Love for the Prophet (PBUH) by his companions

Love for the Prophet PBUH by his companions

What were his qualities that his companions adored him so much and wanted to be in his company? Yes, he was the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) – but what was it about him that people loved him so dearly? Allah says in the Qur’an, “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” Sura Al Qalam 4.

 If he speaks, everybody listens to him with rapt attention

“O people of Quraish! I have been to the magnificent royal courts of Rome and Persia, but nowhere did I witness any ruler so dear to his people as Muhammad is to his followers. His Companions have such a deep love and high regard for him that when he performs ablution, they struggle to get the water he has used and don’t even let it fall on the ground. If he speaks, everybody listens to him with rapt attention, nobody even dares to look straight into his eyes. They can’t leave Muhammad at any cost. Accept what Muhammad has explained to you and strike a peace deal with him.” These were the words of Urwah bin Mas’ood, the chief of Banu Thaqif. The Makkans sent Urwah bin Mas’ood to negotiate a deal with the Prophet (PBUH). A peace treaty was formally signed between the two parties in the sixth year of Hijrah. This was known as the treaty of Hudaibiyah.

His face is not that of an imposter

Al-Husayn ibn Salam. A respected and honored Jewish rabbi in Yathrib known for his piety and goodness, upright conduct, and truthfulness. Scholar of the Torah. After conversion he would be known as Abdullah ibn Salam (RA). When he heard about the appearance of a prophet, he set out to meet the Prophet (PBUH). In his own words, “I looked at him closely. I scrutinized him and was convinced that his face was not that of an imposter. I went closer to him and made the declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Abdullah ibn Salam (RA) turned out to be a scholar of Islam leading study circles in the Prophet (PBUH)’s mosque in Madinah.

More beautiful than the moon

Narrates Jabir ibn Samurah, “I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, on a clear night while he was wearing a red cloak. I turned my sight between him and the moon and, to me, he was more handsome and beautiful than the moon.”

By Allah, I would not want to be safe and secure among my family while even a thorn hurts Muhammad

These were the words spoken by Khubayb ibn ‘Adi (RA), one of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), when asked if he would like Muhammad to be in his place while Khubayb is set free. Subhanallah! Khubayb was captured by the Quraish and murdered in retaliation for their losses in battle of Badr.

“Kill him. Kill him” was the response of the people. Swords and spears then cut through Khubayb’s body. Khubayb returned to His Creator. His only wish before he was put to his death – allow me to pray two rakah salah.

This is all I wanted

Usaid bin Hudair, an Ansari man, was talking to the people and joking to make them laugh, the Prophet (PBUH) poked him in the ribs with a stick. He said, “Let me retaliate”. He said: “Retaliate”. He said, “You are wearing a Qamis but I am not wearing a Qamis.” The Prophet (PBUH) lifted his shirt and he embraced him and kissed his side. He said: “This is all I wanted, O messenger of Allah.” How they adored the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)!

Hosts of the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah

While many people welcomed the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) to stay with them when he arrived in Madinah, it was Abu Ayub Al Ansari who had the honor to host him. Abu Ayub was elated with joy when the Prophet (PBUH) decided to stay with him and he greeted him with great excitement. Abu Ayub had a two storied house. Abu Ayub and Umm Ayub used to live in the upper floor and the Prophet (PBUH) in the lower floor – this the Prophet (PBUH) wanted because of the many people visiting him. One cold night a water jar broke and water spilled on the floor. Abu Ayub and Umm Ayub had one piece of velvet that they used as a blanket – they used it to mop up the water out of fear that the water would seep through to the lower floor where the Prophet (PBUH) was. And they passed the night in cold, with the only blanket used to soak the water. Abu Ayub had the honor to host the Prophet (PBUH) for almost seven months.

The companion in the cave: mentioned in the Qur’an

Tears of joy rolled down the eyes of Abu Bakr (RA) when he heard that he would be accompanying the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) during his migration from Makkah to Madinah. He was prepared and informed the Prophet that he had already bought two she-camels for this purpose. (JPG: show the map of migration). When the two arrived at the cave in Mount Thaur Abu Bakr asked the Prophet (PBUH) to wait until he searched and cleaned up the cave. He went in and stuffed the holes with pieces of cloth torn from his garment and then brought the Prophet in. Love for the prophet!  This is mentioned in the Qur’an in Sura Tauba verse 40 : “If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” And Allah sent down his tranquility upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”

Make me your companion in Jannah

The width of Jannah is as wide as heavens and earth – prepared for the muttaqun. In it are what eyes have never seen, what ears have never heard, minds have never imagined. And what if your companion and neighbor is the Prophet of Allah (PBUH)? That was the wish of Rabi’ah ibn K’ab al Aslami (RA). The Prophet of Allah loved Rabi’ah ibn K’ab dearly and said one day, “Ask me anything and I will give it to you”. Imagine – he is not only the Prophet of Allah but also the head of state. Rabi’ah ibn K’ab asked for some time to think about it. Rabi’ah ibn K’ab was in poverty – however he preferred the Hereafter to this world.

“O Messenger of Allah, I ask you to beseech Allah most High on my behalf to make me your companion in Jannah”

“Who has advised you thus?” asked the Prophet.

“No one, by Allah. Non one has advised me. But when you told me ‘Ask me anything and I will give you to you,’ I thought of asking you for something of the goodness of this world. But before long, I was guided to choose what is permanent and lasting against what is temporary and perishable. And so I have asked you to beseech Allah on my behalf that I may be your companion in Jannah.”

The Prophet remained silent for a long time and then asked, “any other request besides that, Rabi’ah?”

“No, O Messenger of Allah, nothing can match what I have asked you.”

“Then, in that case, assist me for your sake by performing much prostration to Allah.”

After that Rabi’ah began to exert in worship to attain the companionship of the Prophet just he had the opportunity in this world.

The story of Zaid bin Harithah (RA)

He was loved by the Prophet (PBUH) so much that he was known as hibbu Rasulullah PBUH. He is the only companion whose name is mentioned in the Qur’an.

Zaid bin Harithah was a little boy approximately 8 years old. He was traveling with his family when they were attacked. They took him, and he was sold as a slave in Okab. He was purchased by Hakim ibn Hizam (RA) who was the nephew of Khadijah RA. He later accepted Islam.

Zaid was given to Khadija RA as a gift. After marriage Zaid bin Harithah was given as a gift to the Prophet (PBUH). He treated him well – as though he was from his own family.

Harithah ibn Sharahil, father of Zaid, started hunting for his son. They did not find news about him for a long time. One day a group of people saw Zaid and recognized him. They went home and told Harithah. Harithah collected some wealth and went to Makkah to bring back his son.

“We want our son from you”, Haritha said. “We are here with whatever amount you want. We want our son back.”

Prophet PBUH said, “I will give him to you without any money. Just one thing – if he wants to leave let him leave. If he wants to stay you allow him to stay”. Zaid was delighted to see his father and brother.

“Do you know these people?” Asked the Prophet (PBUH). “Yes, this is my father and brother.”, replied Zaid

“They are here to take you with them.” said the Prophet (PBUH)

“I am not coming with you.” was the response of Zaid.

“You are choosing to remain a slave?” asked Harithah, surprised at the response of his son.

“If you know how he treats me and how the respect we have for one another and the love we have for one another you will understand my decision.” was the response of Zaid.

The Prophet (PBUH) was touched and made an announcement that this boy is my son, he is free. When I die he will inherit me. From this day on he will be known as Zaid bin Muhammad. Father and brother left him there happy to know that he was in good hands.

We ask Allah to make us companions of the Prophet (PBUH) in Jannah.

And Allah knows best.

Related Links:

• Zaid Ibn Harithah (RA) – Mufti Menk