Loving the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

By Khalid Baig 

On the twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Muslims all over the world hold special gatherings to commemorate and celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. The special programs attract huge numbers of Muslims. There can be no two opinions among the believers that remembering the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and learning about his life example are highly meritorious acts. The milad celebrations show the deep love and devotion that all the believers have for the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. This love and devotion remains a distinct characteristic of Muslims throughout the centuries. 

However, while the fact of this love has not changed, its nature has. It has taken different forms than what we find in the early generations. The Companions were the special people who came in direct contact with Allah's Messenger, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, learned from him, joined his struggle, gave the most sacrifices for it, devoted their lives for his mission, and earned the credentials for being the model disciples, followers, and devotees. 

Among them was Sayyidna Mus'ab ibn Umayr, Radhiyallaahu Anhu. As a young pagan in Makkah, he was the best dressed, the best cared for youth. Clad in the most expensive silk and wearing the best perfumes, he would leave a trail of fragrance wherever he passed by. Then something happened. He met the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and his message penetrated the depth of his heart. Life changed drastically. His pagan mother, who used to love him before, now despised him and began to punish him severely. His was a transformation from riches to rags. Once the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, saw him covering his body with a patched up old hide and showing the signs of rough life that he had embraced. He said, "I saw this young man some years ago in Makkah. There was none at that time who was more handsome, was living a more luxurious life, or was better dressed than him. But today he has sacrificed all the comforts of this life for the love of Allah and his Prophet." He was the first teacher of the Ansar in Madinah and the standard bearer of the Muhajireen in Badr. When he was martyred in Uhud, there was not enough cloth to cover his body completely; grass was used to supplement the small burial cloth. According to some reports, the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, stood by his body and recited the verse: "From among the believers there are some men who fulfilled their pledge with Allah." 

Among them was Sayyidna Sa'd ibn Mu'az, Radhiyallaahu Anhu, the leader of the Ansar. The Ansar had provided hospitality and protection to the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and the Makkan Muslims, but soon they faced a bigger challenge. Would they be ready to fight against the much larger and better equipped Makkan army? His powerful words in the meeting before Badr captured the spirit of their commitment. "O Rasulullah, we have believed in you, affirmed your Prophethood, and pledged obedience. By Allah, who has sent you as a Messenger, if you were to command us to jump into the ocean we will do that. Not one soul among us will remain behind. Insha-Allah you will find us steadfast in the battle."