Holy Prophet As An Adviser

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam........ ' O Muhammad! We have sent you to be a real blessing for the people of the world' (21:107) 'He brings them out of the depths of darkness into the light.' (2:257) This publication takes the liberty, by the grace of the Almighty to portray the unique and exemplary roles of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam:

As An Adviser The Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam contribution to advice and counsel for mankind holds no parallel in history. Despite being an uneducated orphan himself, his advice was the answer to all of life's mysteries and confusions regarding every principle of morality, ethos and religion, revealing to man the wealth of eternal values and standards. Collectively, these pearls of wisdom formed the basis of culture in all its many dimensions, including religion, psychology, commerce, agriculture, medicine, general sociology and scores of other fields of knowledge and human activity man was devious to. Not only was this advice comprehensive, but was also delivered in the most influential way imaginable and never failed to leave a lasting impact on the listener as intended. Each word, example and suggestion of the Blessed Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was enriched with love, consideration, ease and justice, often calling his companions with affectionate nicknames such as Aba Hir (Abu Huraira), Aa'ish and Ya Bunayya (0 dear son). This outstanding feature of genuine care and concern made it impossible for the listener to turn down and ignore. Even prior to the advent of his prophethood, the Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam advice was of great importance to the Makkans. During the time when the ka'bah's structure was undergoing renovation, a conflict arose regarding who should be honoured with positioning the black stone. Finally, when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was blessed with this honour he suggested the stone be placed in a sheet with a member of each clan holding a corner so every individual was satisfied and could participate in positioning the stone. Later on as Islam progressed gradually, he began to advise in all religious affairs and offered knowledge in place of ignorance, reason in place of custom and tradition, and freedom of research in place of blind conformance. Throughout every guidance he never swayed from the intended goal of life - the pleasure of Allah, and every word of advice was a token for the Hereafter. Hadhrat Abu Najih (R. A) narrates that we requested, "Oh Prophet of Allah advise us." He responded `I advise you to fear Allah and to be absolutely obedient even if a slave is given authority over you. Verily, he among you who survives will witness great controversy, so cling to my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs - grasp them firmly. Beware of new inventions, for every new invention is an innovation, and every innovation is going astray and every astray is in Hellfire! (Abu Dawood, Tirmizi). In another sermon he spoke the concise words that form the root of religion and advised, "I am leaving behind two things. The Qur'an and my example; the sunnah. If you follow these you will not go astray." The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would always consider his companions' opinion when discussing how to approach certain problems. Before the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam discussed what action to take against the opposition. Many companions overwhelmed by their powerful zeal for Jihaad suggested the Muslim army should march forth and confront the enemy. Although this was contrary to what the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had planned, he acted accordingly and subdued his own opinion. Thereafter, when the non-Muslim gained the upper hand momentarily, the Companions (R.A) realised that the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam advice was full of wisdom and betterment in every situation. Anything besides it could lead to negative consequences as is evident by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar Ibn Aas's ( R.A) experience when he was advised to fast only three days per month. Hadhrat Abdullah requested permission for more to which he was advised to fast a day and rest two days. When he requested more, still he was advised to fast on alternate days. (Muslim). In another narration he is reported to have added ," In the latter part of my life (due to weakness and old age) I wished I had accepted the Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam counsel! It should be understood here that it is necessary to act according to any order the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam gives as part of his message by the command of Allah in religious affairs. However, advice and intercession given in worldly matters is not compulsory to comply to and is optional. Although acting accordingly holds fruitful consequences in both worlds as portrayed in the following two incidents. When Hadhrat Bareera (R.A.) was liberated from slavery, she divorced Hadhrat Mugeeth (R. A). As a result Mugeeth (R. A.) who loved Bareera unconditionally was heartbroken and would roam the alleyways of Madinah, weeping with his tears rolling down his beard. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam took great pity upon this sorrowful state and remarked, "Are you not amazed by Mugeeth's love for Bareera and Bareera's love for Mugeeth?" Thereafter, he interceded on behalf of Mugeeth to which Bareera replied, "0 Prophet of Allah, if this is an order I will oblige, but if it is intercession then I have no need for Mugeeth." On another occasion Hadhrat Fatimah bint Quais (R.A) requested the Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam counsel regarding marriage proposals to which he advised, " Mu'aawiyah (R. A) does not possess much and Abu Jahm does not remove the case from his shoulder but Usaamah should be considered." (Abu Dawood). Although reluctant at first Fatimah (R. A) obeyed and wed Usaamah (R. A) later, she was envied by many due to the benefits she achieved from this marriage. Occasionally, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would display anger and sternness to emphasize the importance of a situation. In such cases the companions were overcome with fear and the message set firmly in their minds. In every case he would advise according to what was better for the ummah and not give preference to himself. The Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam advice was not limited here, but during his short lifetime he also initiated a method of discovering order to achieve benefit from the natural faculties Allah has bestowed. The entire human civilisation received a tremendous boost from his cultural heritage, especially in the development and progress of sciences. Many complications regarding medicine, economics and other sciences were unearthed within his advice. When Hadhrat Asma (RA) complained of excessive blood loss, in order to treat herself, she was advised to sit in a tub of water to ease the flow. Similarly, on other occasions the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam would prescribe various methods of overcoming illness by using honey, herbs, olive, oil, milk and other easily obtainable natural substances. He also advised the Ansaar farmers on how to handle their fields and crops. If pondered over, one would inevitably reach the conclusion that every advice given by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is a tree of direction for mankind and opens many closed doors. Following his advice would be the path to salvation, a step towards morality and the ultimate key to the pleasure of Allah; bringing to life the abandoned valleys of knowledge. The Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam advice and counsel kindled the light of morality amongst his companions until it gradually enlightened the entire world with it's illumination. No other person's advice could influence the shape of the future quite as dramatically.