Let’s Recall Two Qualities From The Lofty Qualities of AbuBakr and Umar When Speaking About Them!
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Let’s Recall Two Qualities From The Lofty Qualities of AbuBakr and Umar When Speaking About Them and Strive to Emulate!
Quote from Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi regarding a worldly dispute between Abu Bakr and Rabeea’ah Al-Aslami: “This story also shows that the companions of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] were not infallible. Mistakes did occur from them unintentionally, but they were a people whom Allaah favoured with the companionship of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], and they did not persist upon mistakes as it is seen in this story. Indeed, disagreement did occur between them (see footnote a), but they humbled themselves to the truth- neither repelled the truth with falsehood nor indulged in oppression; rather they hastened to Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to resolve the [disagreements] that occurred between them. The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] resolved those issues and all of them were pleased with the judgement and submitted with full submission”.
Quote regarding Umar’s character: The Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings be upon him] said to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him], “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan (misguides) a person through desires, but Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] subdued his desires”.
Rabee’ah Al-Aslami [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated, “I used to serve the Messenger of Allaah [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], so he gave me a piece of land and gave Abu Bakr a piece of land. Then, the worldly life came and we argued over a bunch of palm trees, so Abu Bakr said, ‘It is in my piece of land!’ and I said, ‘It is in my piece of land!’ Then there was an exchange of words between Abu Bakr and myself, so Abu Bakr said something to me that I disliked, and he regretted that. So, he said to me, ‘O Rabee’ah! Say in return to me what I said to you so that it becomes a retribution’. I said, ‘I will not do so!’ Abu Bakr said, ‘Say it, or I will call the Messenger of Allaah on you!’ I said, ‘I will not do so’. So Abu Bakr abandoned the piece of land and went to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and I followed him. The people from [the tribe of] Aslam came and said, ‘May Allaah have mercy on Abu Bakr! Why would he call the Messenger of Allaah on you when he has said to you what he has said?’ So I said, ‘Do you know who that is? That is Abu Bakr -the Truthful [as-Siddeeq]! He is the one who was in the Cave with the Prophet [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam], and he is the elder of the Muslims! So beware that he turns around and see you helping me against him and it makes him angry, then the Messenger of Allaah [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] comes along and become angry because of Abu Bakr’s anger, and then Allaah becomes angry due to their anger, and thus Rabee’ah is destroyed!’ So, they said, ‘So what do you want us to do?’ I said, ‘Go back to where you came from.’ So Abu Bakr went to the Messenger of Allah and I followed him by myself and continued until he got to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and informed him of our conversation as it happened. So he [the Prophet] raised his head to me and said, ‘O Rabee’ah! What is going on between you and as-Siddeeq?’ So I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! This happened and that happened, so he said something to me that I disliked, and he told me to say the same thing back to him so that it be would be a retribution’. So the Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Do not return his comment to him, rather say ‘May Allaah forgive you O Abu Bakr! May Allaah forgive you O Abu Bakr!’ So Abu Bakr turned his face and began to cry’”.
Beneficial Reminders From This Hadeeth By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]
This hadeeth contains an amazing story from which we can take an exhortation and a lesson. Firstly, it is a proof regarding the purity of the hearts of the Sahaabah towards one another, and that when disagreement occurred between them regarding a worldly affair, they did not boycott one another – neither harboured resentment nor hatred; rather one gave sincere advice to the other.
This story shows that the Sahaabah were people of fair play and justice, and they feared falling into disobedience and evil deeds. And if punishment was legislated for an evil deed, they wished that such punishment is received in this worldly life and not the afterlife.
This story shows the virtue of AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] – his status in the eyes of the Sahaabah, in the eyes of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and also in the sight of Allaah, for indeed the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] use to hold him in high esteem and raised him to his rightful status, just as Allaah stated in the Qur’aan: [إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَاۖ – The second of two, when they were in the cave, and he [Muhammad (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam)] said to his companion [Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu)], “Be not sad [or afraid], surely Allaah is with us”. [Surah At-tawbah. Aayah 40]
AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] was the Prophet’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] companion in the cave. He is the most virtuous person in the Ummah after the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] based on the consensus of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah – past and present. Indeed, the Prophet [sallal laahu- alayhi wasallam] said to some of his companions regarding AbuBakr’s [radiyallaahu-anhu] affair, “Would you not leave my companion for me” – meaning AbuBakr [i.e. refrain from annoying or harming AbuBakr (radiyallaahu-anhu)] [Bukhari 3661]
This story shows the virtue of being forgiving and pardoning the one who wrongs you when you are able to do so and based on [a lawful and overriding] benefit, for indeed being forgiving and pardoning others will not increase you in anything except honour and a higher status in the sight of Allaah.
This story also shows that the companions of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] were not infallible. Mistakes did occur from them unintentionally, but they were a people whom Allaah favoured with the companionship of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], and they did not persist upon mistakes as it is seen in this story. Indeed, disagreement did occur between them, but they humbled themselves to the truth- neither repelled the truth with falsehood nor indulged in oppression; rather they hastened to Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to resolve the [disagreements] that occurred between them. The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] resolved those issues and all of them were pleased with the judgement and submitted with full submission.
This story shows the virtue of supplicating for others, especially for the one who wronged you. So, you supplicate for him that [Allaah] rectifies his affairs and forgives him, for indeed you have an angel who says, “Aameen and may Allaah grant you the same”. Therefore, one should be eager for this!
This story shows that to fulfil the rights of the people in this worldly life is better than leaving the affair until the day of judgement when none will pardon another person, even if such person is the closest relative to him.
This story shows the virtue of Rabee’ah Al-Aslami [radiyallaahu-anhu] who advised his companions that neither should they be his supporters nor argue on his behalf against AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu], because he knew the status of AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] in the sight of Allaah and the Messenger.
What do we derive as benefit from this story: We should pardon and maintain love for one another when disagreement occurs between us regarding an affair of the Dunyaa. A person should be eager to give people their rights and also seek the forgiveness of the one he disputed with. [An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaat Al-maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Pages 42-44]
Umar Ibnul Khattaab
Hadeeth 1: Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] asked the people, “Who remembers the narration of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] about the affliction?” Hudhaifa said, “I heard the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] saying, ‘The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity.” `Umar said, “I do not ask about that, but I ask about those afflictions which will spread like the waves of the sea.” Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection.” We said to Masruq, “Would you ask Hudhaifa whether `Umar knew what that gate symbolized?” He asked him and he replied “He (`Umar) knew it as one knows that there will be night before tomorrow, morning. [Ref 1]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth
a: Regarding the statement: “The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that the unrestricted narrations in which a mention is made regarding the expiation of sins are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins – either restricted by the statement of Allaah: [إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ – If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him], “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”. [Ref 1.1]
b: Regarding the statement: Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The gate is Umar and his murder is when the door is broken. So, after he was murdered, the gate of the afflictions was opened. [Ref 2]
Hadeeth 2: The Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings be upon him] said to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him], “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” [Ref 3]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan (misguides) a person through desires, but Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] subdued his desires”. [Ref 4]
Hadeeth 3: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] said, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking (i.e. milk), and I was so contented that I saw the milk flowing through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to `Umar.” They (i.e. the companions of the Prophet) asked, “What do you interpret it?” He said, “Knowledge.” [Ref 5]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This is a great virtue of Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] and that which Allaah granted him of knowledge, and the proofs in this regard are clear. [Ref 6]
Hadeeth 4: Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said: When (the dead body of) `Umar was placed on his deathbed, the people gathered around him and invoked (Allah) and prayed for him before the body was taken away, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody taking hold of my shoulder and found out that he was `Ali bin Abi Talib. `Ali invoked Allah’s Mercy for `Umar and said, “O `Umar! You have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and meet Allah with more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always thought that Allah would keep you with your two companions, for very often I used to hear the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, ‘I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went (somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and `Umar entered (somewhere); and I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went out.”‘ [Ref 7]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “May Allaah be pleased with the companions. In this hadeeth is the fact that the noble and righteous people are afflicted with trials like the Prophets, and this is what happened to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] – the best person in the Ummah after the Prophet and As-Siddeeq [i.e. Abu Bakr]. [Ref 8]
Hadeeth 5: Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudri [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] saying, “While I was sleeping, the people were presented to me (in a dream). They were wearing shirts, some of which were merely covering their (chests). and some were a bit longer. `Umar was presented before me and his shirt was so long that he was dragging it.” They asked, “How have you interpreted it, O Allah’s Messenger?” He said, “Religion.” [Ref 9]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This a great blessing for Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him]. Allaah bestowed knowledge and religion on him. [Ref 10]
Hadeeth 6: Narrated Abu Musa: While I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) in one of the gardens of Medina, a man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, “Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings that he will enter Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was Abu Bakr. I informed him of the glad tidings the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me “Open (the gate) and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was `Umar. I informed him of what the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me. “Open (the gate) for him and inform him of the glad tidings, of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him. ” Behold ! It was `Uthman, I informed him of what Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) had said. He praised Allah and said, “I seek Allah’s Aid.” [Ref 11]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said after quoting this hadeeth: “Allaahu Akbar! Allaahul Mus’ta’aan, Allaahul Musta’aan [Allaah’s Aid is sought, Allaah’s Aid is sought]. [Ref 12]
Hadeeth 7: Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama: When `Umar was stabbed, he showed signs of agony. Ibn `Abbas, as if intending to encourage `Umar, said to him, “O Chief of the believers! Never mind what has happened to you, for you have been in the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and you kept good relations with him and you parted with him while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of Abu Bakr and kept good relations with him and you parted with him (i.e. he died) while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of the Muslims, and you kept good relations with them, and if you leave them, you will leave them while they are pleased with you.” `Umar said, (to Ibn “Abbas), “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I meet Him.” [Ref 13]
Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Regarding the statement of Umar: “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I meet Him”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: O Allaah! Be pleased with him [i.e. Umar]. The one who has more knowledge about Allaah will fear Him more. [Ref 14]
Hadeeth 8: Narrated Anas bin Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu] that he heard ‘Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] speaking, while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in the morning [following the death of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)], when the people had given the Bai’ah [pledge] to Abu Bakr. He [praised Allaah, testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and sent salutations upon the Prophet] before Abu Bakr, and said, ‘’To proceed; Allaah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him [i.e. Paradise] rather than what is with you [i.e. the world]. This is that Book [the Qur’an] with which Allah guided your Messenger, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the Right Path as Allaah guided His Messenger with it.” [Bukhari]
Benefits and Lessons Derived From The Above Hadeeth: Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] and all the companions [radiyallaahu-anhum] considered Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] as one with great status, and because of this, he took [praiseworthy] stances during times of serious events in order to offer [sound] suggestions, such as during the Riddah [i.e. when some tribes left Islaam after the death of the Messenger]. And from them [i.e. those serious events] is that Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] was the first one who gave the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu’anhu]- he settled the affair as reported in the [following] hadeeth: ”When the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] passed away, the Ansar said: ‘Let there be an Amir from among us and an Amir from among you.’ Then Umar came to them and said: ‘O Ansar! Do you not know that the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] to lead the people in prayer? Who among you could accept to put himself ahead of Abu Bakr?’ They said: ‘We seek refuge with Allah from putting ourselves ahead of Abu Bakr.’’ [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 3649]
On the second day, after the oath of allegiance was given to AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu], he [Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu)] ascended the pulpit and delivered this great sermon, (saying): ”Amma Ba ‘du [to proceed]: Allah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him (i.e. Paradise) rather than what is with you [i.e. the world]. This is that Book [i.e. the Qur’an] with which Allah guided your Messenger, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the Right Path as Allaah guided His Messenger with it.”
This [statement of Umar] is Allaah’s command and the command of His Messenger other than (this) hadeeth, such as his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statement: ‘’I have left amongst you that which if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray after me: the book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
And likewise his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statement: ‘’The best speech is the Book of Allaah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. And the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion) and every innovation is misguidance.’’ [Muslim]
In the majority of his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] sermons, he uttered this statement, in order to urge [mankind] towards adherence to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] followed this path in order to guide the people to adhere to the Book of Allaah, for indeed in it is guidance and light. Indeed Allaah guided his Messenger through it-[Allaah (The Most High)] said:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَٰكِن جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَّهْدِي بِهِ مَن نَّشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ
”And thus We have sent to you [O Muhammad] Ruhan [an Inspiration, and a Mercy] of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it [this Qur’an] a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you [O Muhammad] are indeed guiding [mankind] to the Straight Path [i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism]. The Path of Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. Verily, all the matters at the end go to Allah (for decision). [42:52-53]
The Book of Allaah [mentioned in this ayah] is the Qur’aan. Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] did not guide him [i.e. the Messenger] except by way of His Mercy and by way of this Qur’aan. He [Allaah (The Most High)] said: [قُلْ إِن ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَا أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي ۖ وَإِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِي إِلَيَّ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ – Say: “If [even] I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I remain guided, it is because of the Inspiration of my Lord to me. Truly, He is All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things).”] [34:50]
And He [Allaah (The Most High)] said:
اتَّبِعْ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ
‘’Follow what has been inspired to you (O Muhammad) from your Lord. [6:106]
And He [Allaah (The Most High)] said:
وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
‘’And if you [O Muhammad] were to follow their desires after what you have received of Knowledge [i.e. the Qur’an], then you would have against Allah neither any Wali [protector or guardian] nor any helper.’’ [2:120]
The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] followed the revelation and its texts just as Allaah commanded him; and the Ummah are obligated with this [i.e. to follow as well], just as Allaah commanded them. He [Allaah (The Most High)] said: [اتَّبِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ ۗ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ – Say [O Muhammad] to these idolaters [pagan Arabs] of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord [the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah], and follow not any Auliya’ [protectors and helpers, etc. who order you to associate partners in worship with Allah], besides Him [Allah]. Little do you remember!] [7:3]
And just as Allaah commanded His Messenger to follow the revelation and to be guided by it, He [Allaah] also commanded the Ummah to follow the revelation and to be guided by it. Therefore, O Muslims! It is [obligated] on us to [take the] Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] as a [source of] guidance with truthfulness, sincerity, diligence and determination, and not with wishful thinking; rather we should be truthful to Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] with regards to holding fast to this Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and the Sunnah, just as Allaah [Glorified and Exalted Be He] said to His slave Yahyah [alayhis-salaam]: [يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ – O Yahya (John)! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)].” [19:12]
Therefore, it is obligated on us to hold onto [the Qur’an] with diligence- neither with a slack nor lackadaisical [attitude] and nor through blameworthy blind following; rather it is obligated on us to ponder upon this Qur’aan just as He [Allaah (The Most High)] stated: [كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ – ‘’(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember’’] [38: 29]
This Qur’aan was sent down to be pondered upon and to acquire (sound) understanding from it. And the one whom Allaah wishes good for, He gives him (or her) understanding in the religion.
It is incumbent upon you [to adhere] to this Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and the Sunnah-give importance to them (by way of) memorization and acquiring understanding; utilise them as an aid in [seeking] a sincere and pure understanding based on the Messenger’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statements and the understanding of the pious predecessors [may Allaah be pleased with all of them]. However, some of the pious predecessors may have some mistakes, so we seek Allaah’s Forgiveness for them and find excuses for them, however we do not follow them [in their mistakes], for everyone can have his statement accepted or rejected, except the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].
(So) Umar (radiyallaahu-anahu) said: “Amma Ba‘du (to proceed): Allah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world)….etc’’ and shortly before his death the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) delivered a sermon, as reported in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (radiyallaahu-anhu) – and said: ‘’Indeed Allaah gave a slave of His a choice between the Dunya and between what is with Him, so he (the slave) chose that which is with Allaah.’ So Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu) cried and said: ‘We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake.’ We wondered why Abu Bakr (said such a thing). The people said: ‘Look at this old man! The Messenger of Allah says about a slave who was given the choice between the glitter of the worldly life and what He [Allaah] has with Him (of reward in the Hereafter); but he (i.e. Abu Bakr) says: We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake!’ The Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was the slave who was to make the choice and (we acknowledged) that Abu Bakr was the most learned among us about the Messenger (i.e. because he knew the reason behind the Messenger’s statement).’’
Umar-and Allaah knows best-was referring to this (above) hadeeth. There is no Prophet at the time of death except that he is given a choice between the (bliss of) this life and what is with Allaah has (i.e. Allaah good pleasure and reward in the afterlife), and the Prophets chose what is with Allaah. Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: ‘The Angel of Death was sent to Moosaa (alayhis-salaam); so when he came to Moosa, he (Moosaa) struck him in his eye. He (i.e. the Angel) returned to his Lord and said: You sent me to a slave who does not want to die.’ So Allah gave him back his eye and said: ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.’ Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) said: ‘0 Lord! What will happen after that?’ Allah replied: ‘Then death.’ Moosaa said: ‘Let it come now!’ Moosaa then requested Allah to let him die close to the Holy Land so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw from it.” [Bukhari and Muslim] So he (alayhis-salaam) chose death.
The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was given a choice, just as he stated and just as Aa’isha (radiyallaahu-anhaa) said, ‘’The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to say whilst he was healthy: Never a prophet dies in a state that he is not made to see his abode in Paradise, and then given a choice.’’ ‘A’isha said that when Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) was about to leave the world, his head was over her thigh and he had fallen into swoon three times. When he felt relief his eyes were fixed at the ceiling. He then said: O Allaah, along with the high companions (i.e. along with the Prophets who live in the most elevated place of the Paradise). (On hearing these words), I then said (to myself) He is not going to opt us and I remembered a hadith which he had narrated to us as he was healthy and in which he said: No prophet dies until he sees his abode in Paradise, he is then given a choice. ‘A’isha said: These were the last words which Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) spoke: O Allaah, with companions on High. [Bukhaari]
So he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) chose the (company) of the high companions and departed from this worldly life. This affair that Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) referred to is in harmony with what the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) stated about the Prophets and himself. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) chose that which is with Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). He chose the afterlife over the worldly life after completing his message perfectly. Allaah perfected this religion (of Islaam) and then gave him a choice (between this world and the hereafter), so he chose that which is with Allaah (i.e. the afterlife).
And likewise Anas (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated: “Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu) said to ‘Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu), after the death of the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), “Let us go and visit Umm Ayman [i.e. the wet nurse the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) during his childhood], as the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to visit her.” When they finished visiting her (and were about to leave) she began to cry. So they asked her: “What is it that makes you cry? Is not that which is with Allah better for the Messenger of Allah (saw)?” So she replied, “I am not crying because I am unaware that that which is with Allah is better for the Messenger of Allah (saw) but I am crying because the revelation from the heavens has stopped.” This moved them to tears, so they both began to weep with her.” [Muslim]
So this is what Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) referred to- the Prophet’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) choice regarding that which is with Allaah (in the afterlife).
We ask Allaah to grant us and you (success, wellbeing etc) in His Religion. And that He grants us (the blessing, ability) to adhere to His Book (i.e. the Qur’aan) and to follow the guidance of His noble Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). Indeed, our Lord hears the supplication (of His slaves). [Ref 15]
Footnote a: https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5d4fde1296604
Ref 1: Bukhaari 1895
Ref 2: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 2. Page 118
Ref 3: Bukhaari 3294
Ref 4: Minhaaj As-Sunnah 6/55
Ref 5: Bukhaari 3681
Ref 6: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. Page 146
Ref 7: Bukhaari 3685
Ref 8: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. page 151
Ref 9: Bukhaari 3691
Ref 10: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153
Ref 11: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 3693
Ref 12: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Pages 153-154
Ref 13: Bukhaari 3692
Ref 14: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153
Ref 15: An Excerpt from ‘Bahjatul Qaariy Bi-Fawaa’id Manhajiyyah Wa Duroos Tarbawiyyah Min Kitaab Al-I’tisaam Bil-Kitaab Was-Sunnah Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Pages: 11-17. By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali]
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