Sahaba’s Ways to Love the Prophet (SAW)
.
Some people believe that Prophet (SAW)'s love is the same thing as obeying his orders and hence there is no need to express this love separately. For others, love is a separate entity and requires its expression separately. We would study around 30 examples (from Bukhari/Muslim) to see Sahaba’s approach on this.
Here is a brief structure of our discussion:
1. Is Talking About Love Useless?
2. Love of His Sight
- Sight At Any Cost
- Worries of a Sahabi
- Sahabi Couldn't Wait At Home
- Why He Couldn't See The Prophet (Saw)?
- The Most Beautiful Sight
3. Love with His Body
- Love with the Coolness of His Hands
- Love with the Softness of His Body
- Love with the Fragrance of His Sweat
4. Love with His Life Style
- Love with the Beauty of His Walking Style
- Love with the Shoes Which He Wore
5. Love with Things Related To Him
- Begging For the Water Which Came Out Of His Mouth
- Keenness to Get His Ablution Water
- His Hair Is Dearer Than the Whole World
- Love for His City
- His Sweat Is Our Perfume
6. Respect of Things Related To Him
- Respect for His Hair
- Respect for His Spittle
- Respecting the Person Who Touched Him
7. Seeking Blessings / Cure from Things Related To Him
- Drinking His Ablution Water for Cure
- Seeking Cure through Water Used In His Shirt Washing
- Seeking Blessings through His Sweat (I.E. Pesina)
- Cure through Water Which Touched His Hair
- Distributing His Hair in People
8. Kissing: a Sign of Love
- Kissing His Body
- Kissing His Hand
- Kissing His Foot
- Kissing His Dead Body
- Kissing the Stone Whom He Kissed
- Kissing the Hands Who Touched Him
9. Beloved of Trees and Mountains
- Tree Loved Him
- Mountain Loved Him
10. How did Sahaba Speak in His Presence?
- Love and Respect in Speaking With Him
- No One Is Elder than Him
- How did Sahaba Address Him?
11. Conclusion
1. Is talking about love useless?
If describing the love of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) is such a useless activity, then why every great Muhadith have devoted so many pages to such Ahadith? They have given a lot of importance to the Ahadith related to love, respect or barakat of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم). E.g. the Ahadith which state that Sahaba drank Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم)'s ablution water has been repeated in almost a dozen different chapters of Bukhari alone. Similar is the case of other renowned Muhadathin. Why they have "wasted" time in collecting and narrating such Ahadith, if we should focus ONLY on the orders of Shariah? E.g. read this Hadith from Bukhari:
The Prophet asked for a tumbler containing water and washed both his hands and face in it and then threw a mouthful of water in the tumbler and said to both of us (Abu Musa and Bilal), "Drink (some of) it and pour (some) over your faces and chests and be happy at the good tidings."
Apparently the Hadith has nothing to do with the general teachings of Islam (prayer, fasting, other good deeds etc). Was Bukhari “wasting” his time (and pages of his book) to repeat this (and similar Ahadith) in almost a dozen chapters of his book (Na-uzu-billah)?
The fact is that love and respect of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) is a compulsory part of our faith, and lack of it cannot be compensated even by billions of good acts. That is why numerous expressions of love and respect can be found from the doings of Sahaba and these have been reported in all the major Hadith books.
Now we would examine some of such examples from the acts of Sahaba.
2. Love of His Sight
When someone loves someone, the lover loves the sight of his beloved. It is a universal rule and is applicable to the love of the Prophet (SAW) also. Let’s see a few Ahadith to see “Love of Sight” (i.e. Ziya’rat) in action.
2.1 Sight at any cost
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying: The people most loved by me from amongst my Ummah would be those who would come after me but everyone amongst them would have the keenest desire to catch a glimpse of me even at the cost of his family and wealth. (Muslim Book 40, No. 6791. / Ahmad bin Hanbal / Ibn-e-Habban)
2.2 Worries of a sahabi
Tafsir-e-Ibn-e-Kathir, under An-Nisa 4:69, narrates several Ahadith (also taken by Tabarani, Abu Nuaim, Haithmi and Suyoti etc). The verse announces: “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His grace, of the Prophets”. Its Shan-e-Nazool (reason of revelation) is narrated as:
Sa`id bin Jubayr said, "An Ansari man came to the Messenger of Allah while feeling sad. The Prophet said to him, `Why do I see you sad' He said, `O Allah's Prophet! I was contemplating about something.' The Prophet said, `What is it' The Ansari said, `We come to you day and night, looking at your face and sitting by you. Tomorrow, you will be raised with the Prophets, and we will not be able to see you.' The Prophet did not say anything, but later Jibril came down to him with this Ayah and the Prophet sent the good news to the Ansari man.''
2.3 Sahabi couldn't wait at home
Under the same verse, Ibn-e-Kathir narrates from Hazrat Aisha (RA):
"A man came to the Prophet and said to him, `O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than myself, my family and children. Sometimes, when I am at home, I remember you, and I cannot wait until I come and look at you. When I contemplate about my death and your death, I know that you will be with the Prophets when you enter Paradise. I fear that I might not see you when I enter Paradise.' The Prophet did not answer him until the Ayah, (i.e. An-Nisa 4:69) was revealed to him.''.
Some people believe that Prophet (SAW)'s love is the same thing as obeying his orders and hence there is no need to express this love separately. For others, love is a separate entity and requires its expression separately. We would study around 30 examples (from Bukhari/Muslim) to see Sahaba’s approach on this.
Here is a brief structure of our discussion:
1. Is Talking About Love Useless?
2. Love of His Sight
- Sight At Any Cost
- Worries of a Sahabi
- Sahabi Couldn't Wait At Home
- Why He Couldn't See The Prophet (Saw)?
- The Most Beautiful Sight
3. Love with His Body
- Love with the Coolness of His Hands
- Love with the Softness of His Body
- Love with the Fragrance of His Sweat
4. Love with His Life Style
- Love with the Beauty of His Walking Style
- Love with the Shoes Which He Wore
5. Love with Things Related To Him
- Begging For the Water Which Came Out Of His Mouth
- Keenness to Get His Ablution Water
- His Hair Is Dearer Than the Whole World
- Love for His City
- His Sweat Is Our Perfume
6. Respect of Things Related To Him
- Respect for His Hair
- Respect for His Spittle
- Respecting the Person Who Touched Him
7. Seeking Blessings / Cure from Things Related To Him
- Drinking His Ablution Water for Cure
- Seeking Cure through Water Used In His Shirt Washing
- Seeking Blessings through His Sweat (I.E. Pesina)
- Cure through Water Which Touched His Hair
- Distributing His Hair in People
8. Kissing: a Sign of Love
- Kissing His Body
- Kissing His Hand
- Kissing His Foot
- Kissing His Dead Body
- Kissing the Stone Whom He Kissed
- Kissing the Hands Who Touched Him
9. Beloved of Trees and Mountains
- Tree Loved Him
- Mountain Loved Him
10. How did Sahaba Speak in His Presence?
- Love and Respect in Speaking With Him
- No One Is Elder than Him
- How did Sahaba Address Him?
11. Conclusion
1. Is talking about love useless?
If describing the love of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) is such a useless activity, then why every great Muhadith have devoted so many pages to such Ahadith? They have given a lot of importance to the Ahadith related to love, respect or barakat of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم). E.g. the Ahadith which state that Sahaba drank Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم)'s ablution water has been repeated in almost a dozen different chapters of Bukhari alone. Similar is the case of other renowned Muhadathin. Why they have "wasted" time in collecting and narrating such Ahadith, if we should focus ONLY on the orders of Shariah? E.g. read this Hadith from Bukhari:
The Prophet asked for a tumbler containing water and washed both his hands and face in it and then threw a mouthful of water in the tumbler and said to both of us (Abu Musa and Bilal), "Drink (some of) it and pour (some) over your faces and chests and be happy at the good tidings."
Apparently the Hadith has nothing to do with the general teachings of Islam (prayer, fasting, other good deeds etc). Was Bukhari “wasting” his time (and pages of his book) to repeat this (and similar Ahadith) in almost a dozen chapters of his book (Na-uzu-billah)?
The fact is that love and respect of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) is a compulsory part of our faith, and lack of it cannot be compensated even by billions of good acts. That is why numerous expressions of love and respect can be found from the doings of Sahaba and these have been reported in all the major Hadith books.
Now we would examine some of such examples from the acts of Sahaba.
2. Love of His Sight
When someone loves someone, the lover loves the sight of his beloved. It is a universal rule and is applicable to the love of the Prophet (SAW) also. Let’s see a few Ahadith to see “Love of Sight” (i.e. Ziya’rat) in action.
2.1 Sight at any cost
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying: The people most loved by me from amongst my Ummah would be those who would come after me but everyone amongst them would have the keenest desire to catch a glimpse of me even at the cost of his family and wealth. (Muslim Book 40, No. 6791. / Ahmad bin Hanbal / Ibn-e-Habban)
2.2 Worries of a sahabi
Tafsir-e-Ibn-e-Kathir, under An-Nisa 4:69, narrates several Ahadith (also taken by Tabarani, Abu Nuaim, Haithmi and Suyoti etc). The verse announces: “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His grace, of the Prophets”. Its Shan-e-Nazool (reason of revelation) is narrated as:
Sa`id bin Jubayr said, "An Ansari man came to the Messenger of Allah while feeling sad. The Prophet said to him, `Why do I see you sad' He said, `O Allah's Prophet! I was contemplating about something.' The Prophet said, `What is it' The Ansari said, `We come to you day and night, looking at your face and sitting by you. Tomorrow, you will be raised with the Prophets, and we will not be able to see you.' The Prophet did not say anything, but later Jibril came down to him with this Ayah and the Prophet sent the good news to the Ansari man.''
2.3 Sahabi couldn't wait at home
Under the same verse, Ibn-e-Kathir narrates from Hazrat Aisha (RA):
"A man came to the Prophet and said to him, `O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than myself, my family and children. Sometimes, when I am at home, I remember you, and I cannot wait until I come and look at you. When I contemplate about my death and your death, I know that you will be with the Prophets when you enter Paradise. I fear that I might not see you when I enter Paradise.' The Prophet did not answer him until the Ayah, (i.e. An-Nisa 4:69) was revealed to him.''.
2.4 Why Sahabi couldn't see the Prophet (SAW)?
This love of sight sometimes had to struggle with the sense of respect. Eyes wanted to do the uninterrupted ziyara, but the respect would come in its way. This is what the following Hadith shows:
Hazrat Ibn Shamasa Mahri (RA) narrates that they went to meet Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA) when he was about to die. He (i.e. Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA)) wept for a long time and turned his face towards the wall (and said) Never could I, pluck courage to catch a full glimpse of his face due to its splendor. So if I am asked to describe his features, I cannot do that for I have not eyed him fully. …When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand around it for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah. (Muslim Book 1, No. 220 / Ibn-e-Manda / Abu Awana / Ibn-e-Saad / Al-Husaini / Al-Manavi)
As a side note, you can see the firm belief of Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA) that he would be able to enjoy the company of others during his burial. It shows his belief in “Sima-e-Mota” (i.e. listening of dead).
2.5 The Most Beautiful Sight
Narrated Al-Bara: The Prophet was of a modest height. I saw him wearing a red suit, and I did not see anything better than him. (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 72, No. 739)
3. Love with Parts of His Body
3.1 Love with the Coolness of His Hands
Jabir b. Samura reported: I prayed along with Allah's Messenger (SAW) the first prayer. He then went to his family and I also went along with him when he met some children (on the way). He began to pat the cheeks of each one of them. He also patted my cheek and I experienced a coolness or a fragrance of his hand as if it had been brought out from the scent bag of a perfumer. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5758)
.3.2 Love with the Softness of His Body
Anas reported: I never smelt ambergris or musk as fragrant as the fragrance of the body of Allah's Messenger (SAW) and I never touched brocade or silk and found it as soft as the body of Allah's Messenger (SAW).(Muslim Book 30, No. 5759)
3.3 Love with the Fragrance of His Sweat
Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) used to come to our house and there was perspiration upon his body. My mother brought a bottle and began to pour the sweat in that. When Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) got up he said: Umm Sulaini, what is this that you are doing? Thereupon she said: That is your sweat which we mix in our perfume and it becomes the most fragrant perfume. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5761)
4. Love with His Life Style
4.1 Love with the Beauty of His Walking Style
Anas reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had a very fair complexion and (the drops) of his perspiration shone like pearls, and when he walked he walked inclining forward, and I never touched brocade and silk (and found it) as soft as the softness of the palm of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and I never smelt musk or ambergris and found its fragrance as sweet as the fragrance of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). (Muslim Book 30, No. 5760)
4.2 Love with the Shoes which he wore
Hazrat Abdur Rehman (RA) said: I saw Allah's Apostle wearing non-hairy shoes… So I love to wear similar shoes. (Bukhari Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 167)
5. Love with things related to him
5.1 Begging for the Water which Came out of His Mouth
Narated By Abu Juhaifa: After he (i.e. Allah's Apostle) had performed ablution, the remaining water was taken by the people and they started smearing their bodies with it (as a blessed thing).
The Prophet offered two Rakat of the Zuhr prayer and then two Rakat of the 'Asr prayer while an 'Anza (spear-headed stick) was there (as a Sutra) in front of him. Abu Musa said: The Prophet asked for a tumbler containing water and washed both his hands and face in it and then threw a mouthful of water in the tumbler and said to both of us (Abu Musa and Bilal), "Drink (some of) it and pour (some) over your faces and chests and be happy at the good tidings." So they both took the drinking bowl and did as instructed. Um Salama called from behind a screen, "Keep something (of the water) for your mother." So they left some of it for her." (Bukhari (in 10 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 187 / Muslim / Abu Yala)
5.2 Keenness to Get His Ablution Water
Narated By Ibn Shihab : Mahmud bin Ar-Rabi' who was the person on whose face the Prophet had ejected a mouthful of water from his family's well while he was a boy, and 'Urwa (on the authority of Al-Miswar and others) who testified each other, said, "Whenever the Prophet , performed ablution, his companions were nearly fighting for the remains of the water." (Bukhari (in 3 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 188) / Ibn-e-Habban / Abdur Razaq / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / Tabarani / Bahaqi / Asqalani)
5.3 His Hair is Dearer than the Whole World
Narated By Ibn Sirrn : I said to 'Ablda, "I have some of the hair of the Prophet which I got from Anas or from his family." 'Abida replied. "No doubt if I had a single hair of that it would have been dearer to me than the whole world and whatever is in it." (Bukhari Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 171 / Bahaqi)
5.4 Love for His City
Narrated 'Aisha: When Allah's Apostle emigrated to medina, … He said, "O Allah! Make us love medina as much or more than we love mecca, and make it healthy, and bless its Sa and its Mudd, and take away its fever and put it in Al-Juhfa." (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, No. 581)
This love of sight sometimes had to struggle with the sense of respect. Eyes wanted to do the uninterrupted ziyara, but the respect would come in its way. This is what the following Hadith shows:
Hazrat Ibn Shamasa Mahri (RA) narrates that they went to meet Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA) when he was about to die. He (i.e. Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA)) wept for a long time and turned his face towards the wall (and said) Never could I, pluck courage to catch a full glimpse of his face due to its splendor. So if I am asked to describe his features, I cannot do that for I have not eyed him fully. …When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand around it for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah. (Muslim Book 1, No. 220 / Ibn-e-Manda / Abu Awana / Ibn-e-Saad / Al-Husaini / Al-Manavi)
As a side note, you can see the firm belief of Hazrat Amr bin al-As (RA) that he would be able to enjoy the company of others during his burial. It shows his belief in “Sima-e-Mota” (i.e. listening of dead).
2.5 The Most Beautiful Sight
Narrated Al-Bara: The Prophet was of a modest height. I saw him wearing a red suit, and I did not see anything better than him. (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 72, No. 739)
3. Love with Parts of His Body
3.1 Love with the Coolness of His Hands
Jabir b. Samura reported: I prayed along with Allah's Messenger (SAW) the first prayer. He then went to his family and I also went along with him when he met some children (on the way). He began to pat the cheeks of each one of them. He also patted my cheek and I experienced a coolness or a fragrance of his hand as if it had been brought out from the scent bag of a perfumer. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5758)
.3.2 Love with the Softness of His Body
Anas reported: I never smelt ambergris or musk as fragrant as the fragrance of the body of Allah's Messenger (SAW) and I never touched brocade or silk and found it as soft as the body of Allah's Messenger (SAW).(Muslim Book 30, No. 5759)
3.3 Love with the Fragrance of His Sweat
Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) used to come to our house and there was perspiration upon his body. My mother brought a bottle and began to pour the sweat in that. When Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) got up he said: Umm Sulaini, what is this that you are doing? Thereupon she said: That is your sweat which we mix in our perfume and it becomes the most fragrant perfume. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5761)
4. Love with His Life Style
4.1 Love with the Beauty of His Walking Style
Anas reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had a very fair complexion and (the drops) of his perspiration shone like pearls, and when he walked he walked inclining forward, and I never touched brocade and silk (and found it) as soft as the softness of the palm of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and I never smelt musk or ambergris and found its fragrance as sweet as the fragrance of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). (Muslim Book 30, No. 5760)
4.2 Love with the Shoes which he wore
Hazrat Abdur Rehman (RA) said: I saw Allah's Apostle wearing non-hairy shoes… So I love to wear similar shoes. (Bukhari Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 167)
5. Love with things related to him
5.1 Begging for the Water which Came out of His Mouth
Narated By Abu Juhaifa: After he (i.e. Allah's Apostle) had performed ablution, the remaining water was taken by the people and they started smearing their bodies with it (as a blessed thing).
The Prophet offered two Rakat of the Zuhr prayer and then two Rakat of the 'Asr prayer while an 'Anza (spear-headed stick) was there (as a Sutra) in front of him. Abu Musa said: The Prophet asked for a tumbler containing water and washed both his hands and face in it and then threw a mouthful of water in the tumbler and said to both of us (Abu Musa and Bilal), "Drink (some of) it and pour (some) over your faces and chests and be happy at the good tidings." So they both took the drinking bowl and did as instructed. Um Salama called from behind a screen, "Keep something (of the water) for your mother." So they left some of it for her." (Bukhari (in 10 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 187 / Muslim / Abu Yala)
5.2 Keenness to Get His Ablution Water
Narated By Ibn Shihab : Mahmud bin Ar-Rabi' who was the person on whose face the Prophet had ejected a mouthful of water from his family's well while he was a boy, and 'Urwa (on the authority of Al-Miswar and others) who testified each other, said, "Whenever the Prophet , performed ablution, his companions were nearly fighting for the remains of the water." (Bukhari (in 3 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 188) / Ibn-e-Habban / Abdur Razaq / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / Tabarani / Bahaqi / Asqalani)
5.3 His Hair is Dearer than the Whole World
Narated By Ibn Sirrn : I said to 'Ablda, "I have some of the hair of the Prophet which I got from Anas or from his family." 'Abida replied. "No doubt if I had a single hair of that it would have been dearer to me than the whole world and whatever is in it." (Bukhari Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 171 / Bahaqi)
5.4 Love for His City
Narrated 'Aisha: When Allah's Apostle emigrated to medina, … He said, "O Allah! Make us love medina as much or more than we love mecca, and make it healthy, and bless its Sa and its Mudd, and take away its fever and put it in Al-Juhfa." (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, No. 581)
5.5 His Sweat is our Perfume
Umm Sulaim reported that Allah's Apostle (SAW) visited her house and (took rest) and she spread a piece of cloth for him and he had had a siesta on it. And he sweated profusely and she collected his sweat and put it in a perfume and in bottles. Allah's Apostle (SAW) said: Umm Sulaim, what is this? She said: It is your sweat, which I put in my perfume. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5763)
6. Respect of things related to Him
6.1 Respect for His Hair
Anas reported: I saw when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) got his hair cut by the barber, his Companions came round him and they eagerly wanted that no hair should fall but in the hand of a person. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5750 / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / others)
6.2 Respect for His Spittle
Hazrat Al-Miswar (RA) and Marwan (RA) narrate the account of the treaty of Al-Hudaibiya in which Urwa came to the Prophet (SAW) to negotiate its terms and when returned to his people and said, "O people! By Allah, I have been to the kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and An-Najashi, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad is respected by his companions. By Allah, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them (i.e. Sahaba) who would rub it on his face and skin; if he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately; if he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the remaining water; and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect." (Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 50, No. 891 / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / Tabarani / Ibn-e-Habban / Bahaqi)
6.3 Respecting the Person Who Touched Him
Hazrat Abdur Rehman bin Razeen (RA) narrates that when they knew that Hazrat Salam bin Al-Akwa (RA) did the Bait of the Prophet (SAW) with his hands, they stood up in his respect and kissed his hands. (Bukhari in Adab-ul-Mufrad)
.7. Seeking Blessings / Cure from things related to him
7.1 Drinking His Ablution Water for Cure
Narated By As-Sa'ib bin Yazid : My aunt took me to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! This son of my sister has got a disease in his legs." So he passed his hands on my head and prayed for Allah's blessings for me; then he performed ablution and I drank from the remaining water. (Bukhari (in 5 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 189)/ Muslim / Nisai / others)
7.2 Seeking Cure Through Water Used in His Shirt Washing
(Asma') said: Here is the cloak of Allah's Messenger (SAW), and she brought out to me that cloak made of Persian cloth with a hem of brocade, and its sleeves bordered with brocade and said: This was Allah's Messenger's cloak with 'Aisha until she died, and when she died I got possession of it. The Apostle of Allah (SAW) used to wear that, and we washed it for the sick and sought cure thereby. (Muslim Book 24, No. 5149 / Abu Daood / Bahaqi / others)
7.3 Seeking Blessings Through His Sweat
Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Apostle (SAW) came to the house of Umm Sulaim and slept in her bed while she was away from her house … She came and found him sweating and his sweat falling on the leather cloth spread on her bed. She opened her scent-bag and began to fill the bottles with it. Allah's Apostle (SAW) was startled and woke up and said: Umm Sulaim, what are you doing? She said: Allah's Messenger, we seek blessings for our children through it. Thereupon he said: You have done something right. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5762/ Ahmad Bin Hanbal)
7.4 Cure through Water which touched His Hair
Narrated IsraiI: Uthman bin 'Abdullah bin Mauhab said, "My people sent me with a bowl of water to Um Salama." Isra'il approximated three fingers ('indicating the small size of the container in which there was some hair of the Prophet.
'Uthman added, "If any person suffered from evil eye or some other disease, he would send a vessel (containing water) to Um Salama. I looked into the container (that held the hair of the Prophet) and saw a few red hairs in it" (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 72, No. 784)
7.5 Distributing His Hair in People
Anas b. Malik (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) turned (the right side) of his head towards the barber, and i.e. shaved it. He then called Abu Talha al-Ansari and gave it to him. He then turned his left side and asked him (the barber) to shave. And he (the barber) shaved and gave it to Abu Talha and told him to distribute it amongst the people. (Muslim (repeated 4 times e.g. Book 7, No. 2994) / Tirmizi / Nisai / Abu Daood / others)
8. Kissing: a sign of Love
8.1 Kissing His Body
Usayd ibn Hudayr ... said that while he was given to jesting and was talking to the people and making them laugh, the Prophet (SAW) poked him under the ribs with a stick. He said: Let me take retaliation. He said: Take retaliation. He said: You are wearing a shirt but I am not. The Prophet (SAW) then raised his shirt and the man embraced him and began to kiss his side. Then he said: This is what I wanted, Apostle of Allah! (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5205)
8.2 Kissing His Hand
Narated By Abdullah ibn Umar : Ibn Umar told a story and said: We then came near the Prophet (pbuh) and kissed his hand. (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5204 / Bahaqi)
8.3 Kissing His Foot
Umm Aban, quoting his grandfather said: When we came to Medina, we raced to be first to dismount and kiss the hand and foot of the Apostle of Allah (SAW). But al-Mundhir al-Ashajj waited until he came to the bundle of his clothes. He put on his two garments and then he went to the Prophet (SAW). (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5206 / Bukhari (Adab-ul-Mufrad) / Tabarani / Haithmi / others)
8.4 Kissing His Dead BodyUmm Sulaim reported that Allah's Apostle (SAW) visited her house and (took rest) and she spread a piece of cloth for him and he had had a siesta on it. And he sweated profusely and she collected his sweat and put it in a perfume and in bottles. Allah's Apostle (SAW) said: Umm Sulaim, what is this? She said: It is your sweat, which I put in my perfume. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5763)
6. Respect of things related to Him
6.1 Respect for His Hair
Anas reported: I saw when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) got his hair cut by the barber, his Companions came round him and they eagerly wanted that no hair should fall but in the hand of a person. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5750 / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / others)
6.2 Respect for His Spittle
Hazrat Al-Miswar (RA) and Marwan (RA) narrate the account of the treaty of Al-Hudaibiya in which Urwa came to the Prophet (SAW) to negotiate its terms and when returned to his people and said, "O people! By Allah, I have been to the kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and An-Najashi, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad is respected by his companions. By Allah, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them (i.e. Sahaba) who would rub it on his face and skin; if he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately; if he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the remaining water; and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect." (Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 50, No. 891 / Ahmad Bin Hanbal / Tabarani / Ibn-e-Habban / Bahaqi)
6.3 Respecting the Person Who Touched Him
Hazrat Abdur Rehman bin Razeen (RA) narrates that when they knew that Hazrat Salam bin Al-Akwa (RA) did the Bait of the Prophet (SAW) with his hands, they stood up in his respect and kissed his hands. (Bukhari in Adab-ul-Mufrad)
.7. Seeking Blessings / Cure from things related to him
7.1 Drinking His Ablution Water for Cure
Narated By As-Sa'ib bin Yazid : My aunt took me to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! This son of my sister has got a disease in his legs." So he passed his hands on my head and prayed for Allah's blessings for me; then he performed ablution and I drank from the remaining water. (Bukhari (in 5 chapters e.g. Vol. 1, Book 4, No. 189)/ Muslim / Nisai / others)
7.2 Seeking Cure Through Water Used in His Shirt Washing
(Asma') said: Here is the cloak of Allah's Messenger (SAW), and she brought out to me that cloak made of Persian cloth with a hem of brocade, and its sleeves bordered with brocade and said: This was Allah's Messenger's cloak with 'Aisha until she died, and when she died I got possession of it. The Apostle of Allah (SAW) used to wear that, and we washed it for the sick and sought cure thereby. (Muslim Book 24, No. 5149 / Abu Daood / Bahaqi / others)
7.3 Seeking Blessings Through His Sweat
Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Apostle (SAW) came to the house of Umm Sulaim and slept in her bed while she was away from her house … She came and found him sweating and his sweat falling on the leather cloth spread on her bed. She opened her scent-bag and began to fill the bottles with it. Allah's Apostle (SAW) was startled and woke up and said: Umm Sulaim, what are you doing? She said: Allah's Messenger, we seek blessings for our children through it. Thereupon he said: You have done something right. (Muslim Book 30, No. 5762/ Ahmad Bin Hanbal)
7.4 Cure through Water which touched His Hair
Narrated IsraiI: Uthman bin 'Abdullah bin Mauhab said, "My people sent me with a bowl of water to Um Salama." Isra'il approximated three fingers ('indicating the small size of the container in which there was some hair of the Prophet.
'Uthman added, "If any person suffered from evil eye or some other disease, he would send a vessel (containing water) to Um Salama. I looked into the container (that held the hair of the Prophet) and saw a few red hairs in it" (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 72, No. 784)
7.5 Distributing His Hair in People
Anas b. Malik (RA) reported: Allah's Messenger (SAW) turned (the right side) of his head towards the barber, and i.e. shaved it. He then called Abu Talha al-Ansari and gave it to him. He then turned his left side and asked him (the barber) to shave. And he (the barber) shaved and gave it to Abu Talha and told him to distribute it amongst the people. (Muslim (repeated 4 times e.g. Book 7, No. 2994) / Tirmizi / Nisai / Abu Daood / others)
8. Kissing: a sign of Love
8.1 Kissing His Body
Usayd ibn Hudayr ... said that while he was given to jesting and was talking to the people and making them laugh, the Prophet (SAW) poked him under the ribs with a stick. He said: Let me take retaliation. He said: Take retaliation. He said: You are wearing a shirt but I am not. The Prophet (SAW) then raised his shirt and the man embraced him and began to kiss his side. Then he said: This is what I wanted, Apostle of Allah! (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5205)
8.2 Kissing His Hand
Narated By Abdullah ibn Umar : Ibn Umar told a story and said: We then came near the Prophet (pbuh) and kissed his hand. (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5204 / Bahaqi)
8.3 Kissing His Foot
Umm Aban, quoting his grandfather said: When we came to Medina, we raced to be first to dismount and kiss the hand and foot of the Apostle of Allah (SAW). But al-Mundhir al-Ashajj waited until he came to the bundle of his clothes. He put on his two garments and then he went to the Prophet (SAW). (Abu Daood Book 36, No. 5206 / Bukhari (Adab-ul-Mufrad) / Tabarani / Haithmi / others)
Narated By 'Aisha: Abu Bakr came riding his horse from his dwelling place in As-Sunh. He got down from it, entered the Mosque and did not speak with anybody till he came to me and went direct to the Prophet, who was covered with a marked blanket. Abu Bakr uncovered his face. He knelt down and kissed him and then started weeping and said, "My father and my mother be sacrificed for you, O Allah's Prophet! Allah will not combine two deaths on you. You have died the death which was written for you." (Bukhari Vol. 2, Book 23, No. 333)
Note: Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) talked to the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) using the words “O Allah's Prophet” even after His death.
8.5 Kissing the Stone Whom He Kissed
Narated By 'Abis bin Rabia : 'Umar came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said "No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah's Apostle kissing you I would not have kissed you." (Bukhari Vol. 2, Book 26, No. 667)
8.6 Kissing the Hands Who Touched Him
Hazrat Sabit (RA) asked Hazrat Ans (RA) “Did you ever touch the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیھ وآلھ وسلم) with you hands?” He replied: “Yes”. On this he kissed his hands. (Bukhari in Adab-ul-Mufrad)
9. Beloved of Trees and Mountains
9.1 Tree Loved Him
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet used to stand by a stem of a date-palm tree (while delivering a sermon). When the pulpit was placed for him we heard that stem crying like a pregnant she-camel till the Prophet got down from the pulpit and placed his hand over it. (Bukhari Vol. 2, Book 13, No. 41)
9.2 Mountain Loved Him
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The mountain of Uhud came in sight of Allah's Apostle who then said, "This is a mountain that loves us and is loved by us." (Bukhari Vol.9, Book 92, No. 433)
0. Love and Respect in Speaking with him
10.1 How did Sahaba Speak in His Presence?
When the verse,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. (Al-Hujurat 49:2) revealed, it made the following impact on Hazrat Umar(RA): “Thence forward when Umar talked to the Prophet, he would talk like one who whispered a secret and would even fail to make the Prophet hear him, in which case the Prophet would ask him (to repeat his words)." (Bukhari Vol. 9, Book 92, No. 405)
10.2 No One is Elder than Him
Once Hazrat Usman (RA) asked Hazrat Qubas Bin Ashim (RA) “Are you elder or the Prophet (SAW)?” His reply was: “The Prophet (SAW) is elder than me and I was just born before Him.” (Tirmizi / Hakim / Tabarani / others)
10.3 How did Sahaba Address Him?
Narated By AbuDharr: The Prophet (SAW) addressed me, saying: O AbuDharr! I replied: At thy service and at thy pleasure, Apostle of Allah! may I be ransom for thee. (Muslim Book 36, No. 5207)
11. Conclusion
The above examples show that Sahaba had a very comprehensive vision about the love of the Prophet (SAW). They didn’t restrict their concept of love to Ite’ba (i.e. following the Prophet (SAW)) only. They rather showed an extreme love with everything related to the Prophet (SAW) be it a hair of his beard or head, water used by him in ablution, shirt used by him, sweat came out from his body or even a stone kissed by him. They sought cure through things related to him, even if it is the water used in his shirt washing. They also showed extreme respect while speaking to him, or speaking about him.
So Isq-e-Rasool (SAW) should compel us to obey him, respect him, and love him (all at the same time).
And Allah Knows the Best!
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