Seerah - Lesson 34


			Lesson 34

	Confusion amongst the Sahabah The news of the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam demise fell like a thunderbolt on his Sahabah. All were stunned because of the sincere love and esteem they had had for him. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was so gracious and considerate that his every companion believed himself to be the closest to him and never had any misgivings about his love and confidence. It was this devotion and closeness that had made it difficult for some to think of the day when the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would depart from this world. One such person was Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu. When he was told that the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was no more he protested violently. He went so far as to address the people and told them that Allah's Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would not leave this world until Allah had destroyed the hypocrites. (1)

		Lessons to Learn This confusion was due to the love they had for the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The loss of a father, mother or son causes trauma in the life of every person. How much of love did the Sahabah not have for their leader and master? It was as if the world had collapsed upon them.

	The Courageous Proclamation of Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu A man of determination and courage was needed at this difficult hour. This man was Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu, the senior-most of the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Sahabah. He had been chosen by Allah to take over the leadership of the Muslims with a firm hand. When the news reached him he hurried back from his house. For a moment he stopped at the door of the masjid where Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was excitedly speaking to the people. Without paying any attention to anybody he made for Aisha's Radhi Allahu Anha room where the dead body lay covered. He uncovered the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam face and kissed him, saying: "My father and mother be your ransom. You have tasted the death that Allah had decreed for you. A second death will never overtake you." Replacing the covering on the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam face, he went out. Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was still speaking. He said gently: "Umar, keep quiet." He stepped forward and called out to the people. They gathered around him. He praised Allah and then said : "O men, if you have been worshipping Muhammad then know that Muhammad has passed away. But if you have been worshipping Allah, then know that Allah is living and never dies." Then continuing his speech he recited the Quránic verse: 'Muhammad is no more than a messenger and indeed (many) messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed will you turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? He who turns back on his heels does not harm Allah in the least and Allah will reward those who are grateful.' " (Surah Al-Imran, Verse 144) All those who were present on the occasion later on stated on oath that when Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu recited this verse it seemed as if it had just been revealed. Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu explained : "When I heard Abu Bakr reciting the verse, I was taken aback and fell down as if I did not have a leg to stand on. I felt as if I had then come to know of the Prophet's demise." (2)

		Lessons to Learn It was apt that Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu brought the Sahabah to realization. It was another pointer that he was fit to take the reigns after the demise of his leader.

	Oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu All the Muslims then took allegiance to Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu as the successor of Allah's Messenger. The reason for making haste was to avoid old rivalries flaring up suddenly through the selfishness of the hypocrites. Those who were sincere wanted to ensure that the Muslims remained united and strong under a leader. Burial of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Normality now returned. The initial shock and grief gave place to tranquillity and confidence and the Muslims again turned to the great task for which they had been trained and prepared by the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam family members washed and shrouded him and the bier was placed in his house. Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu told the people that he had heard the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying that every prophet was buried on the spot where he passed away. The Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam bedding was accordingly removed and Abu Talha Ansaari Radhi Allahu Anhu dug a grave for him at the same spot. The people then came to pay their last respects to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and to say the funeral prayer in batches one after another. Women came in after the men and after them came the children, all of who prayed over him. (3) It was a sad day for Madinah. When Bilal Radhi Allahu Anhu gave the call to the morning prayer he could not help recalling the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in the mirror of his mind and broke down in tears and sobs. His bewailing slashed the hearts of all those who had heard the call when the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was in the land of the living. But, it was quite different now. Everything seemed to be wearisome and gloomy. Umm Salama Radhi Allahu Anha explained: "What a tormenting affliction it was! When we recall the distress we were in, every other trouble appears to be lighter and easier to endure." After they had completed the burial Anas Radhi Allaahu Anhu was asked by Fatima Radhi Allahu Anha: "Have you people found it easy to scatter dust over Allah's Messenger?" (4)

		_________________________________________ (1) Sirat Ibn Kathir (2) Ibn Hisham (3) Ibn Hisham (4) Bukhari ____________________________________

Dua upon returning from a journey Meaning : We return as repentent worshippers in prostration praising our Lord. A Hadith The person who greets first is free from pride. (Bukhari)