The Greatest of Allah’s Creation:
The Prophet Muhammad
[Allah magnify him and protect him from imperfection]
RESPECT & REVERENCE
English Version of the Urdu treatise Ta`zim-o-Tawqir
By
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mas`ud Ahmad, M.A.; Ph. D.
Translated By:
Prof. Azimi F. M. Shaykh
Published By.
RAZVI Kitab Ghar
423, Matia Mahal,
Jama Masjid, Delhi-6
Ph. 3264524
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful.
The Holy Qur'an as the final and most accomplished revealed book setting forth every thing in clear
prospective [Nahl:89] and a source [Yusuf:111] from Almighty Allah sent down upon His most
Affectionate and supremely modeled Apostle Hazrat Muhammad (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him). The honour and Reverence (TA'ZIM-O-TAWQIR) of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) is as essential for every believing Muslim as the Faith and Belief in Islam
itself. The Holy Qur'an Speaks voluminously in this behalf exhorts the followers to reflect upon again
and again the Divine verses spread throughout the vast concourse of Revelations.
It appears we have been behaving like simpletons and looking askance every where instead of the
real source of deliverance — the Holy Qur'an and the unstinted reverential love of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) and thus reduced ourselves to soulless skeletons at the
mercy of others who exploit us for their refurious purposes.
Now we proceed to show to the World at large particularly the Muslims how the Holy Qur'an
straight forwardly and unmistakably enunciates and delineates the august personality of the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) and exhorts its addressees to ponder with
themselves where they stand in this realm of Holy Prophet's adoration:
The real test of examining the love and respect for an exalted personality is how deep die imprint of
this sublime virtue (love) is in heart and mind and how far one is prepared to offer sacrifices at the
altar of love and devotion. The best and the most shining example in this behalf as the expression of
love and regard is provided by the Holy Qur'an which at various places has demonstrated that
Almighty Allah, wherever He mentions His love (towards the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and
Peace be upon him). He ordained it to be at par [Tawbah:24] with what people refer towards Him
in their prayers and supplientions.
In other words, His devotees should not make distinction between their love and obedience
towards Allah the Almighty and Respect and Reverence towards the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him), so that a pattern be set whereby the depth and intensity of love may be
evaluated. It is for this reason that Almighty Allah has demanded the love of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) to be the first and most fundamental condition as the sign of
faith side by side the love towards Allah the Almighty [Tawbah:12].
Thus true love emanates from the real devotion and reverence, while respect is the first pre-requisite
of the love/ That is to say that Reverence and Respect determines the depth of love and obedience.
When the Angels realised the greatness (as a mark of respect) of Hazrat Adam, all of them
prostrated before him. [A`raaf:11; Baqarah:34]
Similarly when the Brothers of Prophet Yousuf after going through trials and tribulations, became
aware of the greatness of their Brother yousuf whom they maltreated and even threw earlier in the
well just to get rid of him and thus endear themselves in the eyes of their father Prophet Yaqoob, all
of them lay in Prostration before Hazrat Yousuf [Yousuf:100].
On the other hand, Iblis (Satan) arrogantly treated Hazrat Adam as a skeleton of clay and refused
to prostrate in utter defiance of Divine Command, and thus suffered the eternal wrath of Almighty
Allah after being»declared "accursed" for ever and thrown down from the garden of Bliss[A`raaf:11-
13].
A true love (with reverence) produces the evolution in the heart and mind and elevates a person
from a position of down trodden human being to the station of spiritual and moral grandeur to which
even the angels envy. History bears how the ignorant and uncivilised Arabs became the torch-
bearers of highest quality of civilization and enlightenment when they unreserved and steadfastly
submitted themselves with a spirit of true love and devotion before the commands of Almighty Allah
and His Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).
The negation of the love and Reverence results in utter disgrace and curse the fate of Iblis. We must
therefore be in guard of our ideological and spiritual faith, specially when we are visualising and
evaluating the highest and most sublime personality of-our Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace
be upon him).
(2)
The Spiritual and the Divinely enlightened status of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him) can be understood and visualised only by those fortunate persons who are gifted with
Divine guidance and wisdom under the inspiration of true love and Reverence. Otherwise in the
eyes of the unbelievers — the Kuffar (the atheists or rejecters of the Faith), Mushrikeen (who
associated others with Allah the Almighty), the Jews and the Christians, the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) was merely a common man (with no special spiritual and Divine
virtues). The Holy Qur'an mentions this at various places. Some verses are quoted below as
examples of this blasphemy:
1. They said, "You are a common mortal like us."[Ibrahim:10]
2. "Who is this man? nothing but a mortal like you."[Anbiyaa:3]
3. "Who is this man but a mortal like you, he wants to
establish his superiority over you."[Mu'minoon:24]
4. "He is nothing but a mortal like you. He eats of what
you eat and he drinks of what you drink."[Mu'minoon:33]
5. "You are no more than a man like us".[Shu`araa':186]
6. They said, "You are nothing but a mortal like us"[Yaaseen:15]
7. They said, "We find you but a man like us".[Hud:27]
These are only a few examples from a large number of
verses, showing what the Kuffar, Mushrikeen, Jews and Christians of Makka said and thought
about the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). Iblis (Satan) too thought (prophet)
Adam only as a mortal being and refused to prostrate before him as in defiance of the Divine
Command and said, "It is not befitting of me that I should prostrate before a mortal".15
It is apparent that in visualising and considering the status of the prophets of Allah all the heathenish
and unbelieving elements like Iblis, Kuffar, Mushrikeen, Jews and Christians regarded them as
mortals or common men, without confessing and believing their super human and prophetic virtues.
1. Some said, "Mortal like you"
2. Some said, "Mortal like us"'[Shu`araa':154,186]
3. Some others Said, two men "Like us"[Mu'minoon:47] while
4. Some others said, "A prophet — man sent by Allah"[Bani Israeel:97]
This repetitive degrading epithet 'Bashar' or 'mortal being' was not uttered by the companions of the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), but it were the heathens and unbelieving
Christians and the Jews, who in their obstinacy to oppose Islam and discredit the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) spoke in this insolent manner.
In answer to these blasphemous utterance, Allah the Almighty consoled the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) and directed him to answer (those opponents) say thus (no doubt) I
look a mortal like you, but (it is also a fact) that I receive Revelation (Wahi) from Almighty Allah
that your God (Allah) is only One (without being shared or associated by any other God or Gods).
[Kahf:40]
Here it must be observed that the words 'mortal like you' were not spoken by Allah the Almighty in
respect of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) but it was said by the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) in reply to his detractors, meaning thereby that
though in appearance I look a mortal like you but my point of superiority over you is that I receive
'Revelations' (Wahi) from Allah the Almighty, tell me which of you receives Wahi from Allah;
obviously there is none to claim this exclusive Divine Privilege and Honour; If there is none, then
surely I am not a common man (mortal) as you think of me. Is there any one among you who
receives Revelation (Wahi) from Allah the Almighty. It is the point which demands deep faithful and
conscious reflection, the quintessence or the spirit of which can only be gained if we ponder over
and study the Qur'an as a whole and not fragmentarily or in piece-meal. The Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) said, "No one knows my Reality except Allah.and He declared him
the light."[Maa'idah:14]
Such a slighting and derogatory utterances (referred to above) can hardly be expected from son to,
his father, from an obedient student to his teacher or from a disciple (murid) to his spiritual guide
(Murshad). If some one ever said to his elder, you are an ordinary man like me then he can only be
called insolent and disrespectful. Can there be any one among men who can claim equality — what
to think of superiority with the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) even if we take
into consideration the highest blood of human relations, who are all in essence, human being or
mortals (Bashar). It is improper to address them with this phraseology. This being so, it is the
impropriety or insolence of the basest degree on the part of that mentally distracted person who
dares to utter the word 'Bashar' for the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) or
compares him to any of our dynastic or domestic relations. Such a kind of thinking can not produce
real love and regard and consequently the real spirit of Ta 'zim-o-Tawqir (Respect and veneration)
towards the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace b& upon him). May Allah the Almighty in His
infinite mercy bless us with the real and unstinted love and Reverence towards the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) and increase and strengthen our Faith, Amin!
(3)
It is very significant that Almighty Allah did not straightaway ordain to honour and revere the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) as that would have been compulsive and arbitrary
without the heart and soul being attuned to it. The process is very much in the line of human instinct.
To begin with it is the primary instinct of love which initiates- and binds two (or more) persons
together then follows the process of honour and respect (Ta'zim-o-Tawqir). Then every-thing
ordained and proclaimed by way of Divine Demand and command finds its passage in the heart and
mind of die person so addressed and thus what follows thereafter is witting and voluntary
submission without the least grudge and grumble. This constitutes the bond of faithful and honest
adherents; in this way a band or group or society or community of Muslims, loyal and loving to the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) makes its appearance and moving forward
and gaining momentum spreads its blessings far and wide among the fellow beings.
The gradual induction of love, honour, respect and assistance propounded by Allah the Almighty
paves the way for establishing Ta'zim-o-Tawqir for the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him) and the entire clan of Prophets. It is said :
a) "Believe in My apostles, honour and assist them".
[Maa'idah:12]
b) "Believe in Allah and His Apostle, and honour and
assist him" (with due dignity and respect i.e Ta'zim-O-
Tawqir).[Fath:9]
c) "So it is those who believe in him (the Holy Prophet)
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) honour him and
help him"[A`raaf:157]
In the order of priority and beginning with faith or belief (Eiman) as the foundation, followed by in
that succession of realising the ultimate perfection and accomplishment of the personality of the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) with Respect or Reverence (Ta 'zim) for him in the
spiritual domain, and material help by way of sacrifice in the Divine Mission of guidance, the
demand for the Holy Prophet's (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) obedience and unreserved
following (Ita 'at) did not come as a burden or compulsion for the true followers and companions.
Now the inflow of the Divine Blessing and award was as smooth as it was guaranteed. The glad
tiding was then given that those who were firm in their Faith, who respected and honoured the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), who offered help and assistance in his mission
and who followed and obeyed him with no mental reservation gained the real fulfillment of
their life long ambitions and desires not only in this world but also in the hereafter the great Divine
pleasure.25
No doubt the real success and prosperity in both the worlds comes only in this way that there
should be Faith (Eiman) in the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) together with
respect and honour for him from title depth of heart and mind in a manifest manner through words
and deeds. The fragrance of love can not be checked from spreading far and wide. The grandeur
and excellence of the Ta'zim-O-Tawqir (Respect and Reverence) of the holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) can be seen from the fact that wherever the Almighty Allah
mentioned His obedience, there was also the simultaneous mention of Holy Prophet's
obedience, (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)[Aal-`Imraan:32].
Similarly where there is warning against disobedience to Allah the Almighty the same
holds good in respect of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)[Aal-
`Imraan:122; Nisaa':14].
No where it is mentioned that one who obeys Allah the Almighty, he obeys the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). Instead in order to be more explicit in
enhancing the status of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), it is
stated that who-ever obeys the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) he
obeys Almighty Allah[Nisaa':80; Aal-`Imraan:22].
The real emphasis is on the love and obedience of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him). This means that one who loves the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him), he loves Allah and one who follows and obeys the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him) he is deemed as affectionate and beloved in the presence of Allah the Almighty[Aal-
`Imraan:31].
That is the reason why Allah the Almighty has commanded honour and regard for the sacred rites
(and monuments) held as such by the chosen servants,3° as anything held sacred and dear by them
is also held sacred and dear by Allah the Almighty. This is how love-behaves naturally;
One method of increasing popularity and enhancing prestige and dignity of a person is that his
expected advent or arrival should be proclaimed emphatically without naming him till the august
moment comes so that when he makes his appearance all those present realise his
greatness as spontaneously as his personality exhorts them to express their acclamation, and when
prior to his appearance they are asked to give pledge for his honour and help, the
response to this call is as unanimous as if it rises from the heart of the audience.[Aal-
`Imraan:81]
The allusion here is to the great occasion on the Day of "Alastu bi Rabbikum" ["Am I not
your God?"] in the Day when thousand upon thousand years before the creation of the
universe, Almighty Allah took oath of allegiance of Faith and succour from the Apostles
and Prophets in favour of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). This by
no stretch of imagination is to be taken as a passing event. It has, on the other hand the grandeur
and excellence of the personality of the Holy Prophet, thousand and thousand years before he and
the universe had taken concave shape. The great event is unsurpassed from all angles of vision
and imagination.
Likewise when prophets Ibrahim and Ismail were raising the foundation of the house of Allah, and
praying for the arrival af the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) hundreds of
years before his birth, it demonstrated what august and pre-eminent place the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) enjoyed in the comuty of nations yet to born [Baqarah:129]
Then again about five hundred and seventy years before the coming of the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) in the world prophet Jesus Christ addressed his mdience numbering
in thousands and gave them the good tidings of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him) whose arrival was anxiously awaited by believer and in whose name people prayer for their
welfare [Baqarah:84]as foretold in the Holy Qur'an, telling them that "A prophet will come after me
and his name will be Ahmad (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)."[Saff:6]
This is illustrative of the great spectacle of loftiness and grandeur of the Holy Prophet [Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) shown to the world it large,35 so that the world may be witness to this
Divine Dispensation of splendor.
No less then one lac and twenty four thousand apostles of Allah, mentioned his name among their
peoples (Ummah), which created a pleasant stir of expectancy in each passing age. Then
suddenly in that state af universal eagerness, the advent of the Holy Prophet was
proclaimed and all the world was aglow with the Divine Brightness of the Holy Noor of
Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa. ^Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).36
He was proclaimed as superior to the inhabitants of the World.37
His mention was raised to unprecedented heights.38
The splendour was accompanied by series of Divine oaths just to highlight the
occasion and elevate the august honorific phenomena then and there-after for ever
brightening the itmosphere in every nook and corner.
i) The Oath was taken to express the loftiness of ancestors of the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him).39
ii) To consecrate and sanctity the life of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him).40
10
iii) The Holy city (Makka) of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).
41 Mentioned the sublime and highly respectable character of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).42
(iv) eulogised his pure and sacred personal habits.43
(v) spoke highly of Divinely bestowed knowledge,44
(vi) brought into lime light his merciful disposition towards the length and breadth of
the worlds!;45
(yii) praised the prophetic qualities of preaching and conveying the message of Allah
all over the world; 46
(viii) brought forth the prophetic benevolence as continuing till eternity and confirmed
that after the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) no other prophet or
apostle will come in the world;
(ix) and only his Chair (kursi) shall be placed on the right hand side of the throne of
Allah.
All these virtues of qualities of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) have been
presented in a candid unambiguous manner so that the real imprint of the Holy Prophet's super
human questionable personal excellence may not be confused as being the part of his quality as of
any ordinary mortal as believed by the Kuffar, Mushrikeen, Jews and Christians who suffered the
ignoming of being condemned by the enlightened believers.49
The Holy Pages of the Holy Qur'an are strewn with embellishing pearls of defining and illustrating
the sacred virtues and spiritual moral qualities of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be
upon him). It only needs a discerning eye to visualise and assimilate the splendour hidden therein;
Allah-O-Akbar the Almighty Allah is Himself nearer to every man (believer) than his jugular vein50
and made the Holy Prophet near to the soul of every believer.51
The Holy Prophet has himself said, "there is not a single momin (believer) but I am accompanying
him in the world and shall be so in the hereafter".52
Enough praise is not enough to delineate the attributes of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and
Peace be upon him).
He has been proclaimed a witness (one who is in the know of every incident taking place as an eye-
witness) to the entire Ummah53
He has been Divinely with the Holy Qur'an which makes everything clear and contains every
relevant details thereof.54
He has been honoured and blessed with the gift of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of power and Divine
Dispensation conducting and directing the affairs of the universe) which is better (and more blissful)
than thousand months;55 unaccountable in the connotative sense.
He has been given the glad tidings (Basharat) of the Muqaam-i-Mahmud (station of praise and
Glory)56 with the bestowment of Durud (the rites of prayer for grant of blessings) by Almighty
Allah Himself,57 the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) has been raised to such
celestial heights which no mortal can ever dream to attain.
It was for the fulfillment of the Holy Prophet's desire that the Direction of Qibla was changed.58
The world of God moves in humble submission to whatever sight thou art.
(4)
Allah the Almighty loves His chosen servants dearly and affectionately. He has even equally
affectionate regards for things which these blessed persons hold dear. This involves a deep sense of
mutual love and inter-communicable attachment on both sides. The wooden chest (Tabut)
containing blissful relics (Tabarrukat) from Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Harun has been declared as
treasure of peace and security;59 it was carried by the angels as an emblem of authority among the
Bani Israel.60
The (Stone containing) first marks of Hazrat Ibrahim (Maqam~i-Ibrahim) was installed right in front
of Holy Ka'ba and declared as one of clear signs of Allah.61
The foot prints in the sands of Safa-Marwa caused due to frantic to and fro running by Hazrat
Hajirah was immortalised as one of the sacred rites (sha^a'ir) of Allah and running round about on
these sacred hills was ordained as an integral part of the Haj and Umrah.62 This practice still
continues and shall remain so till Resurrection.
On account of their sanctity the three monuments have been declared by the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and. Peace be upon him) as sacred, and selected from among the numerous places
of'worship to be visited and prayed within their precincts, for people coming and traveling from far
off places braving the hazards which fall en-route their journey.63
What was the reason for bidding their respect. Perhaps the superficial intellect can not probe the
latent spiritual blessings attached to them. It is their misfortune that is only to be pitied. The Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) undated journey to Masjid-i-Haram (the Holy
Ka'ba) and prayed there in and declared it as sacred monument as it carried the traces of deep and
sanctimonious regard of the great prophets Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail64 and thousands and
thousands of pious souls from among the other prophets and holy personages who visited these
places and paid homage there, the greatest of all attributes of Masjid-i-Haram is that the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) himself offered prayers within its precincts.
He undertook journey to Masjid-i-Aqsa (on the eve of Shab-i-Miraj) and encouraged visit and
prayers there as this is the place where at the site of Hazrat Moosa's tent camp) prophet Da'ud laid
the foundation of the Masjid-i-Aqsa or Bait al-Maqdis and the whole monumental structure was
completed by Hazrat Sulyman (may peace of Allah be on them all).65 The Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) on migration from Makka himself selected the site for laying the
foundation of Masjid-i-Nabawi and later completed it under his own personal participation and
supervision and in due course proclaimed it as the seat of the Islamic state on the surface of the
earth66 and took his abode (Hujra Sharif) quite adjacent to it. Today all the abodes (Hujras) of the
pious consorts of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) rather a big part of the
Madina Sharif are included within the premises of the Masjid-i-Nabawi. The eternal place of rest of
the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) together the Holy graves of Hazrat Abu
Bakar Siddique and Hazrat Umar Farooq are all under the Mausoleum of the shrine of the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) what a sweet smelling fragrance of the sacred
association with the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). Allah the Almighty has
declared the devotion and homage to the pious personality as part of worship67 certainly demands
deep delving in the intricacies of love and affection to achieve and enjoy the pleasant blessing of this
godly defined special attachment between souls and souls of extra ordinary caliber and potential.
(5)
This high grade status is the destiny of those who really deserve it. The instinct of love has its
process and methodology of finding its own passage of entering and staying into the heart of the
person so loved and admired true unstinted and pure love has the knack and acumen of spotting its
own repository where it stays as if by way of right and settles and intensifies its influence on the
whole being of its beloved. Then it infuses, inspires respect for itself and the person concerned. It
advances and proceeds on and on, never looking back for a moment. It never spies the weakness
in the person of its choice, nor all those any one to do so. This is contrary to its nature. It is ever
prepared to sacrifice itself, rather than destroy the object of its solace and comfort. Allah the
Almighty chose the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) as His persona de’admire
and persona grata and proclaimed as the model for us68 to emulate and admire in all circumstances.
Allah loves that the followers of the Holy Prophet should speak of him lovingly, respectfully and
honourably. The reward promised by Allah the Almighty increases manifold as the love and
obedience for the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) intensifies and
consolidates stage by stage, but never culminating because love has a beginning but never an
ending. Allah has made His pleasure conditional upon the love and obedience of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).69
Thus a Divine procedure for living a life without blemish and mental aberration has been assured
through love, respect and honour of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).
1. It is beyond our contemplation to assess what deep regard and affection Almighty Allah has for
the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) that He forbade the believer to address
the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) by his parental name as often the people
call one another in the society.70
The Holy Qur'an bears testimony to the fact that Almighty Allah does not address the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) by name as was done in respect of other prophets.71
This is to offer respect in so far as personal address to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace
be upon him) by name is concerned.
2. As regards the respectful medium while accompany him outside, the believers were warned not
to move ahead of him or to indulge in boastful utterances.
3. There was the decorum not to call the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)
while visiting his residence by name. It was commanded that the believers/companions should stay
outside the house until the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) himself came out.72
4. In order to show respect to the revered consorts of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace
be upon him) and pay them due regard it was demanded of the believers if they had to ask for
something, they should do so from behind the curtain outside the door.73
5. The decorum taught while visiting the residence of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace
be upon him) was that believers should refrain from doing so unless invited on even special
occasions, and stay awaiting there while the food was being prepared.74
6. It was taught by way of decorum while partaking food in group, on an invitation from the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) not to stay after finishing meals and just to indulge
in gossip as it caused inconvenience to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). It
was desired that they should take permission and depart as soon as they had taken food.75
7. Whenever the occasion arose to speak to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him) in privacy, it was asked that the person concerned should first offer sadaqah (special charity),
as it was a special honour for him that he was permitted to speak to the august person of the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) only after charity he could speak in respectful
privacy to him.76
8. The respectful mannerism to be observed in our assembly addressed by the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) was that those present there should pay
devoted attention to the words of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) so that
no repetition was needed if at all77 something was to be made clear or his special attention was
necessary, the questioner^) should say "unzurna" (please pay heed to us again).78
9. The believers were taught to observe due regards in manner of speech that while talking with the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) they should lower the tone of that voice as a
mark of respect to speak in loud tone and indiscreetly as they call one another in the presence of the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), was a sign of disrespect and indignity. Such
a behaviour would destroy their good deeds without their knowing it (that a misfortune has befallen).
79
10. On special occasion(s) when the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) invited
the companions for consultation on some urgent and special matter, the decorum to be observed
was that none should rise and go away without his permission80 in the midst of discussion. If some
desired to leave (in the course of discussion) he was to seek the Holy Prophet's Permission and
then it was his discretion to allow or refuse permission to leave.81
11. The assembly addressed by the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) was
really of an exatter and highly dignified order demanding equally respectful behaviour. It was a sin to
leave stealthily or surreptitiously, for Allah the Almighty is witness and aware of all that goes in every
moment, therefore such an indecent behaviour was to be avoided at all cost lest soon misfortune
should befall them and graveclamity over takes them.82 It is really a highly dignified and honourable
assemblage where to speak in loud voice renders loss of good deeds83 and where to leave without
permission warrants a grave warning of painful punishment.
12. A willing and undisposed acceptance of decisions by the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and
Peace be upon him) on any matter is yet another point of decorum and respect for
the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).84
13. No one has the right to object and controvert the decision given by the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him).85 We are powerless before him, but he is not powerless in any
way.
14. Such is the regard to the immediate compliance of the orders or call of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)86 to turn to him then and there, even if the person
concerned is engaged in offering the prayers.
15. On showing reluctance to respond to the call (for Jihad) by the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) three companion, were taken to task by the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) under the command of Almighty Allah. Their ostracism or social boycott
was so severe that the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace, be upon him) stopped talking to
them and the entire group of the companions did the same the earth (World) inspite of its vastness
became constricted for them rendering them utterly helpless.87 This state continued for forty days
on end, when the pardon by Almighty Allah come through the Revelation (Wahi)- The Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) like wise pardoned the three companions,
embraced them and resumed the former treatment of affection and kindness.
16. The esteemed pious and holy status of the revered consorts of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) was presered land sanctified by declaring them as the Mothers of Believers
(Ummahat-al-Momineen) under the Divine revelation.88 Such was the respect for Holy Consorts of
the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) and his own dignity and undisputed
sacred status was preserved by forbidding the believers to call him as the father, because he was
the honoured Prophet of Allah and to call him by any other name or relation would be below his
dignity in all respects when there is clear command not to call him as father.89 It is height of
indignity and impropriety to treat him as brother.
17. The sacred and honoured status of the Holy Prophet even after his leaving the World was
maintained and preserved under the inviolable command of Almighty Allah that his holy consorts
(Ummahaat-ul~Momimeen) were declared haram for the believers.90
For any person and they were to be accepted with the same dignified manner as in the life of the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). It was an act of grave indiscretion before
Almighty Allah of some one even thought' of marrying them.91
This clearly indicates that the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) has only
screened himself from the common eyes of the people while in all respects he is still holding the
same status and dignity which he had during his material stay in the World. Being the mercy and
benevolence for the entire World and for all times, he is ever present and-commanding the affairs of
his prophetic mission, any other belief contrary to this will only prove our short-sightedness and
narrow mindedness, and deprive us of the Divine grace.
18. To seek forgiveness for any act of sin from Allah the Almighty, it has been prescribed as a
matter of propriety and decorum that instead of rushing to Allah, the wrong doers must first seek the
intercession of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) in his prayer and then beg
for forgiveness from Almighty Allah. If the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)
recommends, then the believer defaulter would surely find Almighty Allah as acceptor of apology
for sin and even merciful.92
19. Through the intercession of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), Allah the
Almighty has promised forgiveness for the sins past and present of the* entire ummah and gave the
£lad tidings of the award of Paradise even in this world.93
No doubt the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) is the mercy for all the world(s)
94 and in his presence (which is perennial for the all times, past, present and future no major
calamity would befall the Ummah.95
20. Allah the Almighty does not allow even our act of seeming minuteness and the believers have
been warned not to cause harassment to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him),
as did the people of Prophet Moses96 Who was specifically declared without blemish. It has been
said that those who causes pain to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) by
their words and deeds on them is the curse of Allah and in the hereafter there is punishment of
disgrace97 and affliction of grave calamity.98It is to be realised that when in cases of harassment of
small magnitude to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) there is stern warning
from Allah the Almighty — what great and grave misfortunes shall befall those impudent and
disrespectful utterers of blasphemy when they meet their fate in the hereafter.
One hypocrite (munafiq) Imam who used to recite Surah Abasa (No. 80) every day in the morning
prayer with the evil and debased intention of harming the dignity of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him). When the news reached the great caliph Hazrat Umar he deputed one
companion to chop off the head of the munafiq Imam99 even though he was reciting the Holy
Qur'an, but his intentions were evil which rendered him worth beheading. The four caliphs and the
companions did not tolerate even the minute act of indecency against the person of the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). This was an indication of their true unstinted love
and unaffected affection for the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) which had
enlightened their heart and mind and who were ever prepared to sacrifice their all for the sake of the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).
The respect, honour and submissive regard shown by the companions towards the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) remained unparalleled even till this date. The quality of a
nation or community can be judged and appreciates by the deep sense of honour and respect
demonstrated by it towards its leaders specially the chief of them who leads and duides his people
however selflessly and exclusively for the betterment of the masses without a semblance of self
interest and personal aggrandizement viewed from this point, the personality of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) remains unmatched in the annals of mankind. He
revolutionised the pattern of the society in which he was bom and completely transformed and
purified the people and elevated them from the debased state of savagery and hatred to the most
sublime position of culture and enlightenment and converted them from idol-worshippers to the
deeply devoted submission of Almighty Allah, arc thus laid the foundation of the society who later
helped raise the down-trodden humanity to the become leaders and reformers of the world at large.
We would present a few examples to show the respect and regard paid by the companions to the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).
1.Hazrat Urwah bin Masood, a renowned companion describing the incident of spectecular
reverence and decorum witnessed by him, says "I swear by Allah that I have led delegations to the
courts of the kings and rulers and attended the royal assemblies of Qaisar, Kisra and Najjashi
whose awesome behaviour compelled the people to bow before them, but the respect and honour
shown by the companions to the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) outclassed
and outshown the outward respect shown to kings and commanders, which pale into insignificance
before the submission and respect shown by the companions and followers to the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)100 Hazrat Urwah bin Masood had witnessed the above
mentioned scenes when he had not embraced Islam. He further says (i) that the companions
struggled and pushed one another in an attempt to secure a few drops of water when the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) performed ablution (wuzu), (ii) they never spoke or
talked among themselves in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him), (iii) they never stared in the face of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him)
but sat submissing with their heads bowed101 and listening attentively by whatever the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) told them as sermon or general discourse. The
companions were unique models of deep regard and reverence for the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) unmatched, unparalleled and incomparable at any point of time in the
history of mankind.
2. One day Hazrat Bilal brought the water of wazu of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and
Peace be upon him) in the open vessels no sooner he came out in the open than the companions
present there rushed toward him and tried to drench their hands to rub their faces with the water in
the vessels those who could not secure a few drops of water touched then- fingers with the wet
hands of the companions and passed the fingers over their faces.102
3. Once a companion was shaving the head of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him) other companion were standing around eager to pick up any falling pious hair before it touched
the ground,103 and preserved them as holy relics, these memorable relics are still kept as pious
blissful objects all over the Islamic world.
4. Hazrat Ubaida a companion says that for him even an pious hair of the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him) is better and richer than any amount of worldly wealth.104
5. Hazrat Anas the famous companion had a wooden cup of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and
Peace be upon him) which he preserved as the most precious object of bliss,105 later a devotee
purchased this used wooden cup for eight hundred thousand dirhams.
6. According to the wasiyat (will) of Hazrat Muawiyah his coffin of death consisted of a Kurta
(Shirt) and an open sheet of cloth, known as tahbund of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace
be upon him) while the open parts of his dead body, neck, face and limbs that touched the ground
on prostration, were covered with the sacred hairs and clipped pieces of nails of the Holy Prophet
(Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him).106
The companions were so immersed and imbibed with feeling of honour and reverence for the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him), that even hi his absence they adhered to his
teachings and advices with as much sincerity and devotion as if he was present among them. They
never deviated from these abiding principles, such was the attachment of the companions
demonstrating their sincere love and respect of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him). A few illustrations of these
teachings and advices of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) may be
presented here for enlightenment and faithful observance.
The Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) has said that whenever anyone of you
stands for prayers (Namaz) he should not spit in front (of himself)-107 Why? because there is
Ka'ba in front of him in which direction prayers are offered. For every Muslim, respect for the
Ka'ba Sharif is essential as an article of faith.
Once a companion while leading the prayer spat in front of him. The Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace
and Peace be upon him) saw him doing so. He forbade him to lead the prayers anymore.108
Thereafter that companion never led the prayer as Imam. It is reported by another companion said,
bin Khallad that perhaps the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) also said you
have given pain to the Almighty Allah and His Prophet.109
It is binding on the Muslims not to cause pain and embarrassment to the Holy Prophet (Allah's
Grace and Peace be upon him). It should be life's motto to pay respect and honour to the Holy
Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) because if any once heart is devoid of his respect
and honour he is not a Muslim at all.110
In truth the real muslims or momins are those whose hearts and mind are effervescent with the love
and esteem of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him) and who every moment
seek his blessing and on him the incessantly send Durud-o-Salam overtly and covertly and this
enriches their lives with the Divine Blessings on the other hand if there be people who fail to pay
respect and honour and engage themselves in utterances and behaviour not unbecoming of the Holy
Prophet Dignity and Honour, they should be ostracised from the Muslim society and all social
connections with them be shunned.
They are more dangerous than wild beasts, rather more harmful than these animals because these
animals only can only cause physical harms and injuries, while the wretched sands of the deflers of
the sacred and Divinely dignified position of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon
him) loot and plunder the very essence of eiman the love and Honour (Tazeem-o-Tauqir) of the
Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him). When these precious possessions are lost
then everything is lost forever. May Allah the Almighty save us from this uncompensatable loss and
grant us the favour of His Pleasure through ever vigilant and respectful Devotion to the Holy
Prophet by offering to him our sincerest and dearest love and Honour which Almighty Allah has
command us111 Amin!
Foot Notes
1. SuraNaba:89 26. Sura Al-i-Imran: 48. Termizi Sharif,
2. SuraYusuf: 111 32)- Kitab-i-Mauaqib).
3. Sura Tawba: 24 27. SuraAl-i- 49. Sura Ibrahim:40
4. Surah Tawba: 12 Imran:122 ; Sura 50. SuraQaf:16
5. SuraA'raf ll; Nisa': 14 51. SuraAhzab:6
Baqara: 34 28. Sura Nisa: 80, 52. Bukhari Kitab al-
6. Sura Yousuf: 100 Sura Al-i- Istiqraz, Muslim
7. SuraA'raf: 11-13 Imran:22 Kitab al-Aumra
8. Sura Ibrahim: 10 29. Sura Al-i-Imran: 53. SuraAhzab:45;
9. Sura Anbia': 3 31 Sura Fath: 8; Sura
10. Sura Mu'minun: 30. Sura Hajj: 20,32 Muzammil:15
24 31. Sura Al-i-Imran: 54. SuraNahal:89;
11. Sura Mu'minun: 81 SuraYousuf:lll
33 32. Sura Baqara: 129 55. Sura Qadr:3
12. Sura Shu'ara': 186 33. Baqaarh: 84 56. Sura Bani'
13. SuraYasin: 15 34. SuraSaff:6 Israel:97
l4- Sura Hud: 27 35. SuraQadr3 57. Sura Baqara: 248
15. SuraHijn33 36. SuraMa'ida: 15 58. Sura Baqara: 144
16. SuraAmbiya1: 3 37. Muslim Sharif , 59. Sura Baqara:248
17. Sura Shu' ara': Tirmidhi, Kitab 60. Sura Baqara: 248
154,186 al-Tafsir. 61. Sura Baqara: 125;
18. Sura Mu'minun: 38. Sura Insbirah:4 Sura Al-i-
47 39. SuraBalad:3 Imran:57
19. Sura Bani Israel: 40. SnraHijr 72 62. Surah Baqara: 158
97 41. Sura Bated: 1-3 63. Bukhari Sahih al-
20. SuraKahf:40 42. SuraQalam:4 Bihari vol. II
21. SuraMa'ida.-lS) 43. Sura Tawba: 138 p. 112
22. SiiraMa'ida: 12 44. SmaTakwir: 24, 64. Sura Baqara: 127;
23. Surafath:9 Son Nisa: 113 Sahih al-Bihari,
24. SuraA'raf: 157 45. Anbiya: 107 vol.H, p.309
25. SuraA'raf: 157 46. SnraSaba:28 65, Sura Saba: 12-13 ;
47. SuraAhzab:40 Sura Bani Israel:!
23
66.' Sura Tawba: 108- 79. Sura Hujrat:2-3 100. Bukhari Sharif
109 ; Bukhari 80. Sura Nur. 62 vol.I p.379
Sharif 81. SuraNur:62 101. Bukhari Sharif
67. SuraHajj:32; 82. SuraNan63 vol.I, p.379
Sura Baqara: 158 83. SuraHujrat:2 102.Mishkat,p.74
68. SuraAhzab:21 84. Sura Nisa': 165 103. Muslim Sharif,
69. Al-i-Imran:31 85. SuraAhzab:36 vol.n,p.256
70. Sura Nur: 167 86. SuraAnfal:24 104. Bukhari Sharif,
71. SuraMa'ida:41, 87. Sura Tawba: 117 vol.I, p.29
67 ; Sura 88. SuraAhzab:6 105. Bukhari Sharif,
Anfal:64; Sura 89. SuraAhzab:40 vol.H, p.842
Hud:48;Sura 90. SuraAhzab:53 106. Mishkat Sharif,
Baqara:35 ; Sura 91. SuraAhzab:53 vol.5, p.638
Qasas:30 ; Sura 92. SuraNisa':64 107. Mishkat Sharif,
Saffat: 104-105 93. SuraFath:2 p.69
72. SuraHujrat:4-5 94. Sura Ambiya: 107 108. Mishkat Sharif,
73. Sura Ahzab: 53 95. SuraAnfel:33 p.71
74. SuraAhzab:53 96. SuraAhzab:53, 109. Miskat Sharif,
75. SuraAhzab:53 69 p.71
76. Sura Mujadila:58, 97. SuraAhzab:57 110. Sura Tawba: 119
112, 113 98. SuraTawba:61 111. SuraFatah:9
77. Sura Baqara: 104 99. Ruh al-Bayan vol
78. Sura Baqara: 104 lO.p.331
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