And Muhammad-SW is no more than a Messenger.... soon reward the grateful.
Prophet Muhammad-SW is only a Messenger of Allah-SWT and certainly not a partner into any of His-SWT Attributes or Divinity. Many Messengers-AS have been sent unto mankind before him-SW, who conveyed Allah-SWT’s Message to His-SWT people and after discharging their duty passed away from this world according to the law of nature.
If the Holy Prophet-SW passes away or is martyred it does not mean that the Din handed down by him-SW will be abandoned. In fact it shall continue to be practised and all its blessings and Barakah shall flourish. It is not appropriate to stop practising it after the death of the Holy Prophet-SW. So O’ believers, will you only obey him-SW during his-SW lifetime, and when he-SW passes away like all other Prophets-AS before him-SW, will you turn away on your heels? Will his-SW departure from this world bring an end to his-SW Barakah and will you abandon his-SW obedience?
When the radiant face of the Holy Prophet-SW was wounded and the Muslims were fighting in a state of chaos, someone called out that Muhammad-SW had been slain. The commentators explain that it was Satan who made this announcement. Most of the eminent Companions-RAU had been martyred while the majority of the remaining had been seriously wounded. During such chaos, this news struck like, a thunderbolt and had a different impact on each Companion-RAU. Some decided to fight on with full vigour till the end, for the Cause for which they thought the Holy Prophet-SW had laid down his-SW life. For them life was no longer worth living while the others thought that since the Holy Prophet-SW had been slain, there was nothing left to fight for. Some were so grief stricken that they could not take a decision. Suddenly a Companion-RAU spotted the Holy Prophet-SW and announced the good news congratulating the believers. At that time fifteen or sixteen Companions-RAU surrounded the Holy Prophet-SW. All the rest then rallied round him-SW and escorted him-SW to a safe spot while the non-believers fled from the scene.
Although the love for the Holy Prophet-SW is faith in itself and his-SW veneration the basis of all virtue, but the concept that he-SW may be loved without being obeyed is erroneous and absolutely wrong. Love calls for obedience of the beloved, as a lover is under the influence of the beloved. And respect for someone also demands obedience with sincerity. If the Holy Prophet-SW actually falls a Shahid even then Jihad would remain enjoined on the Muslims. It is such an important tenet of Islam that giving it up tantamounts to giving up Islam. So, Allah-SWT forbid, will the Muslims turn to apostasy?
For Persons With Kashf
It is important for those blessed with Kashf to know that Satan did not miss deluding the Companions-RAU even in the presence of the Holy Prophet-SW at Uhad. How can it be difficult for him to deceive people of the present age?
All observation through Kashf draw authenticity from the sayings of the Holy Prophet-SW. Anything contrary to Ahadith must be outrightly rejected. The obedience to the Holy Prophet-SW is essential under all circumstances. Another point proved here is that death does not make the dead non-existent, for if it did, the Barakah of the deceased should also terminate.
The momentary confusion was a natural reaction to the horrifying news of the Holy Prophet-SW’s assassination, yet a stern Divine Verdict was given and a little disinclination towards Jihad was equated with apostasy. Firstly, it was to train the Companions-RAU to a level of perfection whereby they could rightfully lead the world. Secondly it was intended to reaffirm the importance of obedience to the Holy Prophet-SW and particularly to highlight the importance of Jihad. It is clarified that anyone showing negligence in Jihad will not harm Allah-SWT in anyway but will ruin himself. Allah-SWT will reward those who are grateful to Him-SWT . Here the truly obedient are termed as grateful, which means that obedience is another word for gratitude. And all those who stood fast in the battlefield were indeed the grateful.
Trustee Of The Grateful
The commentators quote Hadhrat ‘Ali-RAU saying that Hadhrat Abu Bakr-RAU is the Trustee of the Grateful as he-RAU did not waiver even for a single moment. (Behr-e Mohit). He-RAU has been referred as Chief of the Grateful in the Tafsir-a-Qartabi and Ruh al-Mo'ani and as Leader of the Grateful in Tafsir-e-Kabir.
Imam Razi-RUA initiates an interesting discussion. He-RUA observes that the above saying of Hadhrat ‘Ali-RAU is absolutely right for the perseverance of Hadhrat Abu Bakr-RAU at Uhad is exemplary. And when the Holy Prophet-SW passed away it was again he-RAU, who stood fast and reassured the others. Soon thereafter the impostors and the apostates sprang up and perturbed the Companions-RAU as to what course of action must be taken. It was again Hadhrat Abu Bakr-RAU, the undisputed Leader of the Grateful, who took a bold stand and through Jihad, nipped the evil in the bud.
Besides, it was also revealed that Allah-SWT predestines the time of death, which can neither be advanced nor delayed by a second. Therefore, to show despair or to avoid Jihad for fear of death is absurd. The crux of the matter is that whoever invests his life for temporal gains will achieve only that much, which will ultimately be distressing and painful because everything is to be left behind. And anyone, who strives for Akhirah, shall receive an ample share from it, as Allah-SWT will reward those who had recognized the truth.
And many a Prophets-AS fought... Allah-SWT loves those who do good.
In the past too, many Prophets-AS took to Jihad and their followers laid down their lives in obedience. They too, faced extremely difficult times but never lost courage. Neither did they show any sluggishness, nor did mighty forces of the enemy browbeat them. They made brilliant sacrifices with great perseverance and became the beloved of Allah-SWT . Even so, they always begged Allah-SWT for Forgiveness, repented on their mistakes and prayed for patience and His-SWT Succour and victory against their enemy. In other words, inspite of the best efforts, human worships cannot match His-SWT Greatness. Therefore, the true servants of Allah-SWT are never boastful of their worship but always beg for His-SWT Forgiveness for their shortcomings and seek His-SWT help. So the Muslims, being the best Ummah, must surpass others.
Allah-SWT honours such righteous people in this life and rewards them immensely in the Akhirah; for Allah-SWT loves those who obey Him-SWT with perfect sincerity and deep devotion.
