Prophet’s Forgiveness – Prophetic Profit

Forgiveness: A Divine Character

January 5, 2022 propheticprofitLeave a comment

God -the Exalted- often describes Himself in the Qur’an as: Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (Al-Ghafoor, Al-Raheem). That is, He forgives the sins of the sons of Adam. They continue to be negligent, they continue to commit sins, they continue to make mistakes, and they continue to err, but God by His Utmost Mercy and Favor, forgives them all of that.

قال الله عز وجل: { إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ} البقرة 173. ـ

God the Almighty says: { Truly, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful} (Chapter 2, verse 173).

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وقال الله عز وجل:{خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ} الأعراف 199. ـ

God the Almighty also says: { Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant} (Chapter 7, verse 199).

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عن أبي هُريرة رضيَ اللَّهُ عنه أَنَّ رسولَ اللَّه صَلّى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّم قال: « مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ، وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْداً بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزّاً، وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ للَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وجلَّ» . رواه مسلم والترمذي. ـ

Narrated Abu Hurairah -may God be pleased with him- that the Messenger of God -prayer and peace be upon him- said:

“No charity decreases the money. God increases the slave for a forgiveness but in honor. And no one behaves modestly for the sake God, except God the Almighty would raise him.” Related by Muslim and Al-Tirmidhi.

Thus, forgiveness is a Divine characteristic that we need to think about, ponder upon, and implement it ourselves. Indeed, if God shows great Mercy and forgiveness toward His servants, then we should do that too. And in the other verse, God commands us to forgive people, and overlook their mistakes.

We must learn to forgive people and accept that they are imperfect and can make mistakes. We must realize that whoever forgives people, God will forgive him. Whoever overlooks people’s mistakes, God will overlook his mistakes. And whoever accepts people’s excuses, God will accept his excuse. Not only that, but whoever forgives people, will enjoy honor and respect. Whoever pardons people will enjoy close and cordial relationship with others. And whoever learns to overlook others’ mistakes, would enjoy inner peace and tranquility.

Forgiveness is needed in many situations: forgiveness is needed with family members, with friends, with work colleagues, and in many other situations.

Forgiveness toward Family Members. The best example is the husband and his wife. They can have many disputes and conflicts if they don’t learn to forgive each other. A husband wishes for a perfect wife, and a wife wishes for a perfect husband. However, in this life that’s not possible since both are imperfect. They need to learn this fact and must learn to forgive each other. The husband and his wife must learn to overlook the other’s shortcomings and forgive his or her mistakes and injustices. The same applies to other family members; they must show forgiveness toward each other, and find excuses for each other’s’ mistakes. If they forgave each other, they would be happy.

Forgiveness toward Friends. Relationship with friends can be too close at times, but it can be too distant at other times. They might get angry at something the friend said or did and so decide not to talk to them again. However, the believer should show forgiveness toward his brother and overlook his mistakes. He should try to find excuses for his mistakes and then forgive him. If they forgave each other, they would be happy.

Forgiveness at the workplace. You may find somebody less accomplished or weaker or less bright at work who caused you some harm. A boss would like to fire that man, while others will tend to condemn such a person. However, if he is doing what he can then we need to forgive that person and realize that not all people are equal. Likewise, when we see the poor, we shouldn’t condemn and think the worst of them. Rather we should forgive them and be kind to them. We should remember the hadeeth of the Prophet -prayer and peace be upon him: ‘Indeed, God shows mercy toward you because of your poor people.’ Now, imagine if you look down at those poor people, would God have mercy on you? So if people forgave each other, they would be happy.

Know that when the believers choose forgiveness as a way of life and as a character to implement in their houses, their neighborhood, their communities, their cities, their work, and in every aspect of their life, then the community will be strong and loving, and the individual would be happy and lead a peaceful life.

Let’s consider the wonderful example that the Prophet – prayer and peace be upon him- and his Companions gave.

It is related that during the Conquest of Makkah (Fat-h Makkah), the Prophet asked kuffar Qureish (people of Makkah): What do think I am going to do with you?

Kuffar Qureish fought against him many times and opposed him in every way. Yet, they knew his high morality or akhlaq, so they replied: “Be a kind bother and a kind nephew.” So Muhammad- said: “Go, you are the freed ones.”

So he forgave them all their hostility. And as a consequence all became believers and started loving him. Their leader Abu Sufyan told him: ‘I used to hate you the most, but now I love you the most!’

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It is related that Abdul-Allah Ibn Mas’ood once went to the market to buy some food. When he wanted to pay, he searched for his money which was tied in his hat but found that somebody had untied it and stolen the money. He said: “The money was with me when I came here.” His companions began supplicating against the thief who stole the money saying: “O God, cut off the hands of the thief who stole it; O God, do this and that to him.” But Abdul-Allah Ibn Mas’ood said: “O God, if he did that for some need, then fulfill his need; and if he did that out of his daring against the sin, then make him repent and let this be his last sin.”

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Then let this be the lesson; it is forgiveness that makes the person dominant, respectful and beloved; not cruelty, mercilessness and punishment!

Finally, let’s imagine the Day of Judgment and its horrors. Let’s imagine how all creatures would stand bare under the hot sun to account for their deeds before the Lord of the Worlds. During that Day, every one would fear for his end result, and would be apprehensive about the outcome of the accounting for deeds. Indeed, the end result would either be bliss in Paradise or severe torment in Hell-fire.

During that day, the believers who forgave others would be granted distinction as mentioned in the following hadeeth:

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: « إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ الْقِيَامَةِ أَمَرَ اللَّهُ مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي: أَلَا لِيَقُمْ مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَجْرٌ، فَلَا يَقُومُ إِلَّا مَنْ عَفَا فِي الدُّنْيَا، فَذَلِكَ قَوْلُهُ تعالى {فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ} (الشورى 40) ». أخرجه ابن مردويه، والبيهقي عن أنس في شعب الإيمان. ـ

Narrated Ibn Abbas -may God be pleased with them- that the Messenger of God -prayer and peace be upon him- said:

“When it is the Day of Judgment, God would command an angel to proclaim: ‘Let those who have any reward due with God rise.’ None would rise except those who forgave others in the world. And that is the interpretation of the Verse: { But whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, then his reward is with God } (Surah 42, verse 40).” Related by Ibn Merdaweih and Al-Beihaqi.

Then, the believer should choose forgiveness as a way of life, and as a character to implement in all of his dealings. He should learn to forgive people, accept their excuses and realize that humans are imperfect. He should realize that those who forgive people, will be forgiven by the Most Forgiving God. He should realize that those who find excuses for people’s weakness and forgive them, will be helped by the Most Perfect God. The believer must realize that happiness and peace lie in forgiveness, indeed God and His Messenger commanded us with it. And God knows best.

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Prophet Muhammad’s Forgiveness of the Man who Killed his Beloved Uncle, Hamza

May 21, 2019May 21, 2019 propheticprofitLeave a comment

عن أبي هُريرة رضيَ اللَّهُ عنه أَنَّ رسولَ اللَّه صَلّى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّم قال: « مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ، وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْداً بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزّاً، وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ للَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وجلَّ» . رواه مسلم والترمذي. ـ

Narrated Abu Hurairah -may God be pleased with him- that Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- said: “Charity does not decrease one’s wealth. No one forgives (others) except God increases him in honor. And no one humbles himself for the sake God, except the Almighty God raises him.” Related by Muslim and Al-Tirmidhi.

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Brief Background:

Prophet Muhammad comes from one of the noblest tribes in Arabia. He belongs to the tribe of Qureish of Makkah. Prophet Muhammad’s grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib was one the chieftains of the tribe of Qureish and one of the most noble in lineage (being a direct descendant of Prophet Ismail son of Prophet Abraham).

Abdul-Muttalib had re-dug the Well of Zamzam in Makkah, and used to feed the pilgrims to Makkah, therefore he received the highest honor and respect. Abdul-Muttalib was the chief of the clan of Bani Hashim (the tribe of Qureish had many clans, each clan had its chief), and had ten sons (and it was said 12) and six daughters. Abdul-Muttalib’s tenth child was Abdul-Allah and the most beloved to him. Abdul-Allah married Aminah and they had a son named Muhammad. Abdul-Allah died early (age 25), so Abdul-Muttalib took care of his grandson. Aminah had told her father-in-law that when she gave birth to Muhammad she saw as if a bright light had come out of her and illuminated Al-Sham. A couple of monks said the same to Abdul-Muttalib, so he said: ‘This son of mine will reach a great status.’ Then Aminah died (at age 20) when Prophet Muhammad was six. When Abdul-Muttalib died (Prophet Muhammad was 8), he asked his eldest live son, Abu Talib, to take care of him. A couple of knowledgeable people said the same to Abu Talib, so he looked after his nephew with great care.

Thus, Prophet Muhammad had ten uncles (or 12), of whom only four were alive when he was sent with the Divine Message of Islam. Two of his Uncles embraced Islam: Hamza and Al-Abbas (both were only a couple of years older than him), and two Uncles died as disbelievers: Abu Talib and Abu Lahab. All three uncles loved him dearly and did everything in their power to protect him, except Abu Lahab who used to abuse him and harm him until God promised Abu Lahab severe punishment in Qur’an.

Prophet Muhammad’s eldest live Uncle Abu Talib used to protect him from Qureish when the Prophet called people to worship one God. The tribe of Qureish used to worship idols beside God, and opposed the Prophet’s message. They tried to persecute him, but Abu Talib stood in th eir way and defended his nephew. Abu Talib used to love Prophet Muhammad more than his own sons! It is related that he used to keep food for him, keep his bed close to his, and even would ask his sons to take Prophet Muhammad’s place for fear Qureish might cause him some harm at night.

When Abu Talib died, the tribe of Qureish found an opportunity to harm Prophet Muhammad. They used to harm him both verbally and physically, and yet the Prophet continued to invite them to worship one God, and would endure their persecution patiently. Once, one of the chiefs of Qureish, Abu Jahl, passed by the Prophet at the Mount of Safa near the Great Mosque in Makkah, and abused him calling him bad names. The Prophet endured that silently, but a woman who used to live close by heard that. When the Prophet’s uncle Hamza Ibn Abdil-Muttalib passed by her, she told him of Abu Jahl’s abusive treatment of his nephew Muhammad. Hamza became angry for his nephew and went to the chief who was sitting among his people. Hamza hit Abu Jahl hard on the face with a bow that was in his hand, then declared his Islam.

After that Hamza, uncle of the Prophet, always used to protect the Prophet and participate in his battles. Then during the Battle of Uhud, Hamza was killed by a slave by the name of Wahshi. Wahshi’s master, Jubair Ibn Mut’im, had promised Wahshi freedom if he killed Hamza. Hamza was very brave and no one could get close to him in battle, so Wahshi used a spear to kill Hamza. Qureish then mutilated the body of Hamza. When the Prophet saw Hamza’s mutilated body (with his ears and nose cut off, his abdomen slashed, and his liver taken out), he was greatly saddened.

Later after the Conquest of Makkah, Wahshi who had killed Hamza ran away for fear of retaliation. But when he heard of the Prophet’s great mercy, he presented himself to him. Here Wahshi relates his story.

Wahshi’s Story:

قَالَ نَعَمْ، إِنَّ حَمْزَةَ قَتَلَ طُعَيْمَةَ بْنَ عَدِيِّ بْنِ الْخِيَارِ بِبَدْرٍ، فَقَالَ لِي مَوْلاَىَ جُبَيْرُ بْنُ مُطْعِمٍ إِنْ قَتَلْتَ حَمْزَةَ بِعَمِّي فَأَنْتَ حُرٌّ، قَالَ فَلَمَّا أَنْ خَرَجَ النَّاسُ عَامَ عَيْنَيْنِ ـ وَعَيْنَيْنِ جَبَلٌ بِحِيَالِ أُحُدٍ، بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهُ وَادٍ ـ خَرَجْتُ مَعَ النَّاسِ إِلَى الْقِتَالِ، فَلَمَّا اصْطَفُّوا لِلْقِتَالِ خَرَجَ سِبَاعٌ فَقَالَ: هَلْ مِنْ مُبَارِزٍ؟ قَالَ فَخَرَجَ إِلَيْهِ حَمْزَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ فَقَالَ: يَا سِبَاعُ يَا ابْنَ أُمِّ أَنْمَارٍ مُقَطِّعَةِ الْبُظُورِ، أَتُحَادُّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم؟ قَالَ ثُمَّ شَدَّ عَلَيْهِ فَكَانَ كَأَمْسِ الذَّاهِبِ ـ قَالَ ـ وَكَمَنْتُ لِحَمْزَةَ تَحْتَ صَخْرَةٍ فَلَمَّا دَنَا مِنِّي رَمَيْتُهُ بِحَرْبَتِي، فَأَضَعُهَا فِي ثُنَّتِهِ حَتَّى خَرَجَتْ مِنْ بَيْنِ وَرِكَيْهِ ـ قَالَ ـ فَكَانَ ذَاكَ الْعَهْدَ بِهِ، فَلَمَّا رَجَعَ النَّاسُ رَجَعْتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَقَمْتُ بِمَكَّةَ، حَتَّى فَشَا فِيهَا الإِسْلاَمُ، ثُمَّ خَرَجْتُ إِلَى الطَّائِفِ، فَأَرْسَلُوا إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَسُولاً، فَقِيلَ لِي إِنَّهُ لاَ يَهِيجُ الرُّسُلَ، قَالَ فَخَرَجْتُ مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى قَدِمْتُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمَّا رَآنِي قَالَ: ‏”‏ آنْتَ وَحْشِيٌّ؟‏”‏‏، قُلْتُ: نَعَمْ‏.‏ قَالَ: ‏”‏ أَنْتَ قَتَلْتَ حَمْزَةَ؟‏”،‏ قُلْتُ: قَدْ كَانَ مِنَ الأَمْرِ مَا بَلَغَكَ‏.‏ قَالَ: ‏”‏ فَهَلْ تَسْتَطِيعُ أَنْ تُغَيِّبَ وَجْهَكَ عَنِّي‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ: فَخَرَجْتُ). رواه البخاري. ـ

Narrated Ja’far Ibn Amr Ibn Umayya Al-Damri said (English translation): “I went out on a journey with Ubaidul-Allah Ibn Adi Ibn Al-Khiyar. When we reached Hims (a town in Syria), Ubaidul-Allah Ibn Adi said to me: ‘Would you like to see Wahshi so that we may ask him about the killing of Hamza?’ I replied: ‘Yes.’ Wahshi used to live in Hims. We inquired about him and somebody said to us: ‘He is sitting there in the shade of his palace, as if he were a full water skin [to indicate that he was heavyset].’ So we went up to him, and when we were at a short distance from him, we greeted him and he greeted us in return.

Ubaidul-Allah was masking his face with his turban so that only his eyes and feet could be seen. Ubaidul-Allah said: ‘O Wahshi! Do you know me?’ Wahshi looked at him and then said: ‘No, by Allah! But I know that Adi Ibn Al-Khiyar married a woman called Umm Qital, the daughter of Abu Al-Ees, and she delivered a boy for him at Makkah, and I looked for a wet nurse for that child. Once I carried that child along with his mother and then I handed him over to her, and your feet resemble the feet of that child.’ [This indicates the astuteness and sharpness of Wahshi for the man in front of him was indeed that child].

Then Ubaidul-Allah uncovered his face and said to Wahshi: ‘Will you tell us (the story of) the killing of Hamza?’ Wahshi replied:

‘Yes. Hamza killed Tu’eima Ibn Adi Ibn Al-Khiyar at Badr [who challenged the Muslims during the Battle of Badr], so my master, Jubair Ibn Mut’im said to me: ‘If you kill Hamza in revenge for my uncle, then you will be set free.’

When the people set out (the next year for the battle of Uhud) in the year of ‘Ainain (Ainain is a mountain near the mountain of Uhud), I went out with the people for the battle. When the army aligned for the fight, Siba’ came out and said: ‘Is there anyone to accept my challenge to a duel?’ Hamza Ibn Abdil-Muttalib came out and said: ‘O Siba’, O son of Umm Anmar, the one who circumcises ladies! Do you challenge Allah and His Messenger?’ Then Hamza charged and killed him, causing him to be non-extant like the bygone yesterday. I hid myself under a rock, and when Hamza came near me, I threw my spear at him, driving it into his umbilicus so that it came out through his back, causing him to die.

When all the people returned to Makkah, I too returned with them (and my master set me free). I stayed there till Islam spread to it. So I left for Al-Ta’if, and when the people of Al-Ta’if sent their messengers to Prophet Muhammad, I was told that the Prophet -prayer and peace be upon him- did not harm the messengers; so I too went out with them till I reached Prophet Muhammad and declared my Islam.

When Prophet Muhammad saw me, he said: ‘Are you Wahshi?’ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Was it you who killed Hamza?’ I replied: ‘What you have been told did take place (and I told him the whole story).’ He (forgave me but) said: ‘Can you hide your face from me?’ So I left.” Related by Al-Bukhari.

Thus, we see the great forgiveness of Prophet Muhammad. Though he felt great pain and sadness for the murder and mutilation of his beloved uncle, Hamza, and though he had the power to punish Wahshi who had killed Hamza, Prophet Muhammad showed his great moral character and forgave Wahshi when he came to him repentant and declaring Islam. But because of the painful reminder of his uncle’s death every time he saw Wahshi, he asked him not to show his face. Therefore, Wahshi used to sit behind the Prophet till his death, but he was forgiven.

There is a great lesson for us in this story, and that is instead of harboring hatred and malice, instead of seeking retaliation and revenge, we need to learn to forgive and spread justice and peace. And just as we would like others to forgive us when we do them some wrong, we should learn to forgive others as well. And God knows best.

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Prophet Muhammad’s Forgiveness of the Man who Killed his Beloved Uncle, Hamza

January 5, 2017May 2, 2018 propheticprofitLeave a comment

Narrated Abu Hurairah -may Allah be pleased with him- that Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- said: “Charity does not decrease wealth. God only increases the honor of the slave who forgives (others). And no one humbles himself for the sake God, except the Almighty God would raise him.” Related by Muslim and Al-Tirmidhi.

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Prophet Muhammad’s grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib was one the dignitaries of the tribe of Qureish and one of the most noble in lineage (being a direct descendant of Prophet Ismail son of Prophet Abraham). Abdul-Muttalib had re-dug the Well of Zamzam in Makkah, and used to feed the pilgrims to Makkah, therefore he received the highest honor and respect. Abdul-Muttalib was the chief of the clan of Bani Hashim (the tribe of Qureish had many clans, each clan had its chief), and had ten sons (and it was said 12) and six daughters. Abdul-Muttalib’s tenth child was Abdul-Allah and the most beloved to him. Abdul-Allah married Aminah and they had a son named Muhammad. Abdul-Allah died early (age 25), so Abdul-Muttalib took care of his grandson. Aminah had told her father-in-law that when she gave birth to Muhammad she saw as if a bright light had come out of her and illuminated Al-Sham. A couple of monks said the same to Abdul-Muttalib, so he said: ‘This son of mine will reach a great status.’ Then Aminah died (at age 20) when Prophet Muhammad was six. When Abdul-Muttalib died (Prophet Muhammad was 8), he asked his eldest live son, Abu Talib, to take care of him. A couple of knowledgeable people said the same to Abu Talib, so he looked after his nephew with great care.

Prophet Muhammad’s eldest live Uncle Abu Talib used to protect him from Qureish when the Prophet called people to worship one God. Qureish used to worship idols beside God, and opposed the Prophet’s message. They tried to persecute him, but Abu Talib stood in their way and defended his nephew. Abu Talib used to love Prophet Muhammad more than his own sons! It is related that he used to keep food for him, keep his bed close to his, and even would ask his sons to take Prophet Muhammad’s place for fear Qureish may cause him some harm at night.

When Abu Talib died, Qureish found an opportunity to harm Prophet Muhammad. They used to harm him both verbally and physically, and yet the Prophet continued to invite them to worship one God, and would endure their persecution patiently. Once, one of the chiefs of Qureish, Abu Jahl, passed by the Prophet at the Mount of Safa near the Great Mosque in Makkah, and abused him calling him bad names. The Prophet endured that silently, but a woman who used to live close by heard that. When the Prophet’s uncle Hamza Ibn Abdil-Muttalib passed by her, she told him of what she saw. Hamza became angry for his nephew and went to the chief who was sitting among his people. Hamza hit Abu Jahl hard on the face with a bow that was in his hand, then declared his Islam.

After that Hamza, uncle of the Prophet, always used to protect the Prophet and fight with him. Then during the Battle of Uhud, Hamza was killed by a slave by the name of Wahshi. Wahshi’s master, Jubair Ibn Mut’im, had promised Wahshi freedom if he killed Hamza. Hamza was very brave and no one could get close to him in battle, so Wahshi used a spear to kill Hamza. Qureish then mutilated the body of Hamza. When the Prophet saw Hamza’s mutilated body (with his ears and nose cut off, his abdomen slashed, and his liver taken out), he was greatly saddened. Later, after the Conquest of Makkah Wahshi ran away for fear of retaliation. But when he heard of the Prophet’s great mercy, he presented himself to him. Here Wahshi relates his story:

عن جَعْفَرِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ أُمَيَّةَ الضَّمْرِيِّ، قَالَ: ( خَرَجْتُ مَعَ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَدِيِّ بْنِ الْخِيَارِ، فَلَمَّا قَدِمْنَا حِمْصَ قَالَ لِي عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ: هَلْ لَكَ فِي وَحْشِيٍّ نَسْأَلُهُ عَنْ قَتْلِ حَمْزَةَ؟ قُلْتُ: نَعَمْ‏.‏ وَكَانَ وَحْشِيٌّ يَسْكُنُ حِمْصَ، فَسَأَلْنَا عَنْهُ فَقِيلَ لَنَا: هُوَ ذَاكَ فِي ظِلِّ قَصْرِهِ، كَأَنَّهُ حَمِيتٌ‏.‏ قَالَ فَجِئْنَا حَتَّى وَقَفْنَا عَلَيْهِ بِيَسِيرٍ، فَسَلَّمْنَا، فَرَدَّ السَّلاَمَ، قَالَ وَعُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ مُعْتَجِرٌ بِعِمَامَتِهِ، مَا يَرَى وَحْشِيٌّ إِلاَّ عَيْنَيْهِ وَرِجْلَيْهِ، فَقَالَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ: يَا وَحْشِيُّ أَتَعْرِفُنِي؟ قَالَ فَنَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: لاَ وَاللَّهِ، إِلاَّ أَنِّي أَعْلَمُ أَنَّ عَدِيَّ بْنَ الْخِيَارِ تَزَوَّجَ امْرَأَةً يُقَالُ لَهَا أُمُّ قِتَالٍ بِنْتُ أَبِي الْعِيصِ، فَوَلَدَتْ لَهُ غُلاَمًا بِمَكَّةَ، فَكُنْتُ أَسْتَرْضِعُ لَهُ، فَحَمَلْتُ ذَلِكَ الْغُلاَمَ مَعَ أُمِّهِ، فَنَاوَلْتُهَا إِيَّاهُ، فَلَكَأَنِّي نَظَرْتُ إِلَى قَدَمَيْكَ‏.‏ قَالَ فَكَشَفَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ عَنْ وَجْهِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: أَلاَ تُخْبِرُنَا بِقَتْلِ حَمْزَةَ؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ، إِنَّ حَمْزَةَ قَتَلَ طُعَيْمَةَ بْنَ عَدِيِّ بْنِ الْخِيَارِ بِبَدْرٍ، فَقَالَ لِي مَوْلاَىَ جُبَيْرُ بْنُ مُطْعِمٍ إِنْ قَتَلْتَ حَمْزَةَ بِعَمِّي فَأَنْتَ حُرٌّ، قَالَ فَلَمَّا أَنْ خَرَجَ النَّاسُ عَامَ عَيْنَيْنِ ـ وَعَيْنَيْنِ جَبَلٌ بِحِيَالِ أُحُدٍ، بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهُ وَادٍ ـ خَرَجْتُ مَعَ النَّاسِ إِلَى الْقِتَالِ، فَلَمَّا اصْطَفُّوا لِلْقِتَالِ خَرَجَ سِبَاعٌ فَقَالَ: هَلْ مِنْ مُبَارِزٍ؟ قَالَ فَخَرَجَ إِلَيْهِ حَمْزَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ فَقَالَ: يَا سِبَاعُ يَا ابْنَ أُمِّ أَنْمَارٍ مُقَطِّعَةِ الْبُظُورِ، أَتُحَادُّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم؟ قَالَ ثُمَّ شَدَّ عَلَيْهِ فَكَانَ كَأَمْسِ الذَّاهِبِ ـ قَالَ ـ وَكَمَنْتُ لِحَمْزَةَ تَحْتَ صَخْرَةٍ فَلَمَّا دَنَا مِنِّي رَمَيْتُهُ بِحَرْبَتِي، فَأَضَعُهَا فِي ثُنَّتِهِ حَتَّى خَرَجَتْ مِنْ بَيْنِ وَرِكَيْهِ ـ قَالَ ـ فَكَانَ ذَاكَ الْعَهْدَ بِهِ، فَلَمَّا رَجَعَ النَّاسُ رَجَعْتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَقَمْتُ بِمَكَّةَ، حَتَّى فَشَا فِيهَا الإِسْلاَمُ، ثُمَّ خَرَجْتُ إِلَى الطَّائِفِ، فَأَرْسَلُوا إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَسُولاً، فَقِيلَ لِي إِنَّهُ لاَ يَهِيجُ الرُّسُلَ، قَالَ فَخَرَجْتُ مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى قَدِمْتُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمَّا رَآنِي قَالَ: ‏”‏ آنْتَ وَحْشِيٌّ؟‏”‏‏، قُلْتُ: نَعَمْ‏.‏ قَالَ: ‏”‏ أَنْتَ قَتَلْتَ حَمْزَةَ؟‏”،‏ قُلْتُ: قَدْ كَانَ مِنَ الأَمْرِ مَا بَلَغَكَ‏.‏ قَالَ: ‏”‏ فَهَلْ تَسْتَطِيعُ أَنْ تُغَيِّبَ وَجْهَكَ عَنِّي‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ: فَخَرَجْتُ). رواه البخاري.

Narrated Ja’far Ibn Amr Ibn Umayya Al-Damri said (English translation): “I went out on a journey with Ubaidul-Allah Ibn Adi Ibn Al-Khiyar. When we reached Hims (a town in Syria), Ubaidul-Allah Ibn Adi said to me: ‘Would you like to see Wahshi so that we may ask him about the killing of Hamza?’ I replied: ‘Yes.’ Wahshi used to live in Hims. We inquired about him and somebody said to us: ‘He is there in the shade of his palace, as if he were a full water skin [to indicate that he was heavyset].’ So we went up to him, and when we were at a short distance from him, we greeted him and he greeted us in return.

Then Ubaidul-Allah uncovered his face and said to Wahshi: ‘Will you tell us (the story of) the killing of Hamza?’ Wahshi replied: ‘Yes. Hamza killed Tu’eima Ibn Adi Ibn Al-Khiyar at Badr [who challenged the Muslims during the Battle of Badr], so my master, Jubair Ibn Mut’im said to me: ‘If you kill Hamza in revenge for my uncle, then you will be set free.’

When the people set out (the next year for the battle of Uhud) in the year of ‘Ainain (Ainain is a mountain near the mountain of Uhud), I went out with the people for the battle. When the army aligned for the fight, Siba’ came out and said: ‘Is there anyone to accept my challenge to a duel?’ Hamza Ibn Abdil-Muttalib came out and said: ‘O Siba’, O son of Umm Anmar, the one who circumcises other ladies! Do you challenge Allah and His Messenger?’ Then Hamza charged and killed him, causing him to be non-extant like the bygone yesterday. I hid myself under a rock, and when Hamza came near me, I threw my spear at him, driving it into his umbilicus so that it came out through his back, causing him to die.

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Prophet Muhammad – Forgiving and Kind

December 30, 2016May 16, 2018 propheticprofitLeave a comment

(Keywords: Prophet Muhammad’s forgiveness of Quraish, Prophet’s Muhammad’s forgiveness of his enemies during the Conquest of Makkah, Prophet Muhammad’s mercy and kindness, Prophet’s Muhammad’s high Morals)

قال الله تعالى: { لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ} التوبة 128.

God -the Exalted- says: { Verily, there has come to you a Messenger (Muhammad) from among yourselves. It grieves him what you suffer. He is concerned over you, and to the believers he is kind and merciful} (Surah 9, verse 128).

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عن عَائِشَةَ رضى الله عنها أَنَّها قالت: ( مَا انْتَقَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لِنَفْسِهِ فِي شَىْءٍ قَطُّ، إِلاَّ أَنْ تُنْتَهَكَ حُرْمَةُ اللَّهِ، فَيَنْتَقِمَ بِهَا لِلَّهِ). متفق عليه.‏

Narrated Aisheh (Wife of the Prophet) -may God be pleased with her- said: “Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- never took revenge over anybody for himself, unless the limits of God were violated then he would serve justice for Allah’s sake.” Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Prophet Muhammad urged the Muslims to show forgiveness and kindness to others. Not only did he express that in words, but he also accompanied it with action. If we study the biography of Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him, we see instance after instance of forgiveness and largess.

The most clear instance of Prophet Muhammad’s great forgiveness appears in his treatment of the tribe of Qureish after the Conquest of Makkah.

Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- spent thirteen years in Makkah inviting his people to Islam. During this period, his tribe Qureish not only refused his invitation but persecuted him and his followers. Qureish used to worship idols, and vehemently rejected the call to worship one God. They believed in God, but associated other idols in worship as well. As the Prophet explained his divine message, and as people saw the true divine and noble nature of his message, many people embraced Islam and devoted their worship to one God only. However, the chiefs and powerful men of Qureish insisted on their belief, and moreover started harming and torturing those who followed Prophet Muhammad, and employed many methods to make them renounce their religion.

In response to this persecution, Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- allowed his followers to migrate to Ethiopia first, and to Al-Medina later. Al-Medinah is located around 210 miles north of Makkah, and at the time was populated by a tribe called Al-Ansar. Beside Al-Ansar Tribe, many Jews had moved to Al-Medinah as they determined it to be the place where the next true prophet would appear. The Ansar used to worship idols, while the Jews used to worship God. The Jews often used to warn the Ansar that soon a true prophet will come then they will kill all of Ansar. Therefore, when some Ansari men heard of Prophet Muhammad, they remembered the warning of the Jews and readily accepted his prophet-hood and believed him in his Divine message. Finally, Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- migrated to Al-Medinah and the whole town embraced Islam vowing their allegiance to God and His true Messenger.

Qureish had decided to kill Prophet Muhammad by asking each sub-tribe to send a man to participate in killing Prophet Muhammad. God revealed their plan to Prophet Muhammad and commanded him to migrate to Al-Medinah. Qureish promised 100 camels for whoever caught the Prophet dead or alive, but he evaded them and reached Al-Medinah safely.

Once in Al-Medinah, the tribe of Qureish organized many military expeditions and armies to defeat the now Muslim Ansar tribe and Prophet Muhammad. After a number of battles, both sides signed a peace treaty named Al-Hudeibiyah Treaty that favored the tribe of Qureish, but the Prophet looking for peace signed it. When Qureish violated the treaty, Prophet Muhammad with the permission of God decided to march to Makkah, his birthplace and the starting point of his Divine true message.

The Muslim marched in large numbers to Makkah and overcame the minor resistance they faced. When they entered Makkah, there were many of idols around Ka’bah in the Great Sacred Mosque of Makkah. The Prophet had all of the idols destroyed.

The Forgiveness of Prophet Muhammad appeared even before he entered Makkah. Prophet Muhammad had it announced that whoever stayed in his house or in the house of Abu Sufayn, then no harm will come to him. Thus, instead of killing and pillaging the tribe that spent every penny opposing and fighting him and his followers, he granted them general amnesty. The tribe of Qureish, who always fought the Muslims, tortured them, and killed many of them, now could see the real high moral character of Prophet Muhammad and his followers.

عنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَامَ الْفَتْحِ جَاءَهُ الْعَبَّاسُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ بِأَبِي سُفْيَانَ بْنِ حَرْبٍ فَأَسْلَمَ بِمَرِّ الظَّهْرَانِ، فَقَالَ لَهُ الْعَبَّاسُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّ أَبَا سُفْيَانَ رَجُلٌ يُحِبُّ هَذَا الْفَخْرَ فَلَوْ جَعَلْتَ لَهُ شَيْئًا،‏ قَالَ: «‏ نَعَمْ، مَنْ دَخَلَ دَارَ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ فَهُوَ آمِنٌ، وَمَنْ أَغْلَقَ عَلَيْهِ بَابَهُ فَهُوَ آمِنٌ» . رواه أبو داود.

Narrated Ibn Abbas said (English translation): “Al-Abbas Ibn Abdil-Muttalib (uncle of the Prophet) brought Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb (Leader of Qureish) to Prophet Muhammad just before the Conquest of Makkah. Abu Sufyan embraced Islam at a place called Marr Adhahran. Then Al-Abbas said to the Prophet: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Abu Sufyan is a man who likes the common distinction and pride, if you may do something for him.’ Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- said: ‘Yes, whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe, and whoever closes his house door on himself is safe.’ ” Related by Abu Dawood.

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Then after the Muslims entered Makkah, the tribe of Qureish wanted to know their fate and went to Prophet Muhammad to ask him.

عَنْ أَبِي يُوسُفَ أَنَّ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ لَقريش حِينَ اجْتَمَعُوا فِي الْمَسْجِدِ: مَا تَرَوْنَ أَنِّي صَانِعٌ بِكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: خَيْرًا، أَخٌ كَرِيمٌ وَابْنُ أَخٍ كَرِيمٍ، قَالَ: اذْهَبُوا فَأَنْتُمُ الطُّلَقَاءُ. رواه البيهقي.

Abu Yoosuf related (English translation): “After the Conquest of Makkah, the tribe of Qureish gathered in the Great Mosque, so Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- asked them: ‘What do you think I am going to do with you?’ They replied: ‘We only expect forgiveness and pardon from an honorable generous brother, and an honorable generous nephew.’ So Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- said: ‘Then you may go, for you are the freed ones.’ ” Related by Al-Beihaqi.

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Thus, we see the true moral character of Prophet Muhammad. He forgave the tribe of Qureish after all their animosity, harm and opposition. As a result, even his harshest opponents and sworn enemies among Qureish embraced Islam, some reluctantly at first but soon marveled and basked in the peace and justice of the true Divine message of Prophet Muhammad.

In fact, at the time of Prophet Muhammad many people of different religions used to come to see Prophet Muhammad and test his morals and outward actions. They would set certain moral tests to see if Muhammad is a true Prophet. Some Christians tested his acceptance of charity, but when he refused they recognized his sincerity and renunciation of the worldly life. Some Jews tested his knowledge, and asked him deep esoteric questions that only they knew. Prophet Muhammad -prayer and peace be upon him- answered all of their questions correctly as they stated. Some pagans tested his justice and judgment, and Prophet Muhammad ruled with justice and avoided any bias.

To the extent that some famous rulers and kings accepted his true message based on his call to moral character and noble personal action. The King of Ethiopia wept with tears when he heard the Qur’an then embraced Islam. The Roman Emperor, Heraculius, asked Abu Sufyan (the chief of Qureish) about Prophet Muhammad and then marveled at his moral character, admitting that such moral behavior and justice only indicates a true Prophet of God. The ruler of Yamamah, Thumamah Ibn Uthal, was captured by the Muslims. The Prophet kept him for three days and then forgave him, releasing him. During those three days, he was shown the real moral character of the Prophet and his kind treatment. After his release, the Ruler of Yamamah declared Islam and then said his famous statement:

‘By God, O Muhammad, there was no face on the surface of the earth most disliked by me than yours, but now your face has become the most beloved face to me. By God, there was no religion most disliked by me than yours, but now your religion (of Islam) is the most beloved religion to me. And by God, there was no city most disliked by me than your town, but now your town is the most beloved city to me.’

Thus, we see that the high moral code of Prophet Muhammad and his noble action including his great mercy and forgiveness set him apart and give credence to his true Divine Message, for Mercy and Forgiveness are characteristics that God often attributes to Himself. Righteous people who follow God’s command, not only call for such moral traits but embody them in action as well. And Allah knows best.

Tag: Prophet’s Forgiveness

Forgiveness: A Divine Character

Prophet Muhammad’s Forgiveness of the Man who Killed his Beloved Uncle, Hamza

Brief Background:

Wahshi’s Story:

Prophet Muhammad’s Forgiveness of the Man who Killed his Beloved Uncle, Hamza

Prophet Muhammad – Forgiving and Kind

God -the Exalted- says: { Verily, there has come to you a Messenger (Muhammad) from among yourselves. It grieves him what you suffer. He is concerned over you, and to the believers he is kind and merciful} (Surah 9, verse 128).

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