-- "Muhammad is no more than an Apostle and indeed many Apostles have passed away before him.." (3.144)
Narrated by 'Aisha said (in another narration), ("When the Prophet (ﷺ) was on his death-bed) he looked up and said thrice, (Amongst) the Highest Companion (See Qur'an 4.69)' Aisha said, Allah benefited the people by their two speeches. 'Umar frightened the people some of whom were hypocrites whom Allah caused to abandon Islam because of 'Umar's speech. Then Abu Bakr led the people to True Guidance and acquainted them with the right path they were to follow so that they went out reciting:
Context
This hadith recounts a poignant moment during the final days of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ life. As he lay on his deathbed, he expressed a longing for the 'Highest Companion,' indicating his readiness to depart from this world. Aisha, his wife, reflects on how both Umar and Abu Bakr contributed to guiding the community after the Prophet's ﷺ passing, with Abu Bakr leading them towards the right path. This highlights the importance of leadership and guidance in Islam.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith emphasizes the significance of strong and wise leadership in communities. It reminds us that effective guidance can help individuals navigate challenges and maintain their faith, especially during difficult times. Leaders should strive to embody the principles of compassion and clarity that the Prophet ﷺ exemplified.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Teachings and Prophetic Warning because it illustrates the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ regarding leadership and the consequences of misguided actions.
Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.
There is not to be upon the Prophet any discomfort concerning that which Allah has imposed upon him. [This is] the established way of Allah with those [prophets] who have passed on before. And ever is the command of Allah a destiny decreed.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.
This hadith is #3512 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Companions of the Prophet. It is graded Sahih and narrated by 'Aisha said (in another narration), ("When the Prophet (ﷺ) was on his death-bed) he looked up and said thrice, (Amongst) the Highest Companion (See Qur'an 4.69)' Aisha said, Allah benefited the people by their two speeches. 'Umar frightened the people some of whom were hypocrites whom Allah caused to abandon Islam because of 'Umar's speech. Then Abu Bakr led the people to True Guidance and acquainted them with the right path they were to follow so that they went out reciting:.
