Humility at all times
Al-Risala (English), June 1985, p. 24
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
Humility at all times
1985 6 June 24 Humility at all times (81) Abdullah Ibn Masood told how, during the Badr campaign, there was one camel to every three men. People used to ride in turns. It was the same with the Prophet: he was sharing a camel with Abu Lababa and Ali. They both asked the prophet to ride on the camel; they would walk in his place. “You are no stronger than me,” the Prophet told them. “Nor do I have any less need of reward from God than you.” (AI-Badaya wa'n-Nahaya)
The Prophet and His Companions
1985 6 June 24 The Prophet and His Companions (295)
Doing everything, but feeling one has done nothing
Mughaira Ibn Shu’aba’s fire-worshipping slave, Abu Lulu, had made his murderous attack on Umar, the second Caliph of Islam. When Umar drank some milk, its whiteness flowed from his wounds; “If I had the earth full of gold,” he said, swearing a solemn oath, “then I would give it in order to free myself of the Lord’s punishment before it descends on me.” “When the Muslims were oppressed,” Abdullah Ibn Abbas said to Umar, “the Prophet prayed that God may strengthen both Islam and the Muslims through you. You became Muslim and Islam was the stronger for your conversion. Muslims held their heads high with you at their side. You emigrated to Medina and joined in every campaign with the Prophet. When the latter died, he was well pleased with you. You then became the first Caliph’s advisor and assistant; he too was well pleased with you when he left this world. Then you were elected Commander of the Faithful. Through you God gave the Muslims prosperity and progress. His enemies capitulated before you. Now he has given you a martyr’s death. Blessed are you.” “The one who believes the like of you will be deceived,” Umar said, and then asked. “Abdullah, will you bear witness on my behalf on the Day of Resurrection?” Ibn Abbas said that he would. Umar then asked his own son, also named Abdullah, to place his face on the ground. Abdullah Ibn Umar raised his father’s head and rested it on his own ankle. “No, on the ground,” Umar said. Abdullah obeyed. “Woe· betide you, Umar,” the second Caliph said to himself. “Woe betide the one who gave birth to you, if God does not forgive you.” He then surrendered his soul. May God be pleased with him. (Tabrani)
