The Duahs of the Holy Prophet (sa) & The Promise of Allah- Part 2
'O you who believe! Remember
Allah with much remembrance. And glorify Him morning and evening. It is He Who
blesses you, as do His angels, to get you out of darkness into light, and He
has always been Merciful to the believers. Their greeting on the Day they meet
Him will be, “Peace!” And He has prepared for them an honourable reward. O
Prophet, We have sent you as a Witness and a Bearer of glad tidings and a
Warner, as one who calls people to Allah by His leave, and as a light-giving
lamp. Give good news to the believers that they will have a great bounty from
Allah. Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Overlook their
annoyances, and put your trust in Allah. For Allah is sufficient to take care
of all matters.' (Surah Al-Ahzab 33: 42- 49)
These verses from Surah Al-Ahzab that I have just recited come right after the mention of Khataman Nabiyyin and it is well connected with the subject of Khataman Nabiyyin.
Allah says: “O you
who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify Him morning and
evening.” Morning and evening here means that we must all the time glorify
Him. The expression morning and evening has been used to indicate “all the time”
– a continuous matter. Then Allah says that: “It is He Who blesses you, as
do His angels, to get you out of darkness into light” And He forgives the
believers, having “always been Merciful to the believers”. On the day
they will meet Allah, their salutation will be peace, and Allah will surely
prepare for them an honourable and generous reward.
Then, Allah said to the
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) that He has verily sent him as a Witness, and as
a Bearer of good news and as a Warner. This means that the Prophet is a Witness
to the people he addresses and since the Holy Prophet (pbuh) came for the whole
universe, then he is a Witness for everyone. And this is proved by the other
verses of the Quran that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is a witness for all the other
prophets as well.
So ‘Shaahidan’
means that Allah has sent him (pbuh) as a witness to the whole world of the
past, the present and the future as well. He is the witness for all the prophets
of the past and also for the prophets who will come in the future. He is also a
Warner to them as well [specially the later prophets – after him]. The title or
word, ‘Witness’ means that the prophet (pbuh) was appointed as a guardian for mankind,
being responsible for all of them. It is very important that I explain here what
it means to be a witness for people of the past and the future, and how can the
Holy Prophet be a witness for the people that he did not directly see [and
passed on his message]?
In fact, it means that
he will serve as a measure to test others’ faith and actions. It is akin to
judging someone’s innocence or guilt based on a person’s testimony. Similarly,
it is the testimony of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) that will determine whether an
action is correct or wrong. He will also act as a measure to evaluate the work
of other prophets, whether past or future. Now, you can see how this verse is
connected with the verse of “Khatim”.
“Khatim” means someone who attests, and this attestation is
made through a testimony. If it is a good testimony, then through a seal, it
becomes an even greater proof of this attestation. Therefore, “Khatim”
signifies a measure that can provide this testimony for everyone from the past,
present, and future. The prophets of the past will be judged according to their
stage and station (degree) as determined by the actions, words, and
instructions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). And for all those (living in the)
present and those in the future, it is indeed the example of the Holy Prophet
(pbuh) that will act as a means to determine whether people should be forgiven
or punished. Thus, “Shaahidan” is closely linked with “Khatim”.
Thus, if he is a
witness in this sense, then for some people, he will be a warner who gives
warnings, and for others, he will be a bearer of good news, announcing glad
tidings from Allah if they accept Allah’s message, pray to Allah alone, and
submit to His will. This has two meanings. One is for those who have already
passed (this spiritual examination) and had no connection with the Holy Prophet
(pbuh); for them, this warning, and good news refer to their life in the hereafter.
They are the fortunate ones who, according to the practice of the Holy Prophet
(pbuh), were worthy of forgiveness. However, there are the unfortunate ones who
did not succeed in passing this test, and neither the good news nor the warning
benefited them in this world.
Therefore, for those
who receive the message, the warning and good news apply in such a way that if
they practice it, then at that moment, there is good news for them. If they do
not act upon it, then there will be great punishment and humiliation for them.
Thus, the good news and warning serve to reform our actions in this world and
also to manifest and reward the results of our actions in the other world.
After this, Allah says: We have made you someone “who calls people to Allah
by His leave (permission and grace), and as a light-giving lamp.”
It is Allah who
illuminates His Prophet in such a way that those who possess light within
themselves are drawn towards the light of Allah present in the Prophet. Allah
uses His Prophet as an instrument to call others towards Him alone, without
associating any partners with Him. Thus, Allah makes the Prophet a radiant
lamp, a lamp capable of illuminating other lamps.
Regarding the phrase “Dai-Illallah”,
it is a truth that the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was the greatest Dai-Illallah.
This does not mean that only he was a Dai-Illallah. It means that all
the prophets before him and all the prophets after him were or are each a Dai-Illallah,
but his (pbuh) rank is the highest. What is extraordinary here is that in the Holy
Quran, Allah Himself certifies that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is a Dai-Illallah.
He received this title directly from Allah. Allah recognizes him as a Dai-Illallah.
Therefore, while anyone
can be a Dai-Illallah, a Dai-Illallah specifically named by Allah
as a special title is unique to Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). He received this due to
his rank and honour. “Bi-’iznih” highlights another matter, which is
that there are many tasks beyond human control, outside the power of man.
Beyond this limit, the subject of the miracle of prayer begins. The powers that
people lack, Allah possesses; this is why sometimes He commands His servants to
perform tasks that seem impossible, but with Allah’s help, they become
possible. Then people (begin to) believe, saying, “Look at this person, how
extraordinary he is!” But the prophets declare, “This is not us, but it
is Allah who has done this.”
For example, where
there is mention of the command of Allah, I [the Khalifatullah] have done
nothing in this regard. It is only under Allah’s instruction that I have acted.
Generally, the work of calling people towards Allah seems easy, but when
analyzed in terms of results, it is a very difficult task. This is because it
is a task that revives the dead. Just as Jesus brought people back to life
under Allah’s command, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was also given the mission to
spiritually revive these dead people, and he did this through inviting people
towards Allah.
So, “Wa
Siraajam-Muniiraa” means that he himself is a light, but he also has the
capacity to illuminate other lamps. This is deeply connected with the word “Khatim”.
“Khatim” is like a seal where images or words are engraved. It has the
capacity to stamp and create another similar mark. Therefore, when it is said
that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is “Khatim”, it does not mean an end to his
blessings, but rather an opening to all blessings. “Khatim” means a
person who can create his qualities in others, who can imprint his own
qualities in others. From a biological aspect, a father passes his qualities to
his children. This is what we call genetics.
In the context of these
verses, particularly the verse of “Khataman Nabiyyin”, Allah has clearly
highlighted to all of humanity that He has shown a great sign through Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh). Despite the fact that his male children passed away and there
was no direct biological son to succeed him, Allah compensated for this
shortcoming about which society (people) used to mock him. Although society
mocked him for not having sons (only daughters), Allah stood up for His Prophet
and proclaimed loudly that while it is true he is not a direct biological
father to a son, but he is a father to all of humanity and to all prophets.
Through him, other prophets will come to bring glory and prosperity to his name
and mission. He is the most perfect of men and prophets. This is a rank that no
one else has achieved, and Allah has made this clear in the Quran to silence
his enemies.
Some have said that the
Prophet (pbuh) is a failure because he did not have a son from his own lineage,
implying the end of his progeny. However, Allah declared otherwise. He chose
the Prophet’s daughter and bestowed honour and prosperity upon him through her
(Hazrat Fatima), from whom came Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein. Their lineage has
flourished in the world to this day. More importantly, he is the father of
prophets. Allah, in His wisdom, may have raised a prophet from the Holy Prophet’s
own genetic line, making him both a biological and spiritual descendant. What
is certain, without any doubt, is that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is the father of
the prophets of his Ummah. He is the progenitor of prophets who will uphold his
honour until the Day of Judgement.
Thus, when you read the
word “Khatim” with this background, it becomes clear that any allegation
and background mentioned have been dispelled by Allah Himself. All these accusations
have vanished in the sense that Allah says, “It is true that in the worldly
sense you are not the father of any man, but O Muhammad (pbuh), the qualities I
have created in you, you can instill those in others, and there will be many
like you among your followers.”
This is the
subject-matter mentioned in “Dai-Illallah” and “Siraajam-Muniir”,
where you (O Muhammad) are likened to a lamp that can ignite other lamps, and
they will remain continuously lit. Your light (O Prophet) will spread
throughout the world. The preceding verses support this subject-matter, and
immediately after the verse of “Khataman Nabiyyin” follows the verse where Allah
says: “O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify
Him morning and evening…” This topic emphasizes the obligation upon
believers to remember Allah frequently, morning and evening, and to glorify
Him. This subject is deeply connected with lineage. It has a connection with a
miraculous descendant, and the significance of the topic “Khataman Nabiyyin”
is mentioned in the midst of these two subjects.
On one hand, there are
allegations from the enemies who claim that he is not the father of men like
them. However, Allah has mentioned this in such a way that it refutes these
allegations. They say he is not the father of men, but Allah says: Yes, he
is not the father of men like you. And to be the father of men like you is not
an honour; rather, it is a dishonour, a humiliation [because you have turned
away from the truth that comes from Allah]. And such a father who leaves
descendants like you has no right to be proud.
In a better way, Allah
highlights that: Yes, Muhammad (pbuh) is not the father of people like you,
but indeed he is a prophet of Allah and he will become a father who produces
prophets, such people and prophets who deserve Allah’s blessings.
Therefore, this promise
of Allah has been fulfilled and will continue to be fulfilled. He is a father
who has produced and will continue to produce people who will reach the status
of prophets. This subject is also mentioned in another verse in a more beautiful
way clearly showing that here it is rather a great and good news of a spiritual
descendant. It refers to spiritual birth. And this was a great quality that the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) revived spiritually. There were great Sahaba (companions
of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)) who had this radiance of Prophethood in them. And
after that, there is also a “special descendant” mentioned, and to shed light
on this, I will come again on this subject in more depth next Friday so that we
may look together at the extraordinary favours that Allah has manifested
through His miracle, His signs, and His promises, where through His chosen
ones, He keeps Islam alive. Insha-Allah. I will stop here.
May Allah grant the
entire Ummah the ability to truly understand the concept of “Khataman-Nabiyyin”.
This is such a delicate subject that many have misunderstood the significance
of this title bestowed by Allah upon His Prophet (pbuh). Due to this
misunderstanding, the Ummah has become fragmented. The time has come for the
Ummah to reunite under the guidance and with the help of Allah. Allah desires
that His servants recognize their mistakes, abandon the pleasures and
distractions of this worldly life, and focus on their faith to spread Islam.
As you all know,
Palestine has been under the oppression of Jews who came from various countries
around the world and sought refuge in Palestine. They were a minority at that
time. They received significant support from countries like the United States,
which has taken on the role of a global superpower, and their plan to reclaim
Palestine, the Holy Land, and Masjid Al-Aqsa has been set in motion. The
current conflict is the tipping point. The minorities who came as refugees and
were helped by the Palestinians have now taken control of Palestine. But Allah
is Just. He hears the cries of His creatures in distress. Today, the world is
conspiring to end Islam. For a long time, I have been calling out to you, O
Muslims, let us forget our differences and firmly establish ourselves on Laa-Ilaaha Illallah. The Messiah and Mahdi (as
one same person) is present in this era, and it is through our unity that this
spiritual revolution will occur in the world. Do not try to save your own skin
alone. You must look at the overall body of Islam, how Islam and the Muslims
are suffering. If you possess the spiritual essence of Muhammad (pbuh) within
you, you must be able to feel the pain of your oppressed Muslim brothers,
sisters, and children around the world.
May Allah grant victory
to His religion, to the truth, and may the conspirators perish in their
schemes. May Allah elevate His religion, Islam, to the highest level. And Insha-Allah,
we will witness this victory one day. The moment of Islam’s glory will return. Insha-Allah.
May Allah have mercy on the innocent and protect Islam from the dominance of
its oppressors. Ameen, Summa Ameen, Ya Rabbal Aalameen.
---Friday Sermon of 13 October 2023~ 27 Rabi'ul Awwal 1445 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.