The month of Rabii’ul Awwal has commenced and with it comes the remembrance of the Seerah of the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (SA). The life of a person deprived of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SA) is indeed without direction, empty and baseless. On the other hand, the life of a person filled with love, respect and adherence to the Messenger of Allah (SA) is one of worth, meaning and significance. Therefore knowing the Seerah (life-history) of the Prophet (SA) his teachings, his character and traits, his likes and dislikes, his devotion and piety, etc, is of great importance to us, and can be likened to a guiding light which removes the darkness of ignorance from our path.

Allah informs us in the Holy Quraan of the lofty position which the Prophet (SA) occupies in the lives of believers: “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves”. (33:6)

In explanation of this verse Imam Bukhari (RA) records a narration from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (SA) said: “There is no believer except that I am the foremost of the people to him in the worldly life and the Hereafter. Read if you desire ‘The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves.’ (33:6)” (Bukhari).

In another Hadith, the Rasool (SA) further emphasized the above meaning by swearing. He (SA) said: “By that One in Whose hand is my soul, no one (truly) believes until I am more beloved to him than his own self, his wealth, his children and the entire mankind.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

In another Hadith the inclusion of “his parents” has been mentioned.

These Ahaadith teach us that in all times and in all circumstances and conditions, the position of the Rasool (SA) should be foremost in our hearts, minds and lives. This should be to such an extent that when decisions are to be made, preference must be given to the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (SA) even above our own choices, likes, egos and logic. The significance of the Prophet’s life to us should be even greater than for our close relatives and friends like our beloved ones, parents and children.

To show more significance to our own ways, or to the ways, cultures and lifestyles of others is to display lack of love and Imaan in Allah and His Messenger (SA). This is further seen from the advice of the Prophet (SA) to Hazrat Umar (RA). “Umar (RA) said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (SA), By Allah, By Allah, You are certainly more beloved to me than all things except my self.’ He (SA) said: ‘No, O Umar, not until I am more beloved to you than your own self.’ He (Umar) then said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (SA), By Allah, By Allah, Certainly you are more beloved to me (now) than all things, until (even) my own self.’ He (SA) replied: ‘Now (you truly love me) O Umar.” (Bukhari)

The believers should consider the Prophet (SA) as a great bounty and blessing, being sent by Allah as the final Prophet and Messenger, since with him marked the completion of religion. Allah informs us in the Holy Quraan: “Certainly Allah has conferred a great favour on the believers when He raised unto them an apostle from amongst themselves who recites unto them His revelations, purifies them and teaches them the Book and Wisdom.” (3:164).

Allah further declares: “This day I have completed for you your religion; and I have completed for you My favour and I am pleased that Islam be your way of life.” (5:3)

Therefore, it is essential upon us to thank Allah for the favour of sending the noble Messenger (SA) by showing love and obedience to His Rasool (SA). This should be done willingly and with the deepest of sincerity. Allah has given him such exalted status and significance that He has made obedience to the Rasool (SA) as actual obedience to Himself and has placed obedience to the Messenger (SA) alongside obedience to Himself. Allah says: “Whosoever obeys the Messenger (SA) has indeed obeyed Allah.” (4:80). Also Allah commands: “Obey Allah and Obey the Messenger.” (8:20)

Likewise He (Allah) has considered following the Prophet (SA) as a sign of love shown towards Him. The Quraan informs: “Say (O Muhammad (SA) to my servants), If you love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (3:31).

The scholars and commentators of Quraan have said that obeying the Messenger means to cling and adhere to his Sunnah (way of life) and to submit fully to that which he has brought, as has been commanded in another verse: “And whatever the Messenger brings to you, take it and whatever he forbids you, abstain.” (59:17).

Disobedience to the Rasool (SA) as well as considering his Sunnah to be insignificant are actions which bring about severe punishment from Allah.

The Prophet (SA) warned, “Whoever obeys me has indeed obeyed Allah and whoever disobeys me has indeed rebelled against Allah.”(Bukhari, Muslim).

Allah has also admonished: “And whoever opposes the Messenger (SA) after the truth has become manifest unto him, and follows other than the way of the believers (as shown by the Prophet), We will let him follow that which he has turned to and We shall roast him in Hell- a dreadful retreat.” (4:115).

Dear believers, what real significance can there be in our lives when there is opposition to the life of the Prophet (SA) and to his auspicious ways. The Prophet (SA) has warned us: “Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from amongst me.” (Mishkaat)

We should take note of the statement of Abu Bakr (RA) with respect to adhering to the lifestyle of the Prophet (SA). He said: ”I have not omitted doing any thing that the Messenger of Allah (SA) used to do. I feared that I would deviate if I left out any of his commands.” (Ash - Shifaa of Al Hafidh, Qaadi Iyadh).

The pitiable state of many Muslims in our times is the claim of following the Prophet (SA), but this claim is marked by blatant disobedience to his beautiful teachings. Instead of his Sunnah being held in high esteem it is being discarded and trampled upon with logic and excuses that it is out-dated and old fashioned and that it has to be replaced by a modern and moderate version of Islam. The echoes of his (SA) love are heard in every corner of the Muslim world, but this love is eulogized and translated by practices unfounded in the Shariah. This, in reality is adopting the path of hypocrisy, since one says from his mouth that which is not found in his heart.

Nowadays the significance of the life of the Rasool (SA) has been totally lost by many who proclaim to follow him. They have abandoned the guidance of his lifestyle taking it as unimportant and have adopted the Holy Quraan only as their guide. Indeed, the first source of guidance is the Holy Quraan, however, the Quraan itself has ordered us to follow the Prophet (SA). The life of the Prophet (SA), the Sahabas, the Tabi’een and the righteous servants of Deen are all essential for the full application of Islam in our lives. To consider and believe that the Sunnah is irrelevant, unimportant and that it can be discarded, is to enter a door from the doors of Kufr (disbelief).

The life of the Rasool (SA) serves as a complete manual for success. He was a leader and guide in all spheres of practical life. His teachings extend to all roles, responsibilities and functions which come with family life, social life, statesmanship, politics, military affairs, education, planning and finance, penal codes etc. Above all he reformed mankind and placed him upon the path of righteousness and piety through his beautiful teachings, noble conduct and truthfulness.

Not only is following the life of Prophet (SA) important for the success of this worldly life but more essentially for success in the Hereafter. It assures a believer of the intercession of the Prophet (SA), drinking from the fountain of Kauthar, being in the companionship of the Prophets and the righteous ones, etc. The Prophet (SA) said: “A person will be with whom he loved (i.e. in the Hereafter.).” (Tirmidhi, Nasaai)

Therefore the life of the Prophet (SA) will only be significant to us if we endeavour to emulate him and adhere to his teachings. This will enable a believer, Inshaa Allah, to earn the love of Allah and His Messenger (SA) and to be blessed in both worlds.

We ask Allah to send His choicest blessings and salutations on the Prophet Muhammad (SA), and to make us among His beloved. (Aameen).


The Character of the Prophet Muhammad (SA)

The noble personality of the Holy Prophet (SA) stands pre-eminent, dignified and mighty in all qualities, habits and manners. Man, being the best creation of Allah on this earth, has been given the power of choice. The choices that we make can be either good or bad. Based on this gift of choice endowed to us by Allah, we set rules for our behavior and conduct which serves as principles. These principles form the basis and characteristics of an individual and become noticeable. As Muslims we strive for perfection in character and this can best be achieved by choosing to follow one who is the best in character and manners.

The Prophet (SA) has been blessed by Allah with the best conduct and morals. Allah, who is perfect in qualities and attributes, Himself endorses the unmatchable character of the noble Messenger (SA). The Quraan praises him in the following words: “Certainly you are upon a very high standard of character.” (68:4)

The Prophet (SA) has himself acknowledged this bounty of Allah. He said: “I have been sent to perfect good character.”

The ones who are most acquainted with a person’s qualities are those who live with him and are closest to him, like his wife, friends and servants. Aisha (RA), a wife of the Prophet (SA), was asked about his character. She convincingly replied: “His character was the Quraan.”

Her reply means that the Prophet’s (SA) life was as perfect as the Quraan itself. That his pleasure or displeasure was bound with that of the Quraan and adherence to its divine teachings, and that his character was flawless in nature.

Hazrat Anas (RA) lived in the service of the Prophet (SA) for at least ten years and related what he saw. He said that the Prophet (SA) was the most knowledgeable and wise. He was the most honorable, just, humane, forbearing, virtuous, chaste, beneficent and patient of all men.

The following are some of the noble characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SA) together with some brief incidents from his Seerah.


Endurance and Forgiveness:

Patience, endurance in sufferings and forgiveness are among the highest qualities of Prophethood. The Holy Prophet (SA) never took revenge on anyone for any personal or financial matter. He did so only to uphold the commands of Allah regarding lawful and unlawful. Even after many years of suffering at the hands of the pitiless enemies of Islam, the Prophet (SA) still prayed for them in the battle of Uhud: “ O Allah! Show my people the right path, for they know not, O Allah forgive them.”


Fortitude and Perseverance:

The Prophet (SA) displayed great zeal despite the many uphill struggles and persecutions he faced. One such occasion was his visit to the city of Taif. Together with not accepting his message they inflicted severe bodily harm on him. Even in this woeful condition the Prophet (SA) was filled with inner strength and the will to continue his mission. The Prophet (SA) prayed to Allah complaining not of them but of the weakness of his own self. Instead of seeking their destruction he entertained the hope that they will be guided towards Islam.


Magnanimity and Grace:

The Meccan unbelievers persecuted the Holy Prophet (SA) and his followers incessantly for twenty-one years. When Mecca was conquered these enemies of Islam were completely at the mercy of the Holy Prophet (SA), so much so, that just with a nod from him they would have had their heads rolling on the dust. The Holy Prophet (SA) said: “I tell you the same thing today as Yusuf (Joseph) had said to his brothers. No reproach shall be on you this day.”


His Impeccable Nature:

The Prophet (SA) was free from all sins in his words and actions. Foreign to his nature was failure to keep a promise, and evasion of the truth knowingly and unknowingly, in health or in illness, in a serious mood or in a light disposition of mind.


Keeping His Word:

On the occasion of the Battle of Badr the number of Muslims was very small and stood in need of every hand they could muster. Huzaifa bin Al Yaman and Abu Husail (two companions) came to the Holy Prophet (SA) and said, “O Apostle of Allah (SA) we are just coming from Mecca. The unbelievers had captured us on the way and released us on the condition that we do not fight on your side. We agreed under coercion, but we will certainly fight the unbelievers. The Holy Prophet (SA) said, “Not at all, keep your word in all circumstances.” This incident teaches us the faithfulness of the Prophet (SA) in keeping his word and promise.


Benevolence and Generosity:

The Holy Prophet (SA) was the most generous of all men. He (SA) never kept any thing for the next day. One day the Prophet (SA) had six dinars. He spent four, and two remained with him. The whole night he was disturbed and could not sleep because of the remaining two. Hadrat Aisha (RA) said: “That is nothing serious. Give them away tomorrow (in charity). The Holy Prophet (SA) answered: “O Aisha, (RA) How do I know whether I will survive till tomorrow or not?”


Contentment and Trust In Allah:

The Prophet (SA) was always contented and had full trust in Allah for all his and his family’s needs. He had firm faith that Allah will provide all sustenance. He never desired for himself but was satisfied with the meager means he had. The Prophet (SA) said; “If the Mount Uhud had been changed to gold for me I would not like to have a single dinar left with me by nightfall, unless it was for the repayment of the dues.”


Modesty:

The Prophet (SA) was never harsh in his speech neither by habit nor by intention. He never spoke unbecomingly even in the market place. He never requited evil with evil; on the contrary he always forgave. He (SA) never fixed his gaze on anyone’s face because of modesty .


Honesty and Trustworthiness:

When the Prophet (SA) began to preach the true religion, the whole community became his enemy and spared no pain in harming and persecuting him yet there was not a single pagan who doubted his honesty and trustworthiness.

The characteristics of the Prophet (SA) are many. Only some of these are mentioned above. We should however choose wisely and strive to inculcate all of them in our lives so that these, Inshaa Allah, will lead us to perfection of our character and increase our nearness to Allah.


Halaal Update:

The following are the only products / food outlets certified Halaal by the Darul Uloom at this time.

• Arawak Poultry Ltd.
  
• Fine Choice Meats Ltd.
  
• Naisa Imported Frozen Beef Clods
  
• Naisa Corned Beef
  
• Midway Poultry Depot - Monroe Rd
  
• FM Enterprises Ltd. - Warrenville
  
• Kamils Poultry Depot and BBQ - Warrenville
  
• Arabian Cuisine - Chaguanas
  
• Lees Chinese Restaurants - Curepe, San Juan, Chaguanas & San Fernando.
  
• Indars Fast Foods - Cunupia
  
• Malibu Restaurant - Cunupia
  
• Subway - Price Plaza only
  
• Flavorite Products - All except Rum & Raisin, Coconut & Raisin, Pear flavoured Twin Ice.
  

Muslims must make themselves aware of the food they consume. They are reminded to read the Darul Uloom Halaal Certificates carefully and to ensure that they are valid at the time of veiwing. If one has doubts he/she must ask the proprietor/s any relevant questions or can contact the Darul Uloom Halaal Committee.


The Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago

The Darul Uloom T &T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah (S.W.T.).

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Graduates can further their studies for the next three years in the full time A’alim course where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. There are also classes for adults on a part time basis on Monday and Wednesday nights for males and on Saturdays for females.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the Issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).