THE
STATUS OF THE FATHER
The Holy Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) is the perfect model for the universe. He came in a time when
people were barbarians and had little respect for family relationships. For
today, I chose to speak to you about the importance he brought to the status of
the father.
Good character, good behaviour
and good advice are qualities that please the Creator. According to a Hadith,
the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said that he who pleases his father, pleases Allah.
When the father (who follows the Shariah) is happy, it greatly pleases the
Creator. On the other hand, if the father is not happy, it does not please the
Almighty. This is the status granted to each father. If such a status has been
granted to our father, (then imagine) what is (i.e. how grand is) the status
granted to the father of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Hazrat Abdullah (ra)?
The biological father
of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Hazrat Abdullah (ra), left this world before the
birth of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The wish of Allah (twa) is that the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) be a model for believers from all angles and on all aspects.
Despite the fact that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) did not see his biological
father, the Creator granted him an adoptive father who has the same right as
the real father. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) loved him with great love and gave him
a great welcome and honour, so much so that he removed him from darkness to
guide him to the light and as a reward he will be in Paradise.
The adoptive father of
the Holy Prophet (pbuh) Hazrat Haaris (ra) once met him in Mecca after the
revelation of the Holy Quran. At the sight of Hazrat Haaris (ra), the Quraish
who were unfaithful informed him that his son had said that after the earthly
life, there will be another life and that following the last judgment, the
actions of each individual will lead them either to heaven or to hell. Good
believers will be in the Creator's realm, while the non-believers will be
thrown into the fire. According to them, this (i.e. the mission of the prophet)
was the very reason why their unity was broken.
Hazrat Haaris (ra) had
not yet embraced Islam (at that time). He went to meet the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
to serve him. The manner in which the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had welcomed his
adoptive father, so courteous, was exemplary. Hazrat Haaris (ra) related to the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) what the Quraish had told him about the other life after
death and the breakup of their unity. The response of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
in one sentence had such a great effect on Hazrat Haaris (ra) that this
(saying) penetrated his heart as a light that brought him unshakeable faith.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) assured him that his message is true and that on this
great day, the Day of Judgement, he will take him (i.e. his adoptive father) by
the hand, saying that what he said to him on earth was the truth. This phrase
was considered heavier than earth and sky. After all, it was not the sentence of
just anyone, but one which came from the sacred mouth of the Holy Prophet
(pbuh). The weight of this sentence made him become a believer.
This is an example that
shows us the strong links between the holy prophet (pbuh) and his adoptive
father. (Imagine then) What would have been his behaviour towards his
biological father, if he had been alive? Although his adoptive father was in
the wrong direction, he was not a believer, but the good behaviour of the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) towards him led him in the right direction.
THE DUTY
OF THE SON
This is a good example
that must be applicable to today's society. The son's duty is to be able to
guide and bring the father in the right direction if he indulges in 'Shirk'
or other sins. A great reward awaits the son who succeeds in giving faith to a
dad who is in the dark.
Having found the light,
the reaction of Hazrat Haaris (ra) weighed a ton (his reaction was beyond
measure). The Holy Prophet (pbuh) added that on the Day of Judgement, he will
say that he will not let go of his hand as long as he does not enter heaven. Thus,
this leads us to this saying: Iman (faith) is Aqeedah (dogma). The Holy
Prophet (pbuh) gave him the means to enter heaven by holding his hand (firmly).
The current society
must take the example of these parental bonds; in doing so, there will be no
more darkness. There will be no room for 'Shirk' and it will be a
healthy and peaceful society where it will be good to live. It is the son's (or
even daughter's) duty to bring the father back in the right direction and vice
versa, in case the son (or daughter) is in the wrong direction/ path.
So, it is the
prerogative of the son to take good care of his father and vice versa. A good
father, most of the time produce good children and good children amaze and give
hope and reform to fathers, to the delight of Allah (twa).
May Allah send His many
blessings and favours to our chief and master Muhammad (pbuh) and his beloved
fathers (Abdullah and Haaris) and all the people who were dear to him and
sincere believers in his Message. May Allah also count us among his sincere
followers and may we always follow his perfect example throughout our life on
earth. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 16 February 2018 (29 Jamad’ul Awwal 1439 AH) delivered by Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius
---Friday Sermon of 16 February 2018 (29 Jamad’ul Awwal 1439 AH) delivered by Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius