by Dr. Omar Pervez
إنَّ الله وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصّلُّونَ عَلى النَّبِي يَاأيهَا الَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيْماً
This is part 2 of a 3 part Blog entry. The first blog was titled Subhan-Allah.
Surely Allah and (all) His angels invoke blessings and greetings on the Holy Prophet [blessings and peace be upon him]. O Believers! You (also) send blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation of peace abundantly (and fervently). (33:56 – Surah Al-Ahzab)
Alhamdulillah, what a blessing it is to be Muslim, Subhan-Allah. All worthy praises and thanks to All Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT, and the warmest and infinite appreciation to our, most beautiful, humble, brave, noble, wise and other glowing adjectives that words can’t justify, Prophet Muhammad SAW. Without Nabi Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW we wouldn’t come to know our majestic Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT and without Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT we wouldn’t have been gifted with the best of creation in Nabi Rasool-Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم (SAW).
Alhamdulillah, the sky ushers in a new day and Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT has graciously given me another day out of HIS mercy to offer repentance, reflection and look to improve myself on this blissful, lifelong journey leading to HIS happiness and approval. I reflect in the morning hours on this wonderful religion, Alhamdulillah, and my thoughts immediately mobilize to the seal of messengers, our Glorious Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW. Much like an impure alloy metal is immediately drawn to a pure magnet so too do my thoughts marshal towards our great leader and savior, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, the most praised worthy. Alhamdulillah, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT sent to all humanity and creation the most perfect of examples to ‘attempt’ to exemplify.
To start on this day of repentance, my ears are tuned to the melodious Fajr Athaan (call for prayer). It is such a blessing, Alhamdulillah that the origin of the Athaan is a wonderful learning opportunity and a chance at self-improvement. To recall the origins of the Athaan is a consecration and one day Abdullah Ibn Zaid (RA) came to Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW and said, “O Messenger of Allah! I had a beautiful dream last night. I have seen that a man wearing green garments taught me the words of the ‘Athaan and advised me to call people to prayer with these words.” The words were incredibly beautiful and full of meaning. Prophet Muhammad SAW asked ‘Abdullah (RA) to teach the words of the ‘Adhan to Bilal (RA).
Bilal (RA), a great companioln of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW was a freed slave; he had a loud and beautiful voice. Bilal (RA) stood up and called the ‘Athaan. The voice of Bilal (RA) resounded throughout Medina Munawwarah. People came running to the beautiful Masjid of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, like bees flocking to honey. Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW accepted this ‘Athaan as the official call to prayer. Bilal (RA) became the first appointed caller to prayer in Islam.
What an incredible message to start the day. What a great way for me to live my life. Alhamdulillah, his name is forever attached to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT’s by the first commandment of Islam, yet Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم SAW humbled himself to take inspiration on the call for prayer from a noble companion. I reflect, and think, how can I humble myself to others and Allah’s creation? What can I improve on and what advice may I take from others the way our great leader did?
The more I reflect, the more I am awestruck. What a tremendous opportunity that Prophet Muhammad SAW left me with as he appointed the wonderful Sahaba who was once a slave, Bilal RA, as the first caller of prayer in Islam. Bilal (RA) who was discriminated against as a slave and for his Arabic accent, nonetheless was chosen by our most impeccable role model, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW. The supremely blessed Bilal (RA) was the first to represent the blessed call of prayer that started my day today. Alhamdulillah a very humbling start to the day, with a reflection on a lesson from our great Prophet Muhammad SAW who is the mercy for all worlds.
The day progresses and Dhuhr (mid-day Salat prayers) quickly approaches. I eat lunch and think of the food that I am eating. The food seems to wait patiently to enter my body so it too can pray Dhuhr and thank Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT for the creation that has been sent to all creation as an intercessor and a mercy. Alhamdulillah, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT has provided me with so much sustenance and Prophet Muhammad SAW has taught me the benefits and how to utilize the provisions of our MAKER. I think further about wonderful lessons that our most wise and ever patient Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW shared on eating. For example, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW encouraged the benefits of olive oil for cooking. Alhamdulillah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT sent such a great messenger that he was concerned for my physical health in this world and is praying for all creation’s spiritual health in the here-after.
Olive oil has been researched to confer countless benefits including cardio protective and anti-inflammatory benefits (good for the heart and the body). As I continue to eat I watch people wolf down food and think of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, and how he ate. As the leader of our brotherhood in Islam, every luxury was available to him yet he humbly taught the merit of simplicity and kindness, Alhamdulillah! When in a gathering he would always serve others first before eating. What an honorable feeling it is to be part of such a united brotherhood, a brotherhood, that has such a great compassionate and generous leader, Alhumdulillah! Instead of comforting and sustaining himself and his own basic physiologic necessity, he served; comforted and replenished others needs before his own and consequently spread the love of Islam and Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT.
Also, he would eat with his hands and then lick his most pure fingers clean with the best and most blessed of tongues in all creation. Using hands to eat allows for digestion of food to start before food enters the mouth. Licked fingers contain saliva which allows enzymes to break down food hence digestion starts quicker. Also, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, advises against blowing on food to cool it down. What a wonderful lesson in hygiene and social conduct from our most noble Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, Alhamdulillah. Blowing on food spreads bacteria and research is now being done on whether our breath contains toxins. I know I wouldn’t want toxins and bacteria on my food let alone someone else’s. Finally, as I conclude my meal, I think about the merits of the dates I am about to eat. Dates are a fruit that our glorious messenger loved and is rich in vitamins and fiber. Fiber helps to digest food and lower cholesterol. Alhamdulillah, what a most beatified messenger! He passed his divine inspiration and wisdom for the ongoing physical and spiritual benefit for humanity.
The day is speeding along faster than a jet plane! The call for Asr (afternoon Salat prayers) echoes the stratosphere and I prepare for ablution. Alhamdulillah, what a great opportunity to cleanse myself physically, and spiritually! As I wash my hands I think of the lesson that Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW provided as he used to perform Wudu (ablution) before eating. Washing hands during the Wudu process while rubbing them removes potential contaminants before they enter the body. In addition cleansing the mouth during Wudu removes food particles that can damage teeth and gums. Cleansing the nostrils serves to remove foreign bodies and pathogens, and washing one’s face cleanses and rehydrates the skin and serves to refresh the body and mind. I consider in greater amazement that washing my face also serves as a great natural alarm clock to awake and alert me that I am about to meet the MAKER of all creation, Alhamdulillah. Finally, washing feet removes potential skin viruses and possible fungal infections. Alhamdulillah. Thank you blessed O blessed seal of all Prophets, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, for thinking so much about your Ummah (nation), as well as the physical and spiritual health of all humanity. Alhamdulillah, Wudu (ablution) is a wonderful sanctification before the commencement of the afternoon prayer and communication with the magnificent and ever forgiving Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT.
The artistic changes in the sky signal the arrival of Isha (evening Salat prayers). In glorious fashion like nothing that anything other than Allah SWT can artistically design the sky creates an incredible array of colours, shades and shadows. What an incredible artistic story the sky shares with us as it changes colours in splendid fashion of course through Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT’s command. Even the sky is gives hints on the inexpressible wonders of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT. An apology needs to fill these lines as how can ordinary words justify the work of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT?
After I finish my Isha prayers and twilight passes, Alhamdulillah another opportunity to revel and ponder the greatness of our Maker and his beloved servant My thoughts wander to the ever significant night of ascension, and how incredibly wonderful and blessed the night of all nights’ was. The interaction between Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT and his beloved; what an auspicious evening! Alhamdulillah, an overwhelming feeling melts my heart faster than a hot knife through butter as I think about the events and the impact on me as a Muslim. During this opportune night Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW was carried by a blessed creature, (Buraq) to Jerusalem and then to the heavens faster than any man made jet, high speed train or rocket could travel. It was also the night when Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW met many great Prophets including Prophets: Adam (AHS), Ibrahim (AHS), Isa (AHS), Musa (AHS), and Yahiya (AHS). Clearly it is an evening that human words can’t adequately describe.
I reflect on Angel Jibrael (AHS) and how the wonderful Angel took Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW through all the levels of heaven. Can you imagine the feeling as they both reach the final rung of the ladder, and they approach Sidrat-ul-Muntaha whose leaves are like elephant ears and its fruit like big porcelain vessels? Of course the glorious creation was covered by the Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT); it underwent such a change that none amongst the creation has the power to praise its beauty.
At this point my heart sinks faster than a lead block in water, as I reflect on the conversation that took place. Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW asks Jibrael (AHS) if he is going to enter with him. Angel Jibrael عَلَيهِ السَّلام (AHS) was not permitted to, and advises Prophet Muhammad SAW that only “You mercy of all worlds are allowed to enter, if I take another step forward my wings will burn!” After all you are the final Prophet, you are the chosen one, you are the one who is attached to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT by the first pillar in Islam, you are the mercy of all creation, you have the seal of prophethood between your shoulders, you are the reason for being and only you are allowed out of all creation that has been, is, and will ever be created, only you are allowed to proceed beyond this point! I must step back, O blessed Apostle of Allah, infinite blessings and peace upon you.
I further ponder the divine meeting that took place between Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT and his beloved apostle Prophet Muhammad SAW. During this time Muslim’s are prescribed to perform 50 prayers by Allah SWT via his beloved servent Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW. I reflect on HIM, (my creator) and his most beautfiful servent (my commander), Alhamdulillah. After this divine meeting, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW leaves, it was a meeting that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT has only had with 1 of creation and that is his servent, and all creation’s mercy, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW. As Prophet Muhammad SAW departs the meeting and approaches the level in heaven occupied by Prophet Musa (AHS) he is asked what happened, and how the was the divine interaction? Notably, on this occasion Prophet Musa (AHS) advised Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW to seek Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT’s mercy, his compassion, and drop the prayers as even 5 prayers, (1/10th of the original prescription). Prophet Musa (AHS) elaborated ‘O beloved Apostle of Allah, my brother, even this is too much as I have put this test to my people and found them weak to carry such a burden’.
It is heart wrenching to think about the details that follow; it should be for all Muslims in fact. Prophet Muhammad SAW took the advice of Prophet Musa (AHS) and went back and forth between Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT and Prophet Musa AHS. Finally he said to Prophet Musa, I am ashamed to ask Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT for any more reduction, I have to stop, I can’t ask again, I am too embarrassed. From this discourse, consequently, 5 daily prayers carry the blessings of 50. It was almost as if the great Prophet Musa AHS sadly knew that I would have difficulty completing this supremely important obligation in Islam.
Alhamdulillah, what a formidable honor it is to be a Muslim. What an honour to have the greatest model to follow, a model who selflessly considered me while he was being summoned by the Creator for a divine meeting, Alhamdulillah. Of all the things he could ask Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT the creator of all creation, he thought of me, and how to minimize my suffering in this world, and in the hereafter.
Alhamdulillah for the night of ascension! What a night, how blessed is the Buraq, how blessed is Jerusalem, how blessed is Angel Jibrael, how blessed are the levels of heaven, how blessed is Sidrat-ul-Muntaha and how blessed am I, that I can consider myself as part of the religion that Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW favoured humanity with.
Alhamdulillah hi Rab-il Alaameen, the day comes and goes quickly, faster than sand slipping through a baby’s fingers; another day has come and gone. Alhamdulillah, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT allowed for another day of reflection of the wonders of his most blessed creation in Prophet Muhammad SAW. Through his blessed servent, and our intercessor and mercy, I learn valuable lessons including the call to prayer, and how to eat and behave in a kind and accommodating manner. I also learn about how to keep my body clean physically and spiritually and the benefits of ablution. Alhamdulillah, 5 times during the day I can interact with our Maker in a manner that is similar to the Angels.
Finally, as I reflect on my day my eyes get heavy, I pray that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT wakes me up for another day to remember HIM and thank him again as I get another chance to repent. I have tomorrow to repent that I didn’t think about the wonderful creation of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW enough. The day has passed, and tragically I didn’t think enough about the wonders of our Maker and his blessed Apostle. Alhamdulillah for tomorrow, Inshallah it will be different. Alhamdulillah Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعالَى SWT, YOU have sent the most wonderful jewel of creation in Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم SAW, my leader and the one who is praying for me, to this world. Alhamdulillah, I am from his religion, and Alhamdulillah he through his teachings and lessons is my savior. Yes, tomorrow will be different Inshallah. Allah-ho-Akbar.
Dr. Omar Pervez