Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the final seal of the prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-Ahzab, 40)
As is stated in the above verses, the Prophet Muhammad(saas) is the last prophet. Through the verses that begin with "Say”, Allah conveyed to our Prophet (saas) what needed to be said to people. Through these verses, our Prophet (saas) communicated Allah's message.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) said that those who fear Allah and seek to be forgiven, should follow him:
Say, “If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 31)
This call of the Prophet Muhammad (saas) still applies universally. Allah enjoined strict obedience on the messengers He sent, and in many verses, states that obedience to the messengers is, in actuality, obedience to Allah.
The Prophet (saas) also stressed the importance of obedience in the hadiths:
“Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.” (Sahih Bukhari)
For this reason, obedience to the messenger is at the heart religion and showing this obedience surely comes about through strict submissiveness to the issues conveyed by messengers.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Made It Clear
That He Did Not Ask For Any Wage In Return
For His Services
As all other messengers, the Prophet Muhammad (saas),stated first and foremost that he did not ask for any recompense in return for his communicating Allah’s message. He stated that he did everything to earn Allah’s approval and that he awaited his reward from Allah alone. Some of the verses through which Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to tell people that he did not ask for any rewards from them are as follows:
They were the ones whom Allah guided, so follow their guidance. Say, “I do not ask you for any recompense for this. It is simply a reminder to all mankind.” (Surat al-An’am, 90)
Say: “I have not asked you for any recompense: Keep it for yourselves. My reward is the responsibility of Allah alone. He is the witness of all things.” (Surah Saba’, 47)
In another verse, on the other hand, the Prophet Muhammad(saas), who told his people that he did not expect any rewards, made his main goal clear, saying:
"I do not ask you for any recompense for it—only let anyone who will, take the right path to his Lord.” (Surat al-Furqan, 57)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Stated That
Those Who Wanted To See Miracles To
Believe Would Still Fail To Believe, Even
If They Did See Miracles
Although the signs of Allah’s existence are obvious, disbelivers find pretexts not to believe and ask for miracles from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad’s (saas) people also asked him to work miracles in order not to adhere to him; the reason why such people asked for miracles was not to have faith or to deepen their faith; it was simply a pretext for their unwillingness to submit themselves to Allah. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following to these people:
They have solemnly sworn by Allah that if a Sign be given them, they will believe in it. Say: “The Signs are vouchsafed by Allah alone.” How can you tell that even if a Sign be given them, they will indeed believe in it?(Surat al-An’am, 109)
Every man is destined to die on a certain day, which is decided in Allah’s sight. When that time comes, angels assigned by Allah descend on man to take his soul. If it is the death of a faithful person, then angels greet him, giving him the good news of Paradise and take his soul with ease. If it is the death of a disbeliever, on the other hand, then angels inform him that he will be exposed to a degrading torment. At that very moment, seeing what should have been obvious to them, those who disbelieve will submit themselves. However, after that point, nothing, not even having faith, will avail the disbeliever, for the time granted to him is already up. Allah conveyed this fact to those seeking excuses for their disbelief and commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to address the people as follows:
Are they waiting for the angels to come to them or for your Lord Himself to come, or for one of your Lord's Signs to be given to them? On the day that one of your Lord's Signs does come, faith shall not avail the soul that had no faith or did not put its faith to good uses. Say: "Wait, then if you will; we too are waiting.”(Surat al-An’am, 158)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Reminded His
People That He Was Only A Human Being
Out of pride, non-God fearing people decline to obey a human being or accept that he could be superior to them, in spite of their own certainty about him. As we have also seen in the case of the past nations to whom messengers were sent, such people believe that messengers should possess attributes beyond ordinary human ability and power; in order not to obey them, they offer many excuses, saying that he could not have been a Prophet, for he was an ordinary person “walking in the market place.
" The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told people who had such expectations that he was only a human being and that those who had any intention of attaining salvation should turn to Allah alone.
Say: “I am only a human being like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your god is One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.” (Surat al-Kahf, 110)
Say: “Had the Earth been safe enough for angels to dwell in, We would have sent down to them an angel from heaven as a messenger.” Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He is certainly aware of and sees His servants.” (Surat al-Isra’, 95-96)
Again, in the face of such expectations on the part of his people, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) told them that he was only a reminder, that he only fulfilled his Lord’s commands and that those following him would find salvation:
Say: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. Then if they turn away, he is responsible only for what he is charged with just as you are responsible for what you are charged with. If you obey him, you shall be rightly guided.” The Messenger is responsible only for giving a clear warning. (Surat an-Nur, 54)
“I have simply been ordered to worship the Lord of this land which He has declared sacred—everything belongs to Him—and I have been ordered to be one of the Muslims and to recite the Qur’an.” Whoever is guided is only guided for his own good; if someone is misguided, just say, “I am only a warner.” Then say: “Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Signs and you will recognise them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.”(Surat an-Naml, 91-93)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People
That He Was Submissive To Allah
As with all disbelieving nations, the Prophet Muhammad’s(saas) people also attempted to argue about Allah. Against his nation who assumed such an ugly attitude, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) communicated them that he submitted himself to Allah:
Say, “Do you argue with us about Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? We shall both be judged by our actions. To Him alone we are devoted.” (Surat al-Baqara,139)
If they argue with you, say, “I have submitted myself completely to Allah, and so have all who follow me.” Say to those given the Book and those who have no Book, "Will you surrender yourselves to Allah?” If they become Muslim, they shall be rightly guided. If they give no heed, you are responsible only for warning them. Allah is watching all His servants. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 20)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People
That He Had Faith In Allah Alone And That He
Would Not Ascribe Any Partners To Him
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) explained his people that Allah is the only god and summoned them to believe in Allah. He warned against a grievous torment. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:
Say: “This is my path. With inner sight, I call on you to believe in Allah, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah! I am not one of the idolaters!” (Surah Yusuf, 108)
Say: “I call only upon my Lord and do not associate anyone else with Him.” Say: “I have no control over any good or evil that befalls you.” Say: “No one can protect me from Allah and I will never find any refuge apart from Him. My mission is only to make known His Messages.” “As for one who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he shall abide in the Fire of Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever and ever.” (Surat al-Jinn, 20-23)
Say: “I am commanded to serve Allah, and to worship none besides Him. And I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims.” Say: “I fear, were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a Terrible Day.” Say: “It is Allah I serve, and Him alone I worship. As for yourselves worship anything you will apart from Him!” Say: “The real losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Rising. That shall be the ultimate loss.”(Surat az-Zumar, 11-15)
Surely worthier is He Who originates creation and then regenerates it and provides for you from the Earth and sky. Is there another god besides Allah? Say: “Bring your proof if you are being truthful.” (Surat an-Naml, 64)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Stated That
He Would Never Follow Disbelievers
To his people, who strove to divert him from the straight path, slandered him, threatened him with murdering and exiled him, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) conveyed the following message:
Say: “I am forbidden to worship those you invoke besides Allah.” Say: “I will not yield to your whims and desires. If I did, I would go astray and cease to be on the right path.” Say: “I have received veritable proofs from my Lord and yet you deny Him. I have no power to hasten that which you challenge. Jurisdiction over this is Allah's alone. He tells the truth and He is the Best of Arbiters.” (Surat al-An’am, 56-57)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People
That None Of The Partners They Ascribed To
Allah Had Any Might
The Prophet Muhammad (saas), who reminded his people that Allah was one God, also conveyed in various ways that none of the things which they ascribed as partners to Allah, would harm anyone or do any good. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:
Say: “Pray if you will to those whom you deify besides Him. They cannot relieve your distress nor can they change it.” (Surat al-Isra’, 56)
Say: “Have you pondered on those you invoke besides Allah? Show me what part of the Earth they have created. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Produce a Book for me revealed before this one or some other shred of divine knowledge, if you are telling the truth.” (Surat al-Ahqaf, 4)
Say: “Call on those whom you deify besides Allah. They have no power over even the smallest particle, either in the heavens or on Earth. They have no share in them. Nor has He any helpers among them.” (Surah Saba’, 22)
Say: “Show me those you have appointed to Him as associates. No indeed! Allah alone is the Almighty, the All-Wise.” (Surah Saba’, 27)
Say: “Have you seen your partner gods, those you call upon besides Allah? Show me what part of the Earth they have created, or do they have a share in the heavens?" Have We given them a Book whose Clear Signs they follow? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each other nothing but delusion. (Surah Fatir, 40)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Reminded His
Followers To Trust In The Destiny Ordained By Allah
Every event in the eternal past was predetermined by Allah. A man is also bound by a destiny ordained for him. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people that they would not encounter anything other than what was predestined for them, for which reason they need to trust in Allah moment by moment and earn the rewards of such an attitude:
Say: “Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Guardian. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.” (Surat at-Tawba, 51)
The Prophet (saas), by his submission to Allah, was an example to all Muslims, and he warned people that they would never have the power to change anything that came from Allah:
"Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability.” (Malik’s Muwatta)
“… When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help seek it from Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only with what Allah had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury, they could injure you only with what Allah had recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry.”(Tirmidhi)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Declared That
The Unseen Of The Heavens And Earth Could
Be Seen Only By Allah
The word “unseen” in the Qur’an means everything beyond one's perceptions and knowledge, everything concealed from the eyes. Knowledge of the unseen is Allah’s alone. And Allah informs us that He grants this knowledge only to those He wills. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated that it was Allah alone Who knew the “unseen":
Say: “Allah knows best how long they stayed. His are the secrets of the heavens and the Earth. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears! Man has no protector apart from Him. Nor does He share His rule with anyone.” (Surat al-Kahf, 26)
Say: “No one in the heavens and on Earth knows the Unseen except Allah.” Men shall never be aware of when they will be raised to life. (Surat an-Naml, 65)
Say: “My Lord hurls forth the Truth—the Knower of all unseen things.” (Surah Saba’, 48)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Explained
That Allah Possessed Infinite Might
It is Allah Who creates every condition that people need to survive. The location of the Earth in the solar system, the atmosphere that provides the required environment for life, water, an essential part of life that covers a great part of the Earth, the movements of the Earth that enables the rise of the Sun every morning and its sinking every evening and many such other happenings take place by Allah’s Will.
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people about Allah's superior might:
Say: “Think! If Allah made it permanent night for you till the Day of Rising, what god is there other than Allah to bring you light? Do you not then hear?” Say: “Think! If Allah made it permanent day for you till the Day of Rising, what god is there other than Allah to bring you the night to rest in? Do you not then see?” (Surat al-Qasas, 71-72)
The Prophet Muhammad told his people to look at the signs of creation in this world and to take lessons from them. Seeing these flawless signs of creation, people should grasp another important fact. Allah, Who is able to create all these things, will surely create their exact counterparts in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad(saas) explained this important fact to his people:
Say: “Travel about the Earth and see how He brought creation out of nothing. Then later Allah will bring about the Second Creation. Allah has power over all things.” (Surat al-’Ankabut, 20)
He Declared That Allah Was Exalted
Above All Things And That He Was
The Creator Of Everything
Man is a weak being with many inadequacies. He can only lead his life if Allah wills. However, Allah, Who is the Owner of everything, is far removed from all sorts of inadequacies and is exalted above all weaknesses. He is not in need of anything. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) was commanded to speak thus to his nation:
Say: “Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my Protector, the Creator of the heavens and the Earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?” Say: “I was commanded to be the first of the Muslims,” and, “You shall serve no other god besides Him.” Say: “I will never disobey my Lord, for I fear the punishment of a dreadful Day.” (Surat al-An’am, 14-15)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people that Allah is the One and that He is the sole Possessor of everything.
Say: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the Earth?” Say: "Allah.” Say: “So why have you taken protectors apart from Him who possess no power even to help or harm themselves?” Say: “Are the blind and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah who create as He creates, so that all creating seems the same to them?” Say: “Allah is the Creator of everything. He is the One, the All-Conquering.” (Surat ar-Ra’d, 16)
No One Can Do Any Good Or Harm
To Another Unless Allah Wills
One of the most important attributes of the societies who are ignorant of the morality of the Qur’an is their faith in Allah despite their failure to appreciate His Might and grandeur. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people—those who said that Allah created them in reply to the question, “Who created you?" yet failed to appreciate Him—that Allah had everything underHis control and that ascribing partners to Him would bring nobenefit to them:
If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and theEarth?” They will say, “Allah.” Say: “So what do you think? If Allah desired harm for me, could those you call upon besides Allah relieve my affliction? Or if He desired mercy for me, could they withhold His mercy? "Say: “Allah is enough for me. In Him let the faithful put their trust.” (Surat az-Zumar, 38)
Say: “Who is going to shield you from Allah if it is His will to scourge you? And who can prevent Him from showing you mercy?” They will find no one to protect or help them besides Allah. (Surat al-Ahzab, 17)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Asked
His People How They Remained
Unheeding Despite Their Knowing
About Allah’s Grandeur And That He
Is The Possessor Of Everything
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) made his people—who knew about Allah’s existence but did not think about His superior might and thus failed to appreciate His grandeur—admit Allah’s existence and grandeur. Then, he summoned them to take warning and to have fear in Him:
Say: “To whom does the Earth belong, and everything and everyone in it? Tell me if you know the truth.” They will reply: “To Allah.” Say: “So will you not pay heed?" Say: “Who is the Lord of the Seven Heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?” They will reply: “Allah.” Say: "So will you not fear Allah?” Say: “In Whose hands is the dominion over everything, He Who gives protection and from Whom no protection can be given? Tell me, if you know the truth.” They will reply: “Allah’s.” Say: “So how have you been so bewitched?” (Surat al-Muminun, 84-89)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Gave
The Good News That Allah Would Forgive
The Sins Of Those Who Repented
Allah is the most compassionate of all. When Allah’s sincere servants make any mistake, they should not be seized by pessimism, for upon making a mistake, they should not be depressed but turn to Allah and ask His forgiveness. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following about this issue:
Say [from Me]: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly, Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Surat az-Zumar, 53)
He Declared That Allah’s Path
Is The Sole Straight Path
The only way to lead an honorable and beautiful life is to tread the path to which Allah summons man. Those who associate partners with Allah and seek the approval of other beings, will be punished by a great humiliation both in this world and in the Hereafter. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas)told his people that the main way to salvation both in this world and beyond is the way of Allah:
Say: “Are we to call on something besides Allah which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn on our heels after Allah has guided us, like someone the devils have bewitched, leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the fact that he has companions calling him to the right path, saying, ‘Come with us’?” Say: “Allah’s guidance, that is true guidance. We are commanded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all the worlds.” (Surat al-An’am,71)
He Declared That Allah Knew
What Was Hidden Deep Inside
While engaging in a hidden wicked deed, there are those who assume that nobody sees them and thus feel relieved. The fact is, however, that Allah sees everything in the heavens and on the Earth. Moment by moment, He witnesses everything a man does. People will give an account of everything they do on the Day of Judgment, when everyone congregates in Allah's presence. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) called attention to this important fact, and reminded his people that, whether one is open or secretive, Allah knows everything. Some of the verses about this issue are as follows:
Say, “Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or make it known, Allah knows it. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on the Earth. Allah has power overall things.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 29)
Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He is certainly aware of and sees His servants.” (Surat al-Isra’, 96)
If they turn their backs, then say: “I have warned you all alike, though I do not know if the scourge you have been threatened with is near or far. He knows what is said openly and He knows what you hide.” (Surat al-Anbiya’,109-110)
Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He knows everything in the heavens and on the Earth. Those who believe in falsehood and reject Allah shall have much to lose.” (Surat al-’Ankabut, 52)
Say: “Do you presume to teach Allah your religion when Allah knows everything in the heavens and everything on the Earth? Allah has knowledge of all things.” (Surat al-Hujurat, 16)
He Explained In Various Ways
That There Is No Protector Other
Than Allah
The sole friend and protector of man is his Creator, Allah. Those who are not God-fearing, however, refuse to accept this fact. They condition themselves to ignore Allah’s existence and His superior might. However, there are such moments when man very well grasps that no one but Allah can help him.
This is the fact of which the Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people. For instance, when something harmful afflicts man, he has no one but Allah on Whom He can call. When faced with such an experience, he understands that those partners he ascribes to Allah can offer no benefit to him. This being the case, while there is still time, the individual should reflect upon this fact, and remember that he has no one from whom to seek help. About this issue, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) gave the following reminder:
Say: “What do you think? If Allah’s punishment were to smite you or the Hour of Doom overtook you, would you call on any but Allah to help you? Answer me, if you are truthful!” No, on Him alone you call on and, if He wills, He will relieve your affliction; and you will forget what you associated with Him. (Surat al-An’am, 40-41)
He Reminded His Hearers To Feel
Grateful To Allah, Who Had
Imbued Them With Faith
Allah states in the Qur’an that the number of believers unearth would be always very few and that only this minority of believers would attain Paradise. For this reason, faith is one of the favours that could be granted to a person. However, during our Prophet’s (saas) time, once having faith, certain people attempted to lay our Prophet (saas) under obligation, as if they had done him a favour. In order to explain this very erroneous logic—”They think they have done you a favour by becoming Muslims!”—our Prophet (saas) was commanded to speak thus:
Say: “Do not consider your Islam a favour to me. No indeed! It is Allah Who has favoured you by guiding you to faith, if you are telling the truth.” (Surat al-Hujurat, 17)
He Declared That Allah
Had Sent The Qur’an
Disbelievers who were unwilling to obey the Prophet Muhammad (saas) put forth many pretexts to deny the Qur’an. One of the most outrageous of these claims was that the Qur’an had been written by the Prophet Muhammad (saas). However, the Qur’an reveals countless miracles, thus confirming that it could not be the work of a human being. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people about this fact and reaffirmed that Allah had sent it. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:
Say: “The One Who sent it down is He Who knows all hidden secrets in the heavens and Earth. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surat al-Furqan, 6)
Say: “Do but consider: If this Qur’an is indeed fromAllah and you reject it, who could be more misguided than one who openly defies Him?” (Surah Fussilat, 52)
The Qur’an is the just book through which Allah communicates to His servants the demands. He makes upon them the purpose of their existence, the way of living they have to adopt both in this world and beyond and many other facts man needs to know. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) also said the following about the Qur’an, the word of Allah:
Say: “This is momentous news, yet you ignore it!” (Surah Sad, 67-68)
In a hadith, our Prophet (saas) stated that the Qur’an was the word of Allah:
"Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men [faithful believers], and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an, [and learned from it] and also learned it from the Sunnah. Both the Qur’an and Sunnah strengthened their [the faithful believers’] honesty.” (Sahih Bukhari)
He Stated That No Other Being
Could Possess The Power To
Reveal The Qur’an
Those who claim that the Qur’an is the work of a man are aware neither of the miracles it reveals nor of Allah’s Words of infinite wisdom. The fact is, however, that the Qur’an is a Book that no one, not even all the people and jinni in the world, could ever write. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated the following about this subject to his people:
Say: “If both men and jinn banded together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could never compose anything like it, even if they helped one another as best they could.” (Surat al-Isra’, 88)
If they say, “He has invented it himself,” say: “Then produce a sura like it and call on anyone you can besides Allah to help you, if you are telling the truth.” (SurahYunus, 38)
He Stated That The Qur’an Was Good
News And Guidance For Muslims
A relevant verse reads:
Say: “The Holy Spirit brought it down from your Lord in truth, to reassure the faithful, and to give guidance and good news for the Muslims.” (Surat an-Nahl, 102)
Again, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated that the Qur’an led man to guidance as follows:
Say: “If I am misguided, it is only to my detriment. But if I am in the right, it is thanks to what my Lord has revealed to me. He is All-Hearing, Close-at-hand.” (Surah Saba’,50)
He Stressed The Importance Of Prayer
And Summoned Them To Pray To Allah
One of the forms of worship that is a means to draw man closer to Allah is prayer. Man should call upon Allah for anything he wants. And Allah assures man that He will answer all prayers of His servants, for which reason every individual who hopes to be forgiven, who desires to live as a sincere believer in this world and attain Paradise, which is the abode of eternal salvation in the Hereafter, performs this form of worship: prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) declared to Muslims the worth of prayer in Allah’s sight:
Say: “Little cares My Lord if you do not invoke Him? But you have denied His revelations, so punishment is bound to overtake you.” (Surat al-Furqan, 77)
The Prophet (saas) Revealed That
On The Day Of Judgment No One Would
Be Burdened With Anyone Else’s Sins
Many people who are willing to live by religion may have heard the words, “I will accept that sin myself” from people around them, in an effort to relieve others of a religious obligation. On the Day of Judgment, however, the truth is that everyone will stand all alone in Allah’s presence. On that day, everyone will be held responsible only for their own deeds. Nobody will be asked about the sins of others, and nobody’s sins will be attributed to anyone else. Prophet Muhammad (saas)told this fact as follows:
Say: “Should I seek any but Allah as my Lord, when He is the Lord of all things? Each man shall reap the fruits ofis own deeds. No soul shall bear another’s burden. In the end you shall all return to your Lord, and He will resolve for you your disputes.” (Surat al-An’am, 164)
The Prophet’s (saas) words, “no soul will bear another’s burden,”(Sahih Bukhari) also explains the truth about this prevalent superstition.
He Told His People That The Benefits
Of The Life Of This World Are Much
Less Than Those Of The Hereafter
One of the trials through which Allah put the Prophet Muhammad's (saas) people to the test was war. When it was time to wage war, some of them were afraid of being harmed by others and wished to lag behind. No doubt, fear of death and love for the life of this world lay behind this. However, the life of this world is rather short. Each human being will die on a certain day, whether it be during a war or at some other time. And this time will certainly be the time predetermined by Allah. For this reason, fearing death or anything else and disregarding Allah's approval is a great loss in terms of one’s eternal life. This being the case, telling his people that the life of this world is too short, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) commanded them to work for the Hereafter, the eternal abode of man:
Mark those to whom it has been said: “Lay down your arms; recite your prayers and give the alms levy.” Then when they are ordered to fight, some of them fear man as Allah should be feared, or even more than that. They say, "Our Lord, do You bid us fight? If only You would give us just a little respite!” Say, “Trifling are the pleasures of this life. The Hereafter is better for those who would keep from evil. You shall have to suffer the least injustice.”(Surat an-Nisa’, 77)
The same is true of every issue concerning Allah’s command. To make known to others the morality that pleases Allah—reaping lasting benefits for Muslims—dedicating oneself to religion may sometimes conflict with one’s lower self. A Muslim may from time to time make sacrifices. However, for a true believer, whose main goal is to earn Allah’s approval, such moments are great opportunities to seize, for in this short life, sacrifices, that are represented as losses by Satan, will bring great benefits to man.
He Reminded Those Who Valued
Worldly Goods More Than Allah’s
Approval Of Allah’s Wrath
This world is a place where human beings are put to the test by Allah and everything a man possesses is given to test him. Aware of this fact, a man should feel grateful to Allah and strive solely to earn Allah’s approval. The fact is however, that many people ascribe whatever they possess to partners of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) warned such people against a grievous torment:
Say: “If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, any wealth you have acquired, any commerce in which you fear a decline, or any dwelling which pleases you, are dearer to you than Allah, His Messenger and the struggle for His cause, then wait until Allah shall fulfill His decree. Allah does not guide the evil-doers.” (Surat at-Tawba, 24)
He Declared That Disbelievers
Would Certainly Be Defeated
Throughout world history, disbelievers have waged an inconclusive war against believers. This struggle has added to the faith of believers and increased their worth in Allah’s sight while it has turned out to be a great loss for disbelievers. Allah has never let any disbelieving society harm believers. If disbelievers ever seem to gain a victory, Allah definitely reverses this to the benefit of believers. As Allah states in the Surat al-Maida, “It is the party of Allah who are victorious.” This is a defeat that disbelievers will meet in this world. In the Hereafter, however, these people will be requited with the torment of Hell. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following:
Say to those who are disbelievers: “You will be overwhelmed and crowded into Hell. What an evil resting place!”(Surah Al ‘Imran, 12)
He Reminded His People To Learn
Their Lesson From The End Of The
Disbelieving Nations Of The Past
As is evident from the life stories of the prophets, throughout world history, all nations who opposed Allah’s messengers faced great torment, unless they repented and atoned for their actions. No doubt, latter-day deniers should fear their end and learn lesson from them. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) summoned his people to ponder upon what had happened to the nations of the past and enjoined them to take warning from it:
Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of the evil-doers.” (Surat an-Naml, 69)
Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of the deniers.” (Surat al-Anam, 11)
Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of those who flourished before. Most of them were idolaters.”(Surat ar-Rum, 42)
One thing our Prophet (saas) said in the light of the above verses was: “Rejoice and hope for what will please you! By Allah, I am not afraid of your poverty but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.” (Sahih Bukhari) In so saying, he warned people of the disasters that had come upon others because of their indulgence.
He Reminded His People That
There Is No Flight From Death
One of the greatest fears of those who do not believe in the Hereafter is the fear of death. Unbelieving people try in everyway to ward off death. However, for every human being, there is a time of death determined in Allah’s sight and, when that time comes, nobody can postpone it. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people that they would die no matter how much they strove not to:
Say: “Flight will not benefit you. If you try to run away from death or slaughter, you will only enjoy a short respite.” (Surat al-Ahzab, 16)
Say: “You have a promised appointment on a Day which you cannot delay or advance by a single hour.” (Surah Saba’, 30)
He Reminded His People That Death Is Not
An End And That It Is A Return To Allah
Many people in societies where ignorance prevails, assume that death will end everything. The fact is, however, that death is the moment when real life begins. Contrary to what is assumed, it is not an end but a beginning. Following death, people will give an account of their deeds in Allah’s presence and after that they will be led to the abode where they will live for all eternity. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people of this fact as follows:
Say: “The Angel of Death, who has been given charge of you, will take you back and then you will be sent back to your Lord.” (Surat as-Sajda, 11)
He Declared That Nobody But Allah
Knew The Time Of The Day Of Judgment
One of the things about which people wonder most is the time of the Day of Judgment. However, Allah tells us that it is He alone Who knows its time: He commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to answer the questions posed to him as follows:
People will ask you about the Last Hour. Say: “Only Allah has knowledge of it. What will make you understand? It may be that the Last Hour is very near.” (Surat al-Ahzab, 63)
Say: “I do not know whether the scourge you are threatened with is imminent or whether my Lord has set for it afar-off day.” (Surat al-Jinn, 25)
If they turn their backs, say: “I have warned you all alike, though I do not know whether the scourge you have been threatened with is imminent or far-off.” (Surat al-Anbiya’, 109)
He Told Disbelievers That
They Would Be Resurrected
Disbelievers who assume that the real life is the one they have in this world told the Prophet Muhammad (saas) that they did not believe in the fact that they would be resurrected. Allah thereupon commanded our Prophet (saas) to answer as follows:
They say, “What! When we are bones and crumbled dust, shall we then be restored to life!” Say: “It would not matter if you were rock or iron or indeed any created thing which you may think unlikely to be given life!” They will say, “Who will restore us?” Say: “He Who brought you into being in the first place.” They will shake their heads at you and ask, “When will this happen?” Say: “It may well be that it is very near at hand.” (Surat al-Isra’,49-51)
He Declared That Those Who Become
Arrogant To Allah’s Messenger And Deny
The Hereafter Would Be Resurrected On The
Day Of Judgment And Be Submissive To Allah
Disbelievers deny Allah’s existence and refuse to be subject to the messenger, for they find it hard to submit themselves to a being other than themselves. However, on the Day of Judgment, they will be resurrected and witness Allah's grandeur, might and the torment they will undergo. For this reason, Allah commanded that those disbelievers who asked:" When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, will we then be raised up again alive? And our earlier ancestors as well?” be answered thus: “Yes, and you will be in a despicable state.” (Surat as-Saffat, 16-18)
He Warned Those Who Disbelieved In Allah's
Verses, Saying That They Would Go To Hell
Disbelievers feel great hatred and resentment on being told about the morality of the Qur’an. In the Qur’an, Allah makes us aware of the great grudge disbelievers feel towards believers. Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following to these people:
When Our Signs are recited to them—Clear Signs—you will detect denial in the faces of those who are disbelievers. They all but assault those who recite Our Signs to them! Say: “Shall I inform you of something worse than that? The Fire which Allah has promised those who are disbelievers. What an evil fate!” (Surat al-Hajj, 72)
As the verses reveal, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) told disbelievers that their grudges would take them nowhere and that they would be requited with great torment. In another verse, He also stated that those who revolt against Allah and His messenger would remain in Hell for all eternity:
My mission is only to make known Allah’s Messages. Those who disobey Allah and His Messenger shall abide forever in the Fire of Hell. (Surat al-Jinn, 23)
He Declared That Hell Was A Place Where
Disbelievers Would Remain For All Eternity
Disbelievers among his people claimed that after serving for some time in Hell, they would go to Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (saas), however, said that those who deserve to be in Hell will remain there for all eternity:
They say, “The Fire will only touch us for a few days." Say, “Did Allah make you such a promise—Allah will not break His promise—or are you rather saying about Allah what you have no means of knowing?” No indeed! Those who commit evil and become engrossed in sin are the heirs of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever; whereas those who believe and do good works, are the heirs of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surat al-Baqara, 80-82)
The Prophet (saas) also had this to say about life in Heaven and Hell:
"When the inmates of Paradise would go to Paradise and the inmates of Hell would go to Hell, death would be called and it would be placed between Paradise and the Hell and then slaughtered and then the announcer would announce: ‘Inmates of Paradise, no death; Inmates of Hell-Fire, no death. 'And it would increase the delight of the inmates of Paradise and it would increase the grief of the inmates of Hell-Fire.” (Sahih Muslim)
He Declared That Those Who Fear
Allah Would Attain Paradise
Say, “Shall I tell you of better things than these, with which the righteous shall be rewarded by their Lord? Theirs shall be gardens with rivers flowing under them, where they shall dwell forever; and wives of perfect chastity, and the Grace of Allah. Allah is watching over His servants.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 15)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas)
Commanded His People To Be Just
Say: “My Lord has commanded justice...” (Surat al-A’raf,29)
He Said That It Was Allah Alone Who
Rescued Man From All Sorts Of Plights
Say: “Who rescues you from the perils of the land and sea, when you call out to Him humbly and secretly saying:' If You rescue us from this, we will be truly thankful.'" Say: “Allah rescues you from them and from all afflictions. Yet you associate others with Him.” (Surat al-An’am, 63-64)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Summoned
His People To Worship Allah Alone Without
Ascribing Partners To Him
Say, “People of the Book! Let us come to an agreement: that we should worship none but Allah and not associate any partners with Him and not set up mortals as gods besides Allah.” If they refuse, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 64)
He Said That The Most Beautiful Names
Belong To Allah And That We Should
Glorify Allah With These Names
Say: “Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful, whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful Names are His." Neither be too loud in your prayer nor too quiet in it, buttery to find a middle course. And say: “Praise be to Allah Who has never begotten a son; Who has no partner in His Kingdom and Who needs no one to protect Him from a basement.” And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly!(Surat al-Isra’, 110-111)
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