The Eternal Rest

Oath Of Allegiance To Abu Bakr

All Muslims then swear faithfulness to Abu Bakr, in the Hall of Banu Sa’ida1, as the successor of God’s Messenger. The reason for making haste was due to old rivalries flaring up suddenly through machinations of the devil and selfishness of the faint-hearted hypocrites. Those who were sincere and well-meaning wanted to ensure that the Muslims remained united and strong under a leader, who could look after their affair and give a burial to the Messenger of God as his successor and head of the Muslim community.

BURIAL OF THE APOSTLE

Normalcy returned thereafter. The initial shock and grief gave way to tranquility and confidence and the Muslims again turned to the great task for which they had been trained and prepared for by the Apostle of God. The Apostle’s family members washed and covered him, and stationed the bier in his house. On this occasion, Abu Bakr informed the people that the Apostle told him that every Prophet was buried on the spot where he dies. The Apostle’s bedding was accordingly removed from the place and Abu Talha Ansari then dug a grave for him at the same spot.

Then the people came to pray their last respect to the Apostle and to say the funeral prayer in batches one after another. Women came in after the men followed by the children, all of whom prayed over him. Nobody acted as Imam (One who leads the prayer) in the prayers over the Apostle.2

The day this came to pass was Tuesday.3

It was a sad day for Medina. When Bilal gave the call for morning prayer he could not help recalling the Apostle in the mirror of his mind and broke down in tears and sobs. His bewailing lacerated the hearts of all others who had been part of the living. But, it was quite different now, as everything seemed to be wearisome, gloomy.

Umm Salama says, “what a tormenting affliction it was! When we recall the distress we were in, every other trouble appears to be lighter and easier to endure.’4

The Apostle had once said to the believers, “O ye people! If any one of you comes to grief, he ought to console himself in his bereavement by recalling to his mind the anguish that will rend his heart on my death. For no sorrow would be greater to my followers than the agony caused to them by my death.”5

After the people had completed the burial of the Apostle, Anas was asked by Fatima, “Anas, have your people found it easy to scatter the dust over God’s messenger?”6

Footnotes:

1. Known as Thaqifah Bani Sa’ida, it was a thatched plaatform where the people of Medina usually met to discuss public affairs of the city.
2. Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, p. 663
3. Tabaqat Ibn Sa'ad; Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 517
4. Ibn Kathir, Vol. pp. 538-39
5. Ibn Kathir Vol. IV, p. 549
6. Bukhari, Mard-un-Nabi

The Courageous Proclamation By Abu Bakr

A Man of determination and courage was needed at this difficult hour. And, this man was Abu Bakr, the most senior of the Prophet’s companions, who had been picked out by God to take over the place of the Prophet with a firm hand. When the news reached him, he hurried back from his house. For a moment he stopped at the door of the mosque where ‘Umar was resolutely speaking to the people. Without paying heed to any body he proceeded to Aisha’s room where the dead body of the Prophet lay covered with mantle. He uncovered the Apostle’s face and kissed him. Then, he proceeded to say “My father and mother be your ransom. You have tasted the death God had decreed for you, a second death will never overtake you.” Replacing the mantle on the Apostle’s face, he then went out to the Mosque. ‘Umar was still making an address to the people, so he said gently, “Umar, keep quite.” But ‘Umar was too excited to listen to Abubakr. Now, Abu Bakr realized that ‘Umar was not in a mood to terminate his speech. So he stepped forward and called out the people, whereupon they came round him leaving ‘Umar. Abu Bakr praised God and then said:

“O Men, if anyone worship Muhammad, let him know that Muhammad is dead. But if anyone worships God, then God is alive and He dies not.” Then continuing his speech he recited the Qur’anic verse: “Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels?” He who turneth back doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.”

All those persons who were present on the occasion later on stated on oath that when Abu Bakr recited the verse, it seemed as if it had just been revealed. ‘Umar says: “When I heard Abu Bakr reciting the verse, I was taken aback and fell down as if I did not have a leg to stand on. I felt as if I had then come to know of the prophet’s death.”1

Footnotes:

1. Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, pp. 655-56; for details see Bukhari, Chap. Mard-un-Nabi.

Bewilderment Of The Companions

The news of the Prophet’s demise fell like a thunderbolt on his companions. All were stunned because of the ardent love and esteem they had for him. Such was their reliance on his loving care as the children are assured of the protection of their parents. Their agonizing distress was not at all unusual for God has himself spoken of the Apostle’s concern for his followers. “There hath come unto you a Messenger, (one) of yourselves, unto whom aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the believers full of pity, merciful.” (Qur’an 9:128) The prophet was so gracious and considerate that his every companion believed himself to be the closest to him and never had any misgivings about his love and confidence. It was the reliance born of absolute trust mingled with devotion that had made it difficult for some to think of the day when the Prophet would depart from this world leaving them alone. One of these was ‘Umar, who had been one of the closest to the Apostle, and when he was told that the Messenger of God was already dead, he protested violently. He went so far as to address the people in the Prophet’s mosque and told them that God’s Apostle would not quit this world until God had destroyed the hypocrites.1 Footnotes: 1 Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, pp. 544-46

How The Apostle Left This World

When the Apostle abandoned this world, he had the entire Arabia well in his hand. The sovereign and rulers were scared by his rising power while his companions were ever willing to undergo any sacrifice, to lay down their own lives and to surrender up their wealth, property and children for his sake. Yet he left this world without a single Dinar or Dirham or a slave or a bondmaid in his possession. All that he owned at the time was one white mule, some weapons and a piece of land, which had already been given away in charity.1

The Prophet’s coat of mail had been pawned to a Jew for thirty S’as of barley2 when he died and nothing was left with him to retrieve it.3

The Apostle restored freedom for forty slaves during his illness. Only six or seven dinars were left with ‘Aisha, but he asked her to give away even those in charity.4

“Aisha relates that on the day the Apostle of God died there was nothing in her house which could be taken by a living being except for a little barley left in a cupboard. It lasted for a few days until she weighted it and that very day it was all used.

The Prophet died on Monday, the 12th day of Rabia ul-Awwal in the heat of the moon after the sun had passed the meridian. He was then sixty-three years of age. (As related by most of the Traditionalists) This was the darkest hour for the Muslims, a day gloomy and lamentable for the entire humanity just as his birth had signaled hope and cheerfulness for the whole world. Anas and Abu S’aid al-Khudri said that when the Messenger of God came to Medina, everything looked better and brighter but no day was worse or darker than the day he died. Some of the people saw Umm Aymaan weeping when the Apostle was bed-ridden. When they asked what had made her weep, she replied, “of course, I know that the Prophet of God will quite leave this world but I am weeping because the revelation from heaven has come to an end.”5

Footnotes:

1. Bukhari, Mard un-Nabi
2. Ibid
3. Baihaqi, p. 562
4. Al-Siratul Halabiyah, Vol. III, p. 381
5. Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, pp. 544-46

The Last Counsel

When he was about to breathe his last, he said repeatedly “Lo! Be careful of prayer and of those whom you possess or have under your charge.” He continued to repeat these words until they became inaudible but it appeared that he was trying to express them.1

‘Ali says that he heard the Apostle of God commending Muslims to be careful of prayer and the poor-due and to be generous to their slaves and subordinates.2

‘Aisha relates that while she has started reciting the last two Surahs of the Qur’an in order to blow upon the Apostle, he lifted up his eyes and said, “with the Exalted Companion! with the Exalted Companion!” Just at that moment ‘Abdurahman b. Abu Bakr entered the room with a green toothpick in his hand. The Apostle looked at it in a way that she thought he wanted it. She chewed it a little to make it soft and pliable, and gave it to him. He rubbed his teeth with it as he used to rub before and tried to hand it over to her but it fell down from his hands.3

She further says that a cup of water was kept near him. He dipped his hand in it and then wiped his face, saying, “there is no God but God. Verily, there are pangs of death.’ Then he lifted up his forefinger and said, “with the Exalted Companions” until his soul took flight to the regions sublime and his forefinger dropped on one side into the water.

“Aisha says that when the Apostle was about to leave them behind, he had his head on her thigh. He fainted in a split of a second and then regaining consciousness, looked up towards the ceiling, saying all the while, “verily, with the Exalted Companion!” And with these words on his lips, the Apostle of God was yielding his breath.

Footnotes:

1. Baihaqi Imam Malik; Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 471
2. Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 473 on the authority of the Muwatta of Imam Ahmad.
3. Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 474; Bukhari, chap. Mard-un-Nabi.

Interdiction Of Prayers At Sepulchers

The last words uttered by the Apostle were: “my God, ruin the Jews and Christians, for they have converted the sepulchers of their Prophets into places of worship. Let no two religions be left in the Arabian Peninsula.”1

‘Aisha and Ibn ‘Abbas related that when the time for the Apostle’s eternal rest drew close, he had a black striped sheet over him. Often, he pulled it over his face and then having felt restless, removed it. It was in this condition that he said, “may the curse of God fall upon the Jews and Christian as they have turned the sepulchers of their Prophets into places of worship.” He was at the same time, warning the Muslims against such practice, too.

Footnotes:

1. Muwatta Imam Malik; Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 471

Last Look At The Muslims In Prayer

Abu Bakr continued to lead the prayer. On a Monday morning, when the people were performing the dawn prayer, the Apostle of God lifted the curtain of his door and kept his gaze fixed in the worshippers for some time to see how they paid divine honors to the Lord. He perhaps wanted to see the results of his life-long endeavor and struggle, training and guidance. Or, perhaps, having ever been so much fond of prayers, he wanted to know how they were enthralled and lost in prayers in his absence as they had always been in his presence. What the Apostle saw was extremely satisfying. For, never had the mission of any prophet been carried out to completion in that manner. It reassured him that the attachment of the community he brought up to Allah and His religion was ever durable and undying, not transient to wear away after his death. God knows better how delighted he was, as his companions say, when his face was beaming with joy. They relate that “the Messenger of God lifted the curtain and kept his eyes fixed upon them, standing on ‘Aisha’s door. It seemed as if his face was an open scripture. He smiled and then laughed. We thought that we might be seduced or distracted from our prayers because perhaps, he was coming out to perform the same. But he told us to complete what we were doing and then he pulled down the curtain. And that was the day on which he died.”1

Footnotes:

1. Bukhari, Mard-an-Nabi

Directives For Kindliness To The Ansar

‘Abbas and company happened to pass by a group of Ansars. They saw them weeping and asked, “what makes you weep?” They answered, “we have been recalling our meetings with the Apostle of God.” When the Prophet was informed of the incident, he came out, the end of his mantle wound round his head, and mounted the pulpit.3 He did not mount the pulpit again after that day when he praised God and extolled Him. Then he said, “I commend the Ansar to you, for, behold, they are my inmates and bosom friends. They have fulfilled their duty, and now whatever claims they have on others remain to be required. Therefore, you shall welcome whatever is done by the good among them, and forgive those that do wrong.” (Bukhari, Fada’il Ashab)

Footnotes:

1. The Prophet’s sermon on this occasion accepted as his last sermon. It was delivered on Thursday after the mid-day prayer. Anas b. Malik who has handed it down. Says, “He mounted the pulpit on that day but he did not ascent it again. Thereafter He praised the Lord as is His due.”

The Valedictory Address

Of the few occasions when the Apostle made for the pulpit during his illness, he once said while a cloth was tied around his head. “Behold, God gave one of His bondmen the choice between this world and that which is with Him, so he chose that which is with God.” Abu Bakr saw the significance of the Prophet’s word, for he knew that it was the Prophet himself who had been given that choice. He broke into tears and exclaimed, “Nay, our own lives and our children may be your ransom.’

The Apostle then replied, “Abu Bakr, have patience and don’t be hasty. Indeed, of all the people, the most generous toward me in regard to his life and property was Abu Bakr. And, were I to choose anyone to be my dearest friend, indeed I would choose Abu Bakr. But the love and concern for Islam take precedence above all others.” The Apostle also said in this occasion, “There shall be left open no door of the mosque save Abu Bakr’s” door.”1

Footnotes:

1. Bukhari, Kitab us-Salat

Anxiety For The Prayers

While the Apostle was caught in a debilitating sickness, he inquired, “has everybody offered prayers?” Those attending him replied, “no, O Apostle of God, they are waiting for you.” He asked someone to bring water in a pan. After being served with his request, he took a bath and tried to get up, but fell unconscious. On regaining consciousness after a short while, he again asked, “has everybody offered prayers?” They replied, “no, O Apostle of God, they are waiting for you.” All the people were then sitting silently in the prophet’s mosque for the night prayer. Now Abu Bakr was considerate enough and concerned with the prevailing situation that he asked ‘Umar to lead the prayer. ‘Umar, however, declined saying that he (Abu Bakr) was more qualified than he was. Thus, Abu Bakr led the prayer during the period of the Prophet’s illness.

When the Apostle felt a bit better he came out taking the help of ‘Abbas and ‘Ali for the noon prayer. As soon as Abu Bakr came to know of the Apostle’s arrival, he tried to get back, but the Apostle directed him not to leave his place and asked the two who were supporting him to let him take the seat by the side of Abu Bakr. Thus, the Apostle performed the prayer sitting while Abu Bakr kept standing in the prayer.

Umm Al-Fadl ibn al-Harith says that she had heard God’s Messenger reciting Surah al-Mursalat (77th chapter of the Qur’an) at the sunset prayer. Thereafter he did not lead any prayer until God summoned him to His presence.1

Footnotes:

1. Bukhari, Chap. Mard-un-Nabi

Indifference To The World And Wealth

‘Aisha relates that during his illness, the Messenger of God asked her, “Aisha, what has happened to those pieces of gold?” When she brought five or seven or nine dirham, he took them in his hands and said, “How shall I face God with these in my possession? Give these away in charity.”1

Footnotes:

1. Musnad Ahmad, Vol. VI, p. 49. The actual words of the Apostle were: “What would God’s Prophet think if he were to meet Him with these in his possession!”

Solicitude For The Welfare Of Muslims

Some of the Apostle’s companions came to see him during his illness in the house of ‘Aisha. He welcomed them and prayed for their guidance on the right path and invoked the help and blessings of God for them. Thereafter he said, “I enjoin you to fear God and assign you to His care after me. I am a warner unto you from God. Behold! Never give yourselves to arrogance and vainglory in the habitations of Allah’s servants for God has told you and me: ‘As for the Abode of the Hereafter We assign it unto those who seek not oppression in the earth, nor yet corruption. The sequel is for those who ward off (evil).” (Qur’an 28:83)

Then he recited another verse. (Qur’an 39:60) “Is not the home of the scorners in hell?”1

Footnotes:

1. Baihaqi, as-Sirat an-Nabawiyah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 502.

Keen Interest In The Detachment Of Usama

The Apostle felt that the people were a bit sluggish in joining the army led by Usama. Certain people had even expressed their disapproval of putting a youth in command of a detachment made up of the best of the Muhajirins and Ansars. The Prophet came out in spite of his violent and recurrent headache ascended the pulpit and after glorifying God as becometh his dignity, said, “O people, dispatch the army of Usama. You criticize his appointment but you have done the same before about his father’s appointment. He is indeed worthy of the office of commander, as was his father.’1 The Apostle descended the pulpit terminating his address, and the people quickly started making preparations for undertaking the journey. The Apostle’s illness worsened day by day while Usama took his detachment out of Madina and took up quarters at Joraf about 5 Km. from the city so that the others, who are desirous of being enlisted in the army, might join him before his departure. In the meantime, the Prophet’s condition grew worse while Usama and his comrades anxiously awaited the news about him.

It was then that the Apostle gave out his last two orders. They were to “dispatch the troops in the same way that they had been sending out the detachments earlier and allow no two religions to remain in the Arabian Peninsula and chase out all the idolaters from the country.2

Footnotes:

1. Ibn Hisham, Vol. Hisham II, p. 650, Bukhari, Kitab aul-Maghazi. It has stated in another Tradition included in the section Gazwa Zayd b. Haritha that the Prophet also said, “By Good, he deserved to be appointed a commander; I loved him and after him, he is dearer to me.
2. Bukhari, Mard-un-Nabi

The Last Army

The Apostle summoned Usama b. Zayd and asked him to lead an army to Syria. He ordered him to take his cavalry into the borders of Balqa and Darum in the land of Palestine.1

The leading Muhajirin and the Ansar and notable companions amongst whom the most eminent was ‘Umar, were enlisted in the Army. The Prophet asked Umar to join the army under Usama, which was encamped at Joraf, although his illness had taken a serious turn.2 Abu Bakr sent forward the Army under Usama after the death of the Apostle in order to grant his Master’s last wishes.

Footnotes:

1. Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, p. 642
2. Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 441

Beginning Of The Illness

The sickness of the Apostle began shortly before the end of Safar.1 Late in one night, the Apostle went to the cemetery of Medina, known as Jannatul Baqi, where he prayed for the dead and returned to his house. The next morning his ailment began.2 ‘Aisha relates that when the Apostle returned from the Jannatul Baqi he was suffering from a headache and was muttering, “O my head.” The Prophet said, “Nay, O my head! ‘Aisha, O my head!”3 His pain increased. Then, in the house of Maymuna the Apostle called his wives and asked their permission to be nursed in the house of ‘Aisha. All of them agreed and the Apostle came out walking supported by Fad b. ‘Abbas and ‘Ali. He had a cloth bound on his head and his feet were dragging as he came to the house of ‘Aisha.4 ‘Aisha tells that during the illness from which the Apostle never recovered he told her, “Aisha, I still feel pain from the food I took at Khaybar, now I feel my aorta being cut because of it.5 Footnotes: 1 .It was perhaps Monday, as most of the Tradition have reported. 2 Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, p. 642; Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 443 3 Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, p. 663 4 Bukhari, Chap. Mard-un-Nabi. 5 Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 449

Ardent Desire For Proximity To God

After his return from the farewell pilgrimage, a number of things done by the Apostle indicated that he was nearing the journey’s end1 and he was now making preparations for meeting the ‘Companion Most High.” Eight years after the battle of Uhud, the Apostle prayed over those who were slain there like one who was bidding farewell to the living and the dead. He then mounted the pulpit and said, “I am one who goes before you and I shall be a witness to you. Your appointed place is at the Hauz-I-Kauthar2 where I find myself standing. I have been given the keys of the treasure of the earth, and I do not fear for you that you would become polytheists after I am gone, but I fear lest you should long for worldly things and perish like your predecessors.”3

Footnotes:

1. A tradition relates that while throwing pebbles at the Jamratul ‘Aqaba the Messenger of God stopped and said to them, “Lear your rites, for I do not know whether I am likely to perform the pilgrimage after this occasion.”
2. .Lit. the Pond of Abundance which is in Paradise.
3. Tradition has been accepted as authentic by all the scholars of Traditions.

Recitation Of The Qur’an And Devotional Exercise

The Apostle used to retreat into his mosque for private devotions during the last ten days of Ramadan, but during the last Ramadan of his life he had secluded himself for twenty days. 1

The Qur’an used to be reviewed by the prophet with Jibrai’l (Gabriel) once annually during Ramadan, but this was done twice in the year which he died. The Apostle at such a time told his companions that he had some vibrations or strong feelings that the time of his departure from the world was drawing near.2

That no man has ever had the glowing desire to meet the Lord as possessed by the Apostle, nor was the Lord himself less eager to have him in His presence, He now gave him permission to quit the fleeting world.

The companions of the Apostle held him dear like the apple of one’s eye. His death was thus a shock more terrible than what they could be expected to endure. But God had in His infinite wisdom prepared them afore for that unprecedented heartache. The rumor about the Apostle’s death had been circulated around in the battle of Uhud, but later on it came out that God had still not deprived them of the blessed companionship of His Apostle. Yet none of them had regarded the Apostle as immortal for they knew that he would have to leave this world sooner or later. It was on this occasion that the revelation was sent down by God to forewarn Muslims. As the Quran says, “Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back doth not hurt Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.” (Qur’an 3:144)

The earliest Muslims had been guided, trained and set right by the Apostle. Their hearts were harmonized with God and they were all put in harness at the great task of spreading the message of Islam to the farthest corners of the world. And they never had any doubt that the Apostle would one day be summoned by the Lord in order to be recompensed for the greatest service he had rendered to humanity. The verse: “When Allah’s succor and the triumph cometh,” had convinced the companions that it was but the first announcement of the Prophet’s approaching departure from their midst. They were fully conscious of the fact that reference to the help and victory coming from God signified completion of the Apostle’s mission.3

Then, when the revelation came, “this day have I perfected your religion…”, (Qur’an 5:3) a number of eminent companions of the Apostle were led to believe that the time for his final summons was drawing near.4

Footnotes:

1. Bukhari, Kitabul-A’itakaf
2. Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib
3. Ibn ‘Abbas says that so far as he knew alluded to the death of Prophet. Imam Ahmad who has handed down this Tradition from Ibn ‘Abbas write: “On receiving the revelation, ‘When Allah’s succor and the triumph cometh” the Messenger of God said that he had been informed of his approaching death” (see Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
4. Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 427

Completion Of The Apostle's Mission

After the religion brought by the Apostle had been made perfect and complete, God set down the revelation: “This day I have perfected your religion, completed my favors upon you, and declared Islam as your Religion”. (Qur’an 5:3)

The Apostle of God had delivered the message truthfully. He had spared no pains nor did any hardship or sacrifice shake him. He had brought up the people who could be trusted to live up to the spiritual heritage of the prophets of God, who could shoulder the onerous responsibility of carrying the banner of Faith and Truth and to guard the message of God against every interpolation and mutation. God had even affirmed that they were capable of the obligation laid on them in the Quranic verse that says “ye are the best community that hath been raised-up for mankind, ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allah.” (Qur’an 3:110)

The Qur’an contained God’s pure and holy truth, the source of inspiration and conviction to these people, which enjoyed the assurance of God from being eclipsed or from undergoing any corruption in its text.

“Lo! We, even reveal the Reminder, and lo! We verily are its Guardian.”

(Qur’an15:9)

On the other hand, God’s help and victory came to invigorate the Prophet who saw the people entering the religion of God in large numbers. Delegations from Arab tribes followed one after another in rapid succession to pledge their allegiance to him. The lightning speed or the geometric growth, with which Islam gained converts, promised its victory over all other religions of the world. Even God in Surah an-Nasr made an allusion to the rapid success of Islam.1

“1.When Allah’s succor and the triumph cometh

“2. And thou seest mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops.

“3. Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.” (Qur’an 110:1-3)

Footnotes:

1. 110th Chapter of the Qur’an