Indexed OCR Text

certainly have punished them in this world (by having them executed). And in the
Aakhirah, theirs shall be the punishment of the Fire (of Jahannam). This (punishment in
both worlds) is (deserved) because they opposed Allaah and His Rasool p. Whoever
opposes Allaah and His Rasool p, then (he should know that) verily Allaah punishes very
severely.
(Referring to the date plantations of the Banu Nadheer that the Muslims destroyed to break the
morale of the Jews for them to surrender, Allaah says,) Every date palm that you (Muslims)
cut (and burnt) or left standing on its roots was by Allaah's permission and to
humiliate the sinners (it was done by Allaah's command and not merely to destroy property).
You (Muslims) neither ran your horses nor your camels for the booty that Allaah gave
to His Rasool p (you won the battle without much travelling and without a fight). (It is the
practice of Allaah that) Allaah grants His Rusul authority over whoever He pleases (even
without a fight). Allaah has power over everything.
The booty that Allaah granted His Rasool p (without a battle being fought) from the
people of the villages is for Allaah (to be distributed as Allaah pleases), for the (needs of
the) Rasool p, for the relatives (of Rasulullaah p), for the orphans, for the poor and for
the travellers so that this wealth may not remain as amassed riches with the wealthy
among you (by distributing it in this manner, the wealth is circulated among people so that all
may benefit). Hold fast to what (commands) the Rasool p gives you and refrain from
what (actions) He prevents you (because whatever he instructs you is from Allaah). Fear
(disobeying) Allaah, for Allaah punishes very severely.
(A share of the booty received without a fight is also reserved) For the poor Muhaajireen
who were removed from their homes and their possessions. They seek Allaah's grace
and pleasure and assist Allaah and His Rasool p. These are the ones who are true (in
their claim to Imaan).
(Part of this booty is also for) Those (the Ansaar) who adopted the place (Madinah) as their
home before them (before the Muhaajireen) and (had adopted) Imaan. They (the Ansaar)
love those who migrate to them (the Muhaajireen) and find no want (jealousy or envy) in
their hearts for what they (the Muhaajireen) are given. They (the Ansaar) prefer (others)
above themselves (they prefer to give others) even though they are themselves in need
(of the things they give). (Like the Ansaar,) Those who are saved from the miserliness (and
greed) of the soul are really the successful ones (whom will attain salvation).
Those who come after them (after the Muhaajireen and Ansaar ought to) say, "O our Rabb!
Forgive us and our brothers (the Sahabah y) who passed before us with Imaan. And do
not place any impurity (ill-feelings) in our hearts against those who have Imaan. O our
Rabb! Indeed You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Have you not seen the hypocrites who say to their Kuffaar brothers of the People of
the Book (the Jews of the Banu Nadheer tribe), "If you are exiled, we shall definitely
leave (Madinah) with you (to express our solidarity) and we shall never obey the word of
anyone concerning you (we shall not obey anyone who tells us to expel or kill you). We shall
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also certainly assist you if you are fought (we shall assist you if the Muslims attack you)."
Allaah testifies that they are certainly liars.
If they (the Jews) are exiled, they (the Munaafiqeen) will not leave (Madinah) with them
and if they (the Jews) are engaged in battle (against the Muslims), they (the Munaafiqeen)
will not assist them (as they promised). Even if they (the Munaafiqeen) have to (are forced
to) assist them, they will (very soon) surely turn their backs (and flee from the battlefield
as they always do) after which they (the Jews) will not have any assistance.
Without doubt the fear that they (the Munaafiqeen) have in their hearts for you
(Muslims) is more than the fear they have for Allaah. This is because they are a nation
that has no understanding (they fail to realise Allaah's power and therefore have more fear
for people).
Their combined forces (of the Jews) will fight you (Muslims) only from fortified
strongholds (fortresses) or from behind walls (of a fortified city because they fear fighting
you in the open. This is exactly what happened when the Muslims marched to fight the Jews in
Khaybar). (Although they will combine to fight you Muslims,) The fighting among them is
intense. You think that they are united (as they stand against you) whereas their hearts
are divided (their unity is superficial and nothing to be feared). This (division between them)
has occurred because they are a nation that has no knowledge (of the true Deen to unite
upon).
Their example is like those (Jews of the Banu Qaynuqa tribe) shortly before them who
tasted the consequence of their doing (for breaking their treaty with the Muslims and were
exiled to a place called Adhra'aat). Theirs shall be a painful punishment.
(Their example is) Like the example of Shaytaan when he says to man, "Commit kufr."
So when man commits kufr (and has to suffer punishment either in this world or in the
Aakhirah), Shaytaan says, "I have nothing to do with you (you cannot blame me because I
did not force you). Indeed I fear (the punishment of) Allaah, the Rabb of the universe."
The plight of the two (Shaytaan and the one he misleads) is that both shall suffer in the
Fire (of Jahannam) forever. This is the punishment of the oppressors.
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Unverified Information
Allaah granted the Muslims victory over the Banu Mustaliq tribe in the year 5
A.H. After consultation with the Sahabah w, Rasulullaah p wedded Hadhrat
Juwayriyyah ( al ), who was the daughter of the chief of the tribe Haarith bin
Diraar. In honour of this relationship with Rasulullaah p, all the Sahabah w freed
the members of the Banu Mustaliq who had become their captives after the
battle. Inspired by this tremendous gesture, the people of the Banu Mustaliq
became Muslims.
Thereafter, Rasulullaah p dispatched Waleed bin Uqba to the Banu Mustaliq to
collect their zakaah and distribute it amongst the poor of their area. However,
there had been some animosity between the Banu Mustaliq and Waleed during
the Period of Ignorance, which still lingered. Therefore, when the Banu Mustaliq
came out of the town to welcome the messenger of Rasulullaah p and to hand
over their zakaah, Waleed misconstrued this as an attempt to ambush and kill
him. He therefore beat a hasty retreat to Madinah, where he informed
Rasulullaah p that the people refused to pay their zakaah and had therefore
intended to kill him. He suggested that they were rebelling against the Muslims.
This news disappointed Rasulullaah p and he prepared an army to march against
the Banu Mustaliq to quell the rebellion. In the meantime, the people of the
Banu Mustaliq heard about the misunderstanding and the imminent attack on
them, their leader Haarith t immediately rode to Madinah with a delegation to
explain their situation. He met Rasulullaah p And said, "O Rasulullaah p! I swear
by the Being Who has sent you as a Rasool that I did not even see Waleed bin
Uqba, since he never came to us." Rasulullaah p remained silent and waited for
revelation. Allaah then sent revelation to confirm the word of Haarith t and to
issue directives for future situations.
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In the Words of the Qur' aan
Allaah says in verses 6-8 of Surah Hujuraat:
يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقَّ بِنَبٍَ فَتَبَيُّوْا أَنْ تُصِيْبُوا قَوْمًّا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوْا عَلَى مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نُدِمِيْنَ (*)
وَ اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيْكُمْ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ * لَوْ يُطِيْعُكُمْ فِى كَثِيْرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَ لَكِنَّ اللهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْإِيْمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ
فِى قُوْبِكُمْ وَ كَرَّهَ اِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَ الْفُسُوْقَ وَ الْعِصْيَانَ * أُولَئِكَ بُمُ الرُّشِدُوْنَ ﴾(٧) فَضْلاً مِّنَ اللهِ وَ نِعْمَةَّ ٠٥
وَ اللهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ (٨)
TRANSLATION: O you who have Imaan! If any sinner (or anyone else) brings you any news,
then verify it (investigate it to establish the truth), lest you should harm any nation
unknowingly (because of being misinformed) and then become remorseful over your actions.
(In this manner, false news will be nipped in the bud.) (Addressing the Sahabah w, Allaah says,)
Know well that the Rasool of Allaah is in your midst. There are many matters regarding
which you will be placed into difficulty if he were to obey you people concerning them.
However, Allaah has made Imaan beloved to you, has made it beautiful within your hearts
and has made kufr, sin and disobedience abhorrent to you. Such people (with these
qualities) are rightly guided. (This guidance is on account of) The grace and bounty from
Allaah. Allaah is All Knowing, the Wise.
These verses warn us against accepting the word of any person without first
verifying the truth, as is common nowadays. Rasulullaah p said, "A man will be
sufficiently guilty of lying when he reports everything he hears."656
Levels of Verification
In the light of the above verses, Mufassireen have specified the following levels
of verification:
656 Muslim.
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1. Waajib (compulsory) verification: For example, when a ruler or
governor hears that someone has forsaken their Deen and therefore
has to be executed.A case like this and others that would
necessitate capital punishment must be thoroughly investigated
before any action can be taken. This is necessary to guard society
from harm.
2. Jaa'iz (permissible) verification: For example, it would be
permissible for one to investigate an allegation that someone
intends to cause one some harm in any way. This would enable one
to guard against anticipated harm.
3.
Haraam (forbidden) verification: For example, it would be Haraam
to investigate allegations that a person is secretly drinking alcohol
or gambling because such an investigation will yield no benefit. All
it will produce is invasion of privacy and humiliating a Muslim. It is
sufficient for Allaah to have knowledge of this person's doings and
to deal with him accordingly. Verse 12 of Surah Hujuraat explicitly
prohibits spying on people and backbiting.
Conclusion
"Indeed, you (O Rasulullaah p) shall certainly die, and they shall all die as well"
It was in the year 9 A.H. that Hajj was made Fardh (obligatory). Rasulullaah p
sent Hadhrat Abu Bakr t as the Ameer of the Hajj that year and he was
accompanied by a large group of Muslims to Makkah.
In Dhul Qa'dah of the following year (10 A.H.), Rasulullaah p himself left for Hajj
with 24000 Muslims. All of Rasulullaah p's nine wives accompanied him, as did
his daughter Hadhrat Faatima ws dl . Resulullah p reached Makkah on Sunday
the 4th of Dhul Hijjah and it was on the 9th that he delivered the epic sermon on
the plain of Arafah.
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In this sermon, Rasulullaah p said, "O people! Listen well to what I have to say
and learn the rites of Hajj from me, because I shall perhaps not be with you next
year. I leave behind me two such things which, if you hold firmly on to them,
you will never go astray. They are Book of Allaah and my way of life (Sunnah)."
It was on this day and at this place also that the completion of the Deen was
announced with the verse:
اَلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِيْنَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيْتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِيْنًا ن *
TRANSLATION: Today I have perfected your Deen for you (leaving no room for additions or
omissions), completed My bounty upon you (because Islaam is a complete and everlasting code of
life) and chosen Islaam as your Deen. 657
After completing this final and only Hajj, Rasulullaah p returned to Madinah
during the end of Dhul Hijjah. It was just a few days later that the year 11 A.H.
arrived, which was to be the year in which Rasulullaah p would depart from this
world, Rasulullaah p started to prepare for this journey into the Aakhirah by
increasing his recitation of Tasbeeh, Tahmeed and Istighfaar. Rasulullaah p also
visited the graveyard of Madinah during those days and again performed the
Janaazah salaah for the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, though it was eight years
after the battle. Rasulullaah p made du'aa for the deceased and greeted them as
if for the last time.
He then returned to the Masjid, where he mounted the pulpit and said, "O
people! I shall be proceeding ahead of you to wait for you at the pond of
Kowthar, which I can see from here right now. I have also been granted the keys
to the treasures of this world. I do not fear that all of you would revert to Shirk,
657
Surah Maa'idah, verse 3.
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but what I do fear is that the wealth of the world would open up to you and you
would become entangled with it." 658
The Start of the Illness
It was during the concluding nights of the month of Safar in the year 11 A.H. that
Rasulullaah p got up one night and awakened his servant with the words, "I have
been commanded to seek forgiveness for the people of Baqee (the graveyard in
Madinah)." As soon as Rasulullaah p had returned from the graveyard, started to
feel ill, developing a severe headache and fever. This was a Wednesday and
signalled the beginning of the illness that would eventually be his final illness. As
his illness worsened, Rasulullaah p sought permission from his wives that Sunday
to remain in the home of Hadhrat Aa'isha qie cảil (elle ).
Rasulullaah p remained ill for approximately 13 to 14 days, during which time he
was informed of the claims to prophethood made by Musaylama Kadhaab,
Aswad Anasi and Tulayha Asadi. Rasulullaah p emphasised the need to wage
Jihaad against these false prophets and sent an expedition to execute Aswad.
The expedition of the Ansaar killed Aswad a day before Rasulullaah p passed
away.
It was also during this time that Rasulullaah p called for Hadhrat Faatima vie del option )
and whispered something to her. This made her weep. He then whispered
something else to her and she started to smile. After Rasulullaah p had passed
away, Hadhrat Aa'isha we al thy asked Hadhrat Faatima wie milch, what it was that
Rasulullaah p whispered to her. She replied by saying that the first time
Rasulullaah p whispered to her that he usually revised the entire Qur'aan with
Hadhrat Jibra'eel v once every Ramadhaan. However, that year, he did so twice.
658
Zurqaani (Vol.8 Pg.251).
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He therefore knew that he would be passing away during that illness. This news
made her weep. The news that then made her smile was when he whispered to
her that she would be the first of his family to meet him. Hadhrat Faatima vie dil (te )
therefore passed away a mere six months after Rasulullaah p.659
It was on a Thursday, four days before Rasulullaah p passed away that he told
the people in his room to bring a pen and paper so that he may have some
advices written down, which would ensure that they never went astray after he
left. Some of the people there felt that since Rasulullaah p was experiencing
extreme pain at that time, they ought to leave it for later. Hadhrat Umar t told
them that they had the Qur'aan with them (to guard against going astray) and
they should not give Rasulullaah p the difficulty of dictating something at the
time. Others were of the opinion that they merely ask Rasulullaah p what it was.
This dispute may have caused some noise, because of which Rasulullaah p told
them to rather leave him alone, which they then did.
However, during the few ensuing days, Rasulullaah p did verbally give the
following pertinent advices:
1. That all Mushrikeen be removed from Arabia
2. That all visiting delegations be given a gift, as he had been giving
to them
3. Rasulullaah p then did not mention the third advice (of the narrator
had forgotten it) 660
A narration from Hadhrat Aa'isha is al , in Bukhaari and Muslim states that
Rasulullaah p expressed the wish to summon Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and his son
659 Fat'hul Baari (Vol.8 Pg.103).
660
Bukhaari and Muslim.
1247

Abdur Rahmaan t so that he may appoint Hadhrat Abu Bakr t as his successor.
This he desired to do so that none may object afterwards and no other person
may aspire for the post. However, Rasulullaah p added that he then abandoned
the idea since Allaah and the Mu'mineen would never allow anyone else to
succeed him. Another narration states that Rasulullaah p said, "Allaah forbid
that the people ever differ about Abu Bakr!"661
When Rasulullaah p was feeling somewhat better on the fifth day, he came to
the Masjid with the assistance of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t and Hadhrat
Ali t. He led the Zuhr salaah and then addressed the people, saying, "O people!
Allaah has given His servant a choice between this world and the Aakhirah and
the servant has chosen the Aakhirah." When Hadhrat Abu Bakr t heard this, he
immediately broke down in tears as he said, "May my parents be sacrificed for
you, O Rasulullaah p!" While the other thought that Rasulullaah p was referring
to someone else, Hadhrat Abu Bakr t knew well that Rasulullaah p was referring
to himself. They therefore could not understand why Hadhrat Abu Bakr t was
weeping so much. It was only after the demise of Rasulullaah p that they
understood that Hadhrat Abu Bakr t knew more than them all.
Rasulullaah p also said, "I have repaid every person for their kindnesses to me,
except for Abu Bakr. Allaah shall repay him on my behalf on the Day of
Qiyaamah." Rasulullaah p also extolled many of the virtues of Hadhrat Abu Bakr
t during this time.
During this time, Rasulullaah p stressed that the expedition led by Hadhrat
Usaama bin Zaid t should be hastily dispatched. He also said, "Allaah's curse be
on the Jews and Christians for making the tombs of their Ambiyaa Jul ace places of
661 Fat'hul Baari (Vol.8 Pg.103).
1248

worship." He also prayed, "O Allaah! Do not make my grave an idol, which
people will worship."
Rasulullaah p went to the Masjid to lead the salaah for as long as he had the
strength to do so. The last salaah that he led was the Maghrib salaah on
Thursday night, which was four days before he passed away. When the time
arrived for the Isha salaah, Rasulullaah p asked whether the Sahabah w were
waiting for him. He was informed that they were, but, because of the severity of
his illness, he fell unconscious as he tried to get up. When this happened several
times, Rasulullaah p told the people to appoint Hadhrat Abu Bakr t as their
Imaam to lead the salaah. Hadhrat Aa'isha wie al gh, then said suggested that
Rasulullaah p appoint Hadhrat Umar t for the post, since Hadhrat Abu Bakr t was
extremely soft-hearted and often wept in salaah. However, Rasulullaah p
repeated the instruction. When she reiterated her concern, Rasulullaah p again
repeated the instruction. This happened three times, until Hadhrat Abu Bakr t
was appointed as the Imaam in place of Rasulullaah p. Hadhrat Abu Bakr t
therefore led 17 salaahs after this.
Hadhrat Abu Bakr t was leading the Fajr salaah on Monday morning (the day
Rasulullaah p passed away), when Rasulullaah p lifted the curtain between the
Masjid and his room. Rasulullaah p was filled with joy when he saw the Sahabah
y performing salaah in Jamaa'ah. Noticing Rasulullaah p watching, Hadhrat Abu
Bakr t was about to step back, but Rasulullaah p gestured that he continue.
However, Rasulullaah p was unable to stand for long and soon let the curtain
drop as he retreated into his room.662
662 Bukhaari.
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Hadhrat Abu Bakr t went to the room after the salaah and remarked to his
daughter Hadhrat Aa'isha sal , that Rasulullaah p appeared to be more at ease
that morning. "It does appear so," Hadhrat Aa'isha al agreed. Hadhrat Aa'isha
bis als, then sought permission from Rasulullaah p to attend to some domestic
matters at the home of his other wife, who lived three miles away.
Hadhrat Ali t also went to see Rasulullaah p. As he emerged from the room, the
Sahabah w asked about Rasulullaah p and he informed them that Rasulullaah p
was feeling better. When the Sahabah w heard that Rasulullaah p was feeling
better that morning, they left the Masjid and went home. It was then that
Hadhrat Abbaas t held the hand of Hadhrat Ali t and said, "O Ali! You will be
living under someone else in three days time. I swear by Allaah that Rasulullaah
p will leave this world in this illness. I know well how all the leaders of the Banu
Haashim passed away. They all display signs of good health just before they pass
away. This seems to be case with Rasulullaah p as well. Why don't we ask him
who should be the Khalifah after him? We would then know if it is to be one of
us from his family. Otherwise, Rasulullaah p will advise us accordingly."
Hadhrat Ali t replied, "I do not have the courage to ask. If Rasulullaah p refuses
to grant it to us, we will forever be deprived of the post. If any one of us is
named, then he will become the Khalifah in any case. I shall not broach the
subject with Rasulullaah p at all."663
The Final Moments
After most of the Sahabah w went home in the belief that Rasulullaah p was
recovering, much time did not pass before the pangs of death arrived.
Rasulullaah p was lying with his head in the lap of Hadhrat Aa'isha we al gia, when
663 Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.5 Pg.227).
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her brother Abdur Rahmaan entered with a Miswaak in his mouth. Rasulullaah p
looked at the Miswaak and they understood that he wanted one. She then
softened the bristles in her mouth and handed it to Rasulullaah p. There was a
dish of water nearby, in which Rasulullaah p repeatedly dipped his hand and
passed it over his face to cool the heat of the fever. As he did this, he said,
"There is none worthy of worship but Allaah! Death certainly has severe pangs."
" The Highest Friend "
Rasulullaah p then looked towards the roof and said, "O Allaah! I desire to be
with the Highest Friend." Hadhrat Aa'isha ( al, said, "I had heard that no Nabi v
leaves this world without first seeing his abode in Jannah. It is then that he is
given the choice between this world and the Aakhirah. He may then choose
either to remain in this world or leave for the Aakhirah. When Rasulullaah p said
these words, I knew that he was no longer with us and had chosen the
Aakhirah." With these words on his lips, Rasulullaah p's soul departed from this
world and his hand fell limp. 664
This tragic event took place on Monday afternoon of the 12th of Rabee'ul Awwal
11 A.H. Rasulullaah p was 63 years old at the time. Innaa Lillaahi wa Innaa Ilayhi
Raaji'oon.665
The Sahabah w were overcome with shock when they heard the news of
Rasulullaah p's demise. Hadhrat Uthmaan t was struck with silence and merely
sat with his back against the wall, unable to say anything. Hadhrat Ali t wept so
much that he fell unconscious, while Hadhrat Abbaas t was completely aghast.
Hadhrat Umar t was in such a state of disbelief that he walked about with his
Bukhaari.
665
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.8 Pg.114).
1251

sword brandished, saying, "The Munaafiqeen say that Rasulullaah p has passed
away. Rasulullaah p is away to meet Allaah just as Hadhrat Moosa u had been
away to meet Allaah on Mount Toor and then returned. By Allaah! Rasulullaah p
shall also return and then destroy the Munaafiqeen."
It was during this state of bewilderment that Hadhrat Abu Bakr t returned to
Madinah. Overcome with grief, he proceeded immediately to the room of
Hadhrat Aa'isha wie al gh), where he sought permission to enter. Rasulullaah p's
wives were sitting there. They all veiled themselves when he arrived and he
opened the blessed face of Rasulullaah p, kissed his forehead and broke down in
tears.666 He then said, "May my parents be sacrificed for you! You are pure in
both life and death. By Allaah! You will never taste of death twice. The death
destined for you has come to pass."
Hadhrat Abu Bakr t then left the room and proceeded to the Masjid, where he
saw the condition of Hadhrat Umar t. Addressing him, he said, "O Umar!
Rasulullaah p has indeed passed away. Have you not recited Allaah's words
when He says, "Indeed, you (O Rasulullaah p) shall certainly die, and they shall all die as
well"667 and "O Muhammad &) We have not prescribed eternal life for any human before
you" 668?
Hadhrat Abu Bakr t then ascended the pulpit and after praising Allaah, he said,
"O people! Whoever worshipped Allaah should know that Allaah is Forever and
shall never die. If there has been anyone who worshipped Muhammad &, then he
should know that Muhammad & has passed away. He then recited the verses,
"Muhammad & is but a Rasool (of Allaah). Indeed many Rusul have passed before him. If he
666
Ahmad.
667
Surah Zumar, verse 30.
668
Surah Ambiyaa عليهم السلام , verse 34.
1252

passes away or is martyred, would you (Muslims) then turn back on your heels (and forsake
Islaam)? He who turns back on his heels can never harm Allaah in the least (because he will
be harming only himself). Allaah shall soon reward the grateful ones (so be firm and strive for
His Deen)." 669
He also recited the verse "Indeed, you (O Rasulullaah p) shall certainly die, and they
shall all die as well"670 and added, "Everything must come to an end except for
Allaah, Who will live forever. Allaah gave his Nabi p a life long enough to
establish the Deen and to allow Allaah's law to prevail. He conveyed the message
of Allaah perfectly and strove in the path of Allaah. Allaah has now called him
back. Rasulullaah p has left you upon a straight and clear path before leaving
this world."671
These words from Hadhrat Abu Bakr t dispelled the delirium that the Sahabah w
were suffering and they all came to accept the fact that Rasulullaah p had left
this world. In fact, it appeared to them that they had never before heard these
verses of the Qur'aan and they all started to recite them. Hadhrat Umar t said,
"It seemed that I had only heard these verses that day."672
Bathing and Shrouding
The Sahabah w were still discussing how to bathe Rasulullaah p when they were
overcome with drowsiness and heard a voice from the corner of the room
saying, "Never allow the Rasool of Allaah p to be naked. Bathe him with his
clothing on." Rasulullaah p was therefore bathed with the same garments, which
were later changed for a shroud. Hadhrat Ali t bathed the body of Rasulullaah p
and was assisted by Hadhrat Abbaas t and his two sons Hadhrat Fadhl t and
669
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 144.
670 Surah Zumar, verse 30.
671 Zurqaani (Vol.8 Pg.280).
672 Qurtubi (Vol.4 Pg.223).
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Hadhrat Quthm t, who helped to turn the blessed body around. Hadhrat Usaama
bin Zaid t and Rasulullaah p's servant Hadhrat Shagraan t carried the water for
the bathing.673
Rasulullaah p was then shrouded with three sheets of cloth, which did not
include a Qamees or turban.
A narration of Shmaa'il states that when the Sahabah w asked Hadhrat Abu Bakr
t whether the Janaazah salaah was to be performed, he replied that it should be.
He then explained to them that they should enter the room in small groups,
perform the Janaazah salaah with Takbeer, Durood and du'aa and then exit. In
this manner, everyone performed the Janaazah salaah.
A narration from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t in Ibn Maajah states that it
was on Tuesday after bathing and shrouding that Rasulullaah p's blessed body
was placed beside the grave in his room. People then entered the room and each
one performed the Janaazah salaah individually without anyone being the
Imaam of another. Qaadhi Ayaadh dildo, and Imaam Shaafi'ee aindaa, in his Kitaabul
Umm have stated that the Janaazah salaah was indeed performed for
Rasulullaah p.
In fact, during his illness, Rasulullaah p did tell his family members, "Everyone
should leave my room after I have been bathed and shrouded. Jibra'eel u will
arrive first to perform my Janaazah salaah, followed by Mika'eel v, Israfeel v and
then the angel of death. Then all the angels will perform the Janaazah salaah.
673 Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.5 Pg.260).
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Thereafter, you people are to enter the room in small groups to convey peace
and salutations to me."674
Burial
When the question arose of where to bury Rasulullaah p, it was only Hadhrat
Abu Bakr t who had the answers, since no one had asked Rasulullaah p about
such matters. Hadhrat Abu Bakr t informed them that he heard Rasulullaah p
say, "A Nabi is buried in the same place where his soul is taken."675
Rasulullaah p's bed was therefore removed and preparations were made for
digging. However, the question then arose regarding the type of grave to be dug.
Since it was customary amongst the people of Madinah to dig the Lahad (niche-
type) grave, they proposed that this type be dug. On the other hand, the Shiq
(box-type) grave was common in Makkah, because of which the Muhaajireen
suggested this type. Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah t was the expert at digging the Shiq
grave and Hadhrat Abu Talha t was an expert at digging the Lahad type. The
Sahabah w therefore decided to send for both men and the one arriving first will
be commissioned to dig the type he specialised in. This was done and Hadhrat
Abu Talha t arrived first. 676 After the grave was dug, one of the Sahabah \
testified that Rasulullaah p said, "The Lahad is for us and the Shiq is for
others."
It is the opinion of the majority of Ulema that Rasulullaah p had passed away
on a Monday, his bathing and shrouding was completed by Tuesday and he
was laid to rest on Wednesday. There are a few who believe that the burial took
place the following Monday. And Allaah knows best.
674 Bazzaar, Haakim.
675
Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah.
676
Zurqaani (Vol.8 Pg.289), Ibn Sa'd (Vol.2 Pg.59).
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Rasulullaah p was lowered into the grave by Hadhrat Ali t, Hadhrat Abbaas t and
his two sons Hadhrat Fadhl t and Hadhrat Quthm t. Sand was filled from the feet
side and, when the grave was full, the sand was shaped into a camel's hump. 677
Water was then sprinkled over it.
After the burial of the final Nabi Hadhrat Muhammad &, thirty thousand
Sahabah y returned home with tears streaming from their faces. Innaa Lillaahi
wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji'oon.
May Allaah shower His choicest mercy and blessings upon the final Rasool and
mercy to the worlds, as well as upon his family and his companions.
This book was completed on:
The Night of Qadr
29 Ramadhaan 1407 A.H.
Close to the Maqaam Ibraaheem
In the Masjidul Haraam
Makkah Mukarramah
677 Bukhaari.
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Translation edited by
A.H.Elias (Mufti)
20 th Ramadhaan 1432
20 th August 2011
1257