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Dr Musharraf Hussain is an Islamic scholar, CEO of Karimia Institute, and senior trustee of Muslim Hands. Formerly he was the chairman of the Christian Muslim forum (2008-2010), vice chair of the Association of Muslim Schools (2000-2003). He trained and worked as a research scientist before becoming a fulltime Imam and teacher. He has authored over 30 books.
24 June 2022
The Virtues of the Prophet’s Family
Family is an important thing in Islamic tradition. In this article, we will be looking at the best example of a family in Islam, belonging to the Prophet (pbuh).
The Majestic Quran tells us “Allah wants to remove all blemish from you, as you are the Prophet’s household, and to purify you” (Ahzab: 33).
Shaykh Muhyiuddin Ibn Arabi said that because the Prophet (pbuh) had realised the state of pure servanthood fully, Allah in return granted him and his family to be absolutely ‘purified’, conforming to what is prescribed in the verse above.
Everyone loves their children, spouse, parents and relatives. This love for one’s family is a natural human instinct. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also expressed a deep love for his beautiful family. All the collections of Hadith, including the six authentic collections, contain a chapter describing the virtues and outstanding qualities of the Prophet’s family (Manaqib). Sometimes he (pbuh) would describe their individual qualities, whilst on other occasions, he would stress the importance his family would play in preserving Islam.
Below are a few ahadith about how the Prophet expressed his love for his family:
Zaid ibn Arqam reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I am leaving behind two weighty things, first of them is the book of Allah, which is the guidance and the light … and secondly, my family and I remind you about my family.”
Muslim
Abu Dharr said I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say, “The example of my family amongst you is like the Ark of Nuh, whoever boarded it succeeded and whoever remained behind is ruined.”
Ahmad
Barra’ reported I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) carrying Hassan on his shoulder and saying “O Allah, I love him, so love him too.” On another occasion, He (pbuh) also asked Allah to love those people who love members of his family.
Bukhari
Abu Huraira said one day I went with the Prophet (pbuh) to Fathima’s house. He (pbuh) said: “Where is the boy (meaning Hassan)?” A little later Hassan came out running and the Prophet (pbuh) hugged him and said, “O Allah, I love him, so love him and anyone who loves him, O Allah love him.”
Agreed upon
Abdullah ibn Umar reported the Messenger (pbuh) said, “Hassan and Hussain are the leaders of the young people of paradise.”
Tirmidhi
The disciples were full of admiration for the family of the Prophet (pbuh). Once someone asked the Prophet (pbuh): “Who do you love the most? He (pbuh) replied Hassan and Hussain. He would ask Fathima, bring my sons to me, he would kiss them and smell them.” In another hadith, Ya’la ibn Murra reports that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain, whoever loves Hussain, Allah loves him.”
Tirmidhi
It’s also reported by Anas ibn Malik that both Hassan and Hussain looked very similar to the Messenger (pbuh). Umm Salma was crying one day, she was asked why she was crying? She said, “I saw a dream, the Messenger (pbuh) had dust on his head and beard, so I asked what is the matter? He replied I have just witnessed the martyrdom of Hussain.” In another hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) was carrying Hussain on his shoulder and someone remarked what a wonderful mount you are riding and the Messenger (pbuh) replied: “he is a wonderful rider.”
Bukhari/ Tirmidhi
Undoubtedly, the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) enjoy a high status and level of respect from the Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, who honour the rights, which Allah has prescribed for the Ahlul-Bayt (the family of the Prophet).
There can be no problems to the degree that one loves the family of the Messenger of Allah, however, problems can arise in one’s belief concerning them. We believe that there is no deity except Allah and that our master Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah and that the Prophets are infallible. Other than the Prophets & families of the Messenger, the companions are not infallible; rather they are protected by Allah.
As long as your belief is sound concerning these issues then you should love the family of the Prophet with all your heart. The more that you love the family of the Messenger, the more you advance in ranks amongst the righteous. This is because the love of the Messenger (pbuh) is a sign of the love one has for Allah.
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