact one could say that there is not a single creature or thing that does not honour the Prophet (s.a.w.). What is significant here is that Allah Himself and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet (s.a.w.). Why would He want to do this if He did not love the Prophet so much? Whereas with us, we are commanded to submit and surrender ourselves to Allah, thus, proving the need to draw close to the one (the Prophet) He loves most, so that we may enjoy His pleasure while submitting ourselves to Him. This is an established approached to worshipping Allah, where you worship none but Him, through a prescribed path revealed by Allah to Muhammad (s.a.w.), His Messenger and Beloved. Reflect upon this sincerely and you will find it truthful. However, do not exceed the limits of veneration towards the Prophet (s.a.w.) so as to make him equal or greater than Allah, this would be sinful.
The Prophet’s station (maqam) is such that compliance with his Sunnah (Practice) will see you together with him in Heaven. To this effect the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “O my son, the one who has cherished my Sunnah, without doubt he has cherished me, and he who cherishes me will be with me in Paradise ”.
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