Indeed I am the Servant of Allah

“If it is money that you want we will collect enough money for you so that you will be the richest one of us. If it is leadership that you aspire for, we will take you as our leader and never decide on any matter without your approval. If it is a kingdom that you seek, we will crown you king over us…” These were some of the offers made to Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam. Offers that he blankly refused! Offers that presented before him all the comfort and luxuries of the world! What did he opt for? He preferred to be a “servant of Allah Ta’aala”.

When Allah Ta’aala mentions the miraculous night journey of Israa and Mi’raaj, the journey to the seven heavens He chose to refer to Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam as ‘Abd (a servant).

“Glorified be He (Allah) Who took His ‘Abd (Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam for a journey by night from the Sacred Masjid (of Makkah) to the Farthest Masjid (in Jerusalem), the precincts whereof We have blessed that We might show him (Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) of Our Signs. Verily He (Allah) is the All Hearer, the All-Seer.” (Surah Bani Israeel Verse 1)

His servitude to Allah Ta’aala was evident in both his relationship with Allah Ta’aala and his interpersonal relationship with those around him. On enquiring from him why he stood in prayer for such long periods, Nabi Kareem’s Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam response simply was “Should I not be a grateful servant?”  .

What was his reply when he was offered the treasures of the world? It has been narrated from Abu Hurairah Radhiyallaahu Anhu, that Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Allah Ta’aala the Most High and The most Merciful  – gave me the choice that the valley of Makkah be filled with gold, but I said: No! O Allah. However, grant food to me one day, and hunger the day after. So when I am hungry I humble myself before You and remember You, and when I am full, I am grateful to You.”

He prayed for the forgiveness of those who were conspiring and plotting against him.

At the conquest of Mecca when he was in a position to take revenge against all those who had tortured, persecuted and tormented him, he granted them amnesty.

He did not consider himself to be above the law. He himself declared “If Fathima Radhiyallaahu Anha the daughter of Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam were to steal, I would cut off her hand also.”

Once a Jew came to him asking for the repayment of a loan in such a harsh tone that it angered those present. Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam calmly diffused the situation by saying to them, “You should rather remind me to pay the debt with gratitude and ask him (the creditor) to demand it in a more becoming manner.

Zaid bin Haarith Radhiyallaahu Anhu who had been a slave, chose to live in the company of Nabi Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam instead of going back to his home to live with his biological parents.

A few days prior to his demise he made a public announcement inviting people to take retribution for any injuries he might have inflicted on them. He said “He whom I have ever lashed his back, I offer him my back so that he may avenge himself on me. He whom I have ever violated his honour, here I am offering my honour so that he may avenge himself.”

He never aspired for status as is evident by his words in the last few days of his life.

“Do not venerate me as the Christians venerated Hazrat Isa (Jesus) Alayhis Salaam, son of Mariam (Mary) Alayhas Salaam. I am only the servant of Allah and His Messenger!”

Lessons

• Be humble, Allah will elevate you
• Treat those under your authority with dignity.
• Be grateful to Allah for the bounties that you have been blessed with
• Always be in a state of readiness to meet your Creator
• We are nothing except the servants of Allah (SWT)