'Struggle against Self'

 

The Advent of the Seal of all Prophets, Muhammad (pbuh)

'O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good tidings, and a warner, calling people to Allah by His grace, and as a light-giving lamp.' (Al-Ahzab 33: 46-47).

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, today, I continue to speak on our beloved Master, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and his status as the greatest prophet among all prophets. As I mentioned last week, while Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is the greatest prophet and the last law-bearing prophet, it does not mean there will be no prophets after him. Prophets and Messengers of Allah will continue to come, but only from his own Ummah (community), and not from the communities that have rejected him (pbuh). This forms a chain of belief, where one Messenger confirms the other, and the new Messenger is born from the community and faith of the previous Messenger of Allah who has passed away.

Holy Prophet: The Perfect Role Model

                                                                                            

'Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.' (Al-Ahzab, 33: 22).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca, Arabia, nearly six hundred years after Hazrat Isa (as) [Jesus]. At that time, his people were deeply involved in idolatry, and their society was marked by corruption and decay. The Jews in Arabia had formed tribes and settlements but did not spread the message of the Unicity of Allah beyond their community. Christianity was divided into many feuding sects, and its stronghold, the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), was in decline.

Miracles of 'Tawheed'

 The Duahs of the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh) & The Promise of Allah- Part 1

 

If today we are Muslims, and we have received the names and titles of Muslims, it is only through Allah and His greatest, most honourable and most perfect prophet [from among all Messengers and Prophets] Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). He was someone who preferred to sacrifice worldly pleasures for the greatest pleasure, i.e. the spiritual pleasure which is eternal. And the meaning of this spiritual pleasure is to acquire the love of Allah and His approval and mercy. So, through his sacrifices, obedience, goodness, and following the divine instructions he received, he (pbuh) has secured a reserved and most honourable place for him in the “heart” and “sight” of Allah.

 

That great personality who is the most perfect of all law-bearing and non-law-bearing prophets is none but Muhammad (pbuh). He was born in Arabia at a time when Arabia and the rest of the world were plunged into the darkness of infidelity to Allah. Idolatry was rampant and caused havoc everywhere. It was him, a very humble and weak human who was moreover an orphan – of both mother and father – from his early childhood, who enabled a great spiritual revolution in the world, not just in Arabia.

 

Bear in mind that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) did not let himself be attracted by gold and silver, by the superficial riches of this world. He preferred sacrificing for His Ummah so that they [i.e. all of us, his followers] may harvest the good of the hereafter as well as the pleasure of Allah when they [we, Muslims] follow in his footsteps.

Lessons from Nuh (as)

The Messengers of Allah

 

'The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. (They proclaim) 'We make no distinction between any of His messengers.' And they say, 'We hear and obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to You (alone) is the final return.' (Al-Baqara 2: 286)

 

All the prophets who preceded Muhammad (pbuh) were sent with a message of warning and guidance to a particular people. None of their messages was intended to be universal, including that of Jesus [Isa (as)], who was commissioned by Allah specifically as a prophet to the Children of Israel, Israel being another name given to Jacob [Yaqub (as)], until there came the last law-bearing prophet and messenger, i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) who was entrusted with the final and complete set of Allah’s laws as guidance for the whole of humanity for all times to come. So, who were some of those prophets of Allah?

Hazrat Ibrahim: An 'Ummah'

 

 إِنَّ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةٗ قَانِتٗا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفٗا وَلَمۡ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ

 

Indeed Ibrahim was a whole community by himself, obedient to Allah, exclusively devoted to Him. And he was never one of those who associated others with Allah in His Worship. (An-Nahl 16: 121)

Hazrat Ibrahim (as) – Abraham – is considered to be a community (Ummah) and a universe by himself. The question that arises is why Hazrat Ibrahim (as) was granted the title of ‘Ummah’?

Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah i.e. a leader having all the good, righteous qualities of a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanif i.e. being someone who worshipped none but Allah and he was not one of the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners – false gods – with Allah.

Divine Light and Soul Beauty

 

The Inner Beauty of Muhammad (pbuh) The Holy Prophet of Islam

In one of his sayings, the Holy Prophet – peace be upon him – is narrated to have said: “Allah (God Almighty) is beauty and He loves beauty.” (Muslim)

Verily, the beauty which God Almighty truly seeks in a person is his inner beauty. The way the person conducts himself, the way he talks, the way he behaves with others, the way he accomplishes all his spiritual and worldly duties with integrity, honesty, trust in Him [God Almighty] and the joy of humility is what truly counts.

Indeed, humility is a light which drives someone to plunge into the Ocean of the Knowledge of God to perfect himself in it, and the perfect man who received this boon from the Almighty is the Holy Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. For all Muslims and for the entire world he is to this day the only leader who though poor and humble, had conquered the world to the unity of God through connecting his own heart to the people. He had in him the courage and inspiration from God Almighty to encourage all those who chose to follow him to the heights of success. In just twenty-three years, he was able to reform a barbarous and ignorant people and shown to them the basics of true life and connect them to the Creator Who has them and the whole world within the grip of His Power.

'Duah': Prayer of Light

 

Oh Allah!

Place light in my heart

And light in my tongue

And light in my hearing

And light in my seeing

And light from above me

And light from below me

And light on my right

And light on my left

And light ahead of me

And light behind me

 Place light in my soul

Magnify for me light

And amplify for me light

Make for me light

And make me light

Noble Traits of the Prophet

 

 The Character and Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

It is essential to inculcate in one the reverence and respect for the lofty character and habits of the Messenger of Allah, the Holy Prophet of Islam and [of] whole Humanity Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). It is necessary that the morals of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) become established in one’s heart so that love for the best of mankind (pbuh) becomes dominant in the heart and eagerness to follow his holy character is induced in the believer. I will mention some Quranic verses and Hadiths in this regard.

 

Allah the Exalted has said: “Verily, you (Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character”. (Surah Al-Qalam 68:5)

 

Allah furthermore says: “O you who believe! Do not enter the houses of the Prophet for a meal without permission. If you are invited, you may enter, but be punctual (so that you will not be waiting while the meal is being prepared). When you have finished eating, leave his home. Do not sit around chatting among yourselves. This will annoy the Prophet but he will feel embarrassed to tell you. God does not feel embarrassed to tell you the truth...” (Al-Ahzab 33: 54)

 

This is a reference to a particular incident. Some companions stayed longer than what was proper on this occasion at the home of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) who was anxious to retire for the night. They continued in conversation. Although the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) was inconvenienced by their late stay, he nevertheless refrained from telling them anything. This was in regard to his personal matters and not to such affairs which came within the purview of Tabligh.

 

Hazrat Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (ra) narrated “The Prophet (pbuh) was more shy (from Haya: i.e. pious shyness from committing religious indiscretions) than a veiled virgin girl.”

'Tawheed' & 'Shirk'

 

 

If man is aware that Allah is the Lord Who has created and nourished him, and is the Only True God with no partners associated to Him, and thus, that He is the only True God, Who deserves to be worshipped, and if man knows also that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah to mankind, he must also know that his faith in Allah and His prophet Muhammad (pbuh) will not be perfect unless he is acquainted with the religion of Islam, believes in it, and behaves according to its precepts. This is due to the fact that Islam is the true religion approved by Allah (twt) to mankind. Allah has commanded all His Messengers, before Muhammad (pbuh), to follow Islam, and He sent Muhammad (pbuh) as the seal of His prophets, to propagate Islam, and enjoin people to behave according to its precepts.

 

WHAT IS ISLAM?

Then, let us see what Islam is. Muhammad (pbuh) the seal Messenger of Allah to mankind, defined Islam as follows: “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, to perform prayers, pay the poor tax (Zakat), fast the month of Ramadan and do pilgrimage to the Holy House in Mecca if you have the means for that”. 

The Signs of Holy Prophet (sa)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the month of Rabi’ul Awwal marks the month in which our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) blessed this world with his physical and spiritual presence, such presence which would convert the world to the Religion of Allah. Alhamdulillah.

Books of Islamic history record many events which happened prior to, during and after the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Visions were seen and miracles happened, not only in Pre-Islamic Arabia but also around the world. Today, for our Sirat-un-Nabi Programme, I would like to present you a few of these signs and miracles.

Prophet Muhammad: The Perfect Human

A Role Model for Mankind

The Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is certainly the most perfect man of all times. He is the perfect example of humanity and he is also the best and the seal of the prophets. The degree of his mercy is beyond compare and invaluable. He surpasses all men as an individual.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And We have not sent except as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner to all mankind, but most people do not understand.” (Surah Saba, 34: 29).

To better understand the degree of perfection of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), the Seal of the prophets, one must first know the situation of his country, i.e. pre-Islamic Arabia, well before his advent on earth.

Long before the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the pagan Arabs who were idol worshipers lived in ignorance (Jahiliya) and discord. They were torn apart by tribal wars (i.e. wars/ fights between tribes) and lived under the rule of the powerful. Immorality invaded the society. It was everywhere; there was no faith, no law. Alcoholic drinks, games of chance, dancing, usury (i.e. the action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest), prostitution, the killing of little girls - at a very young age; in short, the worst of cruelties and brutality were practiced. Moreover, they worshiped idols of different forms, forgetting the One True God, the God of their ancestors, Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail (as). In the course of time, they abandoned the worship of Allah, and implored statues called Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and many others, believing that they (i.e. these false gods) had the capacity to give everything to them: children, healing, fortune etc.

When the general, physical, moral and spiritual situation of the Arabs and humanity as a whole reached the zenith (the peak) of decadence, then God the Almighty, Allah (swt) sent the most perfect and the most noble of the prophets in this world to bring back those humans who had become like animals towards humanity, morality and spirituality.

As a result, around the year 570 of the Christian era, a great little human being was born - Muhammad (pbuh), the Messenger of Allah. He lit by the Grace of his Unique Creator, Allah, the torch of piety and salvation. He broke the chains of this absurd (stupid) ignorance and provided the whole world with a beneficial message.

Muhammad (pbuh) was a man with a noble and exalted mission. His only mission was to unite men behind the worship of one God (Allah) and teach them the way to an honest and upright life according to the laws and commandments of God. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took into account all stages of the life of man and governed human life from the cradle to death.

The Beauty of Patience: Yusuf (as) in the Qur'an

Patience of the Prophets

Since the dawn of time, Allah has sent prophets in all ages and to all the nations of the world. A line of prophets came, all ennobled by the Messenger of Messengers, the Beloved Muhammad (pbuh), all of whom had endured countless hardships, all of whom had experienced the greatest difficulties during their prophetic mission. All of them had to face the fiercest and most murderous enemies, who erected themselves as a metal barrier on the way of these prophets during their stay on this earth.

But all had the same feeling, the same reaction: patience, trust in Allah Ta’ala and faith. In addition to the prophets, some of their wives have had the misfortune to experience the worst difficulties too. They also showed an unshakeable patience.

Today I will relate to you a little about the sad story of Hazrat Yusuf - Joseph (as). Being a young and handsome boy, he was betrayed by his own brothers and then by the wife of the Prime Minister of the King of Egypt. Imprisoned, he lost neither hope nor patience. His father Yaqub - Jacob (as) had to suffer the worst difficulties because of the abuse caused to his beloved son. He also showed patience and guided by his faith (Iman) and the divine revelations, he relied on Allah Ta’ala. This patience led father and son to reason, victory and family reconciliation.

Qur'an on the Death of Jesus (as)

Muhammad is only a messenger; Verily, all the messengers have died before him. So, were he to die, or if he was killed, would you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (Al-Imran 3: 145).

A false rumour was spread at Uhud, that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had been killed. The verse alludes to this incident and means that even if the rumour was founded, it should not have made the faithful falter in their faith. Muhammad (pbuh) was only a prophet and like other prophets before him were dead, he too would die. Only the God of Islam, the One and Supreme God lives eternally.

First Proof

When seven years after the incident at Uhud (after the battle of Uhud) the Holy Prophet (pbuh) died, Umar (ra) stood in the mosque of Medina, sword in hand, and said, “Whoever says that the prophet of God has died, I will slit his throat. He has not die but went to his Lord just as Moses had gone to his Lord and he shall return to punish the hypocrites.”

At that moment, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), who was not present at the moment when the prophet breathed his last, returned quickly, went straight into the prophet's room and upon realising that he had actually died, kissed his forehead and said, “You are sweet (sacred) in death as you were when alive, and surely God is not going to give you two deaths.”

Then he went out, resolved, and asked the assembly in the mosque: “O people! Whoever worshiped Muhammad, let him know that Muhammad is dead; And he who worships God, let him be assured that God is alive, and that He does not die.” 

And he recited to them this verse: “Muhammad is only a messenger; Verily, all the messengers have died before him. So, were he to die, or if he was killed, would you turn back on your heels?” (Al-Imran 3: 145). He meant that it was not surprising under these circumstances that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was also dead. On hearing this very appropriate verse, Umar (ra) and all the others were convinced of the prophet's death and were plunged into great mourning. Thus this verse proves incidentally that the prophets who had preceded our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had all died because if any one of them was still alive, the verse could not have been cited as evidence of the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

The Concept of 'Nabi' in Our Claims

Divine Revelations Today

Given the debate between the Ahmadi Muslims and Salafi Muslims as well as the other Muslim groups, I have decided today to devote my Friday Sermon on the subject of Nabuwwah (prophethood) and status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the “Khatam-an-Nabiyyine”.

Just like for the Promised Messiah of the past century, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the revelations I have been bestowed upon as a divine grace contain the words Nabi and Rassool, not once but several times. Messenger can also mean prophet. I have been addressed as Rassool by my Beloved Creator several times. 

A "Nabi" after Prophet Muhammad ?

However, if we agree on the fact that the Holy Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, and that no other prophet could come after him in the world, I would say that of course, any old or new prophet cannot come in the sense that my opponents as well as those of the Promised Messiah (as) seem to believe; for verily while slandering and accusing the Muhammadan prophets of Kufr (disbelief/ infidelity), but ironically at the same time they expect a prophet of an ancient Ummah (Community) to revive the perfect Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh).

They await the return of Jesus Christ – Isa (as); that is to say, in other words, they believe in the continuity of the latter’s prophethood of the latter and in the divine revelations received by him for a period of forty years, a period longer than that enjoyed by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself, and so such a belief is clearly wrong as it is disavowed by the verse of the Holy Quran:

“... He is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Al-Ahzab, 33: 41)

And also by the following tradition: “... La Nabi Ba’adi” (No prophet after me). 

And I totally agree with the Holy Quran. This Quranic verse of the Holy Quran contains a great prophecy that has escaped the attention of my opponents. It means that after the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) no member of any religion other than Islam will receive the gift of prophethood and no man, be him Hindu, Jewish, Christian or so-called Muslim (Muslim in name only) cannot justifiably be called Nabi.

Blessings of "Nubuwwah" within the Ummah

The only approach to accede to this high position is the path of the Siddiqeen (Truthful) or those who lose themselves in the love of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Whoever takes this path may get the privilege as a “Zill” to wear coat of prophethood, that is to say, by being a perfect reproduction of the spiritual image of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and loving the latter (pbuh) out of a sincere love, he is given to wear the mantle of prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself. A claimant of prophethood of this nature cannot be a rival of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) because he gets all his strengths and favours through him; and therefore the spiritual position that he reaches is only for the glorification of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Moreover he is known in heaven as Muhammad and Ahmad at the same time. Thus the greatness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not reached by any other person (even not his Zill), while his Zill (spiritual double/ reflection) still owes him a debt of gratitude.

'Amaanah' & 'Khiyaanah'

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: 

 

'Render back trusts to the one who entrusted it to you, and do not betray the one who betrays you.' (Abu Dawud)

 

Amaanah is honesty. Honesty is the respect of rights and commitments. It is also to assume one’s responsibilities. Responsibilities are a charge that Allah (twa) has entrusted to us. By fulfilling our responsibilities we render back trusts to the one who is entitled to it.

 

Faith is an Amaanah. The practice of religious obligations such as Prayers (Salat), Fasting (Sawm), Mandatory Tax (Zakaat) Pilgrimage (Hajj) or even the Wudhu and Ghusl, is an Amaanah.

To carefully learn the tenets of the Muslim faith and the laws of Islam is an Amaanah. To teach the Religion (Islam) is an Amaanah. To give sincere and dedicated advice is an Amaanah. Enjoining good and preventing evil, the Haraam (anything that is illegal) and injustices is an Amaanah.

Divine Elects Lit Up the Path of Guidance

The Universality of Divine Providence

Wa ‘immin ‘ummatin ‘illaa khalaa fiihaa naziir.

“There is no nation but has had its Warner.” (Surah al Fatir; 35: 25)

All nations received revelation. There is an important question which relates to the person of God and man and that which subsists between man and man; in other words; which nations have been the recipients of revelation and on what principles were they selected by God to receive His revelation? Without the solution of this question, the reform which the Promised Messiah had attempted in relation to other questions relating to the being of God, would not have been complete. With regard to this question he pointed out that, as God is the Lord of the whole universe, his guidance could not be confined to any particular nation. As he is the Lord of all mankind and has equipped all of them with thinking minds, he could not deprive any nation of His guidance. As I have recited in the beginning of my sermon: “There is no nation but has had its Warner”. (Fatir; 35: 25)

God has sent His messengers among all nations and in all ages, and as the sun lights up the whole world, the light of revelations has ever lit up the darkest corners of the earth. If today we cannot discover the light of revelation among a particular people, it does not mean that no prophets have appeared among them, but the truth is that these peoples have allowed their national traditions and faith to die out.

In pursuance of this doctrine this testified to the truth of Krishna, Ram and Buddha, the prophets of India, and all the other prophets, messengers and reformers of Almighty God, and the rejection of their claims is, in a sense, amounting to a denial of the universal providence of God. 

Why accept some and reject some? Why not accept all as of divine source? This is a doctrine which was not to be found among the teachings of any sect or religion, and, as a matter of fact, the majority of people believe that revelation had been confined to the founders of their respective religions, and even those who believed that revelation had been vouchsafed to people of other religions did so, more as a sort of personal tribute to the founders of those religions on account of the services rendered by them to the cause of humanity than as a result of the acceptance of the doctrine of the universal providence of God.

The Enduring Light of Muhammad

But the Promised Messiah demonstrated from the Quran that not only were those men the righteous servants of God whose services to humanity are recorded in history, but that the attributes and the words of God alike bore witness to the fact that every nation, whether its traditions have been preserved or not, has had its prophet, and that to receive guidance through prophets was the right of humanity which God would never ignore. The extent to which this doctrine has opened to all nations the doors of the Love of God, has placed the internal relation of mankind on a basis of concord and amity, and has secured the founders and righteous men of all religions against insult and abuse.

Divine Precepts on Political Order

Islam is a World Order; hence the conception of Islamic state is that of a World State, for God is the Sovereign of all:

“Command is for none but God.” (12: 41).

“His is the sovereignty of the Heavens and the Earth.” (57: 6).

“Blessed is He in Whose hands is the sovereignty and He over all things has power.” (67: 2).

The ideal of Islamic state (or an Islamic country), like I just mentioned, is righteous life as it further proved by the oft-repeated voice of the Quran, “Believe and act righteously” which forms its leading theme. And to achieve this ideal God says: “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” (3: 105).

Righteous life is the life lived in strict conformity with divine laws. The Quran is the code of right conduct which equips man to establish the will of God on earth and to lead humanity to its noblest destiny. Righteous life cannot be achieved unless society is purged of evils and virtue prevails. Virtue consists in moral excellence and in conformity of life and conduct with the laws of God who alone knows what is really good. There is no specific form of government prescribed by the Quran and the Sunnah. It seems that no detailed blue prints for the form of government are given so that flexibility be retained as to the adoption of some form suited to the occasion except despotism, for the head of the Islamic State himself is subject to the dictates of Islamic laws.

'Eid-ul-Adha' and 'Maqam-e-Ibrahim'

Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

 

Through this Eid sermon today, I hope that each member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam today ponder over the submission and sacrifices which Hazrat Ibrahim (as) has shown. And realise also how Allah accepted this sacrifice and rewarded him for it. Likewise, each woman must reflect on the special type of submission which Hazrat Hajra (ra) demonstrated. All this was only for the cause of Allah and Allah did not let her down; she did not lose (the sweet fruits of her sacrifices). The children also must reflect on the complete submission which Hazrat Ismail (as) shown and how Allah has honoured him for all times. Therefore, the sacrifices which are done sincerely in the path of Allah shall never be in vain. Today, even when you are performing Qurbani, you must bear in mind that Allah is not looking at the meat or blood (of the animal) only but also at the quality of your sacrifices; that which Allah looks for is your heart, the intention and sincerity within. That’s all.

I pray to Allah that He grants me also and all of us together this true spirit of sacrifice and whenever we have to do a sacrifice, that Allah accepts it from us. Thus, like you heard after the Surah Al-Fatiha, I recited the Verse 96 of Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), where Allah says:

 

 Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

The fundamental attribute of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) was Ibrahim the Hanif, that is, the ever turned to Allah. He humiliated himself before the One to whom he was ever turned (that is, he curbed/prostrated himself before Allah only). Therefore, even if ever he did an error, but the fact remains that he turned himself completely to Allah, he worshipped Allah only. He did not incline himself to any other than Allah. Therefore the central attribute for him is Ibrahim the Hanif.