Excerpts from ~ Ramadaan 1436 Programmes
We learn from the Ahaadeeth, that despite being harmed by others, we should be able to overlook, forgive and pardon. The forbearance and tolerance displayed by the Ambiya AS, increased their high stages and blessings in Jannah.
: عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَال
كَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَحْكِى نَبِيًّا مِنَ الأَنْبِيَاءِ ضَرَبَهُ قَوْمُهُ فَأَدْمَوْهُ ، وَهْوَ يَمْسَحُ الدَّمَ عَنْ وَجْهِهِ ، وَيَقُولُ :
« اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِقَوْمِي فَإِنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ »
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud Radiyallahu Anhu reported : I can still recall as if I am seeing Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam describing one of the Prophets whose people injured him and shed his blood, while he wiped the blood off his face, and said: “O Allah! Forgive my people, because they certainly do not know”~ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In this Hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was describing to the Sahabah Radiyallahu Anhum about a Nabi of the Ambiya, (either referring to himself or to Hazrat Nuh AS), who was quickly wiping off the blood from his own face, so that his people who were beating him, could be saved from the punishment and wrath of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, because if perchance the blood had fallen off the face of the Nabi and touched the ground, then Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala’s punishment would have befallen them immediately.
This unparalleled forgiveness for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala was displayed numerous times in the life of Rasullulah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and is so vivid in the incident of Ta’if.
After much effort in giving Dawah of Islam to the people of Makkah, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam did not get the desired results and was being continously persecuted. He hence then made his way on foot, through mountainous regions to the city of Ta’if, solely to preach the Oneness of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
The leaders there, were unwelcoming and rejected his call to Islam and chased Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam out of Ta’if, throwing rocks and stones at him. In this wounded and distressed condition, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, took shade under a tree and supplicated to Allah Ta’ala :
اللهم إني أشكو إليك ضعف قوتي وهواني على الناس أنت أرحم الراحمين إلى من تكلني إلى عدو يتجهمني أم إلى قريب ملكته أمري إن لم تكن غضبان علي فلا أبالي غير أن عافيتك أوسع لي أعوذ بوجهك الذي أشرقت له الظلمات وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والآخرة أن ينزل بي غضبك أو يحل بي سخطك لك العتبى حتى ترضى ولا قوة إلا بالله
“O Allah! Unto You do I complain of my weakness, of my helplessness and of my lowliness before men. O most Merciful of the merciful. O Lord of the weak and my Lord too. Into whose hands have you entrusted me? Unto some far off stranger who receives me with hostility? Or unto a foe whom you have empowered against me? I care not, so long as You are not angry with me. But Your favouring help, that were for me the broader way and the wider scope. I take refuge in the light of Your countenance whereby all darknesses are illuminated and all things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest You make Your anger descend upon me or lest Your wrath beset me. Yet it is Yours to reproach until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might except through Thee.”
Hazrat Jibraeel (AS) came down to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and said : “Allah has heard and seen what has occurred, and your Dua has shaken the heavens! If you want, we can command these mountains to collide and crush the people that live between them.” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied : “I have no ill will toward these people. I hope that Allah will bring forth a progeny from these people who will worship Allah alone and will not associate any partners with Allah.”
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam forgave them …
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These Ahaadith and incidents, provide strength and encouragement to those who have to endure difficulties and trials with patience. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam clearly illustrated to us how to exercise patience at all times and how to overlook and forgive our opponents.
Hardships may be difficult tests, but a true Believer faces his difficulties with a positive state of mind, by being patient and hoping for rewards from Allah.