This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri's book The Shariah Status of Blessings.
Seeking blessings from the Prophetic relics is a legitimate form of honoring the Holy Prophet ﷺ and an expression of love for him. The Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them all, used to seek blessings from him during his blessed life and after his passing. Following the example of the Companions, the great Followers (Tabi‘in) and the eminent Followers of the Followers (Taba‘ al-Tabi‘in) also used to seek blessings from the Prophetic relics.
It should be remembered that the manner and the relics from which blessings were sought during the era of the best generations (Khair al-Qurun) should be understood as the correct way of seeking blessings. Following the pious predecessors is essentially following the truth, which guarantees salvation in the Hereafter. Opposing the predecessors is, in fact, opposing the truth. The pious predecessors were the best nation. Their era is remembered as Khair al-Qurun. This status was granted to them by the Holy Prophet ﷺ through his blessed statement: "The best of generations is my generation." Their methodology is described as the path of the believers and the path of truth. Their unanimous understanding is called Ijma‘ (consensus), upon which Allah’s support rests, and following it is obligatory while opposing it is forbidden. Those who accept their methodology, creed, and consensus are called Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah.
The religion of the pious predecessors, the Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah, is the most correct, knowledgeable, and wise because they excelled in piety, fear of Allah, knowledge, and virtue. They were unfamiliar with affectation, so their deductions and ijtihad take precedence over all others. Above all, they were the greatest in honoring the Holy Prophet ﷺ, the most loving towards Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and the most devoted to adopting the Sunnah and practices of the Prophet ﷺ. They were keen on following the Sunnah.
The pious predecessors are our elders, and the goodness, blessings, knowledge, and virtue in the Ummah are due to them. They are so trustworthy in honesty and narration that they are considered the standard of truth. The only solution to avoid every misguidance is to firmly hold onto their teachings. They were extremely intense in their love for Allah and His Messenger, so the meanings and realities of the Shariah were revealed to them. The following lines present some examples of seeking blessings from the Prophetic relics by the Companions, the great Followers, and the eminent Followers of the Followers:
Sayyiduna Abu Jahifah (RA) narrates:
[خرج علينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بالهاجرة، فأتي بوضوء فتوضأ، فجعل الناس يأخذون من فضل وضوئه فيتمسحون به، فصلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم الظهر ركعتين والعصر ركعتين وبين يديه عنزة .وقال أبو موسى: دعا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بقدح فيه ماء، فغسل يديه ووجهه فيه، ومج فيه، ثم قال لهما: اشربا منه وأفرغا على وجوهكما ونحوركما]
One day at noon, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to our place. Water for ablution was brought for him, with which he ﷺ performed ablution. People began to take the leftover water from his ablution and apply it to their bodies. The Prophet ﷺ performed two units each of Dhuhr and Asr prayers. There was also a spear in front of him ﷺ. Sayyiduna Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA) narrates that the Noble Prophet ﷺ asked for a bowl of water. He washed his blessed hands with it, then washed his face in the same bowl and gargled. Then he said: Drink this water, and also pour it on your faces and chests.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 187, 188, Sahih Muslim: 503
Sayyiduna Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA) narrates:
[كنت عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو نازل بالجعرانة بين مكة والمدينة ومعه بلال، فأتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أعرابي، فقال: ألا تنجز لي ما وعدتني، فقال له: أبشر، فقال: قد أكثرت علي من أبشر، فأقبل على أبي موسى وبلال كهيئة الغضبان، فقال: رد البشرى، فاقبلا أنتما، قالا: قبلنا، ثم دعا بقدح فيه ماء، فغسل يديه ووجهه فيه، ومج فيه، ثم قال: اشربا منه، وأفرغا على وجوهكما ونحوركما، وأبشرا، فأخذا القدح ففعلا، فنادت أم سلمة من وراء الستر: أن أفضلا لأمكما، فأفضلا لها منه طائفة]
I was with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he had set up camp at the place called Jaurana between Mecca and Medina. Sayyiduna Bilal رضي الله عنه was also with him. A villager came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: Will you not fulfill the promise you made to me? The Prophet ﷺ said: Bring good news. He said: You have already given me many good news. The Prophet ﷺ, in a state of anger, turned towards Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari and Sayyiduna Bilal رضي الله عنهما and said: He has rejected the good news, you both accept it. We said: We have accepted it. Then the Prophet ﷺ asked for a bowl of water, washed his hands and blessed face in it, and also rinsed his mouth with it. Then he said: You both drink this water, pour it on your faces and chests, and be happy. Both took the bowl and did as instructed. Meanwhile, from behind the curtain, Sayyida Umm Salama رضي الله عنها called out: Save some of this water for your mother as well. So they saved some water.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 4328, Sahih Muslim: 2497
Sayyiduna Abu Juhaifah رضي الله عنه narrates:
[رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في قبة حمراء من أدم، ورأيت بلالا أخذ وضوء رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ورأيت الناس يبتدرون ذاك الوضوء، فمن أصاب منه شيئا؛ تمسح به، ومن لم يصب منه شيئا؛ أخذ من بلل يد صاحبه.]
I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in a red leather tent. I also saw that Sayyiduna Bilal رضي الله عنه was performing ablution for him. Every companion present there was trying to get ahead of one another to obtain the water used by the Prophet ﷺ for ablution. If someone got even a little water, he would pour it over himself, and if someone could not get any water, he would at least get the wetness from his companion’s hand.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 376, Sahih Muslim: 503
Sayyiduna Abu Juhaifah رضي الله عنه narrates:
[خرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بالهاجرة إلى البطحاء، فتوضأ، ثم صلى الظهر ركعتين، والعصر ركعتين، وبين يديه عنزة، قال شعبة: وزاد فيه عون، عن أبيه أبي جحيفة، قال: كان يمر من ورائها المرأة، وقام الناس، فجعلوا يأخذون يديه، فيمسحون بها وجوههم، قال: فأخذت بيده، فوضعتها علىٰ وجهي، فإذا هي أبرد من الثلج، وأطيب رائحة من المسك.]
The Holy Prophet ﷺ set out at noon with the intention of traveling. Upon reaching a place called Batha, he ﷺ performed ablution and offered two units each of Dhuhr and Asr prayers. In front of you ﷺ, a small spear (used as a screen) was stuck in the ground. Awn narrated more words in this tradition from his father Abu Juhaifah, who said: A woman was passing in front of this spear. Then the Companions came before you ﷺ, holding your blessed hand and touching their faces with it.
Abu Juhaifah رضي الله عنه says: I also placed the blessed hand of the Holy Prophet ﷺ on my face. It was cooler than ice and more fragrant than musk.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 3553
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik narrates:
[كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا صلى الغداة؛ جاء خدم المدينة بآنيتهم فيها الماء، فما يؤتىٰ بإناء إلا غمس يده فيها، فربما جاءوه في الغداة الباردة، فيغمس يده فيها.]
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ finished offering the Fajr prayer, the servants of Madinah Munawwarah would bring vessels containing water. Whatever vessel they brought, you ﷺ would dip your blessed hand in it. Sometimes, in the cold season, when they came to you in the morning, you ﷺ would dip your blessed hand in it.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2324
◈ Dhiyal bin Ubaid bin Hanzalah, may Allah have mercy on him, a companion of the Prophet, narrates from Sayyiduna Hanzalah, may Allah be pleased with him, that once his father requested the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to pray for him (Sayyiduna Hanzalah).
[قال حنظلة: فدنا بي إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال: إن لي بنين ذوي لحى، ودون ذٰلك، وإن ذا أصغرهم، فادع الله له، فمسح رأسه، وقال: بارك الله فيك، أو بورك فيه، قال ذيال: فلقد رأيت حنظلة يؤتىٰ بالإنسان الوارم وجهه، أو بالبهيمة الوارمة الضرع، فيتفل علىٰ يديه، ويقول: بسم الله، ويضع يده علىٰ رأسه، ويقول علىٰ موضع كف رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فيمسحه عليه، وقال ذيال: فيذهب الورم.]
Sayyiduna Hanzalah, may Allah be pleased with him, says: Then he took me to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said: Some of my sons are grown and some are young. This one is the youngest among them. Please pray to Allah for him. The Prophet ﷺ placed his blessed hand on his head and said: May Allah bless you. Dhiyal says: I saw that whenever a man with a swollen face or an animal with swollen thighs was brought to Sayyiduna Hanzalah bin Huzaym, may Allah be pleased with him, he would put his saliva on his hands, say Bismillah, place his hand on the swollen part, and rub the place where the blessed palm of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had been. This would cause the swelling to go away.
Reference: Musnad Imam Ahmad: 20665, Dala'il al-Nubuwwah by Al-Bayhaqi: 214/6, and its chain of narration is authentic
◈ Sayyiduna Abu Zaid Ansari رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ brought him close, passed his blessed hand over his head and beard, and then prayed: [اللهم جمله، وأدم جماله.]
O Allah! Grant him beauty and perpetuate his grace and charm.
The narrator says that he lived for more than 100 years, yet even then only a few hairs on his head and beard had turned white. His face remained clear and radiant, and until the very end, not a single wrinkle appeared on his face.
Reference: Musnad Imam Ahmad: 20733, Dala'il al-Nubuwwah by al-Bayhaqi: 211/6, and its chain is authentic
Imam al-Bayhaqi رحمه الله has declared its chain to be "authentic and connected."
Sayyiduna Saib bin Yazid رضي الله عنه narrates:
[ذهبت بي خالتي إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقالت: يا رسول الله، إن ابن أختي وجع، فمسح رأسي ودعا لي بالبركة، ثم توضأ، فشربت من وضوئه، وقمت خلف ظهره، فنظرت إلىٰ خاتم النبوة بين كتفيه، مثل زر الحجلة.]
My maternal aunt took me to the presence of the Prophet ﷺ and requested: O Messenger of Allah! My nephew is ill. You ﷺ placed your blessed hand on my head and prayed for blessings. Then when you ﷺ performed ablution, I drank the water of your ablution. Afterwards, I stood behind you ﷺ. I saw the seal of prophethood between your shoulders, resembling a sparrow's egg.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 5670, Sahih Muslim: 2345
Sayyida Aisha (RA) narrates:
[إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا اشتكىٰ؛ يقرأ علىٰ نفسه بالمعوذات وينفث، فلما اشتد وجعه؛ كنت أقرأ عليه وأمسح بيده رجاء بركتها.]
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was ill, he would blow over himself while reciting the Mu'awwidhat (protective surahs). When your ﷺ illness intensified (at the time of death), I would recite the Mu'awwidhat and blow over you, and for blessings, I would pass your blessed hand over your pure body.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5016, Sahih Muslim: 2192)
Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (RA) narrates:
[أتيت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بتمرات، فقلت: يا رسول الله، ادع الله فيهن بالبركة، فضمهن، ثم دعا لي فيهن بالبركة، فقال لي: خذهن واجعلهن في مزودك هٰذا، أو في هٰذا المزود، كلما أردت أن تأخذ منه شيئا؛ فأدخل يدك فيه، فخذه ولا تنثره نثرا، فقد حملت من ذٰلك التمر كذا وكذا من وسق في سبيل الله، فكنا نأكل منه ونطعم، وكان لا يفارق حقوي، حتىٰ كان يوم قتل عثمان؛ فإنه انقطع.]
I brought some dates and presented them to the Prophet ﷺ and said: O Messenger of Allah! Please pray for blessings in them. He ﷺ gathered them and prayed for blessings in them for me and said: Take them and keep them in your provision bag. Whenever you want to take some from them, put your hand in and take them out; do not take them all out at once. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reports: I spent several wasq (one wasq is approximately 126 kilograms) of these dates in the way of Allah. We used to eat from them ourselves and also feed others, and this provision bag was never separated from my waist until the day of Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله عنه’s martyrdom when it broke and fell.
Reference: Musnad Imam Ahmad: 8628, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 3839, Dala'il al-Nubuwwah by al-Bayhaqi: 109/6, and its chain is Hasan
Reference: Imam Tirmidhi رحمه الله called this hadith "Hasan Gharib," and Imam Ibn Hibban رحمه الله classified it as "Sahih" (6532).
Warning:
A narration is also transmitted in these words:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه states that in a battle, hundreds of companions were present, and there was nothing to eat for them. At that time, I had a provision bag in my hand, which contained a few dates. Upon the inquiry of the Prophet ﷺ, I said: I have some dates. He said: Bring them. I brought that provision bag and counted the dates; there were a total of twenty-one (according to the narration of Tarikh Dimashq, seven) dates. The Prophet ﷺ placed his blessed hand on that provision bag and said: Call ten men. I called ten. They ate and left fully satisfied. Similarly, the next ten men also ate the dates fully satisfied. This continued until the entire army had eaten the dates. Still, some dates remained in the provision bag with me. The Prophet ﷺ said: Abu Hurairah! When you want to take dates from this provision bag, put your hand in and take them out, but do not pour out the provision bag.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه states that I continued to eat those dates during the time of the Prophet ﷺ. Then during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه and later during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رضي الله عنه, I continued to eat those dates, until the entire caliphate of Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله عنه. When Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله عنه was martyred, all my wealth and possessions were stolen from my house, including the provision bag. What can I say about how many dates I ate from it, more or less over two wasaq (252 kilograms).
Reference: Ash-Shari'ah lil-Ajuri: 1060, Fawaid Tamam: 1766, Dala'il an-Nubuwwah lil-Bayhaqi: 110/6
The chain is weak.
① Abu Mansur Azdi is unknown.
② His hearing from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه is not known.
Its other chain is also weak. Sahl bin Ziyad's reliability was not found.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that a companion complained to the Holy Prophet ﷺ about the slow pace of his she-camel. The Prophet ﷺ kicked the she-camel with his blessed feet.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates:
[فوالذي نفسي بيده، لقد رأيتها تسبق القائد.]
By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, I saw that after that it became so fast that it did not let anyone pass ahead.
Reference: Al-Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi: 14354, and its chain is authentic
Reference: This hadith was declared "authentic" by Imam Abu Awana (4145), and Imam Hakim (2/173) declared it "authentic" according to the conditions of Bukhari and Muslim, and Hafiz Dhahabi agreed with this.
By the blessing of the blessed feet of the Prophet ﷺ, Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه's camel also became fast, as mentioned in the hadith:
[ضربه برجله، ودعا له، فسار سيرا لم يسر مثله]
The Prophet ﷺ struck it with his blessed foot and prayed for it: it suddenly became so fast that it had never been like that before.
Reference: Musnad Imam Ahmad: 14195, Sahih Muslim: 715
The Prophet ﷺ asked Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنهما:
How is your camel? He replied:
[بخير، قد أصابته بركتك.]
It is better. It has received your blessing.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2967, Sahih Muslim: 715
Warning: It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه:
[إن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا مشى على الصخر غاصت قدماه فيه وأثرت.]
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ walked on stony ground, His blessed feet would sink into it and leave marks there.
Reference: The Legal Status of Blessing by Dr. Tahir ul Qadri, p. 76
This is a false and baseless narration.
Allama Muhammad Abdul Ra'oof Manaawi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
[لم أقف له علىٰ أصل.]I could not find any authentic chain (isnad) for it.
Reference: Faiz al-Qadeer: 91/5
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates:
[إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لما حلق رأسه؛ كان أبو طلحة أول من أخذ من شعره.]
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ had his blessed head shaved, Sayyiduna Abu Talha, may Allah be pleased with him, was the first person to receive some of the blessed hair of the Prophet ﷺ.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 171
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates:
[إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أتىٰ منى، فأتى الجمرة فرماها، ثم أتىٰ منزله بمنى ونحر، ثم قال للحلاق: خذ، وأشار إلىٰ جانبه الأيمن، ثم الأيسر، ثم جعل يعطيه الناس.]
When the Holy Prophet ﷺ arrived in Mina, he first went to Jamarat al-Aqaba and threw pebbles there. Then he proceeded to his residence in Mina, where he offered the sacrifice. He instructed the barber to shave his head, signaling to start from the right side: then he signaled to the left side, after which he gave the blessed hair to the people.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1305
Reference: Sahih Muslim (1305)
also mentions that the Holy Prophet ﷺ gave the blessed hair to Sayyiduna Abu Talha رضي الله عنه and commanded:[اقسمه بين الناس.]
Distribute this hair among the people.
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه narrates:
[رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم والحلاق يحلقه، وأطاف به أصحابه، فما يريدون أن تقع شعرة إلا في يد رجل.]
I saw the barber shaving the blessed hair of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ were present around, and they wished that every hair of the Prophet ﷺ (instead of falling on the ground) would fall into the hands of one of them.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2325
Sayyida Asma bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنهما narrates:
[إنها حملت بعبد الله بن الزبير بمكة، قالت: فخرجت وأنا متم، فأتيت المدينة، فنزلت قباء، فولدت بقباء، ثم أتيت به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فوضعته في حجره، ثم دعا بتمرة، فمضغها، ثم تفل في فيه، فكان أول شيء دخل جوفه؛ ريق رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ثم حنكه بالتمرة، ثم دعا له، فبرك عليه، وكان أول مولود ولد في الإسلام.]
Abdullah bin Zubair was in his mother's womb in Makkah. At the time of Hijrah, the time of birth was near. Upon reaching Madinah Munawwarah, I made the first stop at Quba. It was here that Abdullah bin Zubair was born. I took the child and presented him to the noble presence of the Prophet ﷺ and placed him in your ﷺ lap. You ﷺ ordered dates to be brought and chewed them, then placed your saliva in the child's mouth. Thus, the very first thing to enter this child's stomach was the blessed saliva of the Prophet ﷺ. You ﷺ gave the chewed dates and prayed for blessings for him. This was the very first child born to Muslims in Madinah Munawwarah.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 5469, Sahih Muslim: 2146
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
[ذهبت بعبد الله بن أبي طلحة الأنصاري إلىٰ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم حين ولد، ورسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في عباءة يهنأ بعيرا له، فقال: هل معك تمر؟، فقلت: نعم، فناولته تمرات، فألقاهن في فيه، فلاكهن، ثم فغر فا الصبي فمجه في فيه، فجعل الصبي يتلمظه، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: حب الأنصار التمر، وسماه عبد الله.]
When Abdullah bin Abi Talha Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him, was born, I took him to the presence of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He ﷺ was massaging his camel while wrapped in his blessed cloak. He ﷺ asked: Do you have dates? I replied: Yes! Then I presented dates to him ﷺ. He ﷺ put them in his mouth, chewed them, and then opened the child's mouth and put them in it. The child began to suck on them, and he said: Dates are beloved to the Ansar. Also, he ﷺ named this child Abdullah.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2144
Understand the love of the Companions for the Messenger that when they were blessed with children, they would have their children suckle from the Holy Prophet ﷺ. This matter is special to the blessed person of the Prophet ﷺ because blessing is a characteristic of him ﷺ.
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates:
[دَخَلَ عَلَيْنَا النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَقَالَ عِنْدَنَا، فَعَرِقَ، وَجَاءَتْ أُمِّي بِقَارُورَةٍ، فَجَعَلَتْ تُسْلِتُ الْعَرَقَ فِيهَا، فَاسْتَيْقَظَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَقَالَ: يَا أُمَّ سُلَيْمٍ، مَا هَٰذَا الَّذِي تَصْنَعِينَ؟ قَالَتْ: هَٰذَا عَرَقُكَ، نَجْعَلُهُ فِي طِيبِنَا، وَهُوَ مِنْ أَطْيَبِ الطِّيبِ.]
The Holy Prophet ﷺ came to us and took a nap. When you ﷺ started sweating, my mother brought a bottle and began collecting the sweat in it. At that moment, the Holy Prophet ﷺ woke up. You ﷺ inquired: Umm Salim! What are you doing? She replied: This is your sweat, we will mix it with perfume because it is the finest fragrance.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2331
Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه:
[كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يدخل بيت أم سليم، فينام علىٰ فراشها، وليست فيه، قال: فجاء ذات يوم، فنام علىٰ فراشها، فأتيت، فقيل لها: هٰذا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نام في بيتك، علىٰ فراشك، قال فجاءت وقد عرق، واستنقع عرقه علىٰ قطعة أديم على الفراش، ففتحت عتيدتها، فجعلت تنشف ذٰلك العرق، فتعصره في قواريرها، ففزع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال: ما تصنعين يا أم سليم؟ فقالت: يا رسول الله، نرجو بركته لصبياننا، قال: أصبت.]
The Holy Prophet ﷺ used to visit the house of Sayyida Umm Salim (may Allah be pleased with her) and would sleep on her bed in her absence. One day, the Prophet ﷺ came to her house and slept there. Sayyida was informed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was resting on her bed in her house, so she came and saw that the Holy Prophet ﷺ was sweating, and some sweat had collected in one place on the leather bed. Sayyida Umm Salim (may Allah be pleased with her) opened a bottle and began to collect that sweat in it. At that moment, the Holy Prophet ﷺ woke up and asked: Umm Salim! What are you doing? She replied: O Messenger of Allah! We desire blessings for our children through this. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: You have thought rightly.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2331
Sayyida Um Atiyah رضي الله عنها narrates that when the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Sayyida Zainab رضي الله عنها, passed away, the Prophet ﷺ said:
[اغسلنها ثلاثا، أو خمسا أو أكثر من ذٰلك، إن رأيتن، فإذا فرغتن فآذنني]
Give her the ghusl (ritual bath) three or five times, or more if you feel necessary. When you have finished the ghusl, inform me.
We finished and informed you ﷺ, then you gave us your izar (waistcloth) and said:
[أشعرنها إياه] Place it on her body (Zainab رضي الله عنها).
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1257, Sahih Muslim: 939
◈ Sayyiduna Suhail bin Saad رضي الله عنه narrates that a woman came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and presented a shawl. A companion said: O Messenger of Allah! This is such a beautiful shawl. Please grant it to me. He said: Very well. When the Prophet ﷺ stood up, the companions of that companion reproached him, saying that you did not do well. You knew that the Prophet ﷺ never returned a beggar empty-handed, so why did you ask for this shawl? The companion of the Messenger replied:
[رجوت بركتها حين لبسها النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، لعلي أكفن فيها]
When the Prophet ﷺ wore it, I took it hoping for blessings so that I could use it as my shroud.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6036
The words of another narration are:
[إني والله، ما سألته لألبسه، إنما سألته لتكون كفني، قال سهل: فكانت كفنه]
By Allah! I did not ask for this shawl to wear it. I asked for it (to obtain blessings) so that this blessed shawl would become my shroud. Sayyiduna Suhail bin Saad رضي الله عنه says: Thus, that blessed shawl indeed became his shroud.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1277
Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Busiri (696 AH) wrote the Qasida Burda (praise of the Blessed Cloak of the Prophet ﷺ) based on a dream he had. This Busiri was a liar. The dream he narrated is not credible. Some verses in this Qasida are polytheistic and blasphemous. Those who are weary of the beliefs of the Muhaddithin recite and listen to it with great love and care.
Allama Hussain Ahmad Madani Deobandi Sahib (1331 AH) writes:
Due to their evil deeds and false statements, the Arabs have immense hatred for them (Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and his companions). When Muhammad Barelvi and his followers attributed these venerable religious figures to Wahhabism, they thought that these gentlemen (Deobandis) were also fully in agreement with Wahhabism, but in reality, they have no knowledge of the matter; otherwise, these people would also be completely in agreement with those venerable figures in beliefs. Wahhabism considers the frequent sending of blessings and peace, Durood-e-Khairul Anam (may Allah have mercy on him), recitation of Dalail al-Khairat, Qaseeda Burda, and Qaseeda Hamziya (both by Busiri), etc., and their recitation and use, and sending blessings as extremely reprehensible and objectionable, and they attribute some verses of Qaseeda Burda to shirk (polytheism) and the like, for example:
یا اشرف الخلق ما لی من الوذ بہٖ
سواك عند حلول حوادث العمم
O best of creation, I have no one to take refuge with except You at the time of the occurrence of calamities...
Although our sacred elders of the faith used to give their followers the authorization for Dala'il al-Khayrat and the like, and they used to command them to frequently recite salutations and peace, to destroy and to love, and to recite the Dala'il and so on. Thousands were permitted by Maulana Gangohi and Maulana Nanotvi, may Allah have mercy on them, and they themselves recited for long periods. Maulana Nanotvi used to recite the Burda poem like a verse:
Help us, O kindness of Ahmadi, for besides You
There is no supporter or helper for the helpless Qasim
If You do not ask for us, then who will ask?
Who else will become our sympathizer except You?
Hazrat Maulana Zulfiqar Ali Sahib, the late and forgiven Deobandi, wrote an Urdu commentary on the Burda poem for the understanding of the common people and considered it a cause of blessing. In short, this phrase was always permitted for recitation and so on by the elders (the Deoband family) collectively.
Reference: Al-Shihab al-Thaqib, p. 245
Dear Readers!
Read this passage repeatedly and recognize the true nature of their belief in Tawheed. These people also consider it permissible to seek help from creation, to call upon others besides Allah in difficulty, and to regard the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as an intercessor. According to their belief, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ even after his death knows the condition of the helpless and powerless. Moreover, these people present seeking refuge with him ﷺ as a justification. Alongside this, they encourage reading books of the innovators that are based on polytheism, disbelief, innovations, and superstitions.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Anis رضي الله عنه narrates:
[دعاني رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: " إنه قد بلغني أن خالد بن سفيان بن نبيح الهذلي، يجمع لي الناس ليغزوني وهو بعرنة، فأته فاقتله قال: قلت: يا رسول الله، انعته لي حتى أعرفه. قال: إذا رأيته وجدت له إقشعريرة. قال: فخرجت متوشحا بسيفي حتى وقعت عليه، وهو بعرنة مع ظعن يرتاد لهن منزلا، وحين كان وقت العصر، فلما رأيته وجدت ما وصف لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من الإقشعريرة، فأقبلت نحوه، وخشيت أن يكون بيني وبينه محاولة تشغلني عن الصلاة، فصليت وأنا أمشي نحوه أومئ برأسي الركوع والسجود، فلما انتهيت إليه، قال: من الرجل؟ قلت: رجل من العرب سمع بك، وبجمعك لهذا الرجل، فجاءك لهذا. قال: أجل أنا في ذلك. قال: فمشيت معه شيئا، حتى إذا أمكنني حملت عليه السيف حتى قتلته، ثم خرجت، وتركت ظعائنه مكبات عليه، فلما قدمت على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فرآني، فقال: "أفلح الوجه" قال: قلت: قتلته يا رسول الله. قال: "صدقت" قال: ثم قام معي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فدخل بي بيته، فأعطاني عصا، فقال: أمسك هذه عندك، يا عبد الله بن أنيس. قال: فخرجت بها على الناس، فقالوا: ما هذه العصا؟ قال: قلت: أعطانيها رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، وأمرني أن أمسكها، قالوا: أو لا ترجع إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فتسأله عن ذلك؟ قال: فرجعت إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقلت: يا رسول الله، لم أعطيتني هذه العصا؟ قال: آية بيني وبينك يوم القيامة، إن أقل الناس المتخصرون يومئذ قال: فقرنها عبد الله بسيفه، فلم تزل معه حتى إذامات أمر بها فصبت معه في كفنه، ثم دفنا جمعا]
Once the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called me and said: I have learned that Khalid bin Sufyan bin Nabih Al-Hudhali is gathering people to fight against me. At that time, he was in Arnah. Go to him and kill him. I said: O Messenger of Allah! Please give me a sign so that I can recognize him. He ﷺ said: When you see him, you will notice the hair on his body standing on end. I took my sword and set out. At the time of Asr prayer, when he was also in the valley of Arnah with his women, who made travel easier for them, I reached him. When I saw him, I found the description given by the Prophet ﷺ in him. I started walking towards him. Then I thought that if a conversation starts between us, I might miss the Asr prayer. So, while walking, I signaled to perform rukūʿ and sujūd and offered the prayer. When I reached him, he said: Who are you? I said: I am an Arab who heard about you and the gathering of an army against the person (the Prophet ﷺ), so I came to you. He said: Very well, I am engaged in the same purpose. I walked with him for a while, and when I overpowered him, I raised my sword and killed him. Then I left and left his women leaning over him. When I came to the Prophet ﷺ, he saw me and said: This face has succeeded. I said: O Messenger of Allah! I have killed him. The Prophet ﷺ said: You have spoken the truth. Then the Prophet ﷺ stood up with me and entered his house. From there, he brought a staff and gave it to me, saying: Abdullah bin Anis! Keep it safe with you. I took that staff and went out, and the Companions stopped me and asked: What is the matter with this staff? I told them that the Prophet ﷺ had bestowed it upon me and ordered me to keep it safe. They said: Go and ask the Prophet ﷺ about it. So I returned and asked him: O Messenger of Allah! Why did you bestow this staff upon me? He ﷺ said: It will be a sign between me and you on the Day of Resurrection, and on that day, very few people will have a staff.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Anis رضي الله عنه attached it to his sword. It always remained with him, and when he passed away, according to his will, it was placed in his shroud. We buried that staff with him as well.
Reference: Musnad al-Imam Ahmad: 16047, and its chain is Hasan
Reference: Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (982) and Imam Ibn Hibban رحمه الله (7160) have declared it "Sahih"
Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله has declared its chain "Sahih".
Reference: Fath al-Bari: 437/2
Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنهما narrates that I was traveling with the Prophet ﷺ. Because I was riding a slow camel, I remained at the back. When the Prophet ﷺ passed by me, he asked: Who is this? I replied: Jabir bin Abdullah. He ﷺ asked: What is the matter? I said: I am riding a slow camel. The Prophet ﷺ asked me for a stick. I presented the stick to his noble presence. He ﷺ struck and scolded the camel. By the blessing of the Prophet ﷺ, that camel moved ahead of all. The Prophet ﷺ expressed a desire to buy my camel, so I said: O Messenger of Allah! This is yours; it is at your service without any compensation. But the Prophet ﷺ insisted on buying it and said: I have bought it for four dinars and have been granted permission to ride it until we reach Madinah Munawwarah. When we reached Madinah Munawwarah, he ﷺ said:
[يا بلال، أقضه وزده.]
Bilal! Pay Jabir his price and give him some extra as well.
Bilal رضي الله عنه gave Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنهما four dinars and an additional one qirat of gold.
Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنهما narrates:
[لا تفارقني زيادة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فلم يكن القيراط يفارق جراب جابر بن عبد الله.]
The one qirat of gold that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave me as extra was never separated from me. The narrator says: The extra one qirat of gold given by the Prophet ﷺ to Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنهما always remained in his pouch and was never separated from him.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2309, Sahih Muslim: 715
Sayyiduna Masroor bin Mukhramah رضي الله عنه narrates:
[والله، ما تنخم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم نخامة؛ إلا وقعت في كف رجل منهم، فدلك بها وجهه وجلده.]
By Allah! Whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ spat phlegm, it fell on the hand of one of the Companions instead of the ground. They would take it and rub it on their face and body.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2731
