The Prophet and His Companions
Al-Risala (English), July 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.
The Prophet and His Companions
1985 7 July 24 The Prophet and His Companions (374)
The greatest work is that which requires the greatest effort on one’s own part
The Prophet mentioned three of the most difficult actions; to be just with people in matters concerning oneself; to help one’s brethren with one’s wealth; and to remember God in all circumstances.
To serve the cause of religion is not enough to deserve paradise.
The Prophet told of a man who fought with all his might in the Battle of Hunayn. When he was killed, news of his death spread far and wide. People made much of his bravery, and were sure that he must have attained the status of martyrdom. When the Prophet heard what people were saying, he told them that the person concerned was among the people of the Fire. There was puzzlement at the Prophet’s words, for the man’s intrepid bravery was still fresh in people’s memory. The Prophet told them to go and find out the circumstances in which he had died. It turned out that he had been wounded in battle. When night came, unable to bear the pain of his wounds, he committed suicide. (Far from leading one to martyrdom, suicide is an unlawful act which cannot be justified under any circumstances.) The Prophet was told of people’s findings. “I bear witness that I am God’s servant and prophet,” he said. Then he sent Bilal to tell the people that only a real, true Muslim would enter heaven. “And God strengthens this religion through profligates too.”
(Bukhari)
The hypocrisy of climbing on bandwagons
When the Prophet emigrated from Mecca to Medina, ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his associates did all they could to make life difficult for the Prophet, and obstruct him in his mission. With the Battle of Badr, when great leaders of the Quraish were slain, ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy’s group realized that there was no stopping the progress of Islam. Outwardly, they accepted Islam. But since they were not sincere in their conversion, they soon took to plotting against the faith.
Thinking nothing of one’s actions
Someone said to ‘Umar that he had rendered great services to religion. He would surely have a great position with God. “If there is nothing for me or against me, that will be enough,” ‘Umar’ replied.
