Juz 21- Juz Gems

The Messenger of God is our Example

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the rest of Surat Al-Ankabut, Surat Ar-Rum, Surat Luqman, Surat As-Sajdah, and a portion of Surat Al-Ahzaab. Today’s juz gem focuses on the example of our beloved messenger, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّـهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا ﴿٢١﴾

“Indeed, in the Messenger of God you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often,” (Surat Al-Ahzaab, aya 21).

While this verse is a universal one, it helps to understand the context of when it is revealed. Surat Al-Ahzaab, or the Confederates, discusses the Battle of the Trench, where we see different groups ally together to attack the believers. There are also hypocrites from within Medina trying to usurp the efforts of the believers. One can imagine the high stakes involved- the Muslims are outnumbered and they are attempting a completely new strategy by digging a long and deep trench around the city of Medina, a physically demanding and exhausting task. The stakes are high and the danger is palpable.

Our Messenger (sas) however does not crumble in the face of this tantamount mission. He joins the companions, digging alongside them, maintaining a hopeful and beautiful countenance. He jokes around with Zayd ibn Thabit (ra) when he falls asleep and another companion comes to take his sword by saying, “Father of sleep! You slept, and your weapon is gone!” He then orders the sword to be returned to Zayd (ra) who is a young lad at the time. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) would repeat the rhymes the companions chanted while breaking rocks with his ax and removing the dust with his basket. He never shies away from difficult work or uses his status to excuse himself. Imagine the morale boost the companions felt as they worked alongside the last messenger of Allah (sas); a man they would gladly give up their life for and who would do the same for them.

In the Battle of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah (sas) saw from afar that the Quraysh were regrouping and ready to attack under the leadership of Khalid ibn al-Walid. Even though the Prophet (sas) is the commander of the army, and his death would mean the complete and utter defeat of the young Muslim state, he did not hesitate warning his companions that they were about to be attacked at the expense of making his location known to his enemies. He is the true example of one who exemplifies ithaar, or preferring others over ourselves.

I love how this verse is revealed within the context of a battle. It is quite easy to show kindness and generosity in a state of ease. However, when we are faced with a high-pressure situation and our fight or flight mode begins to kick in, can we say we are consistent with maintaining our values and sense of hopefulness? We truly learn so much about ourselves when we are faced with difficult circumstances; may we have the introspection required to refine our character when faced with difficulty and aspire to the excellent example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sas).