Adopt a Sunnah No.9
True Love for Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]

Allah Ta’ala declares, “There certainly is an excellent example in Allah's messenger for he who fears Allah and the last day and remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)

Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, “He who holds firm to my Sunnah when corruption is rampant in my Ummah will attain the reward of a hundred martyrs.” (al-Bayhaqi fi Zuhd; Hidaayatur ruwaat vol.1 pg.136 Hadith174)

Sayyiduna Anas [radhiallaahu anhu] reports that Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] advised, “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me and whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith2678; Ibid)

The above and other such verses and Ahaadith are frequently heard and recited during the blessed days of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the month in which the birth and demise of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] occurred. Huge gatherings are held, sentiments are elevated and hearts become soft upon hearing the details of these events. Resolutions of adhering to the sunnah are made and the love for Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is increased.

As Muslims, we believe that every Sunnah of our beloved Prophet [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is filled with noor (divine
light) and blessings of Allah Ta'ala. Therefore, the illustrious Sahaaba [radhiallaahu anhum] and Muhadditheen [ra] took great pains in preserving the noble Ahaadith and Sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. And through their sacrifices Allah Ta’ala has facilitated a huge amount of literature in which the blessed Sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is preserved upto this day for the Ummati (follower) of the 15th century of Islam to adopt. But alas! How pitiful is the condition of that lover of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] who resolved to adopt more Sunnats of his beloved the previous year, but failed in his duty thus far?

One who discards the Sunnah is warned severely by Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] with the words, ‘I curse him, Allah curses him and so does every Prophet of Allah [alayhis salaam].’ (Mustadrak al-Haakim vol.1 pg.36; Hidaayatur ruwaat, Hadith105). This clearly highlights the cause of most of the social mishaps prevalent in the Muslim community of today. How can the blessings and mercy of Allah be found in that home whose inhabitants abandon the sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]?

Rabi-ul-Awwal has dawned once again, this time for the 1479th time since the birth of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. During this long period, there were many who took such resolutions and stuck by them thereby attaining the virtues promised by Allah and his Messenger r as well as the success of both the worlds.

There is no certainty as to how many more Rabi-ul-Awwal's we will witness. Hence, let not the procrastination of Shaytaan dominate us. Seek the assistance of Allah sincerely for the strength to adopt every Sunnah of our beloved Master [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] before it is too late.Note: The Sunnah of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is not restricted to acts or places of worship only. Instead, it is comprehensive and covers all aspects and situations of life such as one’s social and moral conduct, business dealings, his dressing, etc. It also applies to all places whether the Musjid, business place, the home or even while one is on a journey to any far off land. In every situation, one should draw guidance from the lifestyle of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] thereby turning habits into acts of worship.

Some books that cover many of the Sunnats that pertain to the above are ‘Sunnats’ by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saheb, published by Husainiyah Publications, Estcourt and ‘Islamic Aadaab’ by Mufti Aashiq-ilaahi Saheb [ra], published by Darun-Nashril Islaamiyah, Redhill. Such books are a must for every home.

EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF RASULULLAH [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] THAT OCCURRED DURING THE MONTH OF RABI-UL-AWWAL AND LESSONS DERIVED THEREFROM

1. Birth of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] (al-Tuhfatu Lateefah vol.1 pg.7)

=> When we realize that Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] was born an orphan, our sentiments should then be
directed to the many orphans and orphanages around us. We should even consider personally raising orphans as great virtues have been mentioned regarding this.

2. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] was bestowed with Prophethood in the cave of Hiraa while he was in solitude (Ibid vol.1 pg.9)

=> By spending time in solitude, pondering over the greatness and the creation of Allah, one is elevated in the court of Allah. Allah Ta’ala has described such people in the Qur’aan as ‘those of intelligence’.

3. The first few verses of the Qur’aan were revealed (opening verses of Surah Iqra) (Ibid; Zadul Ma’ad)

=> In these verses, Allah Ta’ala reminds man of the fact that it is through knowledge that he raised the rank of man, and our source of knowledge is Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam].

4. Hijrah (migration) from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinatul Munawwarah (Ibid vol.1 pg.14)

=> The basis for the spread of Islam lies in struggle and sacrifice for the sake of the Deen of Islam.

=>Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘A real Muhaajir (one who migrates) is he who migrates from (abandons) sins.’ (Sahih Bukhari)

5. Upon reaching Qubaa (outside Madinah), Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] without delay built the first Musjid of Islam

=> A Muslim’s priority is the Musjid wherever he may be.
=> Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] has stated that Allah Ta’ala will grant the shade of His throne to that person whose heart is attached to the Musjid. (Sahih Bukhari)

6. Demise of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] (Ibid vol.1 pg.17)

=> Within the short span of 23 years, Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] had displayed a lifestyle sufficient for the guidance of man till the end of time.

=> Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said that there is no greater calamity for a Muslim than my demise. (Shamail Hadith348)

Therefore, if one is afflicted with any calamity, he should ponder over the calamity of the loss of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] which would lighten the burden of the present adversity. (Sunan ibn Majah Hadith1599)