In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allaah [The Exalted] said:
وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ حَقَّتۡ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُۚ فَسِيرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُكَذِّبِينَ
And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 36]
Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam]- Upright Imaam, Obedient and Haneefah (Worshipped Allaah alone)
Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
Verily, Ibraaheem was an Ummah [leader], Qaanitan [obedient], Haneefan [one who worshipped Allaah alone], and he was not one of the Mushrikeen [polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who associate partners with Allah]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 120]
Three Qualities: Imaam – a leader of guidance and an upright guide for the people; Qaanitan – constant in worship and obedient to Allaah; Haneefan – turning away from Shirk [i.e. beliefs, acts, ideas and views that are tantamount to associating partners with Allaah]; [وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ – and he was not one of the Mushrikeen – the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and those who associate partners with Allaah].
Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] stated in another Aayah:
قَدۡ كَانَتۡ لَكُمۡ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ فِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ إِذۡ قَالُواْ لِقَوۡمِہِمۡ إِنَّا بُرَءَٲٓؤُاْ مِنكُمۡ وَمِمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ
Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah…” [Surah Al-Mumtahinah. Verse 4]
These qualities of Prophet Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] are that of a person who actualises Tawheed [pure Islamic monotheism] and an encouragement for others to emulate them, just as Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] stated: [قَدۡ كَانَتۡ لَكُمۡ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ فِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ – Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem]. (1)
Gentleness
Look at Ibraaheem’s [alayhis-salaam] gentleness “O My father! Why do worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything, O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you.” He did not say,‘’O father you’re Jaahil’, but he [kindly] said that he has received knowledge which his father has not received. (2)
Hospitality
Allaah (The Most High) stated:
هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ
إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ
فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ
فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ
فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ ۖ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ
فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ
Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrael (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him, and said, “Salam, (peace be upon you)!” He answered; “Salam,(peace be upon you),” and said: “You are a people unknown to me. Then he turned to his household, so brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): “Will you not eat? Then he conceived a fear of them (when they ate not). They said: “Fear not.” And they gave him glad tidings of an intelligent son, having knowledge (about Allah and His religion of True Monotheism). Then his wife came forward with a loud voice, she smote her face, and said: “A barren old woman!” [51:24-29]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:
Firstly: Allaah described his guests as being honoured. They were either honourable in the sight of Ibraaheem or honourable in the sight of Allaah. The verse carries both meanings.
Secondly: Allaah [The Most High] said: [ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ- When they came in to him.] So there is not a mention about them seeking permission to enter and in this is proof that he was known for being generous to guests. His house was open to guests and frequented by the one who could find it without the need for asking permission. This is a highest level of generosity.
[فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ -Then he turned to his household]: He went to his family in secret without the knowledge of the guests. This is an act of nobility – the leader of the house goes away secretly [to bring something for the guest] in such a manner that the guest is unaware, lest [the guest] becomes uneasy and shy; so he is made unaware until [the host] comes along with the food, as opposed to the one who says to his guest or those who are present: ‘’Wait, so that I bring you food’’ or a similar statement, which makes the guest feel shy and embarrassed.
[فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ – so (he) brought out a fat roasted calf]: This is an indication of his hospitality to his guests. Allaah (The Most High) did not say that Ibraaheem ordered for them, rather Ibraaheem went away and came back with the (roasted calf) himself. He did not send his servant to bring it and this is the highest degree of hospitality to guests.
He came with a full roasted calf and not half of it. This is perfect hospitality. The calf was fat and not skinny, and it is well known that this was among the best of their wealth. The likes of it is given particular attention and nurturing, and Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) chose it for his guests.
He himself brought the food close to them and did not command his servant to (do) so. He brought the food close to them and did not make them come close to the food. This is the highest level of generosity- bringing the food close, carrying it to the guest and not placing it at a distance and then asking the guest to come close.
He said to them [أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ- Will you not eat?]: This is generous and soft speech, and it is better than saying ‘eat’ or ‘extend your hands’ and what is similar to it. He spoke to them with this generous and soft speech when he saw that they were not eating, because his guests are never in need of his permission; rather they eat when he presents food to them. So, when these guests did not eat, he said to them: ‘’Will you not eat?’’ He felt fear of them but did not reveal it. (3)
Moosaa [alayhis saalm]
After Allaah [The Most High] inspired Moosaa [alayhis-salaam], appointed him a Prophet and showed him magnificent signs, he was then sent to Fir’awn – the king of Misr [Egypt]. Allaah [The Most High] said to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]: [ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ- Go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed all bounds] – Meaning: Fir’awn has rebelled and transgressed all the limits in disbelief and corruption. He has become haughty in the earth, overpowered the weak, claimed Ar-Ruboobiyyah [i.e. Lordship] and al-Uloohiyyah [i.e. that he deserves to be worshipped].
This transgression of his was the cause of his destruction, but due to Allaah’s Perfect Mercy, Wisdom and Justice, He does not punish anyone until after establishing the proofs by sending Messengers. Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] knew that he was going to carry a great responsibility because he was going to be sent to an obstinate and arrogant dictator, who had no opponent in Misr [Egypt] -amongst the people- to oppose him.
Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] was by himself after he accidentally killed someone [i.e. when he accidentally killed one of Fir’awn’s people, whilst defending a man from Bani Israaeel, so Fir’awn and his chiefs were determined to kill him]; however after Allaah [The Most High] commanded him to go to Fir’awn, he obeyed Allaah’s [The Most High] command, accepted it wholeheartedly, asked Allaah [The Most High] for assistance and to facilitate him with the ability to [fulfil the task].
Allaah [The Most High] said that Moosaa [alayhis salaam] said: [رَبِّ ٱشۡرَحۡ لِى صَدۡرِى – O my Lord! My expand my heart]- Meaning: Grant me self-confidence and courage so that I can bear both verbal and physical harm, and so that I neither grieve nor become fed up due such harm; for indeed a person with an aggrieved heart is not fit to guide and invite the people to [Allaah’s guidance].
[وَيَسِّرۡ لِىٓ أَمۡرِى – And ease my task for me]- Meaning: Grant me ease in every affair I pursue and every path I intend to follow, whilst calling to your guidance; and lighten the difficulties in front of me.
The caller is granted ease when he approaches all affairs in the appropriate manner; addresses every person based on what they should be addressed with, and calls them through a path that is easier for them to understand, which will enable them to accept his speech.
[وَٱحۡلُلۡ عُقۡدَةً۬ مِّن لِّسَانِى – And make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Musa (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant]; [يَفۡقَهُواْ قَوۡلِى – That they understand my speech].
Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] used to suffer from a speech impediment and it was difficult to understand his speech as the Mufassiroon have stated, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah that Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] said: [وَأَخِى هَـٰرُونُ هُوَ أَفۡصَحُ مِنِّى لِسَانً۬ا– And my brother Haaroon (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me]. Therefore, Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] asked Allaah [The Most High] to remove the speech impediment in order that what he says can be understood and the people he speaks to can clearly grasp what is intended by his speech.
[وَٱجۡعَل لِّى وَزِيرً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِى – And appoint for me a helper from my family];[ هَـٰرُونَ أَخِى- Haaroon (Aaron), my brother]; [ٱشۡدُدۡ بِهِۦۤ أَزۡرِى Increase my strength with him]-Meaning: To be my helper and my assistant in delivering the message to those whom you have sent me to deliver your message, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah: [سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا – We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power]. [وَأَشۡرِكۡهُ فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – And let him share my task]- Meaning: Grant him prophet-hood and make him a Messenger, just as you have made me a Prophet and a Messenger.
Then Allaah [The Most High] informed us of the benefit Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] was seeking by asking for such favours, which is: [كَىۡ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرً۬ا – That we may glorify You much]; [وَنَذۡكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا – And remember You much].
Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] knew that acts of worship and the religion revolves around remembrance of Allaah, so he asked Allaah to make his brother a partner in that – aiding and helping one another in righteousness and piety; remembering Allaah [The Most High] profusely by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. Subhaanallaah], Tahleel [i.e. laa ilaaha illal laah] and other type types of worship.
[إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرً۬ا- Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer] – Meaning: You know our situation and weaknesses; what we can and cannot do, and our complete need of You in every affair. You see our affair more than us [i.e. you see everything and nothing escapes your sight] and you are more Merciful to us than we have for ourselves; therefore bestow upon us what we have asked You and respond to our supplication.
After Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] made these supplications and requests, Allaah [The Most High] said to him: [قَدۡ أُوتِيتَ سُؤۡلَكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ -You are granted your request, O Musa (Moses)]- Meaning: I will grant you everything you’ve asked. I will grant you courage, make your task easy and remove the speech impediment from your tongue, so that your speech is understood; and I will make your brother -Haaroon- your helper. Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah:
[وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيۡكُمَاۚ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكُمَا ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ- And give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors].
These requests made by Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] shows his perfect knowledge and awareness of Allaah [The Most High], his perfect discernment, perfect knowledge about affairs and perfect sincerity. That is because the caller to the path of Allaah- the one who guides the people, especially if the one being invited to the path of Allaah is from the obstinate and haughty ones, and transgressors- is need of a courageous heart and complete forbearance, in order to bear the harm he might come across. He is in need of clear speech, in order to be able to express himself to the one he intends and wishes to address. Rather, a person in such a situation [i.e. the caller] is need of clear eloquent speech in order to present the truth in a proficient manner, beautify it as much as he is able and make it appealing to the people. On the other hand, he shows the ugliness of falsehood, so as to repel people from it.
Besides this, the caller is in need of being granted ease in his task by approaching affairs in the proper manner – calling to the path of Allaah with wisdom, fine admonition and arguing in the best way. He should deal with every person whilst taking into consideration the situation of each person he addresses.
This affair becomes more accomplished when the caller has helpers and assistants, who will help him to reach this goal- because when many people speak, it will have an effect and that is why Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] made those requests. And if you examine the situation of the prophets – those sent to the people- you will discover this affair, especially the seal and most virtuous amongst them, Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]; for indeed he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was at the highest peak in every perfect and good human characteristic. He had a courageous heart and was facilitated with the means of calling to Allaah. His speech was eloquent – with fine expression and explanation- and he had companions who aided him to convey the truth, and [besides the Prophets and Messengers] none can ever excel those companions of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] after their departure from this world. (4)
Praiseworthy Shyness
Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was a very shy man and used to cover his body completely. No part of his skin was seen due to shyness. So, he was hurt by those amongst the children of Israel who said, “He covers his body in this way only because of some defect in his skin- either leprosy or scrotal hernia, or he has some other defect”. Allaah wished to free Moosaa [alayhis salaam] from that which they said about him; so one day whilst he was in seclusion, he took off his clothes and put them on a stone and started taking a bath. When he finished the bath, he moved towards his clothes to take them, but the stone fled with his clothes. Moosaa [alayhis salaam] picked up his stick and ran after the stone saying, ‘O stone! My clothes’ until he reached a group of the children of Israel who saw him without [clothes], and found him the best of that which Allaah had created, and Allaah freed him from what they had accused him of. They said, “By Allaah! Nothing is wrong with Moosaa”. The stone stopped there, so Moosaa [alayhi salaam] took his and put on them, and thereafter started hitting the stone with his stick. By Allaah, the stone still has some traces of the hitting- three, four or five marks. This was what Allah referred to in His statement:
[ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاذَوۡاْ مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُواْۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَجِيہً۬ا- O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa (Moses), but Allah cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honourable in the sight of Allaah].[Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 69]
Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This hadeeth [contains] one of the most amazing stories – a story through which Allaah raised the status of Moosaa [alayhis salaam]. In this hadeeth, there is a clarification regarding the fact that the Messengers and the Prophets were put to trial at the hands of the evil ones in their nations; so they exercised patience whilst facing harm, received abundant reward from Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and carried on propagating Allaah’s message. Indeed, the Messenger [Sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] informed us that Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was harmed by Bani Israa’eel but he exercised patience. In this hadeeth, there is proof to show that the miracles of the Messengers and Prophets are affirmed. And with regards to this particular miracle, the stone- an inanimate object – moved and fled with the thobe; then Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was finally able to catch up with it. He hit it several times and left a mark on it. This is the great miracle that has been mentioned in this hadeeth. (5)
Sulaymaan [alayhis salaam]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَانَ جُنُودُهُ مِنَ الْجِنِّ
وَالْإِنْسِ وَالطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَىٰ وَادِ النَّمْلِ قَالَتْ
نَمْلَةٌ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّمْلُ ادْخُلُوا
مَسَاكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ
سُلَيْمَانُ وَجُنُودُهُ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِنْ قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ
أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي
أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ
صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي
عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not.” So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.”
Few Reminders From The Above Verses
The ant sought an excuse for the army if they would have harmed its colony due to being unaware of their presence and it blamed its colony if they failed to take precaution by not entering their dwelling place. And due to this, Sulaymaan [alayhis salaam] smiled because indeed it is something that should bring about amazement and make someone smile. (6)
The ant knew Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] affair and that of his army, exalted Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] authority and excused them if they crushed its colony because that would have occurred unintentionally.
Sulaymaan [alayhis-salaam] heard the ant’s speech and understood it, so he smiled due to being amazed by the ant’s eloquence, [good] advice and fine expression. This is how the Prophets were – perfect manners and expressing their amazement in the right circumstances. They do not laugh; rather they smile just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] mostly used to smile, for indeed a loud burst of laughter is an indication of feeble mindedness and bad manners; but the one who does not become amazed by what should amaze a person, then this is an indication of ill-humour and haughtiness, and the Messengers of Allaah are free from that. (7)
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:
The Messengers are the most judicious amongst the creation without exception, and after them their followers are the most judicious group. The people of the scriptures and the great legislated laws are the most judicious amongst the followers of the Messengers and the Muslims are the most judicious amongst them [i.e. amongst all those who received divine scriptures and great legislated laws].
The companions of Muhammad [peace and blessings be upon him] are the most judicious amongst the Muslims and then those who followed them exactly in faith. The people who adhere steadfastly to the authentic tradition of the Prophet and the authentic narrations transmitted from him are the most judicious amongst the Muslim nation without exception after companions and those who adhered to their path.
The clear evidence showing that the Messengers are the most judicious amongst the entire creation is that the beneficial knowledge they have brought- the righteous actions and the beneficial affairs related to true wellbeing in this worldly life and the afterlife- has not emerged from others or something even close it. There is nothing- from any perspective- that emerged from other judicious people that can be compared to what the Messengers brought with regards to beneficial knowledge, righteous action and the beneficial affairs of true wellbeing in this worldly life and the afterlife.
Whoever ponders upon their personal life stories – in specific and in general, their patience and perseverance, their abstinence from those unnecessary lawful pleasures of the worldly life, their fervent desire for Allaah’s pleasure and the reward Allaah has kept in the afterlife, their purified manners, the fact that they are the most truthful amongst the creation, (possessors) of the most righteous hearts and the most purified souls, trustees of the greatest trust (i.e. revelation and Messenger ship), the noblest of those whom a person can accompany, the purest in their innermost conscience, the purest with regards to their private affairs- will not doubt the fact that they are the most judicious amongst Allaah’s creation without exception. There is no doubt that whoever is closer to them [i.e. follows them properly], then his (or her) share of judiciousness will be more than (that of others). (8)
Comprehensive Guidance of The Messenger Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi sallam]
[Seal of The Prophets]
Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with. Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to [any time and place], rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent [i.e. the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.
Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.
He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allaah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone is their true object of worship.
He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawheed [i.e. the oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped].
He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this, then their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allaah [The Most High] said:
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. [29:51]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims). [16:89]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57] (9)
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed- Lesson 2. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)]
[Ref 2: Qisas Al-Anbiyaa by Imam Sadi p45
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from بدائع التفسير الجامع لما فسره الإمام ابن القيم -(Vol 3. Pages 45- 46). slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan’. explanation of Aayaat 24-36 Surah Taahaa). Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. page 135. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 2′ pages 279-282). Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 7: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 8: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 4/1514. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 9: An Excerpt from I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377- slightly paraphrased]
