AH
logo header

Is the prophet(pbuh)alive spiritually or in any other sense?

By: admin

Question

I have two questions, one a specific and the other though related but a general one.

I had the opportunity once to make a visit to Mosque Nabvi in Madinah and was advised by friends to say loudly “Assalam-o-alaikum ya Rasool -Allah” while passing by Prophet’s (pbuh) Roza on the suggested belief that every Muslim should do it as one gets back the reply of Salaam from the prophet (pbuh). Is this a correct belief?

If it is, what is the basis of it and if it is not then how did such and the similar beliefs crept as a practice?

The reverence that we place for our prophet (pbuh) has no boundaries and I believe this as an essential requirement for re-enforcement of our beliefs and for following uswa-e-hussana of our prophet (pbuh).

Through study of Ahadiths, however, one comes across certain writings that tell about some of the paranormal events and incidents relating to prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) life. Some of these writings give our prophet a stature of a super human being (i.e.; in physical attributes).

Some suggest that prophet-hood for Mohammad (pbuh) was decided from the time when God created Adam (pbuh). And according to some, Mohammad (pbuh) holds the title of the Sardar (Head) of all the prophets of God. As per some Mohammad (pbuh) is the God’s favorite of all the prophets and that this whole universe was created solely because of the love of God for our prophet (pbuh).

There are others that indicate that prophet’s age was not 63, but in fact 90 when he died. The remaining 23 years of his life as per such writing were spent during his experience of Miraj. There are so many other writings that attempt to raise the stature of our prophet (pbuh) on the basis of numerous un-explainable events linked to his life.

I revere our prophet for being an extra-ordinary human being in the qualitative attributes, as a person who with his simple and pious life as a human being as well as a prophet set an example for the generations to come.

However, I get confused and feel uncomfortable of finding it difficult in believing these and similar to some of above paranormal events that are reported in the Ahadiths. I have complete belief in all extra-ordinary events mentioned in Quran that happened during prophet hood of Mohammad (pbuh) and other prophets, however, I feel guilty of being improper when I cannot make myself convinced of other such events as reported in Ahadiths.

To me it is more important as a guideline for myself as how prophet (pbuh) led his life as a human being than he being subjected to such experiences. My point is that whether if believing or not believing in such incidents really does matter.

I understand that Ahadiths are the secondary source of our beliefs and Islamic teachings, however, does having doubts in one’s mind about such incidents relating to prophet Mohammad (pbuh) are indicative or a reflection of lessening of his reverence.

This is what I am charged with when I share my ideas with friends and family. Please advise.

Reply

The referred belief is without any basis. Our Salam at the grave of the Prophet (pbuh) is, in fact, our supplication for peace and blessings for our Prophet (pbuh). This homage and supplication is given in words that address the person for whom the supplication is made. This is the same style of prayer that is generally used for the dead, in which Muslims generally say the words:

السلام عليكم يأهل القبور إن إن شاء الله بكم للاحقون

Peace be upon you, O residents of the graves, Indeed we too shall join you when God decides for us.

As you shall note, these supplications are also addressed to all the dead buried in the graveyard. This mode of address in the first person, especially in the case of supplications, is not indicative of any perverted belief regarding the consciousness of the dead, but is actually a means of expressing our association and closeness with them. The same is the case with our supplication for peace and blessings for the Prophet (pbuh).

It seems that the belief regarding the continuing life of the Prophet (pbuh) is based on the Qur’anic references to the continuing life of those who are killed in the way of God. People generally believe that if those who are killed in the way of God, even though their rank is far below that of the prophets of God, are continually bestowed with God’s blessings after their death then the prophets must be blessed with even greater blessings of God. Even though this belief regarding the continuing blessings bestowed upon the prophets of God may be acceptable, yet it is also clear from the Qur’an that this “life” after death is quite incomprehensible for the living (Al-Baqarah 2: 154).

You write:

Some suggest that prophet-hood for Mohammad (pbuh) was decided from the time when God created Adam (pbuh). And according to some, Mohammad (pbuh) holds the title of the Sardar (Head) of all the prophets of God. As per some Mohammad (pbuh) is the God’s favorite of all the prophets and that this whole universe was created solely because of the love of God for our prophet (pbuh).

If seen from the perspective of God’s absolute knowledge about the future, it is quite understandable that not only the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) but also that of all the other prophets of God were known to God at the time of the creation of Adam (pbuh).

All the other pieces of information that you have mentioned in here are unfounded.

You write:

There are others that indicate that prophet’s age was not 63, but in fact 90 when he died. The remaining 23 years of his life as per such writing were spent during his experience of Miraj.

This again is only an unfounded claim.

You write:

However, I get confused and feel uncomfortable of finding it difficult in believing these and similar to some of above paranormal events that are reported in the Ahadiths. I have complete belief in all extra-ordinary events mentioned in Quran that happened during prophet hood of Mohammad (pbuh) and other prophets, however, I feel guilty of being improper when I cannot make myself convinced of other such events as reported in Ahadiths.

It is clear from your statement that you do acknowledge that there can be miracles or what you term as paranormal incidents associated with a prophet (pbuh). However, the very nature of the transmission of information through Hadith is such that can sometimes make the reported information susceptible to errors and mistakes. Thus, for a person who does not consider a particular incident narrated in a Hadith to be reliably or accurately reported, there should be no element of guilt in taking to a passive stance towards that information till the time that he is satisfied that the information given in that particular narrative may safely be ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh).

You write:

To me it is more important as a guideline for myself as how prophet (pbuh) led his life as a human being than he being subjected to such experiences. My point is that whether if believing or not believing in such incidents really does matter.

According to my understanding, none of the essential elements of beliefs is missed out by the Qur’an. Believing in a particular miracle or paranormal incident reported in Hadith is not an essential element of belief for a Muslim. However, on the other hand, there is also no reason to reject all such incidents reported in Hadith.

You write:

I understand that Ahadiths are the secondary source of our beliefs and Islamic teachings, however, does having doubts in one’s mind about such incidents relating to prophet Mohammad (pbuh) are indicative or a reflection of lessening of his reverence.

Our reverence for a person does not, by any means, imply that we should believe in everything that is ascribed to him or is reported with reference to him. Therefore, not accepting a narrative which one finds to be improbable, till the time that one is convinced of the authenticity and accuracy of that narrative, is not contrary to our reverence for the Prophet (pbuh).

I hope this helps.

UIUK

You may share this on your social media timeline:

Views: 394

Comments are closed
Understanding Islam UK (UIUK) is a registered charity with the UK Charity Commission. Registration Number: 1107962.
Please contact us for more information, Join us and become a member, it’s completely free. © Copyright 2017 UIUK