The Prophet (SAW)’s Love for Us
The sahaba (RA) had a lot of love and reverence for the prophet (SAW). It also makes sense for us to know how much love he had for us. When the prophet (SAW) went to Ta’if just to invite them to the message of Allah (SWT), they responded in a very rough and crude way. Not only did they reject the message of the prophet (SAW), they then sent children after them to hit him with sticks and throw stones at him. They continued to pelt him with stones until he started bleeding. He bled so much that the blood accumulated in the soles of his shoes, and his shoes became stuck to his feet. While this was happening, he was wiping the blood and trying to make sure it did not fall on the ground. He did this because when the blood of a prophet is spilled, nothing can stop the people who hurt the prophet from the wrath of Allah (SWT). When the angels came to offer the prophet (SAW) revenge, the prophet (SAW) refused. He said, “If these people do not believe right now, I hope that Allah (SWT) will produce such people in their children and their future generations who will accept the message of Allah (SWT). These same people caused a lot of trouble for the prophet (SAW) in the coming years. The sahaba came to the prophet (SAW), saying, “The people of Thaqif have tortured and punished us. Make du’a that Allah (SWT) may destroy them.” The prophet (SAW) simply raised his hands and said, “O Allah, give them guidance.” Once, Aisha (RA) requested the prophet (SAW) to make some special du’a for her. The prophet (SAW) made du’a, saying, “O Allah, forgive all the past and future mistakes of Aisha and whatever mistakes she may have made secretly or openly.” Aisha (RA) was so overjoyed that her head dropped into her lap, and when the prophet (SAW) saw her, he asked, “Did it make you happy that I made a du’a like this?” She said, “Absolutely. You have made such a powerful du’a.” The prophet (SAW) said, “I make this same du’a for my Ummah in every single du’a.” Once, the prophet (SAW) was reading the Qur’an and going through the verses where various prophets were making du’a for forgiveness for those followers who went astray. On the Day of Judgement, Isa (AS) will beseech Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for his followers. When the prophet (SAW) read this, he started crying, and said, “What about my Ummah?” He raised his hands and started begging Allah (SWT), “My Ummah, my Ummah.” Jibreel was sent with a message, “Do not worry. We will make you happy regarding your Ummah. On the Day of Judgement, when people will go from one prophet to another, unable to bear the intensity of the heat of that day, they will run to you and you will ask Allah (SWT) with such vigor for mercy for the people.” On that day, when no one will be able to think about anyone other than themselves, the prophet (SAW) will be worried and crying for us.
The prophet (SAW) sacrificed and did so much for us that us Muslims have no other choice but to pour our hearts out for the prophet (SAW). Remember one thing; next time a teaching of deen is presented in front of us or a reminder, remember who it is coming from and who gave it to us. Ask yourself, “How much love do I have for this prophet?” Nothing else matters if you have the amount of love that you should have. Following your instructions becomes easy – staying away from that which he and Allah (SWT) disliked should be easy and staying away from sins becomes easy. Everything is simplified just through this one aspect of love. When love is not with us, every step is a challenge. May Allah (SWT) open up our hearts to the true love of the prophet (SAW) and may Allah (SWT) empower us to do all those things that please him and keep us away from that which displeases him.
