Rights of the Prophet (pbuh)

Rights of the Prophet (pbuh)

Rights of the Prophet are the most important, after the rights of Allah. There is no human who has more rights than the Prophet. Allah said, what translated means:

“We have truly sent thee as a witness, as a bringer of Glad Tidings, and as a Warner: In order that ye (O men) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, that ye may assist and honour Him, and celebrate His praises morning and evening.” [Surah Al Fath 48:8-9]

Therefore, love for the Prophet should be more than one’s love for himself, his children, family and worldly possessions. The Prophet said, what translated means:

“None of you will reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children, parents and all humans.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

The Prophet has many rights. Respect and appreciation for him should be practiced in the best manner. Respecting the Prophet includes respect of and adherence to his Sunnah after his death. Due rights should be given to the Prophet without exaggeration. When one reads how the companions used to love and respect the Prophet, one knows the importance of this matter. When Quraysh (the Prophet’s tribe) sent Orwa Ibn Masud to negotiate with the Prophet in the Hudaibia area, he was greatly impressed by how the companions treated the Prophet. He said,

“I have visited the kings of Persia, Rome and Abysinia, but I have not seen any leader more revered and respected by his people than Muhammad. If he ordered them to do anything, they do it without delay. If he performs Wudhu (washing up for prayer) they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never look at him in the eye, out of respect.”

This is how the Prophet was treated by his companions. He was Allah’s Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of conduct ever.

The rights of the Prophet include believing him in matters of religion and the past, present and future happenings he told us about. Adherence and submission to his orders are some of his rights. When a Muslim believes in the Prophet and wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that the Prophet’s way is the best way. Believing in the Prophet includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion. Allah said, what translated means:

“But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.” [Surah Al-Nisa’ 4:65]

And

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:31]

To be believed in – Allah the Almighty says:

“Say: “O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided.”” [Surah Al A’raf 7:158]

“O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.” [Surah Al-Nisa’ 4:136]

So to believe in the Messenger is a condition of faith and one of its pillars. Believing in him means to believe in his message and behave accordingly.

To be taken as an example – Allah the Most High says:

“Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” [Surah Al Ahzab 33:21]

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!” [Surah Muhammad 47:33]

“He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah:…” [Surah Al-Nisa’ 4:80]

To be followed – Allah the Most High says:

“Say: “If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:31]

Not to have anyone put himself forward before him – Allah says:

“O Ye who believe! Put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger; but fear Allah: for Allah is He Who hears and knows all things. O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not. Those that lower their voices in the presence of Allah’s Messenger– their hearts has Allah tested for piety: For them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.” [Surah Al Hujurat 49:1-3]

The another right that is due to the Prophet Muhammad, is sending blessings upon him. Allah says,

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect. Those who annoy Allah and His Apostle – Allah has cursed them in this World and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment.” [Surah Al Ahzab 33:56-57]

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: “He who blesses me once, Allah would bless him ten times.” [Sahih Muslim, Book #004, Hadith #0808]

To defend the religion of the Prophet is one of his rights upon believers. Defending the religion can be done by using arms, the tongue and writings. To ignore attacks on the Prophet or on his religion is impermissible to Muslims. Muslims must strive to reject, in the best manner, attacks on the Prophet’s character or on any aspect of his religion, the best religion sent to mankind.