Exalted Status of Muhammad sws (Part 1)

AS-SALAAMU ALAIKUM, WA REHMATUL LAAHI WA BARAKAATUH,

Wait for adhaan

Standard Introduction:

AUZO BIL LAAHI MIN ASH SHAYTAANIR RAJEEM,

BISMIL LAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHIM

AL HAMDU LILLAAHI RABBIL ‘ALAMEEN. WAS SALAATU WAS SALAAMU ‘ALAA ASHRAFIL MURSALEEN. SAYIDINAA WA NABI YENAA WA MOULANAA MUHAMMADIN WA’ALA AALEHEE WA AS HAABEHEE WASALLIM.

All praise is due to Alláh, the Lord of all the Worlds; may the greetings and peace be upon the best messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and upon his family and upon all of his companions.

AL-HAMDU LILLA HIL LAZI HADAANA LIHAAZA WAMA KUNNA LANAHTADIYA LAW’LA ANN HADAANA ALLAH. (You must expand this Arabic portion of Khutbah, depending on the month/season, e.g. Hajj, Ramadaan, etc.)

Meaning:

Praise is due to Allah,

Praise is due to Allah who guided us to the righteous path, and indeed we wouldn’t have attained this state of guidance without Him Allah,

AMMA BA’AD.

English Part of the Khutbah:

IKHWATI FIL ISLAM, ASH-HAAB AL ILM, WA RUWAAD AL ILM, Brothers in Islam, Learned Colleagues and Scholars,

In the light of the recent cartoon conflict the topic of today’s Khutbah is about the honourable and exalted status of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The many dimensions and multi-facets of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a vast topic and will require many khutbahs and even then it will not be enough to do full justice. So in the short time we have today, we can only focus on a few essential points.

To every Muslim on this planet, irrespective of cultural, geographical and political differences, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s greatest creation. A thousand million Muslims however, do not require any surveys, lists or research to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of eemaan and please note that I use the present tense when I say he is Allah’s greatest creation. But what of the non-Muslims?

So in today’s Khutbah we will concentrate on how eminent non-Muslim has rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW) most highly and given due recognition to his greatness and then in the next Khutbah we will discuss his exalted status strictly in the eyes of ASWT. So in the next Khutbah, Insha Allah, we will select some ayats from the Quran and hadiths from Sihaah Sitta.

So during the cartoon crisis, ordinary people and intellectuals throughout the world became preoccupied with the campaign for and against the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The event also had an impact on the attitudes of governments.

There was a strong condemnation on the ridiculing of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

New Web sites and special pages on the Internet had been specially launched to cover the events and facilitate ways of protest against the anti-Prophet cartoons.

There was also a wide-scale interest in the event shown in ordinary conversations, mobile phone text messages, personal e-mails, and signs on walls and cars.

The events was the subject of ideological discussions within the framework of dialogue of civilizations and respect of creeds and religious sanctities as essentials of basic human rights.

The events influenced Muslims’ emotions and attitudes so much that it caused them to contemplate on the, Azeem, great status of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that they have in their hearts.

After all in Surah 21st, Al Anbiya, Ayat 107 had ASWT not described him by saying:

WAMAA ARSAL NAAKA IL LAA REHMATAL LIL AALAMEEN

“And we have not sent you, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but as a Mercy for all the aalameen”

Meaning all the universes, creatures, peoples. Notice the tense in the Arabic grammar together with plurality and the universality of this great ayat.

Now Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer and scientist, after extensive research, published an incisive biography of the 100 most influential people of all time. The biographical rankings with explanations describes the careers of religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, scientists and artists.

From this research; which included illustrious personalities such as H. Isa (AS), H. Musa (AS), Caesar, the Wright brothers, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Columbus and Michelangelo; Michael Hart rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as number one.

He concluded the biography with the words:

“It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitIes Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

So today I will present to you synopsis on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Michael Hart’s book entitled “The 100”.

Brothers, as you know during the era of Jahiliyya, when the world was awash in rivers of blind prejudices and nonsensical ignorances, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) divine message and glorious teachings became the purging torrents of spiritual enlightenment.

Now let’s see what Michael Hart says in his book and I quote him verbatim:

“My choice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.

Of humble origins, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centres of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Prophet Muhammad (SAW),

however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in Southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centres of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings.”

Michael Hart then goes on to describe in detail Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) biography in quite a detail and as you are AS-HAAB AL ILM, I will skip these details and go over his concluding remarks which are quite lengthy:

“Although he passed away in 632, unified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the first time in history, and inspired by his fervent belief in the one true God, these small Arab armies now embarked upon one of the most astonishing series of conquests in human history.

To the northeast of Arabia lay the large Neo-Persian Empire of the Sassanids; to the northwest lay the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, centred in Constantinople. Numerically, the Arabs were no match for their opponents. On the field of battle, though, the inspired Arabs rapidly conquered all of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. By 642, Egypt had been wrestled from the Byzantine Empire, while the Persian armies had been crushed at the key battles of Qadisiya in 637, and Nehavend in 642. But even these enormous conquests- which were made under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) close friends and immediate successors, H. Abu Bakr (RA) and H. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) did not mark the end of the Arab advance. By 711, the Arab armies had swept completely across North Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. There they turned north and, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, overwhelmed the Visigothic kingdom in Spain. For a while, it must have seemed that the Muslims would overwhelm all of Christian Europe. Nevertheless, in a scant century of fighting, these Bedouin tribesmen, inspired by the word of the Prophet, had carved out an empire stretching from the borders of India to the Atlantic Ocean – the largest empire that the world had yet seen. And everywhere that the armies conquered, large-scale conversion to the new faith eventually followed.

Now, not all of these conquests proved permanent. In Spain, more than seven centuries of warfare finally resulted in the Christians reconquering the entire peninsula. However, Mesopotamia and Egypt, the two cradles of ancient civilization, have remained Arab, as has the entire coast of North Africa. The new religion, of course, continued to spread, in the intervening centuries, far beyond the borders of the original Muslim conquests. Currently, it has tens of millions of adherents in Africa and Central Asia, and even more in Pakistan and northern India, and in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the new faith has been a unifying factor. How, then, is one to assess the overall impact of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on human history?

Like all religions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. It is for this reason that the founders of the world’s great religions all figure prominently in this book. Since there are roughly twice as many Christians as Muslims in the world, it may initially seem strange that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been ranked higher than Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ). There are two principal reasons for that decision. First, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) did in the development of Christianity. Although Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) was responsible for the main ethical and moral precepts of Christianity (insofar as these differed from Judaism), St. Paul was the main developer of Christian theology, its principal proselytizer, and the author of a large portion of the New Testament. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, was responsible for both the theology of Islam and its main ethical and moral principles. In addition, he played the key role in proselytizing the new faith, and in establishing the religious practices of Islam.

Moreover, the Muslim holy scriptures, the Quran, a collection of certain of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s insights that he believed had been directly revealed to him by Allah. The Quran, therefore, closely represents Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) ideas and teachings. No such detailed compilation of the teachings of Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) has survived. Since the Quran is at least as important to Muslims as the Bible is to Christians, the influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the medium of the Quran has been enormous. It is probable that the relative influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) and St. Paul on Christianity.

On the purely religious level, then, it seems likely that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been as influential in human history as Jesus (Isa (AS). Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) unlike Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) was a secular as well as a religious leader. In fact, as the driving force behind the Arab conquests, he may well rank as the most influential political leader of all time. Of many important historical events, one might say that they were inevitable and would have occurred even without the particular political leader who guided them. For example, the South American colonies would probably have won their independence from Spain even if Simon Bolivar had never lived. But this cannot be said of the Arab conquests. Nothing similar had occurred before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and there is no reason to believe that the conquests would have been achieved without him.

(Incidentally, brothers, here, Michael Hart is referring to the 19th century South American independence leader Simón Bolivar who lead the fight for independence for what is now known as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, he is referred as a hero in these countries and throughout much of the rest of Hispanic America. Bolivar is known as “El Libertador”, which means The Liberator in English.)

The only comparable conquests in human history are those of the Mongols in the thirteenth century, which were primarily due to the influence of Genghis Khan. These conquests, however, though more extensive than those of the Arabs, did not prove permanent, and today the only areas occupied by the Mongols are those that they held prior to the time of Genghis Khan.

It is far different with the conquests of the Arabs. From Iraq to Morocco, then extends a whole chain of Arab nations united not merely by their faith in Islam, but also by their Arabic language, history, and culture. The centrality of the Quran in the Muslim religion and the fact that it is written in Arabic have probably prevented the Arab language from breaking up into mutually unintelligible dialects, which might otherwise have occurred in the intervening thirteen centuries. Differences and divisions between these Arab states exist, of course, and they are considerable, but the partial disunity should not blind us to the important elements of unity that have continued to exist. We see, then, that the Arab conquests of the seventh century have continued to play an important role in human history, down to the present day. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history. “ Here concludes Michael Hart’s quote who as an outsider saw Prophet Muhammad (SAW) not as a man of theory, but a man of action.

So returning to the cartoon controversy, we must seek the hikmah of ASWT in the events that transpire around us. In essence, the campaign against the Prophet (SAW) jolted the Muslim community and had a profound impact on Muslims’ spiritual and worldly lives.

Muslims have bitterly realized what it means to have their deen and sanctities insulted. We must teach our children to say, “Wa kafaa bil-Laahi shaheedaa” meaning, “And enough is Allah for a witness.”

For my personal view and opinion I would like to quote, a well known hadith from both Bukhari and Muslim whose Raawi is H. Anas (RA).

“The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, ‘None amongst you can be a true believer until his love for me is greater than the love he holds for his parents, his children and everyone else.’

Upon hearing this H. Umar (RA) said, ‘I swear by Allah who revealed the book (Quran) to you! You are indeed dearer to me than even myself’ to which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, ‘Umar (RA) your eeman is complete.’”

Conclusion of the First Part of the Khutbah:

NAD’OO ALLAHA AN YAGHFIRA LANA ZUNUBANA

Meaning: We make Duas to ASWT, so that he will accept all our Ibadat & forgive our sins.

WA AAKHERO DAA’ WAANA ANIL HAMDO LIL LAAHEY RABBIL AALAMEEN

Sit down & make a du’a yourself.

Second Khutbah:

Globally Standardized Conclusion:

AL HAMDU LILLAAHI NAHMADUHU WANAS TA’EENAHU, WANASTAGH-FIRUHU, WANATOOBU ILAYHI, WANA’OOTHU BILLAAHI MIN SHUROORI AN-FUSINAA, WAMIN SAYYI AATI AA’MAALINAA.

MAY- YAHDILLAAHU FA HUWAL MUHTAD, WA MAY- YUDLILL FALAN TAJIDAA LAHU WALIYAN MURSHIDA. WA ASH-HADU AN LAA ILAAHA IL LAL-LAÁH, WAHDAHOO LAA SHAREEKA LAH, WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADAN ‘ABDUHOO WARASOOLUH

All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds.

Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him.

I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is His servant, and His messenger.

YA AY-YUHAL-LATHEENA ‘AAMANUT TAQUL-LAAHA, HAQQA TUQAATIHEE WALA TAMU TUN-NA, IL-LA WA ANTUM MUSLIMOON.”

O You who believe, – Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.

YA AY-YUHAL-LATHEENA ‘AAMANUT TAQUL-LAAHA, WA QOOLOO QAWLAN SADEEDAA. YUSLIH-LAKUM A’MAALAKUM WA YAGHFIR LAKUM THUNOOBAKUM, WAMAY YU-TIL-LAAHA WARASOOLAH, FAQAD FAAZA FAWZAN ATHEEMAA.”

O You who believe, – Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His prophet (SAW) as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.

INNALLAAHA WA MALAAIKATAHU YUSALLÚNA ALAN NABI. YAA AY YOHAL LATHEENA AAMANU SALLÚ ALAYHI WASALLI MÚ TAS LEEMA.

ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALAA MUHAMMAD, WA AALA AALI MUHAMMAD, KAMAA SALLAYTAA ALA IBRAHIMA, WA AALA AALI IBRAHIM. ALLAHUMMA BAARIK ALA MUHAMMAD, WA AALA AALI MUHAMMAD, KAMA BAARAKTAA ALA IBRAHIM, WA AALA ALI IBRAHIM, INNAKA HAMEEDUN MAJEED.”

Behold, Allah and his angels shower blessings on the Prophet (SAW). O you who believe! Ask for blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

The Du’a – before the Khutbah Ends:

Again, for the sake of global standardization using the global “Islamic Language”, one uses a standard and brief du’a:

ALLAHUMMAGH FIR LIL’ MUSLIMEENA WAL MUSLIMAAT…. Stop for the congregation to say AAMEEN

WAL MOAMINEENA WAL MOUMINAAT…STOP FOR AAMEEN

AL-AHYAA’EE MINHUM WAL AMWAAT…STOP FOR AAMEEN

INNAKAA SAMEE’UN MUJIBUD DA’WAAT… STOP FOR AAMEEN

Meaning:

Ya Allah, forgive all our Muslim men and women,

Forgive the believing men and women,

Those who are alive and those who died,

You are indeed the One who listens and accepts all supplications.

RABBANA LAA TUZIGH QULOOBANAA, BA’DA ITH HADAY TANAA WAHAB LANAA MILLA DUNKA RAHMA. INNAKAA ANTAL WAH-HAAB.

O Allah, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth now that we have been guided , but grant us Mercy from Your very Presence, for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure.

RABBI JA’ALNI MUQEEMUS SALAATI, WAMIN DUR-RIY-YATI, RABBANAA WATA QABBAL DU’AAH.

My Lord, help me to perfect my salaat, and of my descendants, Our Lord, accept this dua.

RABBIGH FIRLEE WALI WAALI DAYYA, WALIL MU’MINEENA YAWMA YAQOOMUL HISAAB.

My Lord, forgive me, and my parents, and all Believers until the Day of Reckoning.

SUB’ HAANAKA RABBEKA RABBIL ‘IZZATI ‘AMMAA YUSIFOON, WA SALAAMUN ‘ALAL MURSALEEN, WAL HAMDU LIL-LAAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN.”

Glory to Allah, Lord of Majesty and Honour, and Peace on the Prophets, and Praise to Allah, Lord of all creation!

Other Duas you could make:

Ya Allah, accept our Ibadat and forgive us.

Ya Rabb, have mercy on us. Help us obey you and praise you.

Ya Allah, we stand before you having observed all the tenets of Islam, so lead us to prosperity and growth, to triumph and solidarity, to unity and wealth beyond our imagination.

Ya Allah, we beg for your MAGFIRATAK, and ask you for success, health and wealth for all the brothers who are present here and now in this blessed room.

Ya Rabb, increase our love that binds us together now, and in the future to come.

With regards to their dear beloved ones who have passed away, Ya Rabb, may you grant them a place in Jannatul Firdaus. May you forgive all their KHATAYAA, KABEERA WA SAGHEERAH. May you fill their Qabr with your holy noor. Ya Rabb, may you also save us from ADHAAB AL QABR. Ya Allah, grant their rooh, eternal peace, AR RAAHA AL ABDIYYAA on the YAWM AL HISAAB.

Ya Allah, accept all our duas, fulfil all our righteous wishes, fulfil our dreams,.

Ya Allah, may your rehma and safety encompass all our families, wherever they may be.

Ya Allah, grant these brothers who are present, here and now, SABR that is YUHIB HUM AS SABR.

Ya Allah, make the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) intercede or YASHFAAH on our behalf on YAWM A QIYAAMAH.

Globally Standardized Conclusion:

IBAA DAL LAAH:

IN NAL LAAHA YA’A MURU BIL ADLI WAL IHSAN

WA EE TA’EE ZIL QURBAA WA YANHAA ANIL FAHSHAA’EE WAL MUNKAREE WAL BAGH’YI

YA EE ZUKUM LA AL LAKUM TAZAK KAROON.

FAZ KU ROONI AZ KUR KUM WAS KU RU LI WA LA TAK FURUN.

Then you conclude by saying to the mu’azzin:

WA AA QIMUS SALAAH